Free Pontus Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Pontus with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Pontus
Pontus photo 2
Pontus photo 3
All photos

Explore Pontus in Türkiye for Black Sea ports, ancient royal heritage, cliff monasteries, tea country, mountain valleys and distinctive regional cuisine.

Pontus is a historical and cultural region rather than a present-day administrative province of Türkiye. In travel terms, it is best understood as the southern Black Sea lands stretching from the Sinop and Samsun area eastwards through Ordu, Giresun and Trabzon towards Rize, with important inland connections to Amasya and the valleys leading into the mountains. The region’s identity has been shaped by the sea, steep forested slopes, river valleys and a long succession of Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Trapezuntine and Ottoman influences.
Read more about Pontus
The coastline alternates between working ports, beaches, river mouths and densely settled strips where the mountains rise quickly behind the shore. Sinop occupies a naturally protected peninsula with an important maritime past, while Samsun is the largest urban centre in the western part of the Pontic zone. Further east, Ordu and Giresun combine Black Sea commerce with hazelnut-growing hinterlands, and Trabzon remains the region’s principal historic and cultural centre. Rize is associated with tea plantations, misty uplands and access to the Kaçkar Mountains, where valleys become narrower and the landscape increasingly alpine.
The region’s ancient story is visible in places rather than in one continuous archaeological landscape. Amasya preserves dramatic rock-cut royal tombs and an old riverside town connected with the Kingdom of Pontus; the ruins of Amisos lie within modern Samsun; and Sinop recalls the Greek colony of Sinope, one of the most important ports on the Black Sea. Trabzon carries the strongest medieval legacy, including churches and monasteries linked to the Empire of Trebizond, while the Sumela Monastery clings to a cliff in Altındere Valley south of the city.
Pontus is also a destination for landscapes and food. Tea gardens dominate the eastern hills, hazelnuts are cultivated across large parts of the central coast, and corn, anchovies, beans and sourdough breads appear frequently in local cooking. Regional specialities include hamsi dishes, mıhlama made with cornmeal and cheese, pide in several local styles, and karalahana preparations. Markets and roadside producers reveal a food culture adapted to humid slopes, small valleys and a productive coast.
Travel requires some planning because the region is long and geographically constrained. The coastal highway makes east–west movement practical, but journeys inland can be slow as roads climb into rugged terrain. A visitor who divides time between historic towns, coastal cities and mountain valleys will see why Pontus is more than an ancient name: it is a layered Black Sea landscape in which maritime history, highland agriculture and living regional traditions remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Pontus?

Best: June, August–September · 25–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January840
February935
March1445
April1850
May2255
June (best)2660
July2955
August (best)2850
September (best)2545
October2140
November1445
December1050

Getting to and around Pontus

How to get there

The broad Pontic area is served by several airports rather than one regional gateway. Samsun-Çarşamba Airport is useful for the western and central coast, while Trabzon Airport is the principal air gateway for Trabzon and much of the eastern Black Sea; Ordu-Giresun Airport serves the central-eastern coast, and Rize-Artvin Airport serves the far eastern coastal area. Amasya Merzifon Airport is outside Amasya city and can be useful for the inland western part of the historic region. Domestic flights connect these airports with major Turkish cities, while long-distance buses run to Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon and other coastal towns. The main coastal road provides access by car from western Türkiye and the Georgian border.

Transportation

The coastal highway is the most practical east–west route, with frequent urban and intercity bus services between the larger towns, although journey times vary with traffic and weather. Rail travel is limited compared with western Türkiye and does not provide a continuous passenger railway along the Pontic coast, so buses, taxis and hire cars are more useful for many itineraries. A car helps with Amasya, mountain valleys, village roads, monasteries and highland areas, but steep roads require care. In cities, local buses, minibuses and taxis are the usual options. Walking is rewarding in historic centres, but coastal roads and dispersed settlements are rarely designed for long-distance pedestrian travel.

Top city travel guides in Pontus

The cities of Pontus, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Pontus

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Pontus

Pontus offers a varied landscape of attractions spread across a long Black Sea corridor and its inland valleys. Amasya is the principal historical excursion away from the coast, with Ottoman houses along the Yeşilırmak, the rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings and a strong local museum tradition. Samsun combines urban museums and the Amisos archaeological area with access to the western Black Sea shore. Sinop contributes maritime history, harbour scenery and a historic prison complex, while Ordu and Giresun provide coastal promenades, hazelnut-growing hinterlands and routes towards forested uplands. Trabzon is the region’s most substantial cultural base, with historic religious buildings, museums and access to Sumela Monastery in Altındere Valley. East of Trabzon, Rize and the valleys towards the Kaçkar Mountains offer tea gardens, waterfalls, highland settlements and walking routes. Outdoor activities range from gentle coastal exploration to demanding mountain trekking, but weather and road conditions should shape plans.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Pontus

The most recognisable historic landmark of Pontus is Sumela Monastery, dramatically set against a cliff in a forested valley south of Trabzon and associated with the region’s Byzantine and Trapezuntine religious heritage. In Amasya, the rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings are carved into the limestone cliffs above the Yeşilırmak, creating a direct physical link with the ancient kingdom. Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia, a medieval church later used as a mosque and museum, reflects the layered history of the eastern Black Sea, while the city’s Atatürk Mansion represents a later period of civic and political memory. Sinop’s historic walls and prison complex evoke its strategic position on a peninsula, and the fortified settlements around the old harbour reveal the importance of Black Sea routes. The Amisos burial area and archaeological remains near Samsun mark an earlier port connected with Greek and Hellenistic networks. In the eastern uplands, the Kaçkar Mountains are natural landmarks whose ridges, glaciers and deep valleys define the region’s geography as strongly as its monuments.

Show more landmarks

Explore Pontus on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Pontus

Pontic cooking is closely tied to the humid Black Sea environment, small farms, fishing ports and mountain agriculture. Anchovy, known locally as hamsi, appears fried, baked, combined with rice or used in other seasonal dishes, while cornmeal is central to breads, porridges and mıhlama, a rich preparation of melted cheese and cornmeal. Karalahana, beans, local herbs, pickles and stuffed vegetables are common in home-style cooking, and regional pide varies between towns and bakeries. Hazelnuts are an important agricultural product, while tea is the defining drink of the eastern coast and is commonly served throughout the day. Look for village breakfasts, bakeries, family restaurants, market stalls and fish restaurants in port towns, as well as modern dining rooms in Samsun and Trabzon. Menus can be seasonal, particularly for fish and mountain produce, so asking about the day’s local dishes is often more useful than seeking a single standard regional menu.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Pontus

Evening life in Pontus is shaped more by tea gardens, cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and waterfront promenades than by a continuous nightclub scene. Samsun and Trabzon have the broadest choice of late-opening cafés, modern restaurants, live-music venues and bars, with student and commercial districts creating the most active urban evenings. Ordu, Giresun, Sinop and Rize offer a smaller-scale scene centred on seafront cafés, tea houses and restaurants, while mountain towns generally become quiet after dinner. Alcohol is available in many urban establishments, but tea, coffee and conversation are equally central to local evening culture. Seasonal activity increases in coastal resorts and during cultural events, although specific venues and opening arrangements change. In rural areas, visitors should plan transport back to their accommodation rather than assume that taxis or public transport will be readily available late at night.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Pontus

Evening life in Pontus is shaped more by tea gardens, cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and waterfront promenades than by a continuous nightclub scene. Samsun and Trabzon have the broadest choice of late-opening cafés, modern restaurants, live-music venues and bars, with student and commercial districts creating the most active urban evenings. Ordu, Giresun, Sinop and Rize offer a smaller-scale scene centred on seafront cafés, tea houses and restaurants, while mountain towns generally become quiet after dinner. Alcohol is available in many urban establishments, but tea, coffee and conversation are equally central to local evening culture. Seasonal activity increases in coastal resorts and during cultural events, although specific venues and opening arrangements change. In rural areas, visitors should plan transport back to their accommodation rather than assume that taxis or public transport will be readily available late at night.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Pontus

Shopping in Pontus is strongest in the historic centres, covered markets, neighbourhood bazaars and small food shops of towns such as Amasya, Sinop, Samsun, Trabzon and Rize. Regional products include roasted or raw hazelnuts, tea from the eastern plantations, mountain honey, local cheeses, dried fruit, pickles, spices and corn-based pantry goods. Trabzon is known for traditional metalwork and regional craft traditions, while Amasya’s markets often feature produce from the inland valleys. Coastal bazaars are useful for practical local foods and household goods rather than polished souvenir collections, and prices and availability vary with the season. Independent bakeries and delicatessens can be more revealing than formal gift shops, especially for edible presents. When buying crafts or agricultural products, ask about provenance and packaging, particularly if taking food across an international border. Larger towns also have national chains and contemporary shopping centres, but the region’s most distinctive purchases usually come from markets, specialist food stores and small workshops.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Pontus, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Pontus essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Turkish lira, coded TRY, as throughout Türkiye. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in airports, hotels, supermarkets, established restaurants and urban shops, although smaller cafés, village businesses, market stalls and rural transport may rely on cash. Carry modest amounts of lira when travelling into mountain districts or smaller settlements, and do not assume that every local bus or roadside producer accepts foreign cards. ATMs are common in towns, but a foreign bank may apply its own charges and exchange-rate conditions.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in the region’s towns, transport hubs and busy markets, including care with valuables and attention to traffic. The more significant hazards are geographical: wet roads, sudden weather changes, poor visibility, steep mountain routes, slippery paths and strong coastal conditions. Drivers should allow extra time on winding inland roads and avoid treating informal roadside stopping places as safe parking. In highland areas, mobile coverage can be intermittent and facilities are sparse. Check local weather and route conditions before hiking, especially around the Kaçkar Mountains and remote valleys.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies in Türkiye; operators may be able to assist in languages other than Turkish, but having the location written clearly is useful. For incidents at sea or along the coast, emergency services can coordinate coastguard assistance, while mountain incidents should be reported through 112 with precise route information. Keep identification, travel insurance details and accommodation contact information accessible. In remote valleys, describe the nearest village, road, bridge or landmark rather than relying only on a phone map pin.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering mosques, village religious sites and historic buildings, and follow signs or staff instructions at monasteries and archaeological locations. Remove shoes where required and ask before photographing worshippers or private homes. Queueing and modest public behaviour are expected in transport and civic spaces, while tipping in restaurants is customary but discretionary rather than a fixed regional rule. Do not block narrow village roads, damage tea plantations or enter farmland without permission. In mountain areas, leave gates as found, take rubbish away and avoid assuming that access to a rural path means unrestricted access to private land.
Local Tips
The coast and the interior offer distinctly different experiences: allow time for Amasya’s river valley, the port cities, and an upland excursion rather than seeing only the main highway. In the east, tea plantations are working landscapes, so viewpoints and small producers are more appropriate places to learn about tea than walking through planted fields without permission. Markets are useful for finding local hazelnuts, cheeses, pickles, honey and seasonal produce. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and low cloud may obscure viewpoints, so keep flexible alternatives such as museums, historic centres and food-focused visits.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMerhaba[Mer-ha-ba]
GoodbyeHoşça kal[Hosh-cha kal]
YesEvet[Eh-vet]
NoHayır[Hah-yur]
Please/You're welcomeLütfen/Rica ederim[Lüt-fen/Ri-ja ed-er-im]
Thank youTeşekkür ederim[Te-she-kür ed-er-im]
Excuse me/SorryAffedersiniz/Üzgünüm[Af-fe-der-si-niz/Üz-gün-üm]
How are you?Nasılsınız?[Na-sıl-sı-nız]
Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?[İ-yi-yim. Ya siz?]
Do you speak English?İngilizce biliyor musunuz?[İn-gi-liz-je bi-li-yor mu-su-nuz?]
I don't understandAnlamıyorum[An-la-mı-yo-rum]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek isterim, lütfen[Me-nü-yü gör-mek is-te-rim, lüt-fen]
I don't eat meatEt yemiyorum[Et ye-mi-yo-rum]
Cheers!Şerefe![She-re-fe]
I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek isterim, lütfen[Ö-de-mek is-te-rim, lüt-fen]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Yardım edin![Yar-dım e-din!]
Go away!Defol![De-fo-l]
Call the Police!Polisi arayın![Po-li-si a-ra-yın!]
Call a doctor!Bir doktor çağırın![Bir dok-tor ça-ğı-rın!]
I'm lostKayboldum[Kay-bol-dum]
I'm illHastayım[Has-ta-yım]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Almak istiyorum...[Al-mak is-ti-yo-rum]
I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum[Sa-de-ce ba-kı-yo-rum]
How much is it?Bu ne kadar?[Bu ne ka-dar?]
That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı[Bu chok pa-ha-lı]
Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?[Fi-ya-tı dü-sü-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saat kaç?[Saat ka-ch?]
It's one o'clockSaat bir[Saat bir]
Half past (10)Onu geçiyor[O-nu ge-chi-yor]
MorningSabah[Sa-bah]
AfternoonÖğle[Öğ-le]
EveningAkşam[Ak-sham]
YesterdayDün[Dün]
TodayBugün[Bu-gün]
TomorrowYarın[Ya-rın]
1Bir[Bir]
2İki[İ-ki]
3Üç[Üch]
4Dört[Dört]
5Beş[Beş]
6Altı[Al-tı]
7Yedi[Ye-di]
8Sekiz[Se-kiz]
9Dokuz[Do-kuz]
10On[On]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Nerede bir ...?[Ne-re-de bir ...?]
What's the address?Adres nedir?[Ad-res ne-dir?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bana gösterebilir misiniz (haritada)?[Ba-na gö-ste-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz (ha-ri-ta-da)?]
When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?[Son-ra-ki (o-to-büs) ne za-man?]
A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....)[Bir bi-let (....)]

History of Pontus

Early Black Sea Settlements and Greek Colonisation

The southern Black Sea coast was inhabited long before the classical period, with communities using fertile valleys, forest resources and maritime routes. From the eighth and seventh centuries BCE, Greek settlers founded or developed ports including Sinope, the predecessor of modern Sinop, and Amisos, associated with modern Samsun. These settlements connected the coast to the wider Black Sea, the Aegean and inland Anatolia. Greek influence did not erase earlier peoples and traditions; instead, ports became points of exchange between coastal communities and the interior. The remains of ancient settlements and the continuing importance of port towns reflect this early maritime geography.

The Kingdom of Pontus and Mithridates

The Kingdom of Pontus emerged in the late fourth century BCE after the fragmentation of Alexander the Great’s empire. Its rulers, of Persian aristocratic origin but strongly influenced by Hellenistic culture, established a kingdom centred on the southern Black Sea and inland northern Anatolia. Amasya, ancient Amaseia, became a major royal centre, and its cliffs still contain the rock-cut tombs associated with the Pontic dynasty. Under Mithridates VI in the first century BCE, Pontus became a formidable opponent of Rome. The Mithridatic Wars ended the kingdom’s independence and brought the region into the Roman sphere.

Roman and Byzantine Black Sea Provinces

Following Roman conquest, Pontic territories were reorganised into imperial provinces and became part of a network linking coastal ports, military routes and inland settlements. Christianity spread during the late Roman and Byzantine periods, leaving a legacy of churches, monasteries and religious communities. Control was not always uniform in the mountain districts, where difficult terrain allowed local powers considerable independence. Coastal towns remained valuable for shipping and administration, while inland valleys connected the Black Sea with central Anatolia. Many later settlements and routes in the region developed on foundations established during these Roman and Byzantine centuries.

The Empire of Trebizond, 1204–1461

After the Fourth Crusade captured Constantinople in 1204, the Komnenos dynasty established the Empire of Trebizond along the eastern Black Sea. Its capital, modern Trabzon, became a political, commercial and artistic centre whose influence reached through the coastal valleys and overland routes towards the Caucasus and Iran. The empire was smaller than the Byzantine state it claimed to represent, but its strategic position supported trade and diplomacy. Monasteries and churches from or connected with this period remain among the region’s most important historic places, with Sumela particularly associated with the religious landscape south of Trabzon.

Ottoman Incorporation and Regional Trade

Ottoman expansion absorbed the main Pontic centres at different stages, with Trabzon falling in 1461 under Sultan Mehmed II. The coast was incorporated into the empire’s administrative, military and commercial systems, while local Muslim, Christian and other communities continued to shape town life and agriculture. Ports handled timber, minerals, foodstuffs and goods moving between Anatolia, the Caucasus and the Black Sea. Mosques, inns, bridges, markets and fortified sites from the Ottoman period remain visible in towns such as Amasya, Sinop and Trabzon. The region’s farming patterns, including hazelnut cultivation and tea production later in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, developed within this changing commercial landscape.

Pontic Communities and the Modern Transformation

The late Ottoman and early Republican periods brought profound demographic and political change to the Black Sea. Pontic Greek communities had lived in coastal towns and inland valleys for centuries, alongside Muslim communities and other groups. War, displacement and the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Türkiye transformed the region’s social geography, while many residents remained and continued local traditions in changed circumstances. In the twentieth century, roads, ports, agricultural expansion and urban growth reshaped the coast. Modern Pontus is therefore both a historical memory and a living region of Türkiye, where archaeological remains, family histories, religious buildings and Black Sea cultural practices form overlapping layers.

Pontus in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Pontus

The closest regions to Pontus, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Turkiye
More of the region

Explore more of Turkiye

Discover Turkiye: Where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Explore Turkiye
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pontus, Turkiye

Discover the beauty of Pontus with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Pontus with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide. Plan your itinerary, explore hidden gems, and enjoy seamless bookings—all in one free app.

  • History of Pontus and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to Pontus, Turkiye? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This app-based travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Pontus.

Imagine exploring the stunning Sumela Monastery, strolling through the historical streets of Trabzon, or admiring the breathtaking views from Boztepe Hill. With Evendo, you'll have all the information you need at your fingertips. The app offers rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

Fancy a culinary adventure? Evendo guides you to the finest restaurants in Pontus, from traditional Turkish eateries to modern dining spots. Discover local favorites like Cemilusta, known for its delicious pide, or savor fresh seafood at Akçaabat Köftesi. Whether you're looking to unwind at a cozy café or dance the night away at a buzzing nightclub, Evendo has got you covered.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. With Evendo, you can effortlessly secure your stay and activities without the hassle of multiple searches and bookings. The app's user-friendly interface ensures seamless navigation, while the 'Near Me' feature helps you find attractions and services close to your location. Plus, Evendo is packed with curated local tips, allowing you to experience Pontus like a true insider.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.