About Sumela
In the Maçka district south of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery seems to grow straight out of a sheer rock face high above the forested Altındere valley. According to tradition, it was founded in the 4th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and its rock church and chapels are decorated with vivid frescoes. Mist often fills the valley, alternately hiding the monastery and revealing it in dramatic glimpses, while dense forests and a rushing stream below make the approach an experience in itself. Nearby, the highlands of Zigana and the village of Hamsiköy add mountain air and local flavors.
Most Sumela tours run as half-day or full-day trips from Trabzon. Full-day itineraries usually combine the monastery with a rice pudding stop in Hamsiköy and the Zigana highlands, and some add Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane. The final stretch to the monastery is on foot, so sturdy shoes are essential. Visits may be restricted while restoration work is under way, so always check the current situation before you go. On TurTalebi you can compare Sumela tours from local Trabzon firms and book securely by card.
Sumela Tours
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All ToursTop Things to See
Sumela Monastery
Built into a sheer rock face high above the valley, the monastery includes a rock church, chapels and walls covered in colorful frescoes. Its cliff-hugging facade looks especially mysterious when wrapped in mist.
Altındere Valley National Park
The national park around the monastery is cloaked in dense spruce and beech forest, with a stream running along the valley floor. Its trails offer fresh perspectives on the monastery from below.
Hamsiköy Rice Pudding
On the old Zigana road, Hamsiköy is famous for its sütlaç, a rice pudding made with rich local milk and topped with hazelnuts. A sweet stop here on the way back from Sumela is a tour tradition.
Zigana Highlands
Between Trabzon and Gümüşhane, Zigana Mountain and its highland pastures are known for cool air, wide meadows and winter skiing. In summer they make a lovely stop for a highland breakfast or a short walk.
Karaca Cave
In the Torul district of Gümüşhane, this cave is known for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites. It is often added to full-day tours that also cover Sumela and Zigana, and it makes a good rainy-day stop.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
The best time to visit is from May to October, when roads are easy and temperatures mild. Rain is possible in any season on the Black Sea coast, and mist often fills the valley, sometimes hiding the monastery entirely and sometimes creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Summer is the busiest season, so arrive early in the day for a quieter visit. In winter, snow covers the area and the path can be slippery, while the ski season opens at Zigana.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Trabzon Airport, with regular flights from İstanbul, Ankara and other cities. Sumela lies south of Trabzon via Maçka, about an hour's drive from the city center. The last part of the approach to the monastery is on foot. Public transport is limited, so most visitors join a day tour or rent a car, and multi-day trips often combine Sumela with Uzungöl and the Ayder highlands.
Practical Tips
- The path to the monastery is steep and can be slippery in the rain, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Weather in the valley changes fast, so pack a light rain jacket or sweater even in summer.
- Visiting conditions can change during restoration work, so check the monastery's current status before you go.