Hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains on the Black Sea

The ancient Greeks described the region on the Black Sea coast as a frightening and barbaric place far from the civilized world. The region became famous through the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece. In the fourth century BC, the Black Sea coast was marked by rivalries and battles between Athens and the Persians. Remnants of Christian and especially Greek culture in the Black Sea region are the numerous Orthodox monasteries, the remains of which can be found in various cities along the coast and on mountain slopes.
For tourists, the Black Sea coast is considered an insider tip because the climate is wetter than in other regions of Turkey and fewer visitors explore the region. Nevertheless, diverse flora and fauna, deserted beaches and historical sites attract people to the region: in the town of Amasra, which lies on a peninsula, you can explore the ruins of a Byzantine castle and the Fatih Mosque. There is also a historical museum. Traditional wooden architecture can be found in the town of Bartin, west of Zonguldak. The so-called strawberry festival in spring gives visitors an insight into the local culture of the place. In the area of the small coastal town of Sile, various long sandy beaches can be visited. The Uzungöl is considered a picturesque mountain lake with fish restaurants on its banks.
Recently, the popularity of individual tourism and sustainable tourism in the mountains has been increasing. This is particularly true for the mountain ranges of the Kaçkar Mountains in the Black Sea region, which are ideal for hiking.