[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="15335,15333,15334,15332"] Layan Damanhouri Saudi Gazette Situated in the northern coast of Turkey, on the shores of the Black Sea in Anatolia, Trabzon has been a favorite destination for many tourists from Gulf countries in recent years. Local tourist agencies have experienced an increasing demand by visitors from the Gulf region. Kemal Duman, general manager of Jevval Turizm, said most tourists come from Saudi Arabia, followed by Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. "Saudi visitors are mostly from Makkah, Madinah, and Al Qassim regions", he added. This charming seaside town has attracted many Arab families throughout the year for various seasonal activities. During the summer, the weather in Trabzon reaches a peak of 30 degrees Celsius and can fall as low as 20 degrees Celsius. Aside from the exceptional scenery, visitors can choose from an array of outdoor sports, including camping, rafting, canoeing, hunting, horse riding and more. Safaris are popular during the summer. Tourists looking for exciting activities can paraglide and watch the beautiful landscapes from high altitudes. In the winter, snowy plateaus and mountains offer nature lovers numerous outdoor activities, most notably, skiing. "Tourists prefer to come to Trabzon for its nice weather and countryside", said Gunes Eren, a real estate consultant and Arabic translator. "Many families visit Trabzon during the summer because their children have summer vacations. Others come during the winter too." In addition, many visitors have chosen to either rent or buy property in Trabzon. Various types of housing include furnished apartments, bungalows, and duplex villas. Jevval Apartment Flats, a luxury residence complex overlooking the Black Sea, they provide large furnished apartments for families, and is a merely five minute drive to and from the airport. Trabzon has also attracted tourists for its hospitality and family-friendly services. Jevval Turizm offers packages that include flight reservations, car services, different accommodations, and other additional services. Visitors can escape the city bustle in Istanbul by hopping on a plane only to arrive in Trabzon in less than two hours, where the calming sea and tranquil mountains await. Where to go in and around Trabzon: Of River: Located in the town of Of, a significantly historical district of the province. Of is also home to the Ofcay tea factory. Boztepe Hill: Located southeast oof Trabzon, Boztepe offers visitors a breathtaking view of the coast from an elevated point. At Boztepe, there are several sacred fountains dating back to three centuries. Sumela Monastery: This monastery is a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to the Mary dating back to 386 AD. Situated in the top of Sumela Mountain, the monastery requires a steep climb up the mountain. Built in a cliff at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, the monastery is a famous historical site as well as a major tourist attraction within Altındere National Park. Calkoy Cave: This is a large cave with a cave river visited by numerous tourists. It also has a walkway and waterfalls. Uzungol Lake and waterfall: Uzungol has a scenic lake and waterfalls at around 1100m, and a bazaar district around its outlet. It is a great place for photography.
