Çamlıhemşin, Rize
Ayder Plateau
Türkiye's most famous highland resort: mist, waterfalls, hot springs and wooden chalets at 1,350 m.
Ayder sits at around 1,350 metres in the Kaçkar Mountains, an hour and a half above the Black Sea coast. Clouds roll through the valley most afternoons, waterfalls drop straight into the meadows and wooden houses cling to impossibly green slopes. It is the single most visited highland destination in the Eastern Black Sea, and the base most travellers choose for the whole region.
For families from the Gulf, Ayder works because everything is close together: bungalows and hotels within a few minutes of each other, restaurants serving Black Sea food, short walks to waterfalls, and easy day trips to Fırtına Valley, Zilkale, Pokut and Sal. Summer temperatures usually stay comfortable, and the season runs from late spring to early autumn, with a quieter snowy winter.
Top attractions
- • Ayder Waterfall in the centre of the village
- • Gelintülü Waterfall and the upper meadows
- • Ayder hot springs (kaplıca)
- • Huser and Aşağı Kavrun highlands
- • Kaçkar Mountains National Park trailheads
Things to Do
- • Walk to Ayder Waterfall and the viewing terraces
- • Take a 4x4 highland tour to Pokut and Sal
- • Rafting on the Fırtına River
- • Zipline over the valley
- • Try muhlama, honey and Black Sea breakfast
Getting there
- • Trabzon Airport to Ayder: about 3 hours by private car
- • Rize–Artvin Airport to Ayder: about 1 hour 45 minutes
- • Rize city to Ayder: about 1 hour 30 minutes
- • The last section is a narrow mountain road — a local driver is the easiest option
Best time to visit
June to September for green highlands and open plateau roads; May and October are quieter; winter is snowy and beautiful but some roads close.
Weather
Summer days are usually 15–22°C with frequent mist and rain showers. Winter brings heavy snow and temperatures around freezing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayder suitable for families with children?
Yes. Distances are short, most bungalows have gardens, and walks to the main waterfall are easy. Roads are winding, so plan shorter driving days with small children.
How many days should I stay in Ayder?
Two to three nights lets you see the village, one highland tour (Pokut or Kavrun) and Fırtına Valley with Zilkale without rushing.
Can I visit Ayder in winter?
Yes, the main road to Ayder is normally kept open, and the hot springs and snow scenery are the attraction. Upper plateau roads such as Pokut are usually closed by snow.
Stay in Rize
From $120Ayder Mist Bungalows
Timber bungalows on the slope above Ayder village, each with a private terrace facing the valley. Breakfast is served in the main house and the waterfall walk starts a few minutes away.
From $165Kaçkar Valley Cabins
Larger three-bedroom cabins suited to families travelling together, with a full kitchen, enclosed garden and heated indoor pool in the main cabin.
From $95Ayder Grand Highland Hotel
A full-service hotel in the centre of Ayder with family rooms, an open buffet breakfast and staff used to hosting guests from the Gulf.
From $140Cloudline Suites Ayder
Couples-focused suites with glass fronts facing the cloud line, indoor jacuzzi and wood-burning stove.
From $260Green Plateau Family Villa
A four-bedroom villa with private indoor pool and a large kitchen, designed for extended families staying a week or more.
Tours
Pokut & Sal Plateau 4x4 Tour
The classic highland tour: a 4x4 climb from Ayder to the ridge plateaus of Pokut and Sal, with photo stops above the cloud line and tea in a wooden highland house.
Ayder Waterfalls Guided Walk
An easy family walk to Ayder Waterfall and the Gelintülü viewpoint with a local guide explaining the highland way of life.
Nearby attractions
Çamlıhemşin
The riverside town at the gateway to Ayder, Fırtına Valley and the Kaçkar highlands.
Fırtına Valley
A deep green canyon of turquoise water, stone bridges and rainforest — the most photogenic drive in Rize.
Zilkale
A medieval stone castle standing alone on a forested ridge above the Fırtına Valley.
Pokut Plateau
Wooden highland houses on a ridge above a sea of clouds, facing the Kaçkar peaks.
Sal Plateau
Wide open meadows and wooden houses, usually visited on the same tour as Pokut.
Kaçkar Mountains
Türkiye's greenest mountain range, rising to 3,937 m above the Black Sea rainforest.