Artvin Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Artvin

In the easternmost part of the Eastern Black Sea region, near the border with Georgia, lies a lush green area with an incredible panorama stretching to the horizon, where clouds weave delicately like carpets or kilims beneath your feet. What sets this place apart from other natural sites is the fact that its nature remains untouched, and its cultured people adamantly advocate for preserving Artvin just as it is.

Artvin, with its rugged Çoruh River dividing the city, lush green forests reflecting all the characteristics of the Black Sea climate, and the harmonious blend of blues and greens creating natural beauty, along with a history spanning over 6,000 years, has become one of the most popular destinations in recent years.

Maintaining its ancient vitality, Artvin not only boasts a rich history but also offers many natural wonders rarely found in other cities. With its high and verdant mountains, crater lakes, rivers, and lush plateaus, Artvin has become the favorite destination of recent years.

The moment you arrive in Artvin, you are engulfed by the intertwined harmony of nature and the pristine air, making you forget the hustle and bustle of big cities. With its abundant tourist potential, Artvin has been on a steady rise in recent years, welcoming numerous domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year. Consequently, the number of accommodation facilities in Artvin is increasing.

Most Artvin hotels are nestled amidst nature, surrounded by lush green trees. Whether you prefer staying in the city center or in surrounding towns, you can find accommodations. Generally, Artvin hotels offer bed and breakfast services and stand out with their wooden architecture that blends seamlessly with nature. Modern amenities can also be found in these nature-based accommodations.

Artvin hotels showcase the various shades of green, immersing guests in the beauty of nature, and their price options are quite reasonable, catering to every budget. Moreover, hotel prices do not vary by season; they remain consistent throughout the year.

If you're considering adding an Artvin trip to your plans this year, you can visit our website to get information about Artvin hotels and even make reservations if you wish.

Artvin, with its history spanning thousands of years and still preserving its ancient vitality, offers a combination of historical richness and numerous natural beauties not commonly found in every city. Upon arriving in Artvin, you are immediately embraced by the harmonious blend of nature and the pristine air, causing you to forget the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Most of the bungalows and mountain houses in Artvin are nestled amidst nature, surrounded by lush green trees. While you can find accommodations in the city center and surrounding towns, we don't recommend staying in the city center.

Without further ado, let's get to the point: What to Do in Artvin? 

When you arrive in Artvin, you should first plan a nature walk and rafting. The must-see place in Artvin is the Çoruh River with its raging waters. You can take a walk along the river or, better yet, go on a rafting tour. This excitement cannot be missed. Artvin is also famous for its highland festivals held at certain times of the year, where you can visit green paradises such as Bilbilan, Sahara Plateau, Kaçkar Mountains Tourism Center, Arsiyan, and Mersivan plateaus.

Other recommendations include Barhal Creek, Hatila Stream, Maçahel Stream, and our country's highest waterfall, Ciro Falls, and Mencuna Falls. You can also participate in thrilling activities like horseback nature walks and jeep safaris. If you enjoy climbing, you can plan a trip to the Kaçkar Mountains. For fishing and hiking, you can choose the waterfalls and streams of the city.

Alternatively, before reaching Karagöl, you can visit Balıklıgöl by detouring from Veliköy. It's located within Pınarlı village at an elevation that could be considered a highland. Although not as large as Karagöl, it's worth seeing for its road, view, and refreshing water.

There are also national parks and nature parks under protection within the city. You can visit and spend a wonderful day surrounded by nature at Sahara-Karagöl National Park in Şavşat, Hatila Valley National Park, Yıldızgölü, Maçahel-Gorgit Nature Park, and Protection Area.

I have separately written about Borçka in another article. Click here for the Borçka Travel Guide! The Macahel region, which extends beyond the borders of Turkey to Georgia, immediately comes to mind. You must see the village of Camili here and definitely visit the wooden-style mosque in the village of İremit. There's also a marvel of nature in Macahel: Maral Waterfall, a place worth seeing and even experiencing. It's advisable to immerse yourself in its ice-cold water. And another wonder of nature: Karagöl. Stop by the shack in the Efeler village in Macahel, a corner of paradise.

You can stay at Pona Trout Facilities, Arsiyan Plateau, and Boğa Lake, or Meşeli Village Sıla Pension.

Heba Plateau must be seen... Bazgiret village and plateau are magnificent... Include Balık Gölü in Pınarlı village on your list too.

Also, make sure to see Yavuzköy in Şavşat, try to see Laşet and Seyir hills, and watch the sunset from Seyir hill.

Artvin, a magnificent city of the Black Sea, harbors many natural and historical beauties that you must see. Therefore, a short vacation may not be enough for you. You should start with the castles of Artvin first. You should see Artvin (Livana) Castle, Şavşat Castle, Ardanuç (Gevhernik) Castle, and Ferhatlı Castle with their architectures dating back centuries. In Ardanuç, there's also the Hell Creek Canyon, which you must see.

Gorgit Plateau, Adagül Plateau, or Beyazsu Plateau can be your choice.

Here's a suggestion for you: if you want to see the view of a lifetime and see all of the Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains from one place, go to Yukarı Koyunlu village in Şavşat! It takes about 25 minutes from Şavşat, and when you reach the village, ask to see Sadavala, which has a Georgian name, and see it. In our opinion, it's one of the places that must be seen before you die.

What to Enjoy Besides Eating in Artvin! 

Stop by Orme Tostçusu in Fındıklı on the way from Rize to Artvin and don't continue your journey without tasting their toast made from rib meat and a mixture of 20 spices!

Have coffee in Laşet. Have tea at Kocabey Barracks with a view. Try melted cheese at Yavuzköy lookout hill, and have tea and toast at Şartul.

Since you've come this far, you can try Georgian cuisine, which offers a different taste. Cabbage rolls, known as Karalahana sarma, çadi, which is also known as corn bread, trout in butter, speckled fish, and macahel honey (chestnut honey is recommended) are among the flavors associated with Borçka. Also, Georgian chicken, syrupy silor dessert, and cottage cheese soup can be tasted from the neighboring cuisine. In Ardanuç district, I recommend you try the Shish Kebab at the Famous Dede Kebab Restaurant, which Vedat Milor has also visited. A small note: the doner runs out around 1 pm.

Don't leave without trying the pide of two sisters, teachers, in the bazaar in Şavşat! And Yusufeli is the place where fifty shades of green are found in that region. Stop by the trout farm facility on the way to Artvin on the exit.

That's all from us for now:)

Check out our page https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/artvin-hotels for accommodation! 

How to Get to Artvin? 

Today, it's possible to reach Artvin by bus from most cities. Regular bus services are available almost every day. If you prefer to travel by plane, the nearest airport to Artvin is located in Kars, approximately 200 kilometers away. For those who prefer the railway, the situation is the same. The nearest train station is in Kars or Erzurum. If you want to come by private car, here are some road information for you: 

o The distance between Istanbul and Artvin is approximately 1300 kilometers and takes about 18 hours. 

o The distance between Erzurum and Artvin is approximately 200 kilometers and takes about 4 hours. 

o The distance between Bursa and Artvin is approximately 1300 kilometers and takes about 18 hours. 

o The distance between Samsun and Artvin is approximately 565 kilometers and takes about 8 hours.

o The distance between Ankara and Artvin is approximately 980 kilometers and takes about 13 hours and 45 minutes. 

o The distance between Eskişehir and Artvin is approximately 1225 kilometers and takes about 16 hours and 40 minutes.

 What to Buy from Artvin? 

Artvin's handmade local souvenirs made with craftsmanship are quite beautiful. You can find these in the bazaar near historical and touristic places, in shops in the city center, and in the covered bazaar. You can buy a rug for yourself or your loved ones with handwoven or machine-woven patterns reflecting the culture of the region. You can find handmade souvenirs, decorative items made of wood carving or carved from tree bark. You can buy copper and clay pottery. Alternatively, you can find jewelry, scarves, or traditional headscarves and blankets. You can also purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, homemade pasta, and preserves made by local women at the neighborhood market during your vacation.