| Near
Rize, the towns of Cayeli,
Pazar,
Ardesen,
Of
and Findikli all enjoy a subtropical climate, lush green setting
and boast traditional chalets. The Camburnu coast covered with golden
pine trees where many species of migrating birds stop and it is a lovely
area for resting and picture taking.
Hopa,
an attractive town at the foot of a forested mountain, is the last port
before the Turkish-Georgian border. The international boundary actually
divides the village of Sarp. 27 km. northeast of the town of Borcka
on the way to Artvin there is the wonderful alpine lake of Karagol,
with various pine trees, as well as other flora and fauna. The road to
Artvin traverses the Cankurtaran mountain pass, where verdant landscape
changes to barren rocks. Hatilla Valley National Park, about 25
km. in length, is 10 km. from Artvin, between the confluence of the Coruh
River and the Hatilla stream in the east and Mt. Nathali (2.923m.)
in the west. Canyons with sheer cliffs and vertical drops can be seen thought
the park. Both Mediterranean and Black Sea flora flourish together in the
park along with bears, dear, wolves, foxes and eagles. Special houses on
top of wooden stilts are home to the park bees who produce the famous regional
honey. |
Detail
of Ishan Church Yusufeli (Artvin)
|
Uzungol
(Trabzon)
|
| A
winding drive midway up a mountainside takes you to Arvin, the capital
of the province. At the foot of the escarpment, a ruined 16th century castle
crowns a rocky outcrop. Artvin is a charming city with beautiful old Turkish
houses, typical of the region. The area's mild climate makes summer visits
delightfully refreshing and every June, crowds of tourists, as well as
brightly-clad locals, throng to the Kafkasor Festival, where the
spectacle of fighting bulls highlights the celebration. The adventurous
might like to attempt white-water rafting on the wild, romantic Coruh
River.
During
the Middle Ages the Artvin area came under Georgian sovereignty, which
makes it the best place for ouring remains of the Georgian past. Its wonderfully
scenic roads lead to the ruined churches and settlements that stand as
a legacy of this period. The best preserved of these are at Barhal and
Ishan, in the majestic Kackar Mountains. Barhal also offers some of he
best country horseback riding. Several other churches in Bagbasi
and Camliyamac are just off the road to Erzurum, passing by the
Tortum
Waterfalls and the pristine Totum Lake. Other Georgian churches
and settlement near Yusufeli are Dortkilise, Koprugoren and
Tekkale.
Yusufeli itself boasts wonderfull possibilities for nature lovers and hiking
at 4000 meters. East of Artvin is the former Georgian capital Ardanuc,
with its famous castle, which overlooks the longest canyon in the region.
Sahara-Karagol
National Park (Artvin)
|
55km.
east to Aetvin is Savsat, an alpine village surropunded by meadows
of wild flowers and butterflies, rushing streams and quaint chalets. The
local womens' organization has established a training center for weaving
in an attempt to keep the indigenous carpet and kilim traditions alive.
Karagol-Sahara
National Park, 17 km. from Savsat on the way to Ardahan, has one of
the most beautiful Karagol alpine lakes as well as the widely known Sahara
Plateau. |
Life
on the Plateau
|
The
lake is 45km. northeast of Savsat via Velikoy Village, another typical
authentic village. The area aroun the lake is covered with a variety of
pine trees and also has picnic facilities. Wildlife, including bears, is
plentiful. The Sahara plateau itself is also covered with beautiful mineral
and fresh springs. |
On
the plateau is Kocabey Kislagi Village where you can see traditional
wooden houses with their friendly residents. Another important plateau
and popular summer residence in the region is
Bilbilan whose people
are also exceptionally welcoming and helpful. Generaly, in all the national
parks you can see wonderful examples of birds and butterflies. |
|
