Things To Do
in Çaybaşı
Çaybaşı is a small district in Ordu Province on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, known for its lush green hills, tea and hazelnut groves, and a slow-paced rural atmosphere. The town sits along streams and terraced fields, offering scenic views of traditional wooden houses and nearby mountain plateaus (yaylas). Visitors come for nature walks, local village life, and seasonal highland festivals rather than big-city attractions.
Çaybaşı is a good base for short hikes, sampling regional Black Sea cuisine, and experiencing authentic rural Turkish culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Çaybaşı and settle into a cozy guesthouse nestled among lush tea gardens. The crisp morning air carries the scent of pine and fresh coffee brewed by your hosts. Friendly villagers welcome you with warm smiles, offering insight into local traditions.
After lunch, you join a leisurely stroll through winding cobblestone lanes lined with stone cottages. You visit the small village market where artisans display handwoven textiles and wood carvings. A local guide explains the history of Çaybaşı and points out centuries-old landmarks.
As dusk falls, you gather for a communal dinner featuring regional specialties such as muhlama and fresh trout. Soft conversation and laughter fill the rustic dining hall illuminated by lantern light. Before turning in, you sip herbal tea on the terrace while gazing at the star-studded sky.
You hike down to the gentle banks of the valley’s river at sunrise, where the water glistens under golden light. A basket of homemade pastries and fragrant Turkish tea awaits for a riverside picnic. Local families join you, sharing stories about life along the water.
Back in the village, you attend a workshop with a master crafter specializing in kilim weaving. Under patient guidance, you learn traditional weaving techniques and create a small keepsake. The rhythmic clack of the loom and vibrant threads bring a sense of timeless artistry.
As evening sets in, you return to the riverbank for a relaxed barbecue by the water. The aroma of grilled vegetables and marinated meats drifts through the air while fireflies dance above the reeds. You end the night swapping folk tales around a crackling bonfire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus/dolmuş fare | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in town) | $3-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Lush green landscapes and proximity to highland pastures (yaylas).
- Authentic rural Turkish culture and local hospitality.
- Excellent hazelnut and regional Black Sea cuisine.
- Low tourist crowds — peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife.
- Public transport is sparse for reaching remote spots — a car is useful.
- Weather can be unpredictable and wet, especially outside summer.
- Fewer medical facilities locally; major services are in Ordu.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Ben vejetaryenim" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Çaybaşı
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque scenes of streams (çay), small bridges and traditional houses with reflections in the water — best at golden hour.
Expansive vistas of rolling green plateaus, grazing livestock and misty mornings; ideal for landscape and sunrise shots.
Rows of hazelnut trees and harvest scenes in late summer/early autumn provide intimate rural photography opportunities.
Close-up cultural photos of carved wooden facades, narrow lanes and everyday village life.
Food in Çaybaşı
Çaybaşı Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh river and sea anchovies prepared grilled, fried, or as pilav (rice) with anchovies; try in local restaurants near the coast or at village gatherings.
Must-Try!
A buttery melted cheese and cornmeal dish typical of the eastern Black Sea, served hot as a breakfast or side; available at breakfast spots and traditional eateries.
Roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut cakes and sweets made from the region's premium crop; found in markets and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small town market where villagers sell fresh vegetables, cheeses, hazelnuts and homemade preserves — perfect for tasting local products and buying snacks.
Informal outdoor tea spots where locals drink çay throughout the day and often serve small plates, toasted bread and simit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings (a nod, 'Merhaba') are important. Hosts are hospitable — accept tea when offered and expect to be warmly treated; refusing politely is okay but bring a friendly reason.
Dress modestly in villages and when visiting religious sites. Avoid loud behavior in small communities, and ask before photographing people, especially elders.
Deferential treatment for elders is customary; offer a greeting when entering homes and accept seating offers.
Safety
Tipping in Çaybaşı
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving around 5–10% is common for good service. Small change or rounding up is customary for cafés, and porters or drivers appreciate small tips.
Cash (Turkish lira) is widely used in markets and small shops; credit/debit cards are accepted in larger restaurants and hotels. ATMs are available in district centers but carry cash for rural excursions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool temperatures, blossoming wildflowers and green hillsides; good for hikes and fewer tourists. Expect occasional rain and muddy trails in higher elevations.
Warm and pleasantly humid near the coast, cooler in the yaylas — ideal time for highland visits, festivals and hazelnut flowering. Pack layers for cool evenings and sun protection for daytime.
Harvest season for hazelnuts with vibrant foliage, crisp air and fewer flies; roads can be wet, and some mountain pastures start closing for winter.
Cold, rainy and sometimes snowy in higher areas; limited tourist services and challenging rural driving conditions — check local weather and road closures.
Çaybaşı at Night
Hiking in Çaybaşı
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails leading to nearby highland pastures with panoramic views, wildflowers in spring and cooler temperatures in summer.
Riverside paths that follow small streams and lead to modest waterfalls; good for family-friendly hikes and photography.
Trails that traverse forested ridges offering birdwatching opportunities and shaded summer walks; sections can be steep and muddy after rain.
Airports
How to reach Çaybaşı by plane.
The closest major airport serving the region, located on a purpose-built artificial peninsula; provides domestic flights and is roughly 45–90 minutes' drive depending on exact location — rental cars and buses connect to district centers.
Larger regional airport to the west, approximately 1.5–2.5 hours by road; useful if connecting from western Turkey or if flight options to Ordu are limited.
To the east along the Black Sea coast, about 2–3 hours by car; offers more domestic and some international connections and is an alternative when planning multi-destination travel in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly engaged in agriculture (hazelnuts, tea, small-scale farming), often older generations maintain traditional lifestyles.
Younger residents may commute to larger towns or cities for work and education; family ties and community events remain central.
People who move to highland yaylas in summer or return during harvest times add seasonal population variation.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed locally with neighborhood and youth teams; watching or joining a casual match is a common pastime.
Popular recreational activity due to nearby hills, forests and yaylas; locals and visitors enjoy day hikes and seasonal highland walking.
Small-scale river and coastal fishing is common for leisure and sustenance.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çaybaşı.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors can rely on lentil soups, vegetable stews, börek, corn-based dishes, and salads. Communicate clearly ('Ben vejetaryenim') and ask about meat stocks in stews. Simple seasonal vegetable dishes are widely available in lokantas.
More limited but manageable — opt for fresh salads, grilled vegetables, beans and pilav; check for butter or yogurt used in preparations and ask cooks to omit dairy.
Traditional breads and börek contain gluten; rice, grilled fish, vegetables and many stews are gluten-free but confirm thickening agents. Smaller kitchens may not separate utensils, so caution if highly sensitive.