Things To Do
in Güneysu
Güneysu is a verdant highland district in Rize Province, tucked between the Black Sea coastline and the Kaçkar Mountains. It is famed for its tea terraces, dense forests, and warm Laz-influenced hospitality. The area blends rural village life with panoramic viewpoints, winding rivers, and a climate that nurtures lush landscapes.
Visitors can explore tea production, hike dramatic trails, and sample hearty Black Sea cuisine in welcoming, family-run settings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Güneysu and settle into a cozy local guesthouse nestled among tea fields. Stroll through the lively market to sample fresh produce and chat with friendly vendors. Breathe in the scent of spices and watch locals prepare traditional breakfasts.
Join a guide for a gentle walk along the banks of the Fırtına River, stopping at roadside tea stalls. Taste a variety of regional teas while learning about the centuries-old cultivation methods. Observe villagers weaving baskets and pressing fresh cornmeal by hand.
Return to your guesthouse as lanterns glow along winding lanes. Enjoy a homemade dinner of muhlama (cornmeal cheese fondue) and freshly baked pide. Relax on the terrace with panoramic views of misty mountains before calling it a night.
Wake at dawn to watch tea pickers begin their day in dew-covered rows. Join them for hands-on plucking of the tender leaves under expert guidance. Feel the rhythm of centuries-old traditions as you fill your basket.
Visit a small tea factory to witness withering, rolling and drying processes. Sample different grades of freshly produced tea and learn how subtle variations affect flavor. Chat with the master blender about the perfect brewing temperature and steeping time.
Return to the plantation terrace for a sunset tea tasting session overlooking emerald hills. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals around a low table. Drift to sleep to the distant sound of cicadas as you savor the day’s final cup.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚗Car rental per day | $25-50 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery of tea terraces and Kaçkar Mountains
- Warm hospitality and a rich local culture
- Affordability and easy access from regional hubs
- Easy access to hiking, tea experiences, and local cuisine
- Limited nightlife and fewer built-up tourist facilities
- Some remote areas with uneven roads and limited English signage
- Seasonal weather can affect accessibility to higher trails
- Medical facilities may be limited in the immediate village; rely on Rize for larger services
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede? Bu nerede?" - Where is it? Where is this place?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal
- "İyiyim, teşekkür ederim" - I'm fine, thank you
- "Burası güvenli mi?" - Is this area safe?
Places to Visit in Güneysu
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning light over rolling tea terraces carved into the hills provides expansive greens and soft shadows.
Photogenic river views with traditional stone bridges and the surrounding forested hills.
Highland viewpoints where dramatic mountain silhouettes meet the coastline fog and valleys below.
Narrow lanes with stone houses and wooden balconies, ideal for candid moments of daily life.
Food in Güneysu
Güneysu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich cheese-and-butter melt stirred into cornmeal, usually enjoyed at tea houses and eateries across the region.
Must-Try!
Rice with fried anchovies (hamsi) and herbs, a neighborhood favorite near the coast that travels well to inland spots with fresh seafood options.
A savory pastry from Laz culture, often filled with cheese and herbs, best enjoyed warm and served with tea.
Cheese melted into butter and cornmeal, sometimes enriched with eggs or peppers, served with rustic bread.
Thin, sweet or savory pancakes topped or filled with hazelnuts, honey, or cheese, a regional treat for dessert or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market stalls with fresh tea leaves, hazelnuts, corn, fruit, and regional snacks to sample on the spot.
Freshly baked simit, corn on the cob, and simple fish plates along the riverfront—great for a quick, flavorful bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and a handshake; maintain polite eye contact.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove shoes if required. Avoid loud behavior in public places and show respect for elders and hosts.
Offering tea is a sign of hospitality; accept and sip slowly, even if you are not thirsty.
Ask permission when photographing people or private homes; some places may restrict photography indoors.
Safety
Tipping in Güneysu
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is customary if a service charge isn’t included. Round up taxi fares or leave a small tip for good service. At hotels, tip bellhops and housekeeping a small amount per bag or per day.
Turkish Lira is preferred. Cash is widely accepted, and some restaurants in towns accept credit cards. ATMs are common in Güneysu and nearby towns; in rural areas card acceptance may be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid days with frequent rain showers; mornings and evenings are pleasant for hiking, while afternoons can be muggy. Pack light rain gear and sun protection; tea fields are at their greenest.
Lush landscapes as tea plants turn vibrant greens and ambers; harvest season brings activity in the fields and markets. Cooler nights; good time for scenic drives and photography.
Drier air in valleys but snow in higher elevations; some mountain roads may close. Bring warm layers, waterproof footwear, and plan indoor activities in case of closures.
Fresh greenery and blooming flowers; frequent showers but pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration. Trails can be slippery; wear sturdy footwear and carry a light rain jacket.
Güneysu at Night
Hiking in Güneysu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A range of routes with stunning highland scenery; options range from day hikes to multi-day treks into the highlands.
Gentle and moderate trails through pine forests and alpine meadows with panoramic valley views.
Riverside and forest trails in the broader area offering cooler shade and picturesque cascades.
Airports
How to reach Güneysu by plane.
Located in the region to provide regional air connections; a common gateway for visitors to Rize and nearby districts like Güneysu.
A larger regional airport offering more international and domestic connections; about a several-hour drive to Güneysu depending on route and weather.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A distinct cultural group in the region with its own language and customs; Turkish is widely spoken and Laz culture influences music, cuisine, and hospitality.
A mix of rural families and long-term residents maintaining traditional livelihoods, particularly tea farming and forestry.
Growing younger demographics in towns, with students and professionals contributing to local life and tourism growth.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A common pastime and local interest across towns in the region.
The Kaçkar Mountains and surrounding valleys draw enthusiasts for day hikes and multi-day treks.
River and coastal fishing can be enjoyed in appropriate seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Güneysu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes are meat- and fish-based in this region, but you can find cheese-based kuymak, lentil soups, grilled vegetables, and vegetable stews. Ask for meals without meat or fish, and request olive oil or butter instead of animal fats when possible.
Cornmeal-based muhlama can be a gluten-free option if prepared without wheat-based thickeners; always confirm ingredients and cross-contamination with the kitchen.