A highland village with waterfalls, wooden chalets and hot springs.
Address: Ayder Yaylası, Kaplıca, 53750 Çamlıhemşin/Rize
Ayder is a yayla, a high summer pasture where Black Sea families have taken their herds for generations. Its wooden houses sit at about 1,350 metres in a valley of waterfalls below the Kaçkar Mountains.
Today it is a nature resort with natural hot springs, hiking trails and the Gelin Tülü waterfall. On the drive up, the road passes old stone bridges and the zip lines and rafting of the Fırtına valley.
June to September; many hotels close in winter.
Morning, when mist lifts off the meadows.
Summer yayla festivals bring local music and the horon dance.
Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.
About 160 km, around 3 hours by road.
The road is open, but many hotels and restaurants close; summer is the main season.
A rich local dish of melted cheese, butter and cornmeal.
