Overlooking the waters of Kavran Creek, Ayder is a picturesque mountain town in Turkey’s north-east. It lies on a plateau blanketed in spruce and beech trees that has long been used as a place of recreation for people living in the Hala Valley. Since the Ottoman period, Ayder has been famed for its therapeutic waters and is now a popular spa resort.
Things to do in Ayder
You can photograph the Gelin Tulu Waterfall, which is named after its resemblance to a bride’s veil. It cascades spectacularly down the densely vegetated mountain slope and into the waters of Kavran Creek. While it’s not possible to trek to the waterfall itself, the views from the road leading through Ayder are superb.
On the other side of Ayder is the Palovit Waterfall, a 15-metre-high cascade that can be accessed via a short stairway. Combine it with a visit to Zil Castle, which is perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Firtina River. Constructed in the 14th century, it’s considered one of the most romantic castles in Turkey due to its stunning setting.
Ayder also makes an excellent base for visiting the Şenyuva Bridge, an Ottoman-built arched bridge that dates back to the 17th century. Stretching 40 metres in length, it is one of the longest and oldest bridges in the region. The Şenyuva Bridge is one of more than 20 Ottoman bridges found throughout the area’s steep-sided valleys, with their characteristically high arches designed to withstand the frequent floods.
Getting around Ayder
Ayder is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Rize and one hour from Rize–Artvin Airport, which has flights to destinations across Turkey. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Ayder and the town is small enough to explore on foot.