CityBuddy
Şolma Yaylası
Best time to visit
June through September for lush green meadows and mild temperatures. Arrive by late morning to catch the mist clearing over the surrounding peaks.
Budget tips
No entrance fee to access the yayla. Bring your own picnic as there are limited food options on site, and fill up on fuel in Maçka town center before driving up.
Recommended for
Nature lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Slow travelers, Pasture and rural life enthusiasts
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: At 1,700 meters elevation, this highland meadow stays a cool 15°C even during peak summer heat in the valleys below. Local families have been grazing livestock here for generations, and the plateau still hosts seasonal transhumance migrations each June.
Highlights: Unlike many nearby yaylas that have been heavily commercialized, this plateau retains its authentic pastoral rhythm with cows grazing freely and shepherds tending their herds. Wander past wooden haystacks and small stone huts while the air fills with the sound of cowbells and the scent of wild mountain thyme crushed underfoot.
Insider tips
- The gravel access road is rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended over a standard sedan.
- Pack layers even in summer; temperatures can drop to 10°C when clouds roll in over the plateau.
- Visit on a weekday to experience the yayla without crowds, as locals from Trabzon flock here on weekends.
- Bring binoculars for spotting birds of prey circling the surrounding Kaçkar Mountain foothills.
Practical info
Where to Stay in Maçka
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