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Esenkıyı

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Esenkıyı

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

The village sits right on the Black Sea coastal highway; be very careful when crossing the road to reach the water.
Weather can change rapidly on the Black Sea coast; always carry an umbrella, even if the morning is sunny.
This is an excellent, quieter stopover before the busy Sarp border crossing to Georgia.
Do not expect expansive sandy beaches; the coastline here consists mainly of rocks and pebbles, typical for the region.
English may not be widely spoken here; learning a few basic Turkish greetings will be greatly appreciated by locals.

🍽 Food

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Hamsi

The famous Black Sea anchovies, usually served pan-fried with cornmeal at local fish restaurants along the coastal road.

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Muhlama (Kuymak)

A rich, fondue-like dish made of local cheese, butter, and cornmeal, found in traditional eateries.

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Laz Böreği

A unique local dessert that resembles baklava but is filled with a sweet milk custard, available at regional bakeries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Black Sea Tea (Çay)

Purchase high-quality Turkish tea, grown on the lush green hills right above the village, directly from local grocers.

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Hazelnut products

The region is famous for its hazelnuts; buy them roasted, raw, or as sweet spreads in small shops along the highway.

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Tea plantation hills

Take a walk up the steep paths behind the village to be surrounded by the quiet, lush greenery of the tea gardens.

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Village coastline rocks

Sit on the massive rocks at the edge of the sea, listening to the crashing Black Sea waves away from the traffic.

Esenkıyı is a pleasant coastal village situated in the Hopa district of Artvin, along the eastern reaches of Turkey's Black Sea coast. This region is distinguished by its dramatic geography, where steeply rising, densely forested mountains plunge directly into the dark blue waters of the sea. Esenkıyı features a peaceful escape from urban life, allowing visitors to experience the traditional rhythm of a Black Sea fishing and agricultural community. The air here is remarkably fresh, imbued with the scent of pine forests and sea salt. The coastal experience in Esenkıyı is wilder and more natural than the Mediterranean resorts. The nearby Kopmuş Plajı is a beautiful local beach offering a mix of sand and pebbles, where the rhythmic sound of the Black Sea waves creates a deeply relaxing environment. This beach is first-rate for a refreshing swim during the warm summer months and provides an uncrowded, pristine setting for those looking to connect with nature away from massive tourist developments. Local gastronomy is deeply influenced by the Black Sea, with dishes prominently featuring anchovies (hamsi), local cornmeal, and regional butter. The region is also famous for its tea plantations, blanketing the nearby hillsides. Easily reached via the coastal highway near the Georgian border, Esenkıyı gives an authentic, off-the-beaten-path coastal experience combined with spectacular mountainous scenery.