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4 places to visit in the Güneysu district of Rize: Güneysu Tea Gardens, Güneysu Plateaus and Güneysu Valley. Plan your trip to Güneysu with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Güneysu is a district of Rize province. It became a district in 1987, having been a sub-district centre attached to Rize city centre district. It is one of the districts lying nine kilometres south of the point where the Taşlıdere meets the Black Sea, southeast of Rize city centre.

History

Potamya is thought to have been an insignificant Greek village, first appearing in Ottoman written sources in the Trabzon land survey registers of 1486. In 1925, the historic event known as the ‘Hat Rebellion’ took place in Potamya.

Geography and Climate

The district has very rugged relief, with hilly areas at heights varying between about 150 m and 2,000 m. The continuous rainfall caused by the region’s climate keeps the danger of erosion constantly on the agenda.

Economy

The main livelihood of Güneysu’s people is farming and farm-based industry; tea cultivation in particular dominates. In recent years, kiwi has also begun to be grown as an alternative to tea.

History and Culture

Güneysu became a district in 1987, having been a sub-district centre. The closure of the madrasas in 1924 was met with protest, and in 1925 the Hat Rebellion took place in Potamya. The district’s former name was Potomya.

Highlights

Güneysu became a district in 1987, having been a sub-district centre in Rize province. The former name of Güneysu District, which is also widely used among locals, is POTOMYA.

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Places to Visit in Güneysu

  • 3 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Attraction

Güneysu Tea Gardens

The tea-growing areas that form the basis of the district's economy.

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Nature

Güneysu Plateaus

The plateaus in the high parts of the district are favoured as resting places in summer for their cool air and natural beauty. Being far from light pollution at night, they are ideal for stargazing.

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Nature

Güneysu Valley

The stream running through the district and the valley it has carved offer suitable trails for walking.

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Nature

Kıbledağı Picnic Area and City Forest

A picnic area within a city forest, 25 km from Rize city centre and 9 km from Güneysu.

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Places to Visit Around Rize Province

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While you are in Güneysu, you can also see the highlights of Rize province. These places are in other districts.

  • Ayder Plateau — A highland pasture 19 km south-east of Çamlıhemşin, at 1,350 metres, surrounded by spruce and beech forests; with its hot spring, waterfalls and wooden houses it is the best-known tourist centre in the Kaçkars.
  • Zilkale — A medieval castle with eight towers in Çamlıhemşin, on a steep rock above the Fırtına Valley, thought to have been built in the 14th–15th centuries.
  • Fırtına Stream and the Arch Bridges — A 68 km stream that rises in the Kaçkar Mountains and flows into the Black Sea near Ardeşen; it is known for the historic stone arch bridges strung along the valley and for its rafting course.
  • Pokut Plateau — A highland pasture at 2,032 metres, 15 km from the district centre in Çamlıhemşin; with its wooden houses and views over a sea of clouds it is a favourite of photographers.
  • Kaçkar Mountains National Park — A national park of 51,550 hectares, most of it in Çamlıhemşin, known for its glacial lakes, alpine meadows and hikes up to the Kaçkar summit (3,937 m).
  • Palovit Waterfall — A waterfall in Çamlıhemşin, within the boundaries of Kaçkar Mountains National Park, dropping 15 metres amid forests.

Practical Information for Visiting Güneysu

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
May–October
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Güneysu

Food guide →

  • Muhlama

    Prepared with cheese melted in butter and cornmeal. This dish holds an important place on local tables and is made according to traditional recipes. The recipe, passed down from generation to generation, varies slightly from family to family.

  • Hamsi Tava

    Prepared by frying fresh anchovies in cornmeal. This dish, made with recipes passed down through generations, is an important part of the region's culinary culture. There are dozens of different recipes, including hamsi pilavı, hamsi tava and hamsi kuşu.

  • Corn Bread

    Bread made from cornmeal. Prepared with local ingredients, this flavour reflects the region's gastronomic richness. An important part of the district's food identity, this dish is a favourite with visitors.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Güneysu

  • Tea Culture

    Tea cultivation forms the foundation of the district's culture in Güneysu. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important part of the local cultural identity.

  • Horon Tradition

    The horon, danced to the tulum at weddings and festivals, is part of the district's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Güneysu Tea — Tea grown in the district and one of the quality varieties of Rize tea.
  • Güneysu Honey — Honey made from plateau flowers, known for its natural qualities.

Economy

Güneysu's economy is based on tea production and livestock farming. Farming, livestock and small-scale trade are among the livelihoods of Güneysu's people.

How to Get to Güneysu

It is 10 km from Rize. Rize-Artvin Airport is 50 km away.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Rize

Güneysu: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Güneysu?

The four highlights of Güneysu are Güneysu Tea Gardens, Güneysu Plateaus, Güneysu Valley and Kıbledağı Picnic Area and City Forest.

What is there to eat in Güneysu?

Muhlama, Hamsi Tava and Corn Bread are the standout flavours on Güneysu's tables.

What is Güneysu famous for?

Güneysu is known for Güneysu Tea and tea culture. Tea grown in the district is one of the quality varieties of Rize tea.

How do I get to Güneysu?

It is 10 km from Rize. Rize-Artvin Airport is 50 km away.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Güneysu?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: May–October.

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Other Districts of Rize

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