Rize is a city nestling at the foot of the Pontic Alps looking over the waves of the Black Sea. It is a natural paradise with its vast forests displaying myriad shades of green, picturesque plateaux, its world famous tea, and babbling streams as vivacious as its folk songs and endless beaches. Although a large part of the attraction of this area is simply soaking up the stunning scenery, there are a number of impressive historic sites nearby which are well worth a visit to. In Trabzon, know in the West as the exotic city of Trebizond, the romantic monastery church of Haghia Sophia houses some of the most impressive Byzantine frescoes in the world. To the south, in the surrounding mountains, lies the Monastery of Sumela, perhaps the best-known attraction in the area. A thirteenth century monastery appearing to rise out of a sheer rock face, it was dedicated to the Virgin of the Black Rock. The rushing mountain rivers provide ideal conditions for activities such as canoeing and white-water rafting which are becoming increasingly popular. For the less active, a trip to the thermal baths of the Ayder spa is highly recommended. This huge complex with its renowned healing powers can accommodate up to 2.000 visitors per day.