Artvin is a rugged mountain province in northeastern Turkey, bordered by Georgia to the east and the Black Sea coast to the north. The province shelters a remarkable concentration of medieval Georgian Orthodox churches and monasteries hidden in forested valleys, alongside the Çoruh River — one of the world's fastest-flowing rivers and a world-class whitewater rafting destination. Dense chestnut and pine forests cloak the slopes of the Kaçkar and Karçal mountain ranges, while high plateaus offer cool summer escapes and pastoral landscapes that have changed little in centuries.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Artvin Kestane Balı (Chestnut Honey)
Artvin's famous dark, intensely flavoured chestnut honey, harvested from forests above 800 m. Look for locally produced jars at the city market or honey shops (Bal Evi) on Çarşı Cad. Price: 150–400 TRY ($4.50–12) per 500g jar.
Where: City market, Bal Evi honey shops on Çarşı Caddesi
Kestane Şekeri (Candied Chestnuts)
Whole chestnuts candied in syrup, vacuum-packed for travel. An edible souvenir available at pastry shops (pastane) and markets. Price: 80–200 TRY ($2.40–6) per 200g package.
Where: Çiçek Pastanesi, city market
Mısır Unu (Corn Flour)
The cornerstone of Artvin cooking — stone-ground corn flour for making mısır ekmeği at home. Available at market stalls. Price: 30–60 TRY ($0.90–1.80) per kg.
Where: City market (Tuesday/Friday)
Artvin Bakırı (Copper Crafts)
Hand-beaten copper pots, ladles, and decorative items are made by remaining local coppersmiths. Finding genuine hand-beaten pieces requires visiting small workshops on side streets of Artvin Çarşı. Price: 200–800 TRY ($6–24).
Where: Small workshops on side streets of Çarşı district
Dağ Çayı (Mountain Herb Tea)
Dried mountain herbs (sage, thyme, linden blossom) collected from Kaçkar slopes. Sold in bunches at markets. Price: 20–60 TRY ($0.60–1.80) per bundle.
Where: City market, Şavşat Saturday market
Georgian-style Churchkhela
Walnut-filled grape-juice tubes brought over from Georgia and sold in Hopa border town shops. A cross-cultural souvenir. Price: 30–80 TRY ($0.90–2.40).
Where: Hopa market, shops near Sarp border crossing
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Artvin City Weekly Market
Fresh mountain vegetables, corn bread, local honey, chestnuts, dried beans, eggs, seasonal foraged mushrooms
Where: Pazar Caddesi, Artvin city centre
Hours: Tuesday and Friday 07:00–15:00
Şavşat Saturday Market
Homemade cheese, mountain honey, dried local herbs, handwoven items, seasonal forest products
Where: Şavşat town centre
Hours: Saturday 08:00–15:00
Hopa Market
Black Sea fish, tea, Georgian-imported goods, citrus, market clothing
Where: Hopa town centre
Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 08:00–15:00