Things To Do
in Çat
Çat is a rural town in northeastern Turkey, set among wide plains and low mountains in Erzurum Province. Its streets reveal a blend of traditional stone houses and modern village life. The area is known for warm hospitality, simple eateries, and seasonal farming markets.
It serves as a gateway to Eastern Anatolia's landscapes, offering a respite from crowded tourist trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Çat and settle into your accommodation, enjoying a hearty breakfast with local delicacies. Take some time to stroll through the quaint streets and observe the daily life of this picturesque town. Visit a local café to try traditional Turkish tea while soaking in the morning sun.
Explore the local marketplace, where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and fresh produce. Engage with the friendly shopkeepers and sample some delicious street food, perhaps trying gözleme, a popular Turkish flatbread. Visit historical sites nearby, such as ancient ruins or local mosques, to immerse yourself in the town's culture.
Dine at a charming restaurant, enjoying regional dishes while mingling with locals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, which often buzzes with activity in the evenings. Conclude your day by enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Start your day with an energizing breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the breathtaking mountains surrounding Çat. Marvel at the stunning landscapes and diverse flora, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the local environment. Take pauses to capture photos or simply enjoy the serene ambiance.
After reaching a scenic viewpoint, have a picnic lunch packed with local treats while overlooking the stunning vistas. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden trails and perhaps encountering local wildlife, deepening your appreciation for the natural beauty of the region. Engage in conversations with fellow hikers, sharing tales and bonding over the experience.
Return to Çat as the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, where you can recount your adventures of the day. Opt for an early night or join locals in the town square for live music or cultural events, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥖Bread and pastries | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧀Dairy products | $2-5 |
| 🚎Public transportation fare | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural charm and authentic Eastern Anatolia atmosphere
- Friendly locals and strong hospitality
- Proximity to Palandöken and Erzurum for outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure in town
- Fewer high-end dining options and English-speaking staff
- Longer travel times to larger cities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Neredesiniz tuvalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "Bir kahve alabilir miyim?" - Can I have a coffee?
- "Çat'a nasıl giderim?" - How do I get to Çat?
- "Hava nasıl?" - How is the weather?
Places to Visit in Çat
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft light over the mosque, stone houses, and square creates a tranquil townscape.
Textured walls, wooden balconies, and farm life provide rich portrait and landscape opportunities.
Distant snow-capped peaks and rolling valleys offer dramatic landscape shots, especially at golden hour.
Food in Çat
Çat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lamb skewered on a horizontal spit, a signature Erzurum specialty; best enjoyed at a traditional kebab house.
Must-Try!
Turkish dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and a spiced oil.
Rustic shepherd's salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olive oil, and herbs.
Dairy-based drink paired with simple breads and cheese for a quick meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, dairy, honey, and regional cheeses; try simple street bites like gözleme and simit.
Casual spots offering quick plates, ayran, and pastry treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake; address elders with respectful language; modest, polite conversation is valued.
Modest dress in religious places; remove shoes in mosques; avoid loud behavior in conservative areas.
Guests are often invited for tea or coffee; accepting politely is customary and appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Çat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for taxi drivers; 5-10% is typical in nicer establishments; rounding up is common in informal settings.
Cash in Turkish lira is widely accepted; some places in larger towns take cards, but cash is safer in Çat.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with bright sun; stay hydrated, carry a hat, and enjoy late-afternoon strolls along tree-lined streets.
Cooler temperatures and harvest hues; perfect for long walks and photography in amber light.
Cold and snowy, with possible road ice; skiing or snowshoeing around Palandöken is a highlight; dress in layers.
Mild days with migrating birds and blooming orchards; some trails may be muddy from spring rains.
Çat at Night
Hiking in Çat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes with panoramic views near Erzurum; suitable for varying fitness levels.
Easy to moderate loop through farmland and river scenery; good for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Çat by plane.
Primary regional airport serving domestic flights; access to Çat by road in about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and route.
Smaller regional airport; further away but useful for connections; typically a longer drive to Çat.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily ethnic Turkish villagers and farmers with strong family and community ties.
Presence of students from nearby towns and seasonal agricultural workers during harvest periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed; local matches and league play are common in regional towns and Erzurum.
Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing options around Palandöken in the winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Çat, options include mantı with meat omitted, yogurt-based dishes, lentil soups, and fresh salads; inform cooks about no meat or meat broths.