Things To Do
in Erbaa

Erbaa is a green, agricultural town in Samsun Province set along rolling hills and the Yesilırmak River. Its friendly markets, modest mosques, and family-owned eateries offer a slice of rural Turkish life with seasonal harvests. The surrounding landscapes invite relaxed exploration, from riverside strolls to forested hills ideal for short hikes.

Visitors are greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of timeless Anatolia as they uncover local crafts and flavors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Erbaa's historic center. Visit the Erbaa Grand Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, where you can admire its intricate details and serene atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a traditional Turkish breakfast, complete with fresh bread, olives, and tea.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, delve deeper into the rich history of Erbaa by visiting the Erbaa Archaeological Museum, showcasing artifacts from ancient civilizations. After exploring, take a scenic walk along the river, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps spot local wildlife. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting a local artisan shop to pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant, sampling regional specialties such as kebabs and gözleme. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the lively streets as locals gather for evening tea and conversation. End your day by relaxing at a café, sipping on a cup of Turkish coffee while soaking in the ambiance.

day 2
Nature Hike in the Mountains
morning
:

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out to the nearby mountains for a refreshing hike. The breathtaking landscapes of the Aladağlar National Park await you, where you can explore lush forests and stunning rock formations. As you hike, keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

afternoon
:

After a rewarding morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, taking in the serene sounds of the forest. Continue your exploration by venturing to higher elevations for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Spend some time taking photographs and appreciating the peace that the mountains offer.

evening
:

Return to Erbaa in the early evening, where you can unwind at your accommodation. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local eatery, savoring dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As night falls, consider visiting a local tea house to experience traditional Turkish hospitality and perhaps engage in a game of backgammon with the locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Cup of coffee$1-2
🚕Taxi start fare$1-2
🧺Grocery staple (milk, bread, eggs) per day$3-6
🌐Internet (monthly, 10 Mbps+)$25-35

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace of life
  • Rich agricultural landscapes and seasonal markets
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist facilities
  • Transportation options can be more sparse than in bigger cities
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Nerededir?" - Where is it?
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much is it?
  • "Bunu Türkçe açıklayabilir misiniz?" - Can you explain this in Turkish?
  • "İyi günler" - Good day
  • "Hocam/bayan" - Sir/Ma'am (polite form for addressing someone)

Places to Visit in Erbaa

Visit one of these nice places.

Yesilırmak River Overlook

Panoramic views of the river valley with farm fields and distant hills, especially appealing at sunrise or sunset.

Erbaa Clock Tower and Central Mosque

A vantage point for capturing the town’s skyline, traditional architecture, and local life.

Old Stone House Cluster in the Town Center

Timber-framed and stone houses that showcase rural Turkish vernacular architecture.

Riverside Market at Dawn

Candid early-morning scenes of vendors, fishers, and market activity with soft morning light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Erbaa

Erbaa’s cuisine blends Black Sea influences with Anatolian staples, emphasizing fresh dairy, corn-based dishes, river fish when available, and seasonal produce.

Erbaa Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mıhlama (kuymak)

A rich cornmeal and cheese medley cooked until it forms a gooey, savory pancake-like dish; a breakfast or late-evening staple in many lokantas.

Must-Try!

Tarhana çorbası

A tangy yogurt- and grain-based soup that’s perfect for cooler evenings and widely available in local eateries.

Hamsi (anchovy) preparations

Seasonal small fish prepared fried or grilled; offered in some restaurants and markets when fresh.

Keşkek

A hearty wheat and meat porridge served on special occasions and at traditional venues.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Erbaa Market

Weekly market with fresh produce, dairy, cheeses, and local snacks from nearby farms.

Yesilırmak riverside stalls

Seasonal vendors along the river offering grilled corn, roasted chestnuts, tea, and simple bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Erbaa experiences a Black Sea-influenced climate with warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, while summer can bring heat and humidity. Rain is common outside the peak summer months, so bring a light rain layer if visiting in spring or fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A simple 'Merhaba' (hello) is common; handshakes are typical among men, with politeness and eye contact.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly; remove shoes when required and ask for permission before taking photos inside mosques.

Hospitality

Hosts may invite you to share tea; accepting a small offering is courteous and expected as a sign of gratitude.

Gifts and Personal Space

Use the right hand for giving and receiving; avoid public displays of anger or confrontation in crowded settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Erbaa is generally safe for travelers. Practice standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, use licensed taxis, and be cautious when exploring rural or poorly lit areas at night. Road conditions can be variable in rural routes, especially after rain or snow; check local conditions before venturing into remote areas.

Tipping in Erbaa

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In sit-down restaurants, leave around 5-10% if service is not included. Small tips for cafe or bar staff are appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also accept debit/credit cards, especially in towns. Keep some Turkish lira for markets and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for outdoor photography and village visits. Pack light layers and a light rain jacket.

Summer

Warm to hot days with occasional humidity; bring sun protection and water. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage and harvest activity; ideal for scenic drives and walks.

Winter

Cool to cold with possible snow in higher areas; dress in layers and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Erbaa at Night

In Erbaa, nightlife is modest and mostly centered around tea houses, small cafes, and family-run eateries. Some venues offer live music or folklore evenings on weekends, but the scene is generally calm and community-focused rather than club-centric. Evening gatherings often revolve around conversations, chess, and traditional snacks rather than high-energy partying.

Hiking in Erbaa

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Yesilırmak River Valley Trail

Riverside path with farmland views and gentle slopes; suitable for easy to moderate hikes.

Erbaa Hills Viewpoint Trail

Short to moderate hike offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Tepecik Forest Loop

Forest trail with shade, birdsong, and occasional wildlife; well-marked and peaceful.

Airports

How to reach Erbaa by plane.

Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

Primary gateway to the region; approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive to Erbaa depending on traffic and route.

Ordu–Giresun Airport (OGU)

Alternative option with longer transfer times to Erbaa; offers seasonal and regional flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable, with compact markets, mosques, and cafes within a short radius. Some areas along the river are pleasant for strolling, but expect hills and uneven sidewalks in places. A car or local dolmuş can help reach surrounding viewpoints and trails more easily.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly ethnic Turkish with a strong agricultural community; diverse but smaller minority groups are present in the region.

Visitors

Primarily domestic travelers seeking rural scenery, markets, and short nature getaways.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport regionally; expect local matches and a strong community following.

Traditional wrestling and athletic events

Occasionally featured in cultural gatherings and festivals in rural areas.

Fishing and outdoor recreation

Popular among locals along the Yesilırmak River and in nearby natural areas.

Transportation

Traffic

In town, traffic is typically light outside market hours. Dolmuş minibuses and local buses connect Erbaa to nearby towns; major congestion is rare, but driving can be slower on narrow rural roads during harvest seasons or after heavy rain.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Erbaa.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most lokantas can accommodate vegetarian diets by offering dishes like grilled vegetables, cheese-based dishes, salads, and tarhana-based soups.

Vegan

Some places can offer vegan options; communicate clearly about dairy and meat and request simple vegetable dishes when possible.

Gluten-Free

Ask about cross-contamination; opt for plain grilled vegetables, fish, and rice-based sides when available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Erbaa, including a state hospital and several clinics. For more specialized care, residents may travel to larger cities such as Samsun. Carry any essential medications and keep travel insurance handy.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide