Things To Do
in Erzincan
Erzincan is a city located in eastern Turkey, known for its scenic beauty and historical sites. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Erzincan is also home to the iconic Çağlayan Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from near and far.
The city's rich history is evident in its ancient mosques, bridges, and old bazaars, providing a glimpse into its cultural heritage.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the stunning Munzur Mountains. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.
After lunch, visit the Kemaliye Stone Bridge, an architectural wonder that offers great photo opportunities. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding village.
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Erzincan dishes. Wind down your day with a peaceful walk near the river.
Begin with a visit to the Erzincan Castle to learn about the city's history. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the castle.
Explore the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts that showcase Erzincan's rich past. Take your time to appreciate the exhibitions.
Dine at a local café and sample Erzincan's famous minced meat dish, known as 'cağ kebabı'. Relax in the evening with a coffee or tea.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history with various historical sites.
- Beautiful natural landscapes including mountains and rivers.
- Famous for its local cuisine, particularly its unique varieties of kebabs and honey.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Turkish cities.
- Friendly community with a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
- Limited job opportunities compared to major urban areas.
- Lack of extensive public transportation options.
- Economic development is slower, leading to fewer amenities.
- Can experience harsh winter weather conditions.
- Limited access to international airports and connectivity.
Best Activities in Erzincan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Munzur Mountains and enjoy the beautiful scenery on hiking trails.
Adventurous mountain biking trails in the Mescit Mountains offer scenic views and thrilling rides.
Experience the excitement of white water rafting on the Euphrates River with various rapids and gorgeous landscape.
Tours
Uncover the best of Erzincan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Erzincan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking panoramic views and a great location for photography.
Known for its stunning views of the Euphrates River and surrounding mountains, providing ample photo opportunities.
Scenic drive with numerous lookout points for capturing beautiful landscapes.
Food in Erzincan
Erzincan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This traditional Turkish kebab is made from marinated lamb cooked on a horizontal spit. It is a must-try when visiting Erzincan. Head to Kebabci Iskender for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
A delicious lentil soup seasoned with various spices, commonly served as a starter. You can find excellent mercimek corbasi at Kardelen Restoran.
Tender slow-cooked lamb, often seasoned with local herbs and served with bread. Don’t miss trying tandir at Caglayan Lokantasi for an exceptional taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Erzincan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of fresh produce, dairy products, and local delicacies. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample borek, a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, from one of the street vendors.
Take a stroll along this street to indulge in an array of street food offerings, such as gözleme (thin flatbread filled with various toppings) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Erzincan, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially for men. It is also respectful to use titles such as 'abi' (older brother) or 'abla' (older sister) when addressing someone older than you.
It is important to respect personal space in Erzincan. When conversing, maintaining a comfortable distance and avoiding intrusive behavior is considered polite and respectful.
When invited to someone's home for a meal in Erzincan, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering the house and to express gratitude for the hospitality of the host. It is also polite to try a bit of every dish served as a sign of appreciation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Erzincan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Erzincan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Erzincan, Turkey, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and for other services. It is customary to leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants if a service charge is not included. Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. In other service situations, a small tip as a token of appreciation is a nice gesture.
In Erzincan, Turkey, cash is the primary form of payment, especially in smaller establishments and markets. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger stores, hotels, and restaurants. Contactless payment methods are also becoming more popular. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially in rural areas or when visiting local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Erzincan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit Erzincan when the weather starts to warm up and the landscapes are filled with colorful flowers. It's a perfect time for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Summer (June to August) in Erzincan is hot and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping, rafting, and mountain climbing. The days are long, and it's a vibrant time to explore the city and surrounding area.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage as the trees change color. It's a picturesque time to visit and experience the harvest festivals and local cultural events.
Winter (December to February) in Erzincan is cold and snowy, offering opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The city takes on a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and it's a great time to experience traditional Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
Erzincan at Night
Hiking in Erzincan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park featuring diverse flora and fauna, stunning mountain landscapes, and numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
An area around the Keban Dam that offers scenic walking trails along the water, with picturesque views of the mountains and the dam itself.
A breathtaking waterfall located near Erzincan, surrounded by lush greenery and accessible hiking trails that offer a great outdoor experience.
A serene valley perfect for day hikes, featuring natural beauty, unique rock formations, and opportunities for picnicking.
An enjoyable hiking route along the Karasu River, ideal for nature lovers and those looking to explore a peaceful environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Erzincan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Erzincan by plane.
The closest airport to Erzincan, serving domestic flights.
Located approximately 220 km from Erzincan, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.
About 100 km away, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but has some international connections.
Situated roughly 130 km from Erzincan, offering domestic flights with limited international options.
Located approximately 290 km from Erzincan, this is a major regional airport with international and domestic services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Erzincan, making up a significant majority of the population.
A notable minority ethnic group in the region, with a presence particularly in rural areas.
A smaller demographic group, primarily found in specific neighborhoods and regions.
An ethnic group speaking Zazaki, found in smaller clusters within the area.
Includes smaller populations of various other ethnicities residing in Erzincan.
The Soul of Erzincan
Discover the essence of Erzincan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is a highly popular sport in Erzincan, with many local teams and a strong following among residents.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Erzincan, with various local clubs competing in regional leagues.
Volleyball is widely played at schools and recreational levels in Erzincan, attracting many young athletes.
Traditional Turkish wrestling, known as 'Yağlı Güreş,' has a cultural significance and is practiced in Erzincan.
Athletics, including running, jumping, and throwing events, is part of school sports and community events in Erzincan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Erzincan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is a staple of Erzincan’s cuisine, many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes such as dolma (stuffed vegetables) and various mezes (appetizers). For vegan options, look for dishes like zeytinyagli yaprak sarma (stuffed grape leaves with olive oil).
As most dishes in Erzincan are grain-based, finding gluten-free options can be challenging. However, many restaurants are willing to accommodate by offering rice-based dishes and grilled meats without marinades.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Erzincan with these cultural adventures.
