Things To Do
in Mesudiye
Mesudiye is a quiet, rural district in inland Ordu province set amid rolling Black Sea foothills and highland plateaus (yaylalar). The town center has a slow pace of life, traditional wooden houses, small tea gardens and a local weekly market where farm produce is traded. Surrounding forests, valleys and upland pastures offer panoramic views, pastoral scenes and opportunities for day hikes and photography.
Visitors come for fresh mountain air, simple village hospitality and to use the town as a base for exploring nearby plateaus and rural culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of Mesudiye, immersing yourself in the local culture. Visit small artisan shops where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs. Grab breakfast at a nearby café, enjoying traditional Turkish tea alongside freshly baked pastries.
After lunch, embark on a hike through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mesudiye, taking in stunning views of the mountains and nature. Consider visiting a local farm to understand the agricultural practices of the region. Take some time to relax by a nearby stream, dipping your feet in the cool water.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to a local restaurant that serves traditional Turkish cuisine. Enjoy a hearty dinner while watching the night sky emerge, filled with stars. End your evening with a stroll through the village, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Set out early to explore the ancient city of Knidos, known for its stunning archaeological sites and historical significance. Walk through the ruins, marveling at the remnants of temples, theaters, and city walls. Bring a light picnic to enjoy on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
After your visit to Knidos, head to a nearby beach for a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea. Spend your afternoon lounging on the sun-kissed sand, indulging in local snacks from beachside vendors. Try your hand at some water sports, such as paddleboarding or snorkeling.
Return to Mesudiye just in time for dinner at a cozy seaside restaurant. Taste the catch of the day, prepared in traditional style, while enjoying the sound of waves lapping at the shore. Share stories about your day with fellow diners as the atmosphere becomes more vibrant with laughter and music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Cup of tea/coffee | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus/dolmuş ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $20-45 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly basics) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil, authentic rural atmosphere away from tourist crowds
- Easy access to scenic highland plateaus and nature
- Affordable prices and simple, fresh local food
- Warm local hospitality and cultural experiences
- Limited amenities and few tourist services (accommodation, English speakers)
- Seasonal access issues — roads can be difficult in winter
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Public transport connections are infrequent compared with larger towns
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal
- "Yardım edebilir misiniz?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Mesudiye
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled streets, wooden houses and tea gardens that capture everyday life and rustic architecture.
Expansive meadows, shepherds, grazing animals and dramatic skies — excellent for wide landscape shots, sunrise and sunset.
Dense beech and fir stands, small streams and waterfalls in spring for moody nature photography.
Roadside overlooks above the town and along plateau access roads provide sweeping views of terraced hills and distant ridgelines.
Candid street photography opportunities with colorful produce, traditional dress and social interaction.
Food in Mesudiye
Mesudiye Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin flatbread filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat, often cooked on a sac (griddle); widely available at village stalls and yayla vendors.
Must-Try!
A comforting yogurt-and-herb soup (literally 'plateau soup') commonly served in colder months and at local eateries.
Handmade pastries and village cheeses sold in the market and family-run shops—perfect for breakfast with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers sell produce, cheeses, honey and baked goods; a great place to sample seasonal fruits, local cheeses and fresh bread.
Seasonal vendors on the highland plateaus selling gözleme, tea and ayran — excellent for a simple, authentic snack during hikes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' and shake hands with men; use more formal language with elders and show respect for local customs.
Rural areas are conservative—dress modestly, particularly near mosques and when visiting village homes; remove shoes when entering a private home.
Accepting tea when offered is polite; tea houses are social centers—join conversations but respect personal boundaries.
During prayer times and at mosques, be quiet and respectful; women should consider a headscarf if entering a mosque.
Safety
Tipping in Mesudiye
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: round up taxi fares, leave 5–10% at restaurants if service is good, and give small change to hotel porters or helpers; tea houses rarely expect tips.
Cash (Turkish lira) is widely used in Mesudiye, especially in markets and small eateries; debit/credit cards are accepted at some shops and larger businesses but carry cash for rural services and minibuses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and wet early on, with blooming meadows and lush forests; ideal for wildflower photography and avoiding summer crowds, but pack a waterproof jacket.
Mild to warm days and cool nights — the yaylas are lively and pleasant for hiking; expect more visitors at plateaus and bring sun protection.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make this a scenic time to visit; some services on higher plateaus begin to close late in the season.
Cold with regular snowfall at higher elevations; roads can be icy and some rural services may be limited — suitable for winter scenery but plan for travel delays.
Mesudiye at Night
Hiking in Mesudiye
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of routes across pastoral plateaus with shepherd huts, alpine meadows and wide views—offers short walks and full-day hikes depending on the chosen plateau.
A shaded route through mixed beech and fir forests along small streams—best in spring and early autumn for flora and birdlife.
A ridge-line walk above the town providing broad panoramas of the surrounding hills and sunrise/sunset vantage points; sections can be steep.
A lower-elevation trail following a tributary valley with small waterfalls and rocky outcrops—suitable for families and shorter hikes.
Airports
How to reach Mesudiye by plane.
Roughly 1–1.5 hours by car from Mesudiye depending on roads; offers regional connections and is often the most convenient small airport for inland access.
Located on the coast, usually 2–3 hours by road; larger with more frequent flights to Istanbul and other domestic destinations; roads are scenic but winding.
Around 2–3 hours away by car; an option if traveling from central Anatolia or connecting through Sivas.
A longer drive (~2.5–3 hours) but with reasonably frequent domestic flights; good alternative depending on your itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry and seasonal pasture work, especially at the yaylas.
Like many rural areas, Mesudiye has an aging population as younger people move to larger cities for education and jobs.
In summer, families and shepherds from the region move to highland plateaus, creating seasonal communities and small-scale tourism activity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide—local amateur matches and youth teams are common and community-supported.
Traditional folk sports and seasonal village competitions can be part of local festivals.
Trekking and mountain walking are popular among residents and visitors who use the surrounding plateaus and trails for exercise and leisure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mesudiye.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (yogurt-based dishes, börek, gözleme with spinach/cheese, salads), but menus can be limited; explain preferences clearly and rely on vegetable/meze options or market produce.
Vegan choices are limited in small towns—carry snacks, request vegetable-based dishes, and look for fresh fruit, nuts and bread; in larger towns you’ll find more options.
Bread and pastries are staples and cross-contamination is common; bring gluten-free supplies or ask vendors about plain rice or yogurt-based dishes.