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

day 1
Explore Mesudiye Village
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Visit the Ancient Ruins of Knidos
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️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.

Mesudiye Town Center

Cobbled streets, wooden houses and tea gardens that capture everyday life and rustic architecture.

Highland Plateaus (Yaylalar)

Expansive meadows, shepherds, grazing animals and dramatic skies — excellent for wide landscape shots, sunrise and sunset.

Forest Valleys and Streams

Dense beech and fir stands, small streams and waterfalls in spring for moody nature photography.

Panoramic Viewpoints

Roadside overlooks above the town and along plateau access roads provide sweeping views of terraced hills and distant ridgelines.

Local Markets and Tea Houses

Candid street photography opportunities with colorful produce, traditional dress and social interaction.

Culinary Guide

Food in Mesudiye

Mesudiye’s cuisine reflects inland Black Sea and Central Anatolian influences: simple, hearty dishes made from local dairy, seasonal vegetables, grains and mountain herbs. Food is often homemade, with emphasis on fresh bread, yogurt, pastries and locally produced honey and cheese.

Mesudiye Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gözleme

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!

Yayla Çorbası

A comforting yogurt-and-herb soup (literally 'plateau soup') commonly served in colder months and at local eateries.

Börek and Fresh Cheese

Handmade pastries and village cheeses sold in the market and family-run shops—perfect for breakfast with tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mesudiye Weekly Market

Local farmers sell produce, cheeses, honey and baked goods; a great place to sample seasonal fruits, local cheeses and fresh bread.

Yayla Stalls

Seasonal vendors on the highland plateaus selling gözleme, tea and ayran — excellent for a simple, authentic snack during hikes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Mesudiye sits in a transitional zone between the Black Sea and interior Anatolian climates: it receives significant precipitation, especially in spring and autumn, with mild summers and cold, often snowy winters at higher elevations. Temperature swings between day and night are noticeable on the plateaus; microclimates vary quickly with elevation.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' and shake hands with men; use more formal language with elders and show respect for local customs.

Dress and Modesty

Rural areas are conservative—dress modestly, particularly near mosques and when visiting village homes; remove shoes when entering a private home.

Tea Culture

Accepting tea when offered is polite; tea houses are social centers—join conversations but respect personal boundaries.

Religious Respect

During prayer times and at mosques, be quiet and respectful; women should consider a headscarf if entering a mosque.

Safety Guide

Safety

Mesudiye is generally safe with low violent crime; standard precautions against petty theft apply in public places. The main safety concerns are mountain roads (narrow, winding and sometimes icy in winter), variable mobile coverage in remote areas, and the need for adequate clothing and supplies when hiking. Carry water, a map or GPS, tell someone your route for longer hikes, and be cautious on unmarked trails.

Tipping in Mesudiye

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

Cool and wet early on, with blooming meadows and lush forests; ideal for wildflower photography and avoiding summer crowds, but pack a waterproof jacket.

Summer

Mild to warm days and cool nights — the yaylas are lively and pleasant for hiking; expect more visitors at plateaus and bring sun protection.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage make this a scenic time to visit; some services on higher plateaus begin to close late in the season.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Mesudiye at Night

Mesudiye has very limited nightlife: evenings are low-key with tea houses, small cafes and occasional local gatherings. There are no nightclubs; social life centers on eating, tea drinking and seasonal festivals or village events rather than late-night entertainment.

Hiking in Mesudiye

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mesudiye Yaylaları (Highland Plateaus) Trails

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.

Forest Valley Trail

A shaded route through mixed beech and fir forests along small streams—best in spring and early autumn for flora and birdlife.

Ridge and Panorama Route

A ridge-line walk above the town providing broad panoramas of the surrounding hills and sunrise/sunset vantage points; sections can be steep.

River Gorge Walk

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.

Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Airport (TZX)

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.

Ordu–Giresun Airport (OGU)

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.

Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (VAS)

Around 2–3 hours away by car; an option if traveling from central Anatolia or connecting through Sivas.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

A longer drive (~2.5–3 hours) but with reasonably frequent domestic flights; good alternative depending on your itinerary.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable. However, many attractions (plateaus, forest trails and remote villages) require a car, taxi or local minibus; expect rural roads and some uphill walking to viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural Farmers and Shepherds

A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry and seasonal pasture work, especially at the yaylas.

Older Residents

Like many rural areas, Mesudiye has an aging population as younger people move to larger cities for education and jobs.

Seasonal Visitors and Yayla Communities

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.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide—local amateur matches and youth teams are common and community-supported.

Wrestling and Traditional Sports

Traditional folk sports and seasonal village competitions can be part of local festivals.

Hiking and Mountain Sports

Trekking and mountain walking are popular among residents and visitors who use the surrounding plateaus and trails for exercise and leisure.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Mesudiye itself is light and roads are generally quiet. Expect narrow, winding mountain roads when traveling to plateaus; driving times can be longer than map distances suggest. Public transportation consists mainly of minibuses (dolmuş) and regional coaches—schedules can be limited, so plan ahead or arrange private transfers for early/late travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Mesudiye.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

Bread and pastries are staples and cross-contamination is common; bring gluten-free supplies or ask vendors about plain rice or yogurt-based dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Mesudiye has a primary health clinic (sağlık ocağı) and basic medical services for minor illnesses and first aid. For emergency care, hospitals and more comprehensive facilities are in larger nearby cities (Tokat or Ordu), which may be 1–2 hours away by road—have travel insurance and know the route to the nearest hospital.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide