Yusufeli
,Yusufeli is a small town located in the northeastern part of Turkey, in the Artvin province. It is nestled in the stunning Kaçkar Mountains and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The town is surrounded by lush forests, rushing rivers, and picturesque valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visitors to Yusufeli can enjoy hiking, trekking, whitewater rafting, and exploring the traditional Turkish architecture of the town.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Yusufeli
morning
:Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Turkish tea. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Yusufeli to soak in the local culture.
afternoon
:Visit the Yusufeli Mosque, an architectural gem that showcases the town's history. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant known for its regional dishes.
evening
:Unwind at a local park while watching the sunset over the river. Grab dinner at a traditional restaurant and try the local specialty, 'Kuzu Tandir'.
Nature and Hiking
morning
:Start your hiking adventure with a hearty breakfast before heading to the trails in the nearby mountains. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views as you hike.
afternoon
:Continue your adventure by exploring the nearby waterfalls and taking stunning photographs. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the natural beauty.
evening
:Return to Yusufeli and relax at a local café, sharing stories of your adventures. Enjoy a dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
Highlights
Good
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with traditional architecture.
- Outdoor activities available such as hiking, rafting, and fishing.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Lower cost of living compared to major urban areas.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities and economic development.
- Access to healthcare and education may not be as advanced as in bigger cities.
- Infrastructural challenges due to the rural setting.
- Potential language barriers for non-Turkish speakers.
- Services and amenities may be limited compared to larger urban centers.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains
Explore the stunning trails of the Kaçkar Mountains, known for their breathtaking views, diverse flora, and fauna. Suitable for all levels of hiking experience.
Rafting on the Çoruh River
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Çoruh River, one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the world. Perfect for adventure seekers.
Exploration of the Ancient Ruins
Visit the ancient ruins of Yusufeli, including historic churches and monasteries that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Fishing in Lake Çoruh
Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing in Lake Çoruh, known for its variety of fish species and beautiful surrounding scenery.
Gorge Walks
Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gorges around Yusufeli and discover the unique rock formations and natural beauty.
Photography Tours
Capture the stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and local wildlife with guided photography tours that cater to all skill levels.
Camping under the Stars
Set up camp in one of the many natural camping sites around Yusufeli to enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by nature.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Yusufeli with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Yusufeli Bridge
Offers stunning panoramic views of the Çoruh River and surrounding mountains
Barhal Village
Provides picturesque views of traditional Turkish village life and the surrounding natural beauty
Çoruh River Rafting Route
Offers thrilling rapids and beautiful scenery along the river
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Muhlama
Muhlama is a local specialty made with cornmeal, cheese, butter, and sometimes eggs. It's a hearty and indulgent dish often enjoyed for breakfast or as a meze.
Must-Try!
Kuymak
Kuymak is a cheesy cornmeal porridge, similar to muhlama, and is a popular comfort food in Yusufeli.
Siron
Siron is a savory pie filled with layers of thin dough, cheese, butter, and sometimes herbs. It's a delicious traditional dish often found in local bakeries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Yusufeli better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Yusufeli Market
The bustling Yusufeli Market offers a fantastic array of fresh produce, local cheeses, honey, homemade preserves, and traditional bread. It's an excellent place to experience the vibrant local food culture.
Sarıçayır Street Food Stalls
Head to Sarıçayır Street to savor an array of local street food, including gözleme (thin flatbread filled with various ingredients), kebabs, and stuffed mussels. The street food stalls offer an authentic taste of the region's culinary delights.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
In Yusufeli, a firm handshake along with eye contact is a common form of greeting. It is also polite to greet people with 'Merhaba' (Hello) and inquire about their health or well-being.
Dress Modestly
While Yusufeli is less conservative compared to larger cities, it is still important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should consider wearing long skirts or dresses, and men should avoid shorts in such settings.
Hospitality and Sharing Food
Turkish culture places a high value on hospitality. If invited to someone's home, it is respectful to accept and express gratitude. Additionally, when sharing food, it's customary to wait for the host to begin before serving yourself.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Yusufeli with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Yusufeli, Turkey, tipping is a common practice in the service sector. It is customary to leave a small tip, around 5-10% of the total bill, at restaurants and cafes if the service is satisfactory. In hotels, guests often tip bellboys and housekeeping staff, typically a few Turkish Lira. Tipping taxi drivers is also appreciated, although rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
Payment
Payment methods in Yusufeli include cash and cards. Turkish Lira is the primary currency, and while many establishments accept credit and debit cards, smaller shops and local markets may only accept cash. It is advisable for visitors to carry some cash, especially for transactions in rural or local settings. ATMs are available, but it is wise to check for card compatibility.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Yusufeli.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Best time to visit Yusufeli, with moderate temperatures and blooming nature. Ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Summer
Warm and sunny weather, perfect for exploring the nearby Black Sea region, participating in water sports on the Barhal River, and experiencing traditional festivals.
Autumn
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage make Autumn a great time to visit. Tourists can enjoy outdoor activities and witness the harvest festivals.
Winter
Cold and snowy, offering a unique chance to experience winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Çamlıhemşin Nature Park
A scenic park with lush forests, waterfalls, and various hiking trails, located about 40 kilometers from Yusufeli.
Lake Artvin
A beautiful lake surrounded by forests and hills, offering hiking trails with stunning views, located approximately 30 kilometers from Yusufeli.
Kavron Plateau
A high-altitude plateau with breathtaking views and traditional nomadic villages, perfect for hiking. It's about 25 kilometers from Yusufeli.
Fırtına Valley
Known for its rapid river and rich biodiversity, this valley features several hiking routes, located around 45 kilometers from Yusufeli.
Zil Castle and Surroundings
Historical Zil Castle set on a hill and the surrounding trails, offering hikes with panoramic views, located approximately 35 kilometers from Yusufeli.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Yusufeli through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Yusufeli by plane.
Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
Located approximately 120 km from Yusufeli, Erzurum Airport is the nearest international airport, serving various domestic and some international flights.
Trabzon Airport (TZX)
Around 150 km from Yusufeli, Trabzon Airport is a significant hub in the region, offering numerous domestic and a few international flights.
Kars Airport (KSY)
Approximately 160 km from Yusufeli, Kars Airport provides domestic flights and limited international services.
Batumi International Airport (BUS)
Located about 200 km away in Georgia, Batumi International Airport serves various international destinations and is accessible from Yusufeli.
Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF)
About 220 km from Yusufeli, Samsun-Çarşamba Airport offers both domestic and international flights, and is one of the larger airports in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Turks
The majority ethnic group in Yusufeli, making up a significant portion of the population.
Laz
An ethnic group native to the region, particularly in the northeastern parts of Turkey, including Yusufeli.
Georgians
A minority group in Yusufeli, historically present in the area due to its proximity to the Georgian border.
Kurdish
Another minority group found in different parts of Turkey, including some in Yusufeli.
Armenians
A historically significant community in the region, though their numbers have declined in modern times.
The Soul of Yusufeli
Discover the essence of Yusufeli through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football is one of the most popular sports in Yusufeli, with local teams competing in regional leagues and many residents participating in casual matches.
Basketball
Basketball enjoys a strong following in Yusufeli, with various community courts where both youth and adults play regularly.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a widely played sport among the community, often seen in schools and recreational spaces.
Athletics
Running and other athletic events are popular, especially among schools that promote physical education.
Wrestling
Traditional wrestling has cultural significance and is practiced in local festivals and competitions.
Cycling
Cycling is a favored pastime, especially with the scenic routes available in the mountainous region surrounding Yusufeli.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While traditional dishes heavily feature meats and dairy, many establishments in Yusufeli offer vegetarian options such as vegetable-based stews, salads, and appetizers. Informing the staff about dietary preferences is common, and they are often accommodating.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free options may be limited in Yusufeli due to the prevalent use of wheat in the local cuisine. However, traditional rice-based dishes and grilled meats can be suitable for those with gluten intolerances. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs with restaurant staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Yusufeli with these cultural adventures.
