Things To Do
in Yusufeli
Yusufeli is a compact mountain town in Artvin Province, set along the Çoruh River with dramatic limestone ridges and pine forests. The area blends rugged frontier scenery with warm, traditional hospitality and a slow-paced rhythm. It serves as a gateway to the Çoruh Valley and surrounding highland trails, where rural life remains closely tied to the seasons.
Visitors can savor fresh river trout, explore cliffside terraces, and experience authentic northeastern Turkish culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a refreshing hike along the Coruh River, admiring the lush greenery and pristine waters. The morning air is crisp and perfect for nature photography. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh bread, cheese, and honey.
Visit the impressive Yusufeli Dam construction site to witness one of Turkey's largest engineering projects. Later, explore the nearby villages to experience authentic rural life and chat with friendly locals. Have lunch at a village home, savoring home-cooked meals made from local ingredients.
Return to Yusufeli town and stroll through the peaceful streets as the sun sets behind the mountains. Dine at a local restaurant serving regional specialties like kuymak and trout. End your day with a relaxing tea at a riverside café, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Start your morning visiting the ancient ruins near Yusufeli, including remnants of old settlements and churches. Learn about the area's rich history and the unique architecture of its stone structures. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst scenic mountain views.
Spend the afternoon at the Yusufeli Bazaar, where vibrant colors and traditional handicrafts abound. Shop for handmade rugs, copperware, and local spices while engaging with artisans. Grab a quick lunch from a street vendor offering gözleme, a delicious Turkish flatbread.
Attend a local cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance. Experience the warmth of Yusufeli's community as you interact with performers and fellow visitors. Conclude with a dinner featuring locally sourced lamb and fresh vegetables under a starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧀Local cheese or snacks | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-70 |
| 🚌One-way public transport | $0.7-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and river landscapes
- Genuine hospitality and rural charm
- Low crowds compared to popular tourist spots
- Affordable, fresh local food
- Limited nightlife and international dining options
- Remote location with fewer direct international fly-ins
- Seasonal road conditions and limited public transport
- Fewer English-speaking services in some areas
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede..." - Where is...
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Yusufeli
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping views of the river cutting through the valley with dramatic cliffs.
Historic bridge with reflections on the water and traditional neighboring houses.
Ridgeline viewpoints overlooking the dam and reservoir at sunset.
Seasonal wildflowers and forest light along mountain paths.
Food in Yusufeli
Yusufeli Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught trout, typically grilled or fried, served with lemon and herbs.
Must-Try!
A rich cheese and cornmeal dish melted together, commonly eaten with bread.
A layered cheese pastry reflecting Black Sea influences.
Tangy yogurt-based soup with grains and vegetables, perfect on cooler days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market on market days where you can sample cheeses, honey, vegetables, and seasonal produce.
Street stalls offering grilled fish, gozleme, and tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' or 'Selam'; handshake is common in formal settings.
Dress modestly in rural areas; ask permission before photographing people, especially in homes or villages.
Hospitality is valued; accept invitations to tea or meals when offered.
Safety
Tipping in Yusufeli
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included; small change for tea houses.
Turkish Lira widely accepted; many places also take credit/debit cards in towns; ATMs are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool nights; occasional showers. Great for hiking, river activities, and village visits, but plan for sudden downpours.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage; harvest season in rural areas; bring layers for cooler evenings.
Cold, snowy conditions; some mountain roads may close; cozy indoors and scenic snowy landscapes.
Fresh green landscapes, blooming flowers, and variable weather; carry a light rain jacket.
Yusufeli at Night
Hiking in Yusufeli
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic ridge hike with canyon views and photo opportunities.
Moderate loop around the dam and reservoir with viewpoints across the water.
Alpine meadow trek with wildflowers in late summer.
Airports
How to reach Yusufeli by plane.
Major gateway to NE Turkey; drive to Yusufeli 3-4 hours depending on route and weather.
Newer regional airport with shorter drive to Yusufeli.
Georgian airport near the Turkish border; convenient if combining a border crossing trip.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Turkish-speaking communities with rural, agricultural livelihoods; families, shepherds, and artisans.
Temporary workers in agriculture and seasonal tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns and villages.
Widely practiced in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Seasonal activity on the Çoruh River for adventure seekers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yusufeli.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy cheese-based dishes, lentil salads, and vegetable stews; ask for corn bread and avoid meat-heavy meals.