Erbaa Travel Guide

City City in Tokat Province, Turkey

Erbaa sits along the Yeşilırmak, ringed by orchards that supply Tokat’s apples and tobacco. Travelers wander local bazaars, taste stuffed grape leaves and tandır breads, and use the town as a base for hikes into the nearby Pontic foothills.

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Main image
Costs
Budget-friendly - $25-55/day
Inexpensive bazaars and pensions; restaurants cost even less.
Safety
Generally safe, low violent crime
Typical Turkish town caution; petty theft in busy areas.
Best Time
Best months: Apr-Oct
Warm summers and mild springs suit river valley and countryside walks.
Time
Weather
Population
52,185
Infrastructure & Convenience
Regular buses to Tokat, local dolmuş services; limited English signage.
Popularity
Mostly draws regional tourists and day-trippers from nearby cities.
Known For
Kelkit River valley, agriculture, rice and tobacco, local bazaars, historic mosques, riverside parks, natural scenery, Tokat cuisine
Erbaa is an agricultural hub in the Kelkit Valley, historically important for rice and tobacco production.

Why Visit Erbaa? #

Set on a fertile plain fed by tributaries of the Yeşilırmak, Erbaa draws visitors who want a taste of Tokat Province’s agricultural heart. The town’s weekly bazaars and orchards reflect long-standing tobacco and fruit production, while local eateries serve regional specialties such as gözleme and kaymak-based sweets. Erbaa makes a practical stop for those interested in rural Turkish life, local foodways and the patchwork of small villages across the plain.

Top Things to Do in Erbaa

Don't Miss
  • Erbaa riverbank walks - Stroll Erbaa riverbank, passing local tea gardens and historic stone bridges.
  • Erbaa Museum - Erbaa Museum displays local artifacts, traditional costumes, and regional history exhibits.
  • Local markets - Browse Erbaa's markets for seasonal produce, dried fruits and regional pastries.
Hidden Gems
  • Traditional bakeries - Visit family bakeries to sample fresh pide, simit and local sweet treats.
  • Rural villages nearby - Take short trips to nearby villages to observe traditional rural life and handicrafts.
  • Small tea houses - Sit in small tea houses to try regional teas and homemade snacks.
Day Trips
  • Ballıca Cave (near Tokat) - Visit Ballıca Cave near Tokat for impressive stalactite formations and guided tours.
  • Amasya - Drive to Amasya for Ottoman houses along the Yeşilırmak and ancient rock tombs.

Best Time to Visit Erbaa #

Erbaa has a continental climate: hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Aim for late spring or summer for warm, comfortable conditions and open countryside; winters are scenic but can be harsh and limiting.

Summer
June - August · 18°C to 33°C (64°F to 91°F)
Warm, often sunny summer days perfect for river valleys and local festivals; evenings can be pleasantly cool.
Winter
December - February · -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F)
Cold, sometimes snowy winters - atmospheric and quiet but expect icy roads and limited rural access.
Spring
March - May · 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
Unpredictable shoulder season with blooming countryside and variable weather - great for fewer crowds and pleasant hikes.

Best Time to Visit Erbaa #

Climate

Erbaa's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (562 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.3h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
14.8h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

91 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 28°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.6h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.

91 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 28°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.6h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 25°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

How to Get to Erbaa

Erbaa is best reached by short road transfers from regional airports (Merzifon MZH or Tokat TJK) or by intercity bus. Local minibuses and taxis cover movement within the region; renting a car helps if you plan to visit nearby villages.

By Air

Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH): Erbaa’s nearest regularly served airport is Amasya Merzifon (MZH), about 60-90 minutes’ drive depending on route. Taxis and private transfers from MZH take you to Erbaa; shared minibuses may also be available from the airport or Merzifon town.

Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Airport (TJK): Tokat’s airport (TJK) is closer to Erbaa in some routes; from Tokat the drive to Erbaa is usually under an hour by road. Regional flights to TJK are limited - check current schedules and prebook ground transfers.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no major long‑distance passenger rail directly to Erbaa; the region relies on road transport.

Bus / Dolmuş: Intercity buses and regional minibuses connect Erbaa with Tokat, Amasya and larger Turkish cities; bus travel is the standard and economical option, with journey times of under 1-2 hours from nearby towns and several hours from larger cities like Samsun or Ankara.

How to Get Around Erbaa #

Erbaa’s centre is strollable and short trips are commonly done on foot. Dolmuş minibuses operate routes to Tokat and nearby towns; taxis are available for shorter or off-hour journeys. Local fares are inexpensive - keep small change handy. If you plan to explore the countryside, renting a car is convenient.

Where to Stay in Erbaa #

Budget
Town centre - $15-40/night
Erbaa has a handful of small pensions and affordable hotels. Budget travellers will find simple, no-frills stays close to the town centre.
Mid-Range
Central Erbaa - $45-90/night
Mid-range accommodation consists of tidy hotels and pensions offering private bathrooms and breakfast - convenient for exploring nearby natural areas.
Luxury
Erbaa centre (limited) / Tokat nearby - $120+/night
Erbaa lacks true luxury hotels. Travelers seeking upscale amenities usually head to larger provincial centres for premium hotels.

Where to Eat in Erbaa #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Erbaa's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Turkish
Steak House
Burger
Chinese
Sandwich

Nightlife in Erbaa #

Evenings in Erbaa are low-key and family-oriented. Tea houses and cafés are the main social spots, with a few restaurants open late; you won’t find a busy late-night club scene.

Shopping in Erbaa #

Shopping is centred on local markets (pazar) selling fresh produce, textiles and everyday goods. Small family-run shops provide household items; for larger shopping needs, Tokat has more options.

Nearby Cities #