Erzincan Travel Guide
City City in Turkey known for its historical sites
Erzincan attracts mountaineers and trout anglers to the Munzur Valley, and visitors sample ayran and gozleme while inspecting earthquake-era architecture and Soviet-era monuments.
Why Visit Erzincan? #
Framed by Eastern Anatolian mountains, this regional center attracts visitors seeking wide landscapes, riverside parks and hearty regional cuisine. Local bazaars and cafés serve staples like mantı and flatbreads, while nearby valleys offer hiking, trout fishing and pastoral scenery. Travelers appreciate the blend of outdoor opportunities with provincial museums and seasonal folk music performances.
Who's Erzincan For?
Erzincan sits in a wide mountain valley with nearby Girlevik waterfalls and alpine lakes; it’s a good base for scenic drives and easy hikes. Spring wildflowers and river valleys suit low-altitude nature excursions.
The Ergan Ski Resort and surrounding highlands offer skiing in winter and challenging summer trails for mountain biking and scrambling. Local operators run guided treks and winter slope services for intermediate adventurers.
Regional trout farms and hearty Eastern Anatolian cuisine are highlights - try local trout dishes and meat stews in downtown Erzincan. Small family restaurants serve generous plates at modest prices, often under midrange restaurant costs.
Erzincan’s mountain vistas, thermal springs and quiet pension-style hotels make it a tranquil choice for couples. Scenic drives to waterfalls and evening meals in cosy inns create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Top Things to Do in Erzincan
All Attractions ›
- Altıntepe Archaeological Site - Urartian hilltop fortress with excavated tombs, reliefs, and panoramic valley views.
- Kemah Castle (Kemah Kalesi) - Medieval fortress towering above the Euphrates, iconic for photos and history.
- Erzincan Archaeology and Ethnography Museum - Compact museum displaying regional artifacts from prehistoric to Ottoman eras, informative exhibits.
- Girlevik Waterfalls (Girlevik Şelalesi) - Refreshing cascade popular for picnics, short walks and local tea gardens.
- Ekşisu Picnic Area and Mineral Springs - Natural mineral springs and shaded picnic grounds right outside Erzincan city center.
- Kemaliye Taş Yolu and Old Town - Historic town with narrow stone street, traditional houses and Euphrates canyon access.
- Tercan Mama Hatun Külliyesi - Seljuk-era külliye including mausoleum, caravanserai and mosque in atmospheric small town.
- Kemah Stone Bridge and Riverside Cafés - Quiet stone bridge flanked by trout restaurants; great for sunset walks.
- Otlukbeli Lake (Otlukbeli Gölü) - Shallow crater lake favored by birdwatchers and peaceful picnic-goers near Otlukbeli.
- Kemaliye (Eğin) - Dramatic Euphrates canyon with cable car, stone streets and traditional houses.
- Tercan (Mama Hatun Complex) - Short trip to see Tercan's well-preserved Mama Hatun complex and local bazaars.
- Erzurum - Historic Erzurum with Çifte Minareli Medrese, large bazaars and mountain ski resorts.
- Munzur Valley National Park - Wild valleys, spring-fed rivers and mountain villages; excellent for hiking and nature.
Plan Your Visit to Erzincan #
Best Time to Visit Erzincan #
Visit Erzincan from late spring through early autumn (May-September) when days are warm and dry, ideal for hiking, river valleys and outdoor sightseeing. Winters are long, snowy and sharply cold, limiting travel.
Best Time to Visit Erzincan #
Erzincan's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Erzincan
Erzincan is served by a small regional airport and by rail and intercity buses; the city's bus terminal (otogar) and Erzincan Tren Garı are the main overland arrival points. Most domestic flights go to Erzincan Airport (ERC), while Erzurum Airport (ERZ) is the nearest larger airport if schedules or fares require an alternative.
Erzincan Airport (ERC): The regional Erzincan Airport is the closest airport to the city and handles domestic flights. From the terminal to Erzincan city centre the most common options are the municipal shuttle/minibus (dolmuş) or a taxi; the ride is short - around 15-25 minutes. Expect a dolmuş or shuttle fare in the low tens of Turkish lira and a taxi fare in the order of roughly 60-120 TRY (prices vary with season and local meter rates).
Erzurum Airport (ERZ): Erzurum Airport is the nearest larger airport with more frequent connections and is used as an alternative if you can’t get a direct flight to Erzincan. Road travel from Erzurum to Erzincan takes about 2-2.5 hours by car or intercity bus; bus fares are typically a few dozen to a few hundred TRY depending on operator and booking time, while a private transfer or taxi is considerably more expensive.
Train: Erzincan is served by the national rail network at Erzincan Tren Garı on east-west routes (including services linked with the Eastern Express corridor). Trains are useful for overnight travel from Ankara and cities to the west; journeys can take many hours (overnight on longer routes) and offer seated and couchette/sleeper options. Bookings and exact timetables/prices are available from TCDD Taşımacılık.
Bus: Intercity buses arrive at Erzincan Otogarı (the main bus terminal). Major operators such as Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç run frequent services from Ankara, Istanbul and other regional centres; travel times vary (Ankara typically several hours, Istanbul much longer) and fares depend on distance and service level but are the most common and flexible way to reach Erzincan from other Turkish cities.
How to Get Around Erzincan
Erzincan is best navigated by a mix of dolmuş/minibus and walking in the centre; taxis are handy for luggage or early/late transfers. For regional sightseeing and maximum flexibility a rental car works well, while intercity buses and the train connect the city to the rest of Turkey reliably.
- Intercity bus (Otogar) (From ~150-700 TRY (depending on origin and service)) - The main way most visitors arrive and leave is by intercity coach to/from Erzincan Otogarı. Operators like Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç run multiple daily services to Ankara, Istanbul and regional cities; buses are comfortable, run overnight on long routes, and drop you at the central bus terminal. Tickets are bookable online and at agencies in advance is recommended during holiday periods.
- Intercity train (TCDD - Erzincan Tren Garı) (Varies by class; typically from ~100-400 TRY) - Erzincan Tren Garı links the city to Turkey's eastern and central rail routes (including connections associated with the Eastern Express corridor). Trains are slower than buses on some routes but can be relaxed for overnight travel and offer sleeper/couchette options on long trips. Check TCDD Taşımacılık for exact timetables and to reserve couchettes in advance.
- Dolmuş / Minibus (Approximately 5-20 TRY) - Local shared minibuses (dolmuş) cover short urban routes and nearby villages; they are frequent, cheap and drop you close to central sights. Dolmuşes run on fixed routes and depart when full; if you see a dolmuş going your way, flag it down and ask the driver about the fare. They're the most economical and practical option for short intra-city hops.
- Municipal bus (Around 5-15 TRY) - Erzincan has a small municipal bus network serving neighbourhoods and the route between the bus station, railway station and the city centre. Services are inexpensive but less frequent than dolmuşes for many corridors, so check local timetables if you depend on them. Good for budget travel across the city during daytime.
- Taxi (Typical short fares ~50-150 TRY; longer transfers cost more) - Taxis are widely available at the airport, at the otogar and around the city centre; they are convenient for door-to-door travel, luggage or late arrivals. Always confirm that the meter is used or agree a fare beforehand for longer transfers (for example, from the airport or railway station). Taxi fares are reasonable for short trips but add up for longer drives into the countryside.
- Car rental (From ~800 TRY/day (depending on season and vehicle)) - Renting a car is the best way to explore the surrounding valleys, plateaus and historic sites at your own pace. Regional rental desks operate at the airport and in town; roads are generally in good condition but winter weather can be severe - check seasonal tyre and insurance rules. Fuel and parking are widely available in town, but driving in winter requires experience with snowy mountain routes.
- Walking - Erzincan's city centre is compact and very walkable - most shops, cafes and municipal buildings are within easy walking distance. Walking is the best way to explore the central neighbourhoods, sample local food and reach nearby attractions without needing transport. Bring comfortable shoes and layered clothing in cooler months.
Where to Stay in Erzincan #
Where to Eat in Erzincan #
Erzincan’s cuisine leans into mountain-region produce and rich dairy traditions - you’ll see pastirma, kaymak (clotted cream) and hearty kebabs on many menus. The central market is the place to watch locals shop and to taste regional cheeses and dairy-based sweets. Street-side kebapçılar and small family restaurants serve simple, satisfying meals.
There aren’t many haute-cuisine options; cafés and hotel restaurants cover basic international needs. Vegetarians will find gözleme, vegetable mezes and market produce easy to assemble into a filling meal.
- Erzincan Çarşısı (Central Market) - Local pastirma, kaymak and regional dairy.
- Local kebapçılar - Tender lamb kebabs and skewers.
- Kaymakçı stalls - Rich clotted cream served with honey and bread.
- Cafés on Cumhuriyet Caddesi - Turkish coffee, soups and light international bites.
- Small family restaurants - Occasional Mediterranean and Anatolian fusion dishes.
- Hotel restaurants - Simpler international menus for travelers.
- Local gözleme stands - Stuffed flatbreads with spinach or potato.
- Vegetable meze plates - Cold mezeler at lokantas and cafés.
- Market produce vendors - Fresh vegetables and herbs for DIY meals.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Erzincan's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Erzincan #
Erzincan’s evening scene is understated: tea gardens, small meyhanes (tavern-style restaurants) and a handful of bars in town. Weekends are the liveliest time to go out; clubs are limited. Expect conventional closing times around midnight in most places, modest dress and a calm, safe atmosphere-just don’t expect a big nightlife district.
Shopping in Erzincan #
Erzincan’s shopping is low-key and practical: markets sell local dairy products, honey, walnuts and regional handicrafts. The city centre has small shops, bakeries and a covered market where locals buy produce and household items. Expect to find simple handcrafts and traditional foods rather than tourist-focused souvenirs; bargaining can be used at open stalls but not in fixed stores.
Best Bets
- Erzincan Central Market - Covered market for produce, nuts and regional specialties.
- City-centre shopping streets - Small retailers, bakeries and clothing stores along main roads.
- Local craft and souvenir stalls - Stalls offering simple handicrafts and embroidered goods.
- Honey and walnut sellers - Regional honey and nut products from local producers.
- Bazaar alleys - Informal lanes of stalls selling clothes and everyday goods.
- Tailors and repair shops - Local tailors offering affordable custom work and alterations.
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