Nature Exploration with Valleys and Horses in Malatya

For a single day in Malatya, I have prepared a route that brings together both the natural beauties and historical texture of the region. Starting with the unique views of Levent Valley, you will have an immersive experience with horses at Sultansuyu Stud Farm, and then relax in the cool atmosphere of Gündüzbey. These three stops will show you different faces of Malatya.

Levent Valley

Levent Valley, located in Malatya's Akçadağ district, is a 28-kilometer canyon. The geological formations here date back 65 million years. There are hundreds of caves in the valley walls, some bearing traces from the Neolithic age. You might consider spending at least 1.5 hours here. Especially the glass observation terrace at a height of 240 meters is a good spot for a bird's-eye view of the canyon. Although the glass bridge is currently closed, you can try local drinks like apricot cola while enjoying the view from the observation terrace.

Sultansuyu Stud Farm

After Levent Valley, you can continue towards Akçadağ and proceed to Sultansuyu Stud Farm. This is a historical place where purebred Arabian horses have been bred since 1865. This stud farm, which once met the army's horse needs, offers horse riding tours with views of the Sultansuyu Valley. With a visit of approximately 1.5 hours, you can both see the horses up close and feel the historical atmosphere of the stud farm. If you want to have a picnic, suitable areas are also available.

Gündüzbey

As the last stop of the day, visit Gündüzbey, located in the Yeşilyurt district near Malatya city center. This is a wooded and cool area, ideal for escaping the city heat. It is famous for its picnic areas and country restaurants. It is a popular spot for both locals of Malatya and visitors from outside. For lunch or an afternoon break, you can try various grilled dishes and kebabs at the country restaurants here and enjoy the fresh air. You can also spend an average of 1.5 hours here.

You can easily explore this route in Malatya by car. For lunch, you can prefer the country restaurants in Gündüzbey, and for dinner, you can return to Malatya city center. Don't forget to check the current opening hours of the venues before you set off.