Erzincan — Travel Guide

The best time to visit Erzincan varies according to your expectations. For skiing and winter sports, December-March is ideal; Ergan Ski Center experiences its busiest period during these months, and piste conditions are generally quite good. As snow and cold weather are inevitable in the city center during winter months, remember to bring warm clothing.

Spring (April-May) is the most fruitful period to see natural beauties such as Girlevik Waterfall and Karanlık Canyon. With the melting of snow waters, the waterfall's flow increases, valleys turn green, and hiking trails come alive. Summer months (June-August) are suitable for trekking in the canyons, visiting Kemaliye district, and participating in outdoor activities; however, thanks to the high altitude, temperatures remain much milder compared to big cities. Autumn is also a good option for those who want to visit historical sites and museums in a calmer environment.

There are three different options to reach Erzincan: by air, by road, and by rail.

By air: Erzincan Airport has regular flights from various cities in Turkey, especially Istanbul. The flight duration from Istanbul is approximately 1.5 hours. Since the airport is located quite close to the city center, transfers are short.

By road: Erzincan is located on Turkey's main east-west highway route. It takes approximately 12-14 hours by bus from Istanbul and 7-8 hours from Ankara. Many bus companies operate regular services to Erzincan. If you are coming with your own car, you can easily reach it via the E80 highway.

By rail: Erzincan is located on the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) route. The Doğu Ekspresi, departing from Ankara, stops in Erzincan; although the train journey is long, it offers a scenic experience and is particularly popular among nature photographers.

Erzincan, not being a large metropolis, has a fairly simple urban transportation system. Municipal buses connect different parts of the city; various lines are available, including university routes. We recommend checking the current information from Erzincan Municipality for stop and schedule details.

Since the city center contains many points of interest within walking distance, reaching historical and cultural sites in the center on foot is both practical and enjoyable. To reach points outside the city such as Girlevik Waterfall, Kemaliye Karanlık Canyon, and Ergan Ski Center, renting a car or utilizing local tour operators' vehicles is the most sensible option. Taxi services also operate actively in the city.

Kemaliye Karanlık Canyon: One of Erzincan's most impressive natural beauties, Karanlık Canyon is located in the Kemaliye district. This deep canyon, carved by the Euphrates River over centuries, offers a magnificent experience for those who want to hike among the rocks. It stands out as the most visited place in the province on Tripadvisor.

Girlevik Waterfall: With its convenient location close to the city center, Girlevik Waterfall gains a mesmerizing appearance, especially when its flow increases in spring. Surrounded by picnic areas, it creates an ideal environment for spending a day with family or friends.

Altıntepe Ancient City: This archaeological site from the Urartian period is one of the most important historical places in the region. Artifacts unearthed during excavations are exhibited in the Erzincan Museum; visiting the ancient city along with the museum allows you to better grasp the historical context.

Mama Hatun Tomb and Caravanserai: This complex of structures from the Seljuk period is considered one of the rare examples of Turkish architecture. Located in the Tercan district, the tomb and caravanserai deeply impress visitors with their architectural details and historical atmosphere.

Kemah Castle: Rising on a hill overlooking the Euphrates River, Kemah Castle attracts attention with both its history and panoramic views. This castle in the Kemah district, along with the surrounding valleys, is a great spot for taking photographs.

Ergan Ski Center: Erzincan's indispensable address for winter sports enthusiasts. With its pistes of various difficulty levels and modern facilities, Ergan is one of the important ski centers in Eastern Anatolia.

Erzincan Museum: The museum, where artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations in the region, especially Altıntepe, are exhibited, is a good starting point to understand the city's history. Museum card is valid for entry to the museum.

Ekşisu Marsh: A special area for birdwatchers and nature photographers, Ekşisu Marsh hosts many bird species. It is also a good option for those looking for a peaceful nature walk.

Since Erzincan is not a major tourist center, accommodation options are mainly concentrated in the city center. City center hotels are the most practical option in terms of transportation and food and beverage. Various options are available, from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

If you plan to visit Ergan Ski Center in winter, choosing accommodation facilities close to the center will save both time and transportation costs. In the Kemaliye district, there are boutique guesthouses in historical stone houses; this option offers a very pleasant experience for those who want to explore Karanlık Canyon and its surroundings. We recommend making your reservations in advance, especially during busy winter and summer seasons.

Erzincan cuisine reflects the rich culinary culture of Eastern Anatolia, and the leading product is undoubtedly Erzincan tulum cheese. This cheese, made from goat skin, is known throughout Turkey for its distinctive sharp aroma. You can buy it fresh from local markets and cheese shops in the city.

Among the local delicacies, keşkek, tandır kebabı (tandoor kebab), and various pastries stand out. Soup varieties that will warm you up on cold winter days are also indispensable on Erzincan tables. You can experience homemade dishes at affordable prices in local restaurants in the city center. Breakfasts prepared with local honey and butter alongside tulum cheese make you feel like you are in a real Anatolian home in the mornings.

Erzincan is a deeply rooted city that has hosted many civilizations in different periods of history. The city, which stands out for being the capital of the Mengüçlü Beylik, also harbors important architectural legacies from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Mama Hatun Tomb and Caravanserai are among the most striking examples of this heritage.

The city also contains important sites for faith tourism, such as the Terzi Baba Tomb and Mosque. Abrenk Church is an important trace of the region's multicultural past. The Ahmet Kutsi Tecer Culture House keeps alive the memory of the famous poet and cultural figure born in Erzincan; it is a special stop for literature enthusiasts. Visiting the Erzincan Museum is the best way to grasp the city's thousands of years of history under one roof.