Erzincan Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Erzincan

Erzincan’s appeal lies mainly in the landscapes and small towns of the province, best explored by car.

• Kemaliye — A historic town on the Euphrates with well-preserved Ottoman timber houses and terraced gardens.
• Dark Canyon (Karanlık Kanyon) — A deep gorge near Kemaliye with a dramatic road carved through the rock.
• Girlevik Waterfall — A scenic waterfall in a green valley, popular for picnics and summer outings.
• Altıntepe — An Urartian fortress site on a hill east of the city, with views over the plain.
• Ergan Mountain — A ski centre close to the city for winter sports and mountain views.
• Tulum cheese — Taste Erzincan’s famous crumbly cheese, traditionally aged in skin, in local markets.

Best time to visit Erzincan

Erzincan has a continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. May to October is the best period for road trips to Kemaliye, waterfalls and canyons, with late spring and early autumn especially pleasant.

Winter, from December to March, brings snow to the mountains and is the season for skiing on Ergan Mountain. Mountain roads can be difficult in heavy snow, so check conditions before driving to remote areas.

Getting from the airport

Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport is a small domestic airport located close to the city, a short drive from the centre. Most international travellers connect through Istanbul or Ankara.

Shuttle buses usually run in connection with flights, and taxis wait outside the terminal. Hiring a car is the most practical way to reach Kemaliye, the Dark Canyon and other sights in the province.

Where to stay

Accommodation is modest, with most hotels in the city and charming guesthouses in Kemaliye.

• City centre — Practical hotels close to shops and restaurants, suited to business and short stays.
• Kemaliye — Restored historic houses and guesthouses for travellers seeking scenery and tranquillity.
• Ergan Mountain — Mountain accommodation convenient for skiers in winter.

Travel tips

• Money: Carry lira for small towns, markets and guesthouses, where cards may not be accepted.
• Getting around: Public transport between towns is limited; a car gives the most flexibility.
• Driving: Mountain and canyon roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and avoid night driving.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly in mosques and rural areas, and ask before photographing people.
• Language: English is rarely spoken; download an offline translation app before you go.