5-Day Artvin Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Artvin, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
On this page
About Artvin
Artvin rewards adventurous travellers willing to navigate steep mountain roads. The province's rich Georgian heritage — churches at Dolishane, Tbeti, Ishan, and Opiza — represents some of the finest surviving medieval architecture in Anatolia. The Çoruh River Valley provides extreme whitewater rafting, while the Macahel Biosphere Reserve and Karagöl-Sahara National Park offer pristine hiking and wildlife watching. The Kafkasör Plateau hosts Turkey's most celebrated bull-wrestling festival each June. Hopa on the coast connects Artvin to the Black Sea and the Georgian border crossing at Sarp.
- Capital
- Artvin
- Largest city
- Artvin
- Population
- 83000
- Languages
- Turkish, Georgian, Laz
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (Turkey Time)
Explore Artvin by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Artvin
The 8 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
7-Day Classic Artvin
- Days 1-2Artvin city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Artvin
- Days 1-3Artvin comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Artvin, departure
Where to stay in Artvin
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 550–1350 TRY / $17–41
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 1400–2900 TRY / $42–88
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 3200–8500 TRY / $97–258
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Karahan Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Artvin Otel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Çoruh
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Şahin
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Artvin
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Karahan Restaurant
Artvin Sofrası
Köşk Restaurant
Pide Evi Artvin
Çoruh Kafe
Şelale Restoran (Hatilla)
Getting around Artvin
Artvin is primarily accessed by road. Intercity coaches run from Istanbul (18 hrs), Ankara (14 hrs), Trabzon (3 hrs), and Erzurum (3.5 hrs). Within the province, dolmuş minibuses connect district towns; private car or taxi is needed for remote churches and plateaus.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300–600 TRY / $9–18 | 700–1200 TRY / $21–36 | 1500–3500 TRY / $45–106 |
| Food (per day) | 150–300 TRY / $4.50–9 | 300–600 TRY / $9–18 | 600–1500 TRY / $18–45 |
| Transportation | 100–250 TRY / $3–7.50 | 200–500 TRY / $6–15 | 500–1500 TRY / $15–45 |
| Activities | 0–200 TRY / $0–6 | 200–600 TRY / $6–18 | 600–2000 TRY / $18–61 |
| Daily total | 550–1350 TRY / $17–41 | 1400–2900 TRY / $42–88 | 3200–8500 TRY / $97–258 |
Best time to visit Artvin
Spring (May–June) brings wildflowers and rushing rivers for rafting. Autumn (September–October) offers golden forests and mild temperatures. Summer is warm in valleys but cool on plateaus above 1800 m.
Essential travel tips
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) before arrival — mobile data can be patchy in mountain valleys.
- Carry cash (TRY) as most rural villages, guesthouses, and dolmuş have no card payment facilities.
- A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for visiting remote Georgian churches and plateau roads.
- The Sarp border crossing to Georgia is 5 km from Hopa — check current Georgian visa rules at mfa.gov.ge.
- Dolmuş schedules in rural Artvin are infrequent — confirm return timing with the driver or plan to overnight locally.
- Wild camping is possible on most plateaus but inform locals; carry a detailed topographic map for Kaçkar hikes.
Safety information
Emergency: 112 (ambulance), 155 (police), 156 (gendarmerie for rural areas), 110 (fire)
Artvin State Hospital: Artvin Devlet Hastanesi, Çayağzı Mah., Artvin; +90 466 212 1010
Mountain rescue: contact Jandarma (156) — they coordinate SAR operations in the Kaçkar and Karçal ranges
Keep a physical map of mountain roads; GPS can be unreliable in deep valleys
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Artvin?
The best time to visit Artvin is May–June and September–October.
What currency is used in Artvin?
The currency in Artvin is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Artvin?
The main language(s) spoken in Artvin: Turkish, Georgian, Laz. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Artvin?
The top attractions in Artvin include Dolishane Monastery, Pirnallı village, Ardanuç, Borçka Karagöl Natural Lake, Çoruh River Rafting, Yusufeli–Artvin corridor, Kafkasör Plateau and Bull-Wrestling Festival Grounds, and Tbeti Georgian Church, Cevizli village, Şavşat. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.