Open Travel Guide
Erzincan

World · 10 Places · Best May–June and September–October

Erzincan

Erzincan is a provincial capital in eastern Turkey set at 1,185 metres in a broad valley carved by the Fırat (Euphrates) River. The province stretches from the volcanic peaks of the Mercan Mountains in the west to the high plateaux bordering Erzurum in the east. Erzincan is renowned throughout Turkey for two things: its exquisite telkari silver filigree jewellery tradition and its Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, pungent cheese matured in a goatskin pouch. The surrounding landscape rewards visitors with deep river gorges, thermal springs, Urartu-era ruins, and one of eastern Turkey's best ski resorts at Ergan Mountain.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Capital
Erzincan
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Time zone
UTC+3 (Turkey Time)
Best time
May–June and September–October
Places
10 curated
On this page

About Erzincan

Erzincan sits at the crossroads of major Anatolian trade routes and has been settled since at least the Bronze Age. The Mama Hatun Caravanserai complex at Tercan — a masterpiece of Anatolian Seljuk architecture — anchors the region's history, while Altıntepe's Urartu fortress excavations trace a civilisation dating to the 9th century BC. The Kemah Gorge on the Euphrates is one of eastern Turkey's most dramatic landscapes, and the historic town of Kemaliye (Eğin) clings to cliffs above the river in picture-perfect fashion. Ergan Mountain Ski Centre operates at up to 2,800 m and draws visitors from across eastern Turkey each winter. Summers are warm and dry, with highland plateaux offering cooler escapes and superb wildflower meadows.

Capital
Erzincan
Largest city
Erzincan
Population
240000
Languages
Turkish, Kurdish, Zazaki
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time zone
UTC+3 (Turkey Time)

Explore Erzincan by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

Best places to visit in Erzincan

The 10 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.

5-Day Erzincan Explorer

  • Day 1Arrive in Erzincan, 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

7-Day Classic Erzincan

  • Days 1-2Erzincan city highlights
  • Days 3-4Regional exploration
  • Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
  • Day 7Return and departure

14-Day Ultimate Erzincan

  • Days 1-3Erzincan comprehensive city tour
  • Days 4-6Northern region exploration
  • Days 7-9Eastern highlights
  • Days 10-12Southern attractions
  • Days 13-14Return to Erzincan, departure

Where to stay in Erzincan

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Budget 480–1200 TRY / $14.50–36

Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.

Mid-range 1200–2750 TRY / $36–82

Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.

Luxury 2700–8500 TRY / $81–255

World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.

Where to eat in Erzincan

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Güzelyurt Restaurant

Eastern Anatolian / Turkish · 80–200 TRY / $2.40–6 per meal

Fırat Balık Restaurant

Freshwater Fish / Turkish · 120–350 TRY / $3.60–10.50 per meal

Çağrı Restaurant

Turkish / Kebap · 120–280 TRY / $3.60–8.40 per meal

Mehmet Usta Pide Salonu

Turkish Pide · 60–150 TRY / $1.80–4.50 per meal

Şehir Lokantası

Turkish / Home Cooking · 70–160 TRY / $2.10–4.80 per meal

Merkez Pide ve Lahmacun

Turkish Lahmacun · 40–120 TRY / $1.20–3.60 per meal

Getting around Erzincan

Erzincan is well-connected by air and road. The D070 highway runs east–west through the city linking it to Erzurum (185 km east) and Sivas (225 km west). Intercity coaches serve all major Turkish cities. The Erzincan rail station on the Ankara–Erzurum line provides overnight train connections. Within the province, dolmuş minibuses reach district centres; taxis and private car rental are needed for remote sites.

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.

Category Budget Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation 300–600 TRY / $9–18 700–1400 TRY / $21–42 1500–4000 TRY / $45–120
Food (per day) 100–250 TRY / $3–7.50 250–550 TRY / $7.50–16.50 500–1500 TRY / $15–45
Transportation 80–200 TRY / $2.40–6 150–400 TRY / $4.50–12 400–1500 TRY / $12–45
Activities 0–150 TRY / $0–4.50 100–400 TRY / $3–12 300–1500 TRY / $9–45
Daily total 480–1200 TRY / $14.50–36 1200–2750 TRY / $36–82 2700–8500 TRY / $81–255

Best time to visit Erzincan

Spring (May–June) brings wildflowers to highland plateaux and ideal rafting on the Euphrates tributaries. Autumn (September–October) offers golden landscapes, harvest festivals, and comfortable temperatures. Skiing at Ergan peaks December–March. Summer is warm and dry in the valley but cool at elevation.

Essential travel tips

  • Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) before leaving Erzincan city — mobile coverage is patchy in the Kemah and Kemaliye gorges.
  • Carry cash (TRY) — Erzincan's districts and most rural restaurants and guesthouses do not accept cards.
  • Tulum peyniri (goatskin-aged cheese) is Erzincan's most prized souvenir; buy from certified producers in the city bazaar or Üzümlü district.
  • For skiing at Ergan Mountain, rent equipment on-site (ski + boots + poles: 300–500 TRY / $9–15 per day); book lodging in advance for weekends in January and February.
  • The Erzincan–Kemaliye road via Karanlık Canyon involves a dramatic single-lane tunnel section — drive slowly and use headlights.
  • Emergency numbers: 112 (ambulance), 155 (police), 156 (gendarmerie for rural areas), 110 (fire). Erzincan State Hospital: +90 446 214 4444.

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

INFO

Emergency: 112 (ambulance), 155 (police), 156 (gendarmerie for rural areas), 110 (fire)

INFO

Erzincan State Hospital (Devlet Hastanesi): Fevzipaşa Mah., Dr. Nusret Karasu Cad., Erzincan; +90 446 214 4444

INFO

For mountain emergencies: contact Jandarma (156) — they coordinate search and rescue in the Mercan and Munzur ranges

INFO

Erzincan Airport is 5 km from city; taxi fare is 80–120 TRY / $2.40–3.60 (metered)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Erzincan?

The best time to visit Erzincan is May–June and September–October.

What currency is used in Erzincan?

The currency in Erzincan 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 Erzincan?

The main language(s) spoken in Erzincan: Turkish, Kurdish, Zazaki. 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 Erzincan?

The top attractions in Erzincan include Kemah Gorge and Castle, Kemah district, Mama Hatun Külliyesi (Complex), Tercan, Altıntepe Urartu Fortress, Üzümlü district, Girlevik Waterfall, 12 km south of Erzincan, and Ergan Mountain Ski Resort. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.