Erzincan
Erzincan lies in eastern Turkey along the Euphrates, where layers of Seljuk and Ottoman heritage meet a modern city shaped by resilience and warm Anatolian traditions.
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About Erzincan
Erzincan is the capital of Erzincan Province in eastern Turkey, set on a broad plain in the Upper Euphrates basin at roughly 1,185 metres above sea level. The city has a calm, orderly feel, with wide streets and a compact centre framed by mountain ranges, and it serves as a practical gateway between central and eastern Anatolia.
The area's history reaches back to ancient Acilisene and the temple of the goddess Anahit at Erez, and Marco Polo described Erzincan in the 13th century. A devastating earthquake in December 1939, measuring about 7.8, destroyed the old city, so the modern centre was rebuilt a little to the north. Key landmarks include the Terzi Baba complex, the Erzincan Museum and the central Dörtyol and Cumhuriyet areas.
Around the city, Girlevik Waterfall drops in tiers about 35 km from the centre, while Ergan Mountain offers a winter sports and outdoor centre with one of Turkey's longer chairlifts. Further south, the historic district of Kemaliye is known for its stone houses, the deep Karanlık (Dark) Canyon and a dramatic Stone Road carved into cliffs above the Euphrates. Altıntepe Urartu fortress and the Ekşisu recreation area and bird sanctuary add archaeological and natural variety.
Erzincan has a strong local food identity built on tulum cheese, Cimin grapes and Refahiye honey, and its restaurants, cafés and bazaar areas make these easy to try. The city is also a regional centre for agriculture, trade, education and winter sports, making it relevant for business visitors as well as leisure travellers exploring eastern Anatolia.
Whether visiting for history, outdoor activities, winter sports or regional food, Erzincan offers a relaxed and distinctive eastern Anatolian city experience with easy access to some of Turkey's most dramatic river canyons.
Erzincan Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring Erzincan with mild weather suited to waterfalls, canyons and historic towns. Summer is hot and dry but good for outdoor activities, while December to March brings snow for skiing at Ergan Mountain.
How to Get Around
Erzincan's compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with municipal buses, dolmuş minibuses and taxis for longer trips. A rental car or private driver is useful for reaching Girlevik Waterfall, Kemaliye, Altıntepe and Ergan Mountain outside the city.
Where to Stay
Most hotels are concentrated around the central Dörtyol and Cumhuriyet areas, close to restaurants, shops and transport. Üzümlü and Kemaliye offer quieter, more rural stays for vineyard, canyon and nature-focused visits.
Food & Drink
Erzincan is known for tulum cheese, Cimin grapes and Refahiye honey, along with hearty eastern Anatolian cooking. Local restaurants, cafés and the bazaar area provide easy places to sample regional food in the centre.
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Ground Transportation Services in Erzincan
Airport Transfers
Travel between Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport, about 7 km from the city centre, and hotels, business locations and nearby districts.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business visits, events, sightseeing and day trips to Girlevik Waterfall or Kemaliye from Erzincan.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Erzincan for independent travel around the city and convenient journeys to Kemaliye, Ergan Mountain and other nearby destinations.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and tours in Erzincan and the surrounding region.
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