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Erzincan is a mid-sized city in eastern Turkey's Euphrates River corridor, sitting at roughly 1,200 metres elevation on a broad fertile plain ringed by mountains. It serves as the administrative centre of Erzincan Province (plate code 24) and has a population of around 90,000–100,000 in the urban centre.
The city is less visited than Erzurum or Malatya, but that relative quietness is part of its appeal. Travelers passing through on the Ankara–Erzurum rail or road corridor often spend a night here and come away pleasantly surprised by the local food culture, the thermal facilities, and the dramatic mountain scenery immediately outside the city limits.
Erzincan's modern urban layout reflects a painful history of earthquakes — major seismic events in 1939 and 1992 destroyed much of the historical fabric. As a result, the city centre is largely contemporary in character. This means visitors seeking Ottoman-era monuments or ancient ruins will need to look beyond the city proper, but the surrounding province holds genuine archaeological and natural interest.
Before You Go
Visas
Turkey's entry requirements vary significantly by nationality and change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for up-to-date guidance and consult the official Turkish immigration authority (goc.gov.tr) before booking.
Health & Vaccinations
No destination-specific vaccinations are mandated for Turkey by most health authorities, but standard travel vaccinations (hepatitis A, tetanus) are generally recommended. Confirm current recommendations with your own health provider or national travel health service.
Climate
Erzincan experiences a continental climate with cold, snowy winters (temperatures regularly drop well below freezing December through February) and hot, dry summers (July–August can exceed 35 °C). Spring and autumn bring cool to mild days and the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Pack layers regardless of season, as mountain temperatures can shift quickly.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (GSM) from the main Turkish operators is available throughout the city. Rural areas and mountain passes in the province may have patchy signal. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafes.
Getting There
By Air
Erzincan Airport (ERC) receives scheduled domestic flights primarily from Istanbul (both Atatürk/ISL approaches and Sabiha Gökçen/SAW) operated by Turkish Airlines and sometimes SunExpress. Flight times from Istanbul are approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Check current schedules directly with airlines, as frequency varies seasonally.
By Train
Erzincan sits on the main eastern rail line connecting Ankara to Kars, making it reachable by Turkish State Railways (TCDD) intercity trains. The journey from Ankara is long — expect roughly 14–16 hours depending on the service — but the scenery through Anatolia is notable. Verify current timetables and book via the TCDD e-ticket portal.
By Bus
Long-distance coaches connect Erzincan to Ankara, Istanbul, Erzurum, Sivas, and other regional cities. Multiple operators serve the route and the otogar (bus terminal) is located conveniently close to the city centre. Journey time from Ankara is approximately 9–11 hours. Confirm schedules and fares locally or through bus company websites.
By Road
The D-100 and E-80 highway corridor passes through Erzincan. Driving from Erzurum takes roughly 2.5–3 hours; from Sivas approximately 3–3.5 hours. Mountain roads in the province can be hazardous in winter — check road conditions (karayollari.gov.tr or verify locally) before driving.
Getting Around
The city centre is compact enough to walk for most sightseeing purposes. City buses and minibuses (dolmuş) operate on set routes and are the primary form of local public transport; fares are modest and payable in cash or with transport cards — verify locally which system is in use.
Taxis are available and relatively affordable by Western European standards, though meters should be running; confirm this before departure. For day trips into the province — to thermal springs, the Kemaliye district, or mountain areas — hiring a private vehicle or joining a locally organised tour is the most practical approach, as public transport to outlying areas can be infrequent.
Where to Stay
Erzincan has a functional range of accommodation suited to business travellers and transit visitors, concentrated in and around the city centre. Expect to find mid-range hotels, a few boutique-style options, and budget guesthouses.
For stays focused on nature or the Kemaliye district, small pansiyons (guesthouses) in Kemaliye itself offer a more characterful experience and allow you to explore the gorge at a relaxed pace. Book ahead in summer as capacity is limited.
Verify current hotel listings and prices on booking platforms or contact Erzincan Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate for up-to-date accommodation registers. Standards vary and online reviews are the most reliable current guide.
Things to See & Do
Erzincan City & Environs
- Erzincan Museum (Müze): A regional museum holding artefacts from Urartian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods found across the province. A practical starting point for understanding the region's layered history. Verify opening hours and admission locally.
- Çimen Mountain (Çimen Dağı): The plateau rising south of the city is used for trekking in summer and attracts locals escaping the heat. The road to the plateau offers broad views of the Erzincan Plain.
- Girlevik Waterfall: Located roughly 25–30 km from the city centre, this is one of the more accessible natural attractions in the province, particularly scenic in spring when snowmelt swells the flow. Confirm road access before visiting.
- Ekşisu Thermal Spring: Mineral springs in the area have been known for centuries. Several facilities have developed around thermal water sources in the province; standards and availability vary — ask at your accommodation for current recommendations.
Kemaliye (Eğin) District
About 100 km southwest of Erzincan, the historic small town of Kemaliye is set in a dramatic gorge carved by the Euphrates. It retains stone Ottoman-era architecture, old mansions, and a striking canyon road. This is arguably the most visually impressive historical destination in the province and merits a dedicated day trip or overnight stay.
Altıntepe Ruins
Altıntepe, a Urartian fortress and temple site located a short distance east of the city, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region. Finds from here are displayed in the Ankara Archaeological Museum and the Erzincan Museum. The site itself is open landscape; verify current access locally.
Food & Drink
Erzincan's food culture is rooted in eastern Anatolian traditions and the province is genuinely notable for several products worth seeking out.
Local Specialities
- Erzincan Tulum Peyniri: A sharp, aged sheep's-milk cheese ripened inside a skin casing. It is one of Turkey's most distinctive regional cheeses and carries a protected designation. Buy it from local markets — it travels reasonably well.
- Cağ Kebabı: Though most closely associated with neighbouring Erzurum, horizontally spit-roasted lamb kebab is common across the region and found in local lokantas.
- Katmer and Börek: Flaky pastry preparations filled with cheese, minced meat, or potatoes are standard breakfast and snack fare.
- Ayran and Şalgam: Cold fermented beverages that pair well with grilled meat dishes.
Where to Eat
The city has a range of lokantas (casual local restaurants), kebab houses, and pide saloons. Restaurant options are concentrated around the main commercial streets. Pricing is generally lower than in Istanbul or Ankara. There are no globally rated fine-dining establishments here — the draw is honest, well-sourced regional cooking.
Alcohol is available in some venues but Erzincan is a relatively conservative city; availability is more limited than in western Turkish cities. Çay (black tea) culture is strong, and tea houses are a good place to rest and observe daily life.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs accepting international cards are available in the city centre. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but smaller lokantas and market stalls typically prefer cash. Carry some Turkish Lira for day-to-day expenses.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112 (ambulance, fire, police — unified number in Turkey)
- Police: 155
- Ambulance: 112
- Fire: 110
Pharmacy (Eczane)
Pharmacies are well-distributed in the city centre. A rotating duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) system ensures one outlet is open overnight — look for posted notices or ask at your hotel.
Postal Services
PTT (Turkish Post) branches are present in the city. Useful for sending parcels or exchanging currency.
Internet & SIM Cards
Turkish SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or from mobile operator shops in the city centre. Registration requires a passport. Prepaid data plans are cost-effective for short stays.
Safety
Erzincan is generally a safe city for travellers. Street crime targeting tourists is uncommon. Standard urban precautions apply: keep an eye on valuables in crowded market areas and be aware of your surroundings at night.
The region sits in a seismically active zone. Turkey has robust earthquake preparedness infrastructure in urban areas, and modern buildings in Erzincan are constructed to updated seismic codes following post-1992 rebuilding. Familiarise yourself with your hotel's emergency procedures as a matter of good practice.
If travelling into the province's mountain areas, particularly off-season, inform someone of your plans, check weather forecasts, and ensure your vehicle is suitable for potentially rough or snow-covered roads. Mobile signal can be limited in remote areas.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Erzincan is a predominantly Muslim city with a moderately conservative social atmosphere. Visitors — regardless of gender — should dress modestly when entering mosques, covering shoulders and legs; women should carry a headscarf. Outside of religious sites, dress norms in the city centre are relatively relaxed but being respectful of local sensibilities is appreciated.
The city has a notable Alevi cultural heritage, which is relatively unusual in Turkey's eastern provinces and adds a distinct dimension to local music, poetry, and social traditions. Alevi culture emphasises music and oral literature; if you have an interest in this tradition, ask locally about cultural events or associations that may welcome visitors.
Friday midday prayers can significantly quieten commercial activity near mosques. During Ramadan, hours for food and drink establishments shift and some close during daylight — plan accordingly if visiting during this period.
