A Hub of Nature and Extreme Recreation in Türkiye: The Erzincan Region
For travellers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature, the Turkish city of Erzincan in Eastern Anatolia is an ideal discovery. Located along the ancient Silk Road, the region combines a rich historical heritage with rare geological formations. From deep canyons to a travertine lake with strikingly reddish water, Erzincan offers a unique experience for active holidays.
The main destination on Erzincan’s nature trail is the small town of Kemaliye, situated in the valley of the Euphrates River. It is included on UNESCO’s Tentative List and holds the “Cittaslow” certificate. The town is home to the famous man-made Stone Road (Taş Yol), stretching for 7 kilometres and carved into 500-metre-high cliffs. It is considered one of the world’s most breathtaking and dangerous roads.
The region’s main jewel is the Dark Canyon (Karanlık Kanyon), one of the deepest canyons on the planet. It is an ideal destination for rock climbing, BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, as well as rafting and canoeing on the Karasu River.
Other key attractions include Girlevik Waterfall (Girlevik Şelalesi) and Otlukbeli Lake (Otlukbeli Gölü). Girlevik Waterfall is beautiful in every season, while in winter it transforms into a gigantic frozen cascade, attracting ice-climbing enthusiasts. Otlukbeli Lake is unique for its geological structure: mineral springs flowing through red soil give the water a vivid reddish hue.
Surrounded by the Munzur, Esence/Keşiş and Ergan mountain ranges, Erzincan offers ideal conditions for trekking, camping, paragliding and off-roading.
The Keşiş Mountains are home to the high-altitude crater lake Aygır (Aygır Gölü) and the picturesque Yedigöller lake group. For more leisurely walks, visitors can explore the Dumanlı Plateau in the Refahiye district, as well as the Üzümlü area, renowned for its vineyards and its distinctive Cimin grape variety.
During the winter season, Erzincan attracts winter sports enthusiasts. Mount Ergan (Ergan Dağı), part of the Munzur mountain system, is one of Türkiye’s most modern ski resorts. Excellent infrastructure is available for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
How to get there: Direct flights to Erzincan operate from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. The flight from Istanbul takes approximately two hours. From the airport, visitors can reach the city centre by taxi, bus or rental car. Erzincan is also one of the key stops on the famous tourist train known as the Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi).
Where to stay: The city offers a wide range of accommodation, from international hotel chains to cosy local guesthouses.
What to try: Erzincan’s gastronomic heritage includes the famous tulum cheese (tulum peyniri), Cimin grapes and Refahiye honey. Traditional dishes worth trying include kelecoş, prepared with lamb, and the local desserts gasefe and lek.
What to bring home: Hand-forged door knockers, decorative copperware and authentic Kemaliye carpets make distinctive souvenirs, reflecting the region’s centuries-old craftsmanship traditions.
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