Erzincan

Cradled between the Munzur Mountains and the upper reaches of the Euphrates River in the heart of eastern Anatolia, Erzincan is a city of ancient civilisations, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary natural beauty. One of the most strategically significant cities on the historic Silk Road, Erzincan has been home to Urartians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on a land of remarkable richness. Today the province enchants visitors with the stone-paved lanes and clifftop vistas of Kemaliye, the frozen winter spectacle of Girlevik Waterfall, the blood-red travertine shores of Otlukbeli Lake, and the exhilarating ski slopes of Ergan Mountain. For those who love history, wild nature, and authentic eastern Anatolian character, Erzincan is a destination of pure and enduring wonder.

Erzincan's Historical Landmarks

  • Altıntepe Ancient City – One of the most important Urartu-era archaeological sites in Anatolia, dating back to the 9th century BC, with royal tombs, temple remains, and a wealth of artefacts that illuminate one of the ancient world's great civilisations.

  • Mama Hatun Tomb and Caravanserai – A magnificent 13th-century Seljuk complex in Tercan, comprising an octagonal mausoleum of exceptional architectural elegance and one of the finest surviving Seljuk caravanserais in eastern Türkiye.

  • Kemaliye (Eğin) – A breathtakingly beautiful historic town carved into the cliffs above the Euphrates Gorge, with traditional stone houses, narrow winding lanes, and the legendary Kemaliye Stone Road hewn directly into the canyon walls.

  • Kemaliye Stone Road (Taş Yolu) – A remarkable feat of engineering cut into the sheer rock face of the Euphrates Canyon, offering one of the most dramatic and unforgettable walks in all of eastern Türkiye.

  • Kemah Castle and Gülabibey Mosque – The ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress above the historic town of Kemah, alongside the beautifully preserved 14th-century Gülabibey Mosque, one of the region's finest examples of early Ottoman architecture.

  • Köroğlu Cave – A legendary cave near Refahiye steeped in the folklore of the famous Anatolian folk hero Köroğlu, with stone-carved seating and formations said to include the hoof prints of his celebrated horse.

  • Ekşisu Spa and Picnic Area – A historic mineral spring just outside Erzincan city, long renowned for the healing properties of its naturally carbonated waters and a beloved local retreat for rest and relaxation.

  • Otlukbeli Lake – A hauntingly beautiful natural lake whose vivid crimson waters are coloured by mineral-rich travertine deposits, designated a natural protected area since 1994 and one of the most visually striking landscapes in eastern Türkiye.

a man riding a surfboard on top of a wave

Must-Sees!

Kemaliye and the Stone Road

Girlevik Waterfall

Mama Hatun Tomb and Caravanserai

green textile with white light

Explore Erzincan

  • Walk the Kemaliye Stone Road – Follow the legendary cliff-carved path through the Euphrates Canyon, one of Türkiye's most dramatic and unforgettable trekking experiences, before exploring the beautiful historic town above.

  • Visit Mama Hatun's Caravanserai – Marvel at the octagonal Seljuk mausoleum and the grand caravanserai at Tercan, two of the finest examples of medieval Islamic architecture anywhere in eastern Anatolia.

  • Discover Altıntepe's Urartu Ruins – Step back three thousand years at one of Anatolia's most significant archaeological sites, where royal Urartu tombs and temple foundations speak of a brilliant and long-vanished civilisation.

  • Ski Ergan Mountain – Head to the Ergan Ski Resort for excellent winter skiing and snowboarding on the high slopes above Erzincan, with spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding mountain ranges.

  • See the Crimson Waters of Otlukbeli Lake – Visit one of eastern Türkiye's most visually extraordinary natural sites, where mineral travertines stain the lake a deep and otherworldly red.

  • Chase Girlevik Waterfall in Winter – Journey to Girlevik in the cold months to witness the spectacular sight of the frozen waterfall, a shimmering curtain of ice set against the snow-covered highland landscape.

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