General Information about Erzincan
Located in Eastern Anatolia, Erzincan is a city known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique local products. With a population of about 237,000 (2024 data), Erzincan is situated in the Upper Euphrates basin and is surrounded by mountains and valleys, making it a prime location for nature tourism.
Throughout history, Erzincan has hosted many civilizations, including the Hittites, Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. The devastating earthquake of 1939 reshaped the city, but today Erzincan is a modern settlement with well-planned streets, public spaces, and growing tourism infrastructure.
The city is world-famous for Erzincan Tulum Cheese, a geographically indicated product. It is also renowned for flower honey from Refahiye, walnuts, grapes, and grape-based products such as pestil (fruit leather) and orcik (walnut sausage).
Erzincan has gained importance in recent years as a hub for rafting, canyoning, skiing, and mountain sports, thanks to its unique geography.
Places to Visit in Erzincan
- Girlevik Waterfall: A multi-layered waterfall that freezes in winter and flows abundantly in summer.
- Kemaliye (Eğin): A historic district with traditional houses, the famous Stone Road, and scenic views of the Euphrates River.
- Altıntepe Ruins: An archaeological site from the Urartian period with temples and fortifications.
- Mama Hatun Complex (Tercan): A Seljuk-era mausoleum and social complex.
- Ergan Mountain Ski Resort: Offering modern facilities for winter sports.
- Ekşisu Picnic Area: Known for its mineral springs and family recreation areas.
- Karanlık Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world, a paradise for adventure tourism.
- Otlukbeli Lake: A rare natural dam lake formed by mineral deposits.
- Refahiye Highlands: Offering cool summer retreats.
- Erzincan Museum: Featuring artifacts from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era.
Erzincan Bus Terminal
The Erzincan Intercity Bus Terminal plays a key role in connecting Eastern Anatolia with Central Anatolia and the Black Sea.
- Ticket offices for national and local companies
- Comfortable waiting areas
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Minibus links to districts and villages
Travel times: Istanbul–Erzincan (~16–17 hours), Ankara–Erzincan (~10 hours), Erzurum–Erzincan (~3 hours), Sivas–Erzincan (~4 hours).
What to Eat in Erzincan?
Erzincan cuisine is hearty, meat-based, and rich in dairy and grain products.
- Erzincan Tulum Cheese: A world-famous, tangy cheese.
- Kesme Soup: A noodle soup made with handmade pasta.
- Stuffed Vine Leaves with Meat: Rich and flavorful.
- Lamb Tandoori: Slow-cooked lamb dish.
- Sırın: A yogurt-based pastry unique to Erzincan.
- Flower Honey: Produced in the highlands of Refahiye and Kemaliye.
- Kete: A traditional pastry.
- Sac Kavurma: Meat sautéed on a hot iron plate.
- Pestil & Orcik: Sweet local delicacies made from grapes and walnuts.
How to Get to Erzincan?
- By Bus: Regular services from Istanbul (~16–17 hours), Ankara (~10 hours), and Erzurum (~3 hours).
- By Air:Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport (7 km) offers direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- By Train: Erzincan is on the route of the famous Eastern Express, connecting it to Ankara, Sivas, Erzurum, and Kars.
- By Car: Istanbul–Erzincan 1,050 km (~16–17 hours), Ankara–Erzincan 690 km (~10 hours), Erzurum–Erzincan 190 km (~3 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Erzincan
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Erzincan Başak Turizm
- Öz Erzincan Turizm
- Seç Turizm
