Things To Do
in Aybastı

Famous nearby yayla with expansive meadows, wooden yayla houses and dramatic sea-of-clouds mornings — prime for sunrise, panoramic and pastoral shots.

Multiple roadside overlooks above Aybastı offer sweeping views of valleys, terraces and distant Black Sea — great for golden hour photography.

Colorful market stalls, traditional breads and tea-serving scenes offer candid cultural photos and street-life detail.

Seasonal orchard scenes in late summer and autumn capture harvest activity, textures and local agricultural life.

A regional melted-cheese-and-cornmeal dish (butter, corn flour and local cheese) — creamy and rich; available in lokantas and yayla tea houses.

Must-Try!

Handmade flatbreads filled with local greens, cheese or potato — common breakfast/street options sold at markets and tea gardens.

Dense corn bread served with homemade cheeses, honey or kaymak; often found at traditional breakfasts and village homes.

Fresh hazelnuts, roasted nuts, pestos and desserts made from the region’s renowned hazelnut crop — sold in markets and shops.

A weekly farmers’ market where local vegetables, cheeses, breads, preserves and hazelnuts are sold; great for sampling fresh regional products.

Small open-air tea houses on the plateaus offering gözleme, soups and tea — ideal for simple, fresh mountain fare and photography.

Greet people with 'Merhaba' and show respect to elders; a modest, polite demeanor is valued in rural communities.

Dress conservatively in villages and small mosques; remove shoes when entering private homes and some small local shops if requested.

If invited for tea, accept at least one cup — refusing can be seen as impolite. Tea invitations are a common way to socialize.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or private gatherings; many locals are happy to be photographed if asked politely.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and offer small tips to helpful guides or drivers. In family-run places a verbal thank you and paying the bill is usually enough.

Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town lokantas and larger businesses, but small markets, yayla vendors and remote services prefer cash. Carry some cash for minibuses, market stalls and tea houses.

Warm days and cool nights on the plateaus make summer the peak time to visit; yayla festivals, hiking and sea-of-clouds mornings are common. Expect lush green landscapes and frequent afternoon showers.

Crisp air and harvest season for hazelnuts; landscapes turn golden and rainy days increase; some plateau roads may be wet and muddy but crowds are smaller.

Cold with snowfall at higher elevations; lowland town is chilly and damp. Some highland roads and yayla access may be closed or require four-wheel drive.

Snowmelt and wildflowers transform the plateaus into vibrant green; variable weather with sunny spells and rain—good for hiking before summer crowds.