Things To Do
in Karlıova

Karlıova is a small town in eastern Turkey, nestled in a mountainous landscape within Bingöl Province. It sits amid valleys and rivers, offering rugged scenery and a gateway to the region’s alpine trails. The town exudes a warm, hospitable atmosphere and a slow-paced rhythm, perfect for connecting with traditional rural life.

Visitors come for outdoor adventures, seasonal crafts, and the quiet beauty of Eastern Anatolia.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Karlıova
morning
:

Arrive in Karlıova and check into your accommodation, ready to explore this hidden gem. Take some time to freshen up before setting out to discover the local village atmosphere. A leisurely breakfast at a quaint café will help you start your journey with a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the charming streets of the village, admiring traditional architecture and local craft shops. Visit the local market where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods, immersing yourself in everyday life. Don’t forget to grab a cup of Turkish tea at a local tea house and chat with friendly residents.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional specialties. Engage in lively conversations with locals or fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences. End your day with a relaxing walk under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of this picturesque locale.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the local mosque to appreciate its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Participate in a morning prayer service if you feel inclined, which can offer insight into local traditions. Afterward, you may want to explore a nearby historical site or museum.

afternoon
:

Head out to the surrounding countryside for a hike, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, allowing you to truly connect with the spectacular landscape. This outdoor adventure will offer both physical activity and a peaceful escape.

evening
:

Return to Karlıova and treat yourself to dinner at a family-run eatery, where you can savor home-cooked meals. Embrace the warmth of Turkish hospitality as you chat with the owners about their culinary secrets. Wrap up your evening with some live music or a gathering at a local café.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🧃Bottle of water (0.5L)$0.50-1
🫖Cup of tea$0.50-1
🏨Mid-range hotel room per night$30-60
🧶Local souvenir$5-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, rugged landscapes and clean air
  • Warm, hospitable locals
  • Affordable lodging and food
  • Gateway to nearby villages and trails
  • Limited direct international connectivity
  • Sparse public transit within the town
  • Most English speakers are in tourist hotspots, not rural areas
  • Seasonal road closures in winter
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Nerede?" - Where is it?
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much?

Places to Visit in Karlıova

Visit one of these nice places.

Karlıova Valley Overlook

A panoramic vantage point spanning cedar forests and rolling hills, ideal for sunrise or golden-hour shots.

Old Stone Bridge by the River

A historic bridge with textures of weathered stone and flowing water—great for atmospheric photos.

Sunset from the Town Ridge

Elevated viewpoints north of the town offering colorful skies as the sun dips behind the hills.

Market Square at Dusk

Candid street photography opportunities with locals, markets, and warm lighting from tea houses.

Culinary Guide

Food in Karlıova

In Karlıova, hearty Anatolian flavors prevail, featuring lamb, bulgur, dairy, and seasonal vegetables. Expect slow-cooked dishes, fragrant herbs, and comforting soups that showcase rural Turkish cuisine.

Karlıova Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Keşkek

A ceremonial dish of simmered wheat and meat, often served in large portions with yogurt or herbs.

Must-Try!

Tarhana çorbası

A tangy, nutritious soup made from fermented yogurt and grain powder; comforting and popular in cooler months.

Tandır kebabı

Slow-roasted meat cooked in a clay or stone oven, typically served with flatbread and yogurt.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Karlıova Local Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and regional snacks; great for sampling local flavors and buying handmade goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Karlıova experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable temperatures; higher elevations remain cooler year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm 'Merhaba' is standard. Handshakes are common among adults; in more traditional settings, men and women may greet differently.

Respect for Elders

Show courteous behavior toward elders; address people with polite forms and avoid raising your voice in public.

Dress Modestly

In rural areas and when visiting religious sites, modest clothing is appreciated.

Hospitality

If offered tea or food, accepting is courteous; sharing a meal is a sign of hospitality.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should be mindful of winter driving conditions and seasonal road closures. This region is seismically active, so follow local alerts during earthquakes or tremors. Keep valuables secure in markets and use reliable transportation options.

Tipping in Karlıova

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip for good service is common; round up bills at cafes.

Payment Methods

Cash in Turkish Lira is widely accepted; many shops and larger restaurants may accept cards, but smaller establishments often prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with cool nights in the valley; bring light layers and sun protection. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur; plan activities for the morning or late afternoon.

Winter

Cold, snowy conditions are common; roads may be icy and some trails close. Pack warm clothing, sturdy boots, and consider a 4x4 if you plan to drive.

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; rain can be frequent. Excellent for photography and light hikes.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage; great for scenic drives and longer walks before winter sets in.

Nightlife Guide

Karlıova at Night

Karlıova’s nightlife is low-key, centered around tea houses and small eateries. After dark, most venues close early, and socializing tends to be relaxed with conversations and occasional live music or folk performances in the community spaces.

Hiking in Karlıova

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Karlıova Plateau Trail

Scenic day hike through cedar and pine with river views and rolling meadows.

River Gorge Walk

Shaded, moderate trail along a river gorge with viewpoints and photo spots.

Airports

How to reach Karlıova by plane.

Bingöl Airport

Nearby regional airport serving domestic flights; drive time from Karlıova is approximately 1–2 hours depending on road conditions.

Erzincan Airport

Larger regional airport with more flight options; typically about 2.5–3 hours by road.

Kars Airport

A farther option for longer trips with more international connections; may require longer travel time.

Getting Around

Walkability

Karlıova's town center is compact and walkable, with pleasant streets and markets. However, several viewpoints and trailheads lie outside the town and may require a short drive or local transport; some streets are steep or uneven.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish-speaking communities

Predominant in the area with Turkish language and cultural traditions.

Kurdish communities

A significant minority in some villages; Turkish and Kurdish languages are common; hospitality is universal.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Most popular team sport in local schools and towns.

Hiking and trekking

Seasonal trails in surrounding hills and plateaus.

Winter sports

Snow play and cross-country skiing in nearby highlands when conditions allow.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Karlıova is light; rely on dolmuş (shared minibuses) for local connections. Winter roads can be affected by snow and ice; plan extra time and check road conditions before traveling.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Karlıova.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy lentil or chickpea dishes, vegetables with bulgur, and dairy-based options. When in doubt, ask for vegetable stews, beans, and salata (salad) as fillings, and request no meat broths in soups.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is basic in Karlıova, with a district health center and local pharmacies. For more advanced care or emergencies, travelers may need to go to Bingöl city or Erzincan; plan transport in advance and check facility hours.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide