Things To Do
in Reşadiye

Reşadiye is a small district town in Tokat Province in northern central Turkey, set amid rolling plateaus, river valleys and agricultural land. It has a quietly rural character with traditional houses, a weekly market, and a backdrop of wooded hills and small streams. The area is known for its local farming communities, seasonal produce and simple but hearty regional cuisine.

Reşadiye is a good base for low-key nature trips, photographing rural life and exploring nearby hiking routes away from mass tourism.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Reşadiye
morning
:

Arrive in Reşadiye and check into your cozy accommodation. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the local market to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and interact with friendly locals. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh bread, olives, and Turkish tea.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the historical sites around the town, including the ancient ruins of a nearby castle. Capture the beauty of the surrounding landscapes as you hike up to the castle and admire the panoramic views. Visit a local workshop to see artisans at work and learn about the traditional crafts of the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a charming restaurant specializing in local delicacies such as kebabs and gözleme. Engage in conversation with fellow travelers and locals to share stories about your adventures. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, soaking in the serene sounds of nature.

day 2
Exploring Nature Trails
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast before embarking on a guided nature trail in the surrounding hills. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of exotic birds and native wildlife. Engage with your guide to learn about the diverse flora and fauna that call this area home.

afternoon
:

After a satisfying lunch packed with local produce, head to a nearby natural park known for its breathtaking vistas. Take your time hiking through lush greenery and discovering hidden waterfalls. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and unforgettable moments.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation to unwind, freshen up, and reflect on your day's adventures. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring regional dishes that highlight local ingredients. End the night sitting around a campfire, sharing stories and enjoying the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Tea or coffee at a cafe$0.50-2
🚌Local bus / dolmuş ride$0.50-2
🛏️Basic guesthouse / pension (per night)$20-40
🥖Grocery basket (basic weekly)$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Turkish life and culture
  • Quiet nature, good for hiking and photography
  • Affordable prices and friendly locals
  • Seasonal produce and traditional home cooking
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage
  • Few nightlife options and entertainment venues
  • Healthcare and specialized services require travel to bigger cities
  • Public transport options can be infrequent
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much?
  • "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Çay lütfen" - Tea, please
  • "Yardım edin!" - Help!

Places to Visit in Reşadiye

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Center and Weekly Market

Lively scenes of vendors, produce, textiles and local people — great for street and documentary photography, especially on market day.

River Valleys and Bridges

Scenic low-lying river corridors with stone bridges and reflections; ideal for golden hour and landscape shots.

Plateaus and Hilltop Viewpoints

Wide panoramas of patchwork fields, grazing livestock and distant hills — excellent for sunrise and sunset photography.

Traditional Village Houses

Well-preserved rural architecture, wooden details and courtyard scenes showcase traditional life and textures.

Forested Streams and Small Waterfalls

Wooded gullies and seasonal cascades provide intimate nature shots, long exposures and macro opportunities for flora and fauna.

Culinary Guide

Food in Reşadiye

Cuisine around Reşadiye mixes Black Sea and Central Anatolian influences: hearty, seasonal and largely home-cooked. Expect plenty of fresh bread, dairy, legumes, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes based on local produce. Simple lokantas and village kitchens serve wholesome meals with strong tea culture and desserts made from local honey and seasonal fruits.

Reşadiye Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Keşkek

A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge traditionally served at celebrations; you can find it at family-run lokantas and village gatherings.

Must-Try!

Mantı

Small filled dumplings served with yogurt and spices — common in home cooking and found at local restaurants.

Gözleme

Handmade thin flatbread stuffed with spinach, cheese or minced meat, available at markets and roadside stalls.

Local grilled meats and kebabs

Simple charcoal-grilled lamb or beef, often served with rice or bulgur — widely available in town lokantas.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Reşadiye Weekly Pazar

The weekly outdoor market is the best place to try seasonal produce, fresh cheeses, homemade pastries, olives and gözleme from stall vendors.

Town çay bahçeleri and roadside stands

Sample simit (sesame bagel), roasted corn in season, and freshly brewed tea in small cafes and stands around the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

Reşadiye has a transitional climate between the Black Sea and interior Anatolia: warm summers with cooler nights, mild and wet springs and autumns, and cold winters that can bring snow at higher elevations. Precipitation is spread through the year with spring and autumn often wetter; microclimates vary with altitude so upland plateaus can be cooler year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and Modesty

Reşadiye is relatively conservative—dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting villages or religious sites; women may prefer to cover shoulders and knees.

Greeting Customs

Polite greetings and handshakes are important; accept offers of tea or small hospitality gestures and show respect to elders.

Photographing People

Always ask before photographing individuals, especially older people and women; many residents appreciate being asked first.

Shoes in Homes

It is customary to remove shoes when entering private homes—follow the host’s lead.

Safety Guide

Safety

Reşadiye is generally safe with low levels of violent crime; normal precautions against petty theft are advised. Road safety can be a concern—rural roads may be narrow, winding and poorly lit, and winter driving may require chains. Medical facilities are limited locally, so carry a basic first-aid kit and prescriptions; for emergencies contact national emergency number 112 and be prepared to travel to Tokat or Amasya for advanced care.

Tipping in Reşadiye

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but modest: round up the bill or leave about 5-10% at restaurants if service is good; small change for cafe staff, hotel porters and taxi drivers is customary.

Payment Methods

Cash in Turkish lira is widely used—carry cash for markets, small shops and rural services. Major cards are accepted at some restaurants and larger businesses, but connectivity can be limited; ATMs exist in town but bring extra cash for remote trips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming fields, mild temperatures and occasional rain—ideal for hiking and wildflower photography. Roads and trails can be muddy after heavy rains; layered clothing is recommended.

Summer

Summers are warm to hot during the day with cooler nights, especially on plateaus; it’s a good time for outdoor activities but protect against sun and bring water. Some higher-elevation spots offer pleasant relief from the heat.

Autumn

Autumn offers crisp air, colorful foliage on wooded slopes and harvest activities—excellent for photography and local food experiences. Temperatures are mild but evenings become chilly.

Winter

Winters can be cold with snow and icy roads in higher elevations; some rural roads may be hard to reach without winter equipment. If traveling in winter, check local conditions and expect limited daylight for activities.

Nightlife Guide

Reşadiye at Night

Nightlife in Reşadiye is low-key and community-oriented: tea gardens, small cafes and a few family-run eateries remain open into the evening. Expect casual socializing rather than bars or clubs; for more lively nightlife, nearby larger towns and cities offer bars, live music and late-night dining.

Hiking in Reşadiye

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kelkit Valley Trails

Gentle valley routes along the Kelkit basin featuring riverside paths, agricultural terraces and small village stops—suitable for day hikes and photography.

Plateau Circuits around Reşadiye

High meadows and plateau loops offering panoramic views, seasonal wildflowers and grazing livestock—best in late spring and early autumn.

Almus Reservoir and Surrounding Woods

A short drive away, trails around the reservoir and wooded slopes provide varied terrain, birdwatching and picnic opportunities.

Forest Stream Walks and Waterfall Routes

Local gullies with streams and small waterfalls—short, scenic hikes through mixed woodland that are most impressive after rains or in spring melt.

Airports

How to reach Reşadiye by plane.

Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Airport (TZX)

Small regional airport serving Tokat province—limited domestic flights; from the airport you can reach Reşadiye by car or regional bus in about 1–2 hours depending on connections.

Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH)

Another regional airport with domestic connections—about 1.5–2.5 hours’ drive to Reşadiye; buses and car hires connect the airport to surrounding districts.

Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

Larger airport with more frequent domestic flights and some seasonal connections—approximately 2–3 hours’ drive, offering more rental car and bus options.

Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (VAS)

Regional airport to the southeast—useful if combining travel in central Anatolia; driving times vary and it can be 2.5–4 hours to Reşadiye depending on route.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable; most daily errands and sights can be reached on foot. Surrounding attractions, plateaus and villages often require a vehicle or local minibus (dolmuş), so walking between dispersed rural sites is not practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Turks

The majority population is ethnic Turkish, many engaged in agriculture and small commerce; families often have long local roots.

Rural Agricultural Communities

A significant portion of residents are farmers and shepherds living in surrounding villages and plateaus, preserving traditional lifestyles.

Elderly Residents and Youth Migration

Like many rural areas, younger people sometimes move to larger cities for education and work, resulting in an older average population in villages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport locally with informal matches in town and school teams; locals follow regional clubs and play on village pitches.

Wrestling and Traditional Sports

Traditional wrestling and rural sporting events remain part of local cultural festivals and celebrations.

Fishing and Hunting

Recreational fishing in streams and reservoir areas is common; hunting is practiced in season by locals in upland areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Reşadiye is light compared with urban centers; narrow two-lane roads and agricultural vehicles are common. Intercity minibuses and buses connect the town to nearby districts but schedules can be sparse—plan ahead. Road conditions can deteriorate in winter or after heavy rain, and signage in rural areas may be limited.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Reşadiye.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (lentil soup, pilafs, gözleme with cheese or spinach, salads), but menus are meat-heavy; ask for vegetable-based dishes and rely on markets for fresh produce.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited but possible—legume stews, salads, bread and seasonal vegetables; communicate clearly and ask if butter or yogurt is used.

Gluten-free

Many dishes use wheat (bread, bulgur, gözleme); gluten-free options are limited in rural eateries, so plan ahead and bring snacks if you have strict needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in town through a family health center and a small state clinic; for hospital care and specialists residents travel to Tokat or Amasya where larger hospitals operate. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for visitors who may require advanced care.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide