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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️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.
Lively scenes of vendors, produce, textiles and local people — great for street and documentary photography, especially on market day.
Scenic low-lying river corridors with stone bridges and reflections; ideal for golden hour and landscape shots.
Wide panoramas of patchwork fields, grazing livestock and distant hills — excellent for sunrise and sunset photography.
Well-preserved rural architecture, wooden details and courtyard scenes showcase traditional life and textures.
Wooded gullies and seasonal cascades provide intimate nature shots, long exposures and macro opportunities for flora and fauna.
Food in Reşadiye
Reşadiye Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge traditionally served at celebrations; you can find it at family-run lokantas and village gatherings.
Must-Try!
Small filled dumplings served with yogurt and spices — common in home cooking and found at local restaurants.
Handmade thin flatbread stuffed with spinach, cheese or minced meat, available at markets and roadside stalls.
Simple charcoal-grilled lamb or beef, often served with rice or bulgur — widely available in town lokantas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly outdoor market is the best place to try seasonal produce, fresh cheeses, homemade pastries, olives and gözleme from stall vendors.
Sample simit (sesame bagel), roasted corn in season, and freshly brewed tea in small cafes and stands around the town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Reşadiye is relatively conservative—dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting villages or religious sites; women may prefer to cover shoulders and knees.
Polite greetings and handshakes are important; accept offers of tea or small hospitality gestures and show respect to elders.
Always ask before photographing individuals, especially older people and women; many residents appreciate being asked first.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering private homes—follow the host’s lead.
Safety
Tipping in Reşadiye
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Reşadiye at Night
Hiking in Reşadiye
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle valley routes along the Kelkit basin featuring riverside paths, agricultural terraces and small village stops—suitable for day hikes and photography.
High meadows and plateau loops offering panoramic views, seasonal wildflowers and grazing livestock—best in late spring and early autumn.
A short drive away, trails around the reservoir and wooded slopes provide varied terrain, birdwatching and picnic opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
Larger airport with more frequent domestic flights and some seasonal connections—approximately 2–3 hours’ drive, offering more rental car and bus options.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is ethnic Turkish, many engaged in agriculture and small commerce; families often have long local roots.
A significant portion of residents are farmers and shepherds living in surrounding villages and plateaus, preserving traditional lifestyles.
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.
The most popular sport locally with informal matches in town and school teams; locals follow regional clubs and play on village pitches.
Traditional wrestling and rural sporting events remain part of local cultural festivals and celebrations.
Recreational fishing in streams and reservoir areas is common; hunting is practiced in season by locals in upland areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reşadiye.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 choices are more limited but possible—legume stews, salads, bread and seasonal vegetables; communicate clearly and ask if butter or yogurt is used.
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.