Malatya Travel Guide
Malatya takes its name from the Hittite word "melid" meaning "honey". Eastern Anatolia RegionIt is located in and has a population of 770.000. With its history dating back to 8000 BC, Malatya, which has hosted many civilizations including the Hittites, fascinates with its historical artifacts. An important city during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, Malatya today offers its visitors a pleasant travel experience with its fertile agricultural lands, natural riches and historical beauties.
Malatya is a city with a young population with its universities, and thus it is possible to find entertainment venues and quality cafes that will bring life to the city. You can also buy handmade local products in its centuries-old bazaars and covered bazaars, and discover the history of the city more closely in its many museums. There are many natural and historical beauties to visit in Malatya; from apricot gardens to the famous statues of Mount Nemrut, from fascinating waterfalls to ancient valleys, it offers a rich tour route.
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When to Go to Malatya?
Malatya has the continental climate of the Eastern Anatolia Region. Mediterranean It is a city that feels the effects of its climate together, with cold and rainy winters and hot and dry summers. The city receives an average of 574 mm of precipitation per year, while temperatures can drop below zero in winter and rise to 40 degrees in summer. In addition, the temperature differences between day and night are quite significant. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to explore Malatya's historical and natural beauties most comfortably, with their mild weather.
How to get to Malatya?
Travelling to Malatya is quite easy by land and air. Malatya Airport, located 25 kilometers from the city center, actively serves both domestic and international flights. You can reach the airport with direct or connecting flights from major cities and other regions. You can reach the city center from the airport in approximately 30 minutes with Havaş shuttles, municipal buses and taxis. In addition, the Fırat Express, which operates between Adana and Elazığ, and Ankara, Kayseri, Sivas and Diyarbakir The Güney Kurtalan Express, which operates between 1.3 km and 1.5 km, offers a nice alternative for those who want to travel by train.
Malatya is connected to other cities and major towns in the Eastern Anatolia Region by a strong road network. The bus station, which is very close to the city center, is located on Ankara Street and can be easily reached by bus from many districts.
What to Eat in Malatya?
Malatya stands out with its rich culinary culture and fertile lands, as well as a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. The first flavor you should definitely try while visiting the city is apricot kavurma, made with the famous apricots of the region. In addition, gırık, which is a juicy meatball prepared with potatoes, cabbage meatballs, Malatya kömbe with cubed meat, eggplant pan, sıkma meatballs, cherry leaf wraps and apple meatballs are among the most popular dishes of the local cuisine. There is also a wide range of options for those who like dessert; flavors such as clotted cream apricot dessert, mulberry halva, grape pestil and cheese dessert are ideal for a sweet experience.
Activities to Do in Malatya
- Mount Nemrut National Park Tour: Located 2 hours from Malatya city center, Mount Nemrut National Park draws attention with its ancient ruins from the Commagene Kingdom, giant statues and magnificent views. It is possible to explore this region, which offers its visitors a historical journey, with guided tours. Especially during sunrise and sunset hours, you can take unforgettable photos with the giant statues.
- Nature Sports: Levent Valley and Günpınar Valley, which are among the rich areas of Malatya in terms of nature sports, offer excellent opportunities for sports lovers. It is possible to explore the untouched nature of the region with activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing, nature walks, camping and photography.
- Photo Shoot at Köpürhan Bridge: The historical Köpürhan Bridge, located on the Karakaya Dam, has been restored to its former glory. This bridge, along with the surrounding recreation areas and cafes, offers a great photo opportunity. You can photograph panoramic views of both the Karakaya Dam and the Euphrates River.
- Apricot Gardens Tour: Malatya is famous for its famous apricots and there are gardens full of this fruit in every corner of the city. You can visit the apricot gardens and participate in apricot picking activities, especially during the harvest season in June and July. These tours offer a perfect option for those who want to spend a day in touch with nature.
Malatya Night Life
Although Malatya does not offer many options in terms of nightlife due to its conservative structure, there are more entertainment venues in the areas where university students are concentrated. Nightlife in the city is generally shaped around folk song houses, hookah lounges and cafes. Especially venues that serve with rich food and drink menus are among the popular options for those who want to have a social evening. Quzuu Restaurant & Cafe, Altınyunus Restaurant, Doğu Birahanesi and Şadırvan Fıçı are among the most popular entertainment venues in the city.
Shopping in Malatya
Malatya is famous for its handmade carpets and rugs as well as agricultural products, and offers many options for shoppers. While the Şire Bazaar is full of dried apricots, cezerye and various dried fruits, it is possible to find handicraft products in the Bakırcılar Bazaar and traditional rugs and carpets in the Esnaflar Bazaar. Malatya Bazaar is one of the popular shopping spots where villagers offer their fresh products. In addition, Malatya Park Shopping Mall on İnönü Street, Uygun Park Shopping Mall on İsmet Paşa Street and Üniversite Shopping Mall, which is close to the university, stand out among the city's modern shopping centers.
Malatya Festivals
| Festival Name | Date / Month | Events and Features |
|---|---|---|
| International Apricot and Culture Festival | Temmuz | This festival, held every year in July, hosts the celebrations of Malatya, the capital of apricots. It offers a colorful atmosphere with events such as parades, lantern processions, apricot eating competitions, concerts and folk dances. |
| Anatolian Book and Culture Festival | April / May | This festival, held every year in Malatya in April or May, attracts great interest from university students. Book signings, author talks and workshops are organized at the event, where books, authors and publishing houses come together. |
| Malatya International Film Festival | December (first week) | This festival, attended by world-famous directors and actors, offers many events such as film screenings, talks, workshops and workshops. An experience not to be missed for cinema lovers. |
| Darende Wrestling and Culture Festival | August | This traditional festival, which has been held for 60 years, includes events such as oil wrestling competitions, folklore shows, fun competitions and picnics. It attracts great participation from all over Turkey. |
These festivals in Malatya offer both a cultural and entertaining experience to those visiting the city.
Things to Consider / Important Information
- When visiting historical mosques and shrines in Malatya, both men and women should pay attention to their clothing. Appropriate clothing should be preferred, respecting the sanctity of the places.
- Since Malatya has a very hot climate in the summer months, do not forget to take water with you if you are going to visit open areas, especially valleys and ancient cities.
- To benefit from discounted public transportation in the city, all you need to do is get a Malatya Card. This card will make it easier for you to access public transportation.
Transportation
Malatya has a well-developed public transportation network equipped with trams, municipal buses and minibuses similar to the metrobus used for the first time in Turkey. It is quite easy to find public transportation stops throughout the city, especially at important points such as Malatya University and Malatya Airport. With Malatya Card, you can benefit from discounted public transportation. In addition, Malatya Card sales and filling points are available in many central areas of the city. You can easily reach every village and district of the city with minibuses that depart regularly every hour from Malatya Bus Terminal on Ankara Street, which is only a short walk from the city center.
Malatya has many places worth exploring with its historical riches and natural beauties. If you decide to visit this city, many different experiences await you, from apricot gardens to Mount Nemrut, from ancient ruins to impressive museums. To discover the places to visit in Malatya and enjoy the historical atmosphere the city offers, “Places to Visit in MalatyaYou can check out our article titled “ “. This guide offers a comprehensive road map for travelers who want to get to know the city better.
