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6 places to visit in the Erfelek district of Sinop: Geyik Breeding Station, Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls and Erfelek Forests. Plan your trip to Erfelek with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Erfelek lies to the west of Sinop city centre, bordering the centre, Ayancık and Boyabat. It covers an area of 412 km², has an altitude of 184 metres and a population of 12,565. Founded as a district in 1960, Erfelek, which was separated from the Salavat subdistrict of Sinop’s central district, has 46 villages attached to it.

Geography

Erfelek District, in the Western Black Sea Basin, has a mountainous terrain and is a settlement where Class VI and VII agricultural soils are widespread.

Population

Erfelek is the seventh largest settlement in the province in terms of population. According to the 2020 population results, the district’s population is 12,024, of which 3,905 are urban and 8,119 rural. The district, with an urban population ratio of 32.5%, is among the settlements with a low urbanisation rate. The district’s population has declined significantly since 1980, and the weight of the rural population continues.

Economy

The sectoral distribution of Erfelek district is services, industry and agriculture. The services sector accounts for 84.6%, and the share of the district’s services sector in the province as a whole is 2.6. The weekly market set up in the district is an important draw for neighbouring settlements and is one of the district’s most important sources of income. The industry sector accounts for 12.9%, and the district has parquet, timber and dairy processing units. Most of the district’s people are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming; because the land is rugged and forested, livestock farming is widespread.

Waterfalls

Recently in the spotlight thanks to the Tatlıca cascade waterfalls, the district has a total of 28 waterfalls, large and small. The waterfalls can be visited in every season, and climbing with fixed ropes to the start of the first waterfall offers a pleasant nature walk through a lush tunnel of trees. Waterfall festivals in July and a fair held in September attract tourists to the district, and the road to the waterfalls was asphalted in September 2009.

History and Culture

Erfelek was founded as a district in 1960, separating from the Salavat subdistrict attached to Sinop’s central district. The area around the Tatlıca Waterfalls was declared a nature park by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2011 and covers 720 decares.

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Places to Visit in Erfelek

  • 4 Nature
  • 2 Other
Other

Geyik Breeding Station

Deer and roe deer breeding takes place on a 10-hectare site, supporting livestock farming.

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Nature

Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls

The Tatlıca Waterfalls, made up of 28 waterfalls, are among Sinop's most important natural beauties. Walks between the waterfalls are possible on forest paths and suspension bridges. It is under protection as a nature park.

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Nature

Erfelek Forests

Vast forest areas surrounding the district, covered with beech and oak trees. Suitable for hiking and picnics. In the autumn, the forested area turns into a picture as the leaves change colour.

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Nature

Erfelek Stream

The stream running through the district, together with the green areas around it, creates a calm natural environment. The green corridor along the stream is an important habitat for bird species.

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Nature

Tatlıca Waterfalls Nature Park

In the nature park in Tatlıca village, 28 waterfalls are lined up in the same valley. Access is by private vehicle.

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Other

Deer and roe deer breeding station (Erfelek)

A deer and roe deer breeding station occupying 10 hectares in the district. The source does not state whether it is open to visitors.

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Places to Visit Around Sinop Province

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While you are in Erfelek, you can also see the highlights of Sinop province. These places are in other districts; Erfelek is about 25 km from the provincial centre.

  • Sinop Castle — Surrounding the Sinop peninsula and dating from the 7th century BC, its walls are 2,050 metres long, 25 metres high and 3 metres wide.
  • Sinop Historic Prison — A two-storey cut-stone building with a U-shaped plan and 28 wards, beside the castle walls; known as the "Alcatraz of Anatolia", it was closed in 1999 and turned into a museum in 2000.
  • Hamsilos — A bay at İnceburun, at the northernmost tip of Türkiye, that runs 300–400 metres inland from the mouth of the Deveci Stream; it is known for its fjord-like appearance and is surrounded by forest.
  • Alaaddin Mosque — A Seljuk-period mosque and its courtyard in the centre of Sinop.
  • Boztepe — A peninsula 8–9 km long that carries most of the city of Sinop; the only natural harbour on the Turkish coast of the Black Sea lies on its southern side, and there is a lighthouse at its eastern tip.
  • Sinop Archaeology Museum — A national museum displaying archaeological finds from Sinop and its surroundings.

Practical Information for Visiting Erfelek

Suggested time
Half a day – 1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (when the waterfalls are at their best)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Erfelek

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  • Sinop Mantısı (Sinop dumplings)

    Sinop mantı, known for its small size and yoghurt-garlic sauce, is also served in Erfelek according to the traditional recipe.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Keşkek, made by slow-cooking wheat and meat and then pounding them, is an essential dish of wedding tables. Listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, keşkek is a source of pride in Turkish cuisine.

  • Erfelek kestanesi (Erfelek chestnuts)

    The district is famous for chestnuts and cherries. Chestnuts are among the most widely grown products in the district's villages.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Erfelek

  • Waterfall Tourism

    The Tatlıca Waterfalls form the foundation of Erfelek's cultural and tourism identity. Nature tourism is the district's most important economic activity.

Local Products

  • Forest Honey — Flower honey gathered from the Erfelek forests, known for its natural and aromatic character.

Economy

The economy of Erfelek is based on forestry, agriculture and tourism. The Tatlıca Waterfalls generate income from nature tourism.

How to Get to Erfelek

Erfelek is 25 km from Sinop city centre. The district is reached by road via Sinop.

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Erfelek: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Erfelek?

The 6 highlights of Erfelek are the Geyik Breeding Station, Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls, Erfelek Forests, Erfelek Stream, Tatlıca Waterfalls Nature Park and the deer and roe deer breeding station (Erfelek).

What is there to eat in Erfelek?

Sinop Mantısı, Keşkek and Erfelek chestnuts are the standout flavours at Erfelek's tables.

What is Erfelek famous for?

Erfelek is known for its Forest Honey and its Waterfall Tourism. The flower honey gathered from the Erfelek forests is known for its natural and aromatic character.

How do I get to Erfelek?

Erfelek is 25 km from Sinop city centre. The district is reached by road via Sinop.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Erfelek?

Suggested visit length: half a day – 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (when the waterfalls are at their best).

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