Known for its flourishing apricot industry, Malatya is a charismatic city filled with tree-lined boulevards, bustling bazaars and atmospheric restaurants. The city is also a great base for day trips to ancient ruins and nearby Nemrut Dagi National Park.
Things to do in Malatya
Get lost in Malatya's main bazaar. The sprawling marketplace is filled with a treasure trove of stores selling spices, jewellery and textiles. Don't miss the enticing Apricot Market, where vendors hawk everything from dried apricots to apricot cosmetics.
The Malatya Museum offers a glimpse at the city's storied past. It's filled with ancient treasures, including artefacts found at nearby archaeology sites like the Aslantepe Ruins and the Karakaya Reservoir. The Ethnographic Museum is another cultural highlight, showcasing jewellery, weapons, textiles and more.
Venture out of town and you'll stumble across gems like the Aslantepe Ruins. The ancient Hittite settlement is just 10 minutes from the city centre and is strewn with rock carvings, statues and tombstones. Climb up the viewpoint for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Like most Turkish cities, Malatya treats visitors to a smorgasbord of traditional restaurants. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, Hanzade serves an enticing menu of local specialties, including "gozleme" crepes. On weekends you can enjoy live traditional music in the leafy courtyard.
Getting around Malatya
Malatya is easy to get around on foot, while you can also ride local minibuses known as “dolmuses”. Flights arrive at Malatya Airport, located around 35 kilometres away. The bus station offers connections to nearby cities like Adana and Ankara.