Things to Do in Kahramanmaras: 15 Stops from Ice Cream to the Taurus Peaks

What is Kahramanmaras known for?

Most travellers think of Kahramanmaras through its ice cream first: the famous stretchy Maras dondurma, beaten with goat milk, salep and snow from Ahir Mountain until it holds together under a knife. But the city is much more than a dessert. This is a province built where the Taurus range meets the plain, with pepper fields and racks of drying tarhana on the flats, castles and caves on the slopes, and peaks close to three thousand metres, like Berit and Engizek, up high. The hammering of the coppersmiths' bazaar, the centuries-old story of the Seven Sleepers at Afsin, and the cool highlands of Goksun all sit inside the same borders.

The word "Kahraman", meaning hero, in the city's name is not decoration. Maras earned the title for its resistance during the War of Independence, and 12 February is still marked as the day of its liberation. So a walk through the centre is a walk through memory as much as scenery.

One warning: the earthquakes of 6 February 2023 were centred on this province. Some historic buildings were damaged, and a few may be under restoration or closed to visitors. We cannot promise which of the places below is open today, so confirm current conditions on the relevant museum, site or municipality page before you set out. The numbers match the pins on the map below.

Things to do in Kahramanmaras

1. Tekerek covered bazaar

The historic bazaar in the centre is the first stop for seeing the city's heart. The hammering of the coppersmiths, the smell of tarhana and red pepper, and ice cream being beaten at the counter all come together here. This is the right place to watch the local craft tradition up close, eat a plate of ice cream with a fork and knife, and buy spices. The bazaar and its surroundings were affected by the earthquake, and some sections may be under repair.

• Getting there: In the city centre, on foot; a few minutes from the nearby car parks.
• Time: 1-2 hours, longer if you shop.
• Nearby: The foot of Maras Castle and the central mosques are within walking distance.
• Honest note: Choose your ice cream by which local counter is busy, not by the "most famous" sign; ask the price first.

2. Ali Kayasi glass terrace

A glass viewing terrace in Onikisubat that looks down over the city and the plain. The drop under your feet and the mountain skyline opposite make this the easiest way to see Maras as a whole. At sunset the light spreads across the plain, and that is the best hour for photos. It sits high, so the wind can be sharp; bring a light layer.

• Getting there: A short climb by car from the centre; public transport is limited, so a taxi or private car is practical.
• Time: 30-45 minutes, longer over a coffee.
• Nearby: The city centre and bazaar are on the way back.
• Honest note: The glass floor and viewing rules can change; confirm opening hours and entry terms before you go.

3. Ashab-i Kehf complex

In Afsin district, the cave known as the Seven Sleepers and the complex around it. This is one of several places tied to the story, told in the Quran and in Christian tradition, of young men who slept in a cave for years and woke again, which keeps it on both the faith-tourism and the curious traveller's map. A mosque, a caravanserai and the cave sit in the same area, on a quiet, windswept plateau where the atmosphere is far from crowded.

• Getting there: ~110 km from the centre, by car via Afsin; plan it as a day trip.
• Time: 1-1.5 hours; combine with an Elbistan route.
• Nearby: The Ashab-i Kehf caravanserai (no. 4) is a few steps away in the same area.
• Honest note: The region was hit by the earthquake; ask in advance whether the buildings are open to visitors.

4. Ashab-i Kehf caravanserai

The historic han right beside the complex is stone proof that the caravan road once crossed this high plateau. Its cut-stone work and courtyard make a short but meaningful stop that rounds out the cave visit. The han and the complex are seen in one trip; there is no need to set aside a separate day.

• Getting there: Same area as the Ashab-i Kehf complex (no. 3), on foot.
• Time: 20-30 minutes.
• Nearby: Central Afsin and the Elbistan plain lie to the north.
• Honest note: Some parts may be closed for restoration or post-earthquake arrangements.

5. Dongel Cave

North of Onikisubat, near Dongel village, this cave and the springs around it are among the region's best-known nature stops. Its cool air, stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the nearby waterfalls are reason enough on a summer noon. The walkable part of the cave is limited, while the surroundings suit a picnic and a walk.

• Getting there: ~1 hour by car from the centre; the road narrows toward the mountain, so drive with care.
• Time: A half day with a walk around.
• Nearby: The highland roads to the north and village breakfast spots.
• Honest note: The cave interior can be wet and slippery; solid shoes are essential, and steady lighting is not always guaranteed.

6. Baskonus Mountain

The wooded mountain and recreation area southwest of Onikisubat is the classic weekend escape for locals. It is known for its red-pine forest, cool air and viewpoints over the city. It has areas set up for walking, picnics and camping, and it is the one-move way out of the plain in summer heat.

• Getting there: ~40-50 min by car from the centre; the last stretch is a forest road.
• Time: A half day, a full day with walking.
• Nearby: It links to the mountain route toward Andirin.
• Honest note: Weekends get crowded and the car park fills; go early and carry your rubbish back out.

7. Historic Ceyhan bridge

On the edge of Onikisubat, a historic stone-arched bridge over the Ceyhan river. It is a plain but striking structure that shows how the caravan and trade route once crossed the water. A short stop, worth it for a photo and a few minutes on the riverbank.

• Getting there: By car west of the centre; follow the sign, it is easy to miss.
• Time: 20-30 minutes.
• Nearby: Can be combined with the Baskonus (no. 6) direction in one day.
• Honest note: The access road may be poorly maintained; the river bed is slippery after rain.

8. Kocabas mansion

In Dulkadiroglu, a historic house that reflects the traditional Maras mansion architecture. With its woodwork, stone facade and courtyard, it is a slice of the city's old fabric. At times it has been used as a dining or cultural venue; its function and whether it is open can change.

• Getting there: Close to the centre, inside the old neighbourhood fabric; reachable on foot.
• Time: 30-45 minutes.
• Nearby: The central bazaar (no. 1) and historic mosques are within walking distance.
• Honest note: Many historic mansions were damaged in the earthquake; ask about current status and visiting terms in advance.

9. Engizek Mountain

The high massif east of Dulkadiroglu, with peaks close to three thousand metres and alpine meadows, is a target for serious nature travellers. In summer there are highlands, springs and wide views; in winter it is snowbound and demanding. Reaching the upper sections without a guide takes experience.

• Getting there: By car from the centre to the highland roads, then on foot; the dirt track wants a capable vehicle.
• Time: A full day or camping.
• Nearby: Village stops on the climb from plain to highland.
• Honest note: The weather changes fast, and mist and cold are normal up top; take water, a map and a firm turnaround time seriously.

10. Berit Mountain

This peak in Goksun district is among the province's highest and most striking mountains, a massif reaching three thousand metres near glacial lakes. Snow lingers in some hollows into late summer. People come to walk and climb here, not for a casual picnic, and the view is among the widest in the region.

• Getting there: By car via Goksun to the lower slopes, then a climb; far from the centre, hard as a day trip.
• Time: A full day or two days of camping.
• Nearby: Karlidag (no. 11) is on the same Goksun route.
• Honest note: This is a high-altitude outing; do not set off unprepared, without a guide, or in bad weather.

11. Karlidag

This mountain toward Goksun, whose name means "snowy mountain", holds its snow long into the season. People come for winter sports and snow views, and in summer for the cool highland air. It is one of the stops that best shows Goksun's Taurus character, with villages and pastures around it.

• Getting there: By car from central Goksun; in winter, always check road conditions.
• Time: A half to full day.
• Nearby: The same area as Berit Mountain (no. 10).
• Honest note: Winter may require chains and a suitable vehicle; do not go alone or without telling someone.

12. Cinarpinar Mountain

The wooded mountain in Andirin district, in the greenest and rainiest corner of the province. Because Andirin lies on the Taurus slope facing the Mediterranean, the forest here is denser and the air more humid. It is a quiet route for walking and nature photography, with low tourist numbers.

• Getting there: By car from the centre via Andirin; the mountain road is long and winding.
• Time: A half to full day.
• Nearby: Andirin castle and the district centre can be added to the route.
• Honest note: The roads are narrow and slick in rain; take care on wet days, and mist can settle in.

13. Sar Mountain

The mountain south of the Elbistan plain shares its name with the ancient settlement of Comana Cappadociae (Sar). There are wide pastures and views up high, and layers of history at its foot. It suits anyone who wants to combine a nature walk with the past of the Elbistan area.

• Getting there: By car via Elbistan; far from the centre, so combine it with the Afsin-Elbistan route.
• Time: A half day.
• Nearby: Central Elbistan and the north of the plain.
• Honest note: The region was affected by the earthquake; ask about settlement and road conditions in advance.

14. Salavan Mountain

The high mountain in Nurhak district is one of the province's most remote corners. The Nurhak mountains sit in the rugged part of the Taurus, with highlands, springs and almost no tourists. It is for anyone after a real mountain experience and a break from the crowds.

• Getting there: By car via Nurhak, then on foot; the road is hard and far from the centre.
• Time: A full day or camping.
• Nearby: Nurhak district and its highland villages.
• Honest note: Infrastructure and signage are limited; if you are inexperienced, go with a local guide and check the weather.

15. Kuzkaya hill

The hill in Caglayancerit district is a viewpoint above walnut groves and vineyards. Caglayancerit is known for its walnuts and vines, and from here you can see the district and the surrounding valleys. It suits a short walk and a view, and getting to know the eastern edge of the province.

• Getting there: By car via Caglayancerit; far to the east of the centre.
• Time: A half day.
• Nearby: The vineyards and walnut groves of Caglayancerit.
• Honest note: The road runs through farmland with few signs; trust your navigation, and roads can be busy during the harvest.

Which stop for whom

• First visit: Tekerek bazaar (1), Ali Kayasi glass terrace (2), Baskonus (6)
• Faith and history: Ashab-i Kehf (3-4), Sar Mountain (13), Ceyhan bridge (7)
• Nature and mountains: Berit (10), Engizek (9), Karlidag (11), Dongel (5)
• Escaping crowds: Salavan (14), Cinarpinar (12), Kuzkaya (15)
• Food and craft: Tekerek bazaar (1), Kocabas mansion (8)

Five minutes on Maras

Maras is an old settlement founded where the Taurus drops to the plain. Its name reaches back to the Hittite age; caravan routes ran through these valleys, and the Ashab-i Kehf and the historic hans are the traces of that movement. After its resistance in the War of Independence, the city took the title "Kahraman", and 12 February became its day of liberation. Its cuisine and crafts carry the city's identity: the beaten ice cream, tarhana, red pepper and coppersmithing. The earthquakes of 6 February 2023 were centred on the province and the city was badly hurt; today many buildings are under repair, so confirming current conditions matters more than ever when you plan a visit.

A two-day flow

**Day 1, centre and surroundings:** In the morning, the coppersmiths, tarhana and ice cream of the Tekerek bazaar (no. 1); in the afternoon, the view from the Ali Kayasi glass terrace (no. 2) and the old neighbourhood around the Kocabas mansion (no. 8). Close the evening in the centre.

**Day 2, the northern route:** Head up to Afsin for the Ashab-i Kehf complex and han (no. 3-4); on the way back, a nature break toward Dongel (no. 5) or Baskonus (no. 6). If you are a mountain person, give this day to Goksun instead (Berit no. 10, Karlidag no. 11), but then one day will not be enough.

Classic mistakes

1. **Forcing everything into one day.** The province is large; the centre, Afsin and Goksun lie in different directions. Allow at least two days, three if you want the mountains. 2. **Ignoring the earthquake.** Some historic buildings may be closed or damaged; confirm before you go. 3. **Choosing ice cream by the sign.** Not the place labelled "most famous", but the counter the locals prefer; ask the price first. 4. **Hitting the mountains in city shoes.** Berit, Engizek and Salavan are real mountains; water, solid shoes and a turnaround time are essential. 5. **Underestimating winter.** The Goksun and Nurhak roads can close with snow; check the vehicle and road conditions.

Planning FAQ

**How many days does Kahramanmaras need?** A full two days for the centre and its near surroundings; add three or four if you also want distant districts like Afsin, Goksun and Nurhak.

**Can you visit after the earthquake?** The city receives visitors, but some historic buildings may be damaged or under restoration. Confirm which places are open via the relevant official page or the municipality.

**Doable without a car?** The centre and bazaar are walkable. But for districts and mountains like Afsin, Goksun, Andirin and Nurhak, a car is almost essential; public transport is sparse.

**When to go?** Spring and autumn are the most balanced, with green mountains and mild weather. The centre gets hot in summer, when the mountains and highlands make sense. Winter is snowy and demanding for Goksun and Nurhak.

**What to buy?** The beaten ice cream is eaten on the spot; for taking home, tarhana, red pepper (Maras pepper), copperwork and walnuts are good choices. Compare prices in the bazaar.