- Göbekli Tepe is around 11,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Balıklıgöl's sacred carp pool is linked to the story of Abraham
- Harran's beehive houses are a short drive south
- Summers are extremely hot
- Airports
- Şanlıurfa GAP (GNY), via Istanbul or Ankara
- Best time to go
- March-May and October-November
- Type
- Province
Şanlıurfa, usually called Urfa, is one of the oldest cities in Southeastern Anatolia and a place of pilgrimage: local tradition holds that the prophet Abraham was born here. Its bazaars, mosques and sacred pools draw visitors from across Turkey and the Muslim world.
International interest has soared thanks to Göbekli Tepe, whose carved stone pillars predate Stonehenge by thousands of years. The province was affected by the February 2023 earthquakes and by severe flooding soon after, and the city has worked hard to recover. For general planning, see our Turkey guide.
Things to do
- Göbekli Tepe – circles of T-shaped stone pillars carved with animals, around 11,000 years old, about 20 minutes' drive from the city.
- Karahan Tepe – a related prehistoric site further east, part of the wider Taş Tepeler area.
- Balıklıgöl – the Pool of Abraham, full of sacred carp, surrounded by gardens and mosques.
- Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum – home to the Urfa Man statue, among the oldest life-size human sculptures known.
- Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum – Roman-era mosaics next to the archaeology museum.
- Harran – an ancient town south of the city with traditional beehive-domed houses and ruins of an early Islamic university.
- Halfeti – a town partly submerged by a dam on the Euphrates, with boat trips past the sunken minaret.
- Sıra gecesi – evenings of music, conversation and food, a local tradition offered at some restaurants.
Food in Urfa
Urfa kebab, grilled on skewers and served with isot, the region's smoky, dark chilli pepper, is the local signature. Çiğ köfte, spiced bulgur kneaded by hand, is everywhere, and the bazaar around the Gümrük Han caravanserai is a good place to stop for tea or a bitter coffee called mırra. Buy a bag of isot to take home: it keeps well and suits everything from eggs to roast vegetables.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Near Balıklıgöl | Restored stone mansions and short walks to the bazaar |
| Modern city | Larger hotels with parking for day trips |
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Fly to Istanbul (about four hours) and connect to Şanlıurfa GAP airport, roughly 45 minutes from the city. Gaziantep is about two hours west by road and Mardin about three hours east.
The FCDO advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border, which runs along the south of the province, including near Akçakale and Ceylanpınar. Harran is not far from that zone, so check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C. Winters are mild and can be wet.
Visit Göbekli Tepe early in the morning to beat the heat and the tour groups.
Top attractions in Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa on the map
Frequently asked questions
How old is Göbekli Tepe?
Its oldest parts are dated to around 9,500 BC, roughly 11,000 years ago, before farming and writing.
How do I get to Göbekli Tepe?
By taxi, tour or hire car from the city. It is about 15 km away, and the site has a visitor centre.
How many days should I spend in Urfa?
Two to three days covers the city, Göbekli Tepe, Harran and Halfeti.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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