Car & Van Hire - Elazig

Elazig is one of the top destinations in the Anatolia region. Visitors flock to the city for its gorgeous scenery and delicious cuisine. Whether you want to explore some natural wonders or just sit back and nibble on stuffed kofte or roasted chickpeas, this is an excellent destination. Car rental in Elazig helps you see the best of the city and the surrounding Anatolian countryside.

A sightseeing trip around Elazig should start with a visit to Harput Kalesi, the city's castle. Its nickname, "Milk Castle", refers to a local legend. Apparently, there was no water available to mix the mortar while it was being built, so the workmen used milk instead. Whether it's true or not, the castle is certainly worth a visit. The oldest parts date back to the 8th century BC when it was built by the Urartians. Over the centuries, it has been controlled by the Persians, Armenians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. As you walk around, you can admire its remarkable history, as well as enjoy the views across the city.

Elazig has been inhabited for thousands of years, and you can learn more about it with a trip to the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. The oldest exhibits here date back to the Paleolithic era. There's a wealth of exhibitions to admire, including an impressive collection of Ottoman rugs.

Nature lovers can take advantage of car or van rental in Elazig to see the wonders of Anatolia. Hazar Lake is a popular spot for a day trip. In summer, you can go for a dip in the water or try different sports, such as kayaking. It's particularly renowned as one of Turkey's most romantic locations. Wait until the stars come out, then go for a walk along the lakeshore with that special someone! If you're visiting in winter, go to Hazar Baba. This mountain is the ideal place to try skiing.

Another great option for a trip outside the city is Buzluk Cave, 11 km from Elazig. This ice cave remains chilled all year round. It used to form an important part of the local economy, as people would collect ice in summer and sell it. Today, it is better known as a spot for visitors. The ice formations inside the cave are well worth admiring. While you're here, you can also enjoy some of the best views of the nearby Keban Dam.

Rush hour in Elazig runs from about 07:00-10:00 and starts again at around 16:00. It's a good idea to avoid the city centre during this time, although traffic is nowhere near the levels that you'll find in Istanbul. Try looking for an alternative route if you are driving during rush hour. The Turkish government has prioritised improving roads and traffic flow, so things are far better nowadays than they were in the past.

If you are driving in the centre of Elazig, roads are often very narrow. The same is true if you head out of the city into small towns and villages. Take care when parking. You'll probably want to tuck your wing mirror when you park your car to prevent it from being hit by passing cars.

There are no parking meters in Elazig, but that doesn't mean on-street parking is free! Instead, you will usually find that a parking attendant approaches you as you park, and you should pay them directly. Alternatively, go to an "Oto Park", the Turkish name for a large car park. Some of the largest and most central include Ibram Ethem Kapali Oto Park and Yesilgul Kapali Oto Park. Parking spots in Turkish city car parks are cramped tightly together, so you may have to give your keys to the attendant and let them park your car.

When driving outside the city, you can expect the highways to generally be in good condition. Watch out for toll roads. For example, if you are driving from Elazig to Keban, you will need to pay a toll. You are required to fit your car with an HGS device to pay. This often takes the form of a sticker with an electronic chip. There is no alternative, as toll booths in Turkey no longer accept cash or card payments.

When stopping at a traffic light in Turkey, do not pull all the way up to the line. Traffic lights here are set further back than they are in other countries, so if you go too close to the line, you will not be able to see when the lights change colour.

It tends to snow in and around Elazig from late November to late March. If you are visiting at this time of year, be prepared for snowy conditions, particularly if you want to head out of the city to explore nature.