Car & Van Hire - Malatya

Malatya rises from the valleys of the Eastern Taurus Mountains, right at the end of the Euphrates tributary. That puts you within walking distance of a breathtaking snow-capped range. If you have a van hire in Malatya, you’ll be able to travel freely throughout the region with camping gear in tow.

Mount Nemrut is another important destination to add to your itinerary. It’s known for its sculptures, which date back to the era of Antiochus I. It was turned into a UNESCO heritage site in 1987, so this is a bucket list item that’s not to be missed.

The Aslantepe Ruins are further inland. The site is the product of an archaeological dig that unearthed an ancient palace. It’s been transformed into a fascinating open-air museum. You can put the final cherry on top of your trip by visiting the Malatya Museum, where artefacts from the ruins are now displayed. Kayseri Castle is another heritage site worth visiting.

Ulu Cami is Malatya’s proudest example of Ottoman architecture. Much of the mosque has been restored, but it still portrays an important part of Malatya’s history. Rumour has it that this was where the Mandylion was once hidden. This mysterious piece of cloth is said to portray the face of Christ. Malatya Yeni Cami is another exquisite mosque that was reconstructed in 1913 after an earthquake tore it down.

Handcrafts are at the heart of Turkish culture, and Bakircilar Carsisi certainly does them justice. The Coppersmith’s Bazaar includes cauldrons, stones and lamps that make excellent keepsakes. You’ll have the opportunity to try on a pair of wooden studded shoes and view the art of Manusa weaving.

If the scenery looks tempting, it might be time for a visit to Turgut Ozal Nature Park. This reserve offers flat walking trails right along the lakeside. If you prefer a tougher hike, Levent Valley will challenge and inspire you. It’s every adrenaline junkie’s dream, offering parachuting, rock climbing and caving. It’s a 30-minute drive from the city centre but well worth the trip.

Tohma Canyon is one of Malatya’s prettiest spots, and it has all the white water rafting you could wish for. The fishing is excellent, too. Family visitors can pack a picnic and find a table at the edge of the river.

Malatya’s culture is beautifully portrayed in its rich, varied food. You can immerse yourself in local cuisine by taking a Malatya cooking lesson before heading out to Altinyunus for a beautifully-prepared meal. The city’s street food is exceptional and will introduce you to 70 different varieties of meatball. The city is equally passionate about kebabs, which are the perfect meals to eat on the go.

Malatya is divided into two halves by the D300, which runs right through the city, branching southward via the D875. Malatya’s history goes back thousands of years, so its streets can be challenging to navigate without GPS. If you keep an eye on the mountains, it will be easier to find your way. Roads are generally well-maintained and pot-hole free, but if you head towards reserve territories, you’ll need to exercise extra care.

The local bus line ends at The Caravanserai, but you’ll reach your destinations faster with a car hire in Malatya. Taxis are unaffordable, and trains are almost as expensive. It’s far more economical to travel with a rental car.

Traffic is generally light in the capital, but there are regions along the D300 that experience congestion. You can skip the traffic by diverting into side streets on the northern side of the highway. The D875’s intersection is busy during rush hour, but once you pass the main intersection, you’ll enjoy clear roads. The region experiences fewer fatal accidents than most western cities, but locals often drive haphazardly.

Not all hotels in the capital have their own parking. It’s best to call ahead and arrange a secure lot.

There are several commercial car lots throughout the capital. Most are cloistered to the west of Esenlik Tem Garaji. There are two central lots in the middle of the city. Malatya Park Mall’s lot is secure and well-situated. You’ll find Sitmapinari Otopark ve Yikame towards the east of the park. If you’re heading west, Esa Oto Yikama Otopark is an excellent option.

Malatya has clear signage and straightforward road markings, but be alert to narrow lanes. They’re often blocked by double-parked vehicles, and if you find yourself trapped, you have no choice but to wait.

Malatya’s traffic lights are poorly placed. If you stop right on the intersection line, you won’t see the “go” signal. Fortunately, Turkish drivers usually assist by hooting when the light turns green, but you can resolve the problem by parking further back.

You must be 18 years old to drive in the area and 21 to rent a vehicle. At roadblocks, you’ll need to produce your International Driving Permit and motor vehicle registration documents. Your third-party insurance paperwork should be with you at all times.