Tours to Edessa

Edessa Highlights

If you are looking for tours in Edessa, here we tell you everything you need to know.

Edessa (also known as Urfa or Şanlıurfa) is a city in southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria. It is the capital of Şanlıurfa Province and has a population of around 800,000 people.

Edessa has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. It was an important city in the ancient world, serving as the capital of the independent state of Osroene and later as a major city in the Roman and Byzantine empires.

In the Middle Ages, Edessa was a center of the Crusader states and was ruled by various European and Middle Eastern powers. It later became part of the Ottoman Empire and remained under Ottoman rule until the end of World War I.

Today, Edessa is a modern city with a mix of ancient and modern architecture. 

The city is an important cultural and economic center in southeastern Turkey, with a thriving textile industry and many historic landmarks, including the ancient city walls, the Urfa Castle, and the Pool of Sacred Fish (Balıklıgöl), which is considered a holy site by Muslims and Christians alike.

Best Time to Visit Edessa

The best time to visit Edessa depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there. The climate in Edessa is generally hot and dry in the summer, and cool and rainy in the winter. Here are some considerations for each season:

Summer (June to August): The summer months can be very hot in Edessa, with temperatures often reaching over 35°C (95°F). However, this is a good time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities and want to explore the city’s many historical sites and cultural attractions.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a great time to visit Edessa, as the weather is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is a good time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, such as the Balıklıgöl pool and the Harran ruins.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Edessa can be cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C (41°F) or lower. However, if you don’t mind the cold, this is a good time to visit if you want to see the city’s historic sites without the crowds.

Spring (March to May): Spring is another good time to visit Edessa, as the weather is mild and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to68°F), making it a comfortable time to explore the city on foot.

Overall, the best time to visit Edessa is in the fall or spring, when the weather is mild and comfortable. However, if you don’t mind the heat, summer can also be a great time to visit.

How to Get to Edessa?

There are several ways to get to Edessa, depending on your starting point and budget. Here are some options:

1. By plane: The closest airport to Edessa is Şanlıurfa Airport (GNY), which is located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of the city. There are daily flights to Sanliurfa Airport from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Edessa.
2. By bus: There are regular bus services to Edessa from major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The journey from Istanbul takes around 16 hours, while the journey from Ankara takes around 10 hours. You can book tickets online or at bus stations.
3. By train: There is no train station in Edessa, but you can take a train to nearby cities like Gaziantep or Şanlıurfa and then take a bus or taxi to Edessa. The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates regular train services to Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey.
4. By car: If you have a car, you can drive to Edessa from other cities in Turkey. The city is located about 950 kilometers (590 miles) southeast of Istanbul and about 500 kilometers (310 miles) east of Ankara. The journey takes around 12-15 hours from Istanbul and around 8-10 hours from Ankara.

Once you arrive in Edessa, you can get around the city by taxi, bus, or by renting a car. Taxis are readily available and affordable, while buses are a cheaper option for getting around.

Destinations near Edessa

Edessa is a fabulous destination for its fascinating culture and incredible landscape.

In turn, due to its proximity to Olympia and Delphi, many travelers combine their visit to Edessa with these destinations, so you will find these sites in several of our offers.

You also have day tours over Edessa. Don't wait any longer to book your excursions to this beautiful destination!