Tatlıca Waterfalls: 28 Cascades Near Erfelek

On this page

1. What are Tatlıca Waterfalls?
2. How do you get to Tatlıca Waterfalls?
3. When is the best time to visit Tatlıca Waterfalls?
4. What is the history of Tatlıca Waterfalls?
5. How were Tatlıca Waterfalls formed?
6. What are Tatlıca Waterfalls famous for?
7. What can you do at Tatlıca Waterfalls?
8. Frequently asked questions about Tatlıca Waterfalls
9. What do the official records say about Tatlıca Waterfalls?

What are Tatlıca Waterfalls?

The Tatlıca Waterfalls (Tatlıca Şelaleleri), also known as the Erfelek Waterfalls, are a string of 28 cascades on a small stream in the forested hills south of Sinop. The 2002 inventory calls them one of the few natural beauties of their kind in the country, and describes the walk along the falls, in a narrow and wooded valley, as very enjoyable and exciting.

None of the falls is very high. What makes the place special is the sequence: the stream drops from one rock step to the next through a hanging valley, with pools between them, and a path, stairs and wooden bridges climb beside it. The provincial directorate lists the falls among the most visited places in Sinop.

How do you get to Tatlıca Waterfalls?

The falls are about 42 km from Sinop city centre. Drive south to Erfelek, then about 17 km on to Tatlıca village; the road follows the western shore of the Erfelek Dam reservoir. Allow about an hour from Sinop by car.

Public transport is limited, so a car, taxi or organised day trip from Sinop is the practical option. There is a picnic area and parking at the start of the trail.

Tours in Anatolia

−5% Istambul readers save 5% on every tour below — applied at checkout.

See all tours

Partner listings via GetYourGuide · free cancellation on most

When is the best time to visit Tatlıca Waterfalls?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: the stream carries more water, and the forest colours are at their best. Summer is the busiest season and the shaded valley is cool, but the water level is lower. Weekends in July and August bring crowds, so go on a weekday or early in the morning. After heavy rain, the rocks and stairs are slippery.

What is the history of Tatlıca Waterfalls?

For a long time only the lower falls were known, and only to a few villagers. The full chain of falls came to wider attention in 1997, when teams from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) building the Erfelek dam explored the valley.

The falls were declared a natural site, and in 2011 they were transferred to the Ministry of Forestry and added to Türkiye’s list of nature parks. The nature park covers about 45 hectares, including the picnic area. Paths, stairs and bridges have since been built along the falls and an old water mill has been restored.

How were Tatlıca Waterfalls formed?

The falls are fed by the Karasu, a small stream with a low flow but a steep bed, falling about 17 metres in every hundred. Instead of carving a single deep gorge, it drops through a hanging valley over a series of rock ledges, so the water moves from step to step, collecting in a pool below each one before tipping over the next. That is why there are so many falls in such a short distance, and why the flow changes so much with the season: after spring rain every step runs white, while in a dry late summer some of the upper falls shrink to a trickle.

What are Tatlıca Waterfalls famous for?

• Twenty-eight falls in a row, each with its own pool, in a short distance.
• The walk. Visitors can climb beside the falls on stairs and walkways without getting wet, or wade in some of the lower pools.
• Forest. Dense Black Sea woodland keeps the valley shaded and green.

What can you do at Tatlıca Waterfalls?

Climb the falls. The trail follows the stream upward past one cascade after another. Most people walk part of the way and turn back; going to the upper falls takes longer and the path is steeper.

Paddle and cool off. On hot days, many visitors wade in the lower pools. Wear shoes with grip, since the rock is smooth and wet.

Picnic. The picnic area at the bottom of the valley is popular with local families at weekends.

See the old water mill that has been restored in the park.

Visiting tips. Wear trainers or walking sandals with a good grip rather than flip-flops, and bring a change of clothes if you plan to wade. The valley stays cool and damp even in summer, so a light layer is useful in spring and autumn. An entrance fee has been charged in the past; check locally. If you want photographs without crowds, arrive soon after opening on a weekday, when the lower falls are often empty.

Combine with the coast. Back towards Sinop, the Bektaşağa village pond, on the Sinop–Erfelek road 20 km from the city, is listed in the inventory for its traditional festivities, forest and fishing.

Frequently asked questions about Tatlıca Waterfalls

What do the official records say about Tatlıca Waterfalls?

Located in the Gürleyik area of Tatlıca village, Erfelek district, and made up of 28 waterfalls large and small, the falls are one of the few natural beauties of their kind in our country. They are reached by passing through the district of Erfelek, after 14 km. Walking along the falls, which lie in a narrow and wooded valley, is very enjoyable and exciting.

Declared a natural site, the falls form a very important potential for tourism with their natural beauty and the richness of their scenery. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Sinop Provincial Tourism Inventory, 2002)