Last update February 12, 2026
Corum is a city located in Corum Province, within the Central Black Sea region of Turkey. It is situated in the northern part of the Anatolian Plateau and acts as a regional center connecting Central Anatolia to the Black Sea coast. Corum is known for its historical heritage dating back to the Hittite civilization and its position as a commercial and administrative hub in the interior of Turkey. The city lies roughly 230 kilometers northeast of Ankara and 590 kilometers east of Istanbul.
Corum Overview
- Location: Central Black Sea region, approx. 230 km northeast of Ankara
- Primary features: Hittite archaeological sites, Ottoman architecture, local cuisine
- Time needed: 2-3 days (minimum 1 day)
- Best time to visit: May to September (spring-summer months)
- Cost level: Low to medium compared to major metropolitan areas
- Tourism profile: Historical tourism, cultural exploration, regional travel
Reasons Travelers Visit Corum
- Presence of Hittite ruins and archaeological sites including Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Natural features such as the Kizilirmak River valley nearby
- Regional cuisine with specialties like leblebi (roasted chickpeas)
- Strategic geographic location linking Central Anatolia and the Black Sea region
Best Time to Visit
The optimal months to visit Corum are from May through September, during late spring to early autumn. This period offers the warmest average temperatures and minimal precipitation. Winter months from December to February are cold with possible snowfall and lower tourist activity.
| Season |
Months |
Weather |
Crowd Levels |
| Spring |
March – May |
Mild temperatures, occasional rain |
Moderate |
| Summer |
June – August |
Warm to hot, low precipitation |
Moderate to low |
| Autumn |
September – November |
Cooling temperatures, decreasing rain |
Low |
| Winter |
December – February |
Cold, often below freezing, possible snow |
Low |
How to Get There
Corum can be reached via road and bus connections from major cities. It does not have a commercial airport. The nearest major airport is in Ankara, approximately 230 kilometers southwest. Travel options include intercity buses, car travel via highway, and regional train services to nearby stations, followed by local transport.
- Nearest major city: Ankara (230 km)
- Transport options: Bus, car, train (partial), no direct commercial flights
- Approximate travel times vary from 3 to 5 hours depending on origin and mode
From Istanbul
- Intercity bus services operate between Istanbul and Corum, approximately 7 to 9 hours travel time
- Car travel by highway is over 590 kilometers, typically 7-8 hours driving
- No direct flights to Corum; Ankara airport is an alternative with additional bus or car transfer
From Izmir
- Intercity busesrun between Izmir and Corum; travel time approximately 10 to 12 hours
- Car travel covers about 800 kilometers, estimated 10-11 hours
- No direct flights to Corum; use Ankara airport plus overland connection
From Antalya
- Bus routes connect Antalya to Corum with selections through Ankara, total travel about 10-12 hours
- Car travel distance approximately 680 kilometers, around 8-9 hours driving
- No airports in Corum; use Ankara or Kayseri airports and transfer by road
From Ankara
- Intercity buses run frequently from Ankara to Corum, travel time roughly 3-4 hours
- Car travel on highways covers around 230 kilometers, about 2.5-3 hours
- Regional trains are limited; bus or car are the preferred modes
Getting Around
- Public buses serve urban and suburban routes within Corum city
- Taxis are available for local transport and shorter trips
- Walking is viable in the city center where major attractions are within 2-3 kilometers of each other
- Car rental is advisable for exploring sites outside the city, including archaeological locations
Top Attractions in Corum
Hattusa
Ancient Hittite city ruins located approximately 45 kilometers from Corum city. Archaeological site featuring city gates, temples, royal residences, and fortifications. Type: Historical ruins. Average visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Yazilikaya Open-Air Sanctuary
Rock-cut relief site connected to Hattusa, showcasing Hittite deities carved into stone panels. Type: Archaeological site. Average visit duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Corum Museum
Museum housing artifacts from the Hittite era and regional history, including sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions. Type: Museum. Average visit duration: 1-2 hours.
Alacahoyuk Archaeological Site
Pre-Hittite settlement ruins with ancient city remains and artifacts, located about 50 kilometers from Corum. Type: Archaeological ruins. Average visit duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Incesu Castle
Fortification located in or near the city with Ottoman-era origins, offering views of the surrounding area. Type: Historical site. Average visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Common Visitor Activities
- Visiting Hattusa ancient city and onsite archaeology
- Exploring Corum Museum exhibits on Hittite and local history
- Walking tours of Corum city center including historical and cultural landmarks
- Tasting traditional foods such as roasted chickpeas (leblebi) in local markets
- Day trips to nearby archaeological sites like Alacahoyuk and Yazilikaya
Suggested Corum Visit Duration
A minimum of one full day allows visiting the city museum and some urban sites. Two to three days enables exploration of major prehistoric sites such as Hattusa and Alacahoyuk, with time for travel and local activities.
Nearby Destinations
- Hattusa – approximately 45 kilometers / 1-hour drive
- Alacahoyuk – approximately 50 kilometers / 1-hour drive
- Samsun (Black Sea coast city) – approximately 200 kilometers / 3-hour drive
- Ankara (capital city) – approximately 230 kilometers / 3-hour drive
Practical Information
| Climate |
Continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters |
| Seasonality notes |
High visitor season in late spring to early autumn; winter has low tourism due to cold weather |
| Crowd levels |
Moderate during May-September; low in winter months |
| Constraints or limitations |
No commercial airport in city; some archaeological sites are outside urban area and require transport; winter weather may restrict access |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of travelers visit Corum?
Travelers interested in history, archaeology, and cultural exploration commonly visit Corum. Visitors include individuals focused on ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, as well as regional tourists exploring central Turkey. The city is less frequented by mass tourism, attracting mainly specialized and cultural travelers.
How many days are needed to visit Corum?
A minimum of one day allows visiting city attractions like the museum and some historical sites. Two to three days are recommended for including major archaeological locations such as Hattusa and Alacahoyuk. Additional time may be needed if combining Corum with other regional destinations.
Is Corum safe for travelers?
Corum is generally considered safe for travelers. It has standard urban and road safety conditions typical of regional Turkish cities. Usual precautions for personal belongings and travel safety apply, especially when visiting remote archaeological sites.
When is the best time to visit Corum?
The best months to visit are May through September, when the weather is warm and dry. Winter months often have cold temperatures and snow, which can restrict access to outdoor sites and reduce services. Spring and summer months provide better conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Written by Mia Fernandez
Mia is a lifestyle and travel influencer from Spain. She visited Turkey to explore its diverse landscapes, from Istanbul’s rooftops to the beaches of Antalya. Mia writes about city life, cultural festivals, and scenic destinations.