Turkey

Varto

Varto

Varto is a small town located in the eastern part of Turkey. Situated in the Muş Province, it is known for its rich history and natural bea…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Historical sites travelers
  • Nature exploration travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
5-7 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Solid guide
More about this guide

Varto is a strong pick for historical sites & nature exploration — plan about 5-7 days. Peak season: Summer.

Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 65/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈2.8 km span)

2 Places to explore
5-7 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: April · May · September · October

Weather

Autumn

15-25°C

Spring

10-20°C

Summer

25-35°C

Winter

0-10°C

How to get there

How to Reach Varto in Turkey

Varto is a beautiful town located in the eastern part of Turkey. It is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and offers a rich cultural experience. If you are planning to visit Varto, here are a few ways to reach this charming destination.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Varto is the Muş Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Varto. The journey takes around one hour, and you can enjoy the scenic views along the way.

By Road:

Varto is well-connected by road, making it easy to reach by car or bus. If you are traveling from Istanbul, you can take the E80 highway towards the east. The journey from Istanbul to Varto takes approximately 18 hours by car. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from major cities like Ankara, Izmir, or Antalya, which offer regular services to Varto.

By Train:

Although Varto does not have a train station, you can still reach the town by taking a train to nearby cities like Muş or Tatvan. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Varto. The train journey offers breathtaking views of the Turkish countryside and is a unique way to experience the beauty of the region.

By Ferry:

If you are coming from other parts of Turkey or neighboring countries, you can also consider taking a ferry to reach Varto. The closest ferry ports are located in Tatvan and Van. Once you reach the port, you can continue your journey to Varto by road using a taxi or a bus.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Varto is an adventure in itself. The town's picturesque surroundings and warm hospitality make it a worthwhile destination to explore in Turkey.

Getting to know Varto

Varto is a small town located in the eastern part of Turkey. Situated in the Muş Province, it is known for its rich history and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rivers, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

One of the main attractions in Varto is the Varto Lake, a picturesque body of water located just outside the town. The lake offers breathtaking views and is a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can also hike around the lake and explore the surrounding forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife species.

Varto is also known for its historical significance. The town has a long and storied past, with traces of ancient civilizations dating back thousands of years. Archaeological sites, such as the Varto Castle and the Varto Cave, provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and offer opportunities for exploration and discovery.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Varto is a place where visitors can experience the unique culture and traditions of the local Kurdish population. The town is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional Kurdish music being a prominent part of the local culture. Visitors can enjoy live performances and even participate in traditional dance workshops.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Try local cuisine like kebabs and baklava
  • Visit Mount Ararat for hiking and skiing
  • Explore the ancient city of Ani
  • Experience hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia

Places worth exploring

2 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Varto?

Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Varto, Turkey.

When is the best time to visit Varto?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Varto?

Travelers often find better value in April, May, September, October.

What kind of trip is Varto good for?

Varto suits Historical sites, Nature exploration, Cultural experiences, Adventure activities.

Is Varto walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Varto?

Try local cuisine like kebabs and baklava

Build your trip

Add Varto and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Varto → Caylar → Karliova · ≈43 km
  • Varto → Caylar → Tekman · ≈55 km
  • Varto → Mercimekkale → Derecik · ≈55 km

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