Lakes and Beyond – Wonders of Turkey
Turkey, also known as the land of four seasons, surrounded on one side by the Mediterranean Sea, becomes the intersection of Europe and Asia, making Istanbul the only country in the world located on two continents at once.
A journey to Turkey is like a poetic escape into the heart of nature, history and cultural splendor. Following this trail will drop you in the midst of surreal landscapes, tranquil lakes, and ancient legacies that seem as if they've been lifted from the pages of a myth.
And How is your Gateway to Turkey Possible?
Your travel gateway is made effortless with a quick and easy online Turkey eVisa application. From click to entry your Turkey journey begins smoothly waiting for you to unlock its wonders.
What is the Turkey eVisa?
Turkey e-Visa or Turkey Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Turkey for a period of upto 90 days. Government of Turkey recommends that international visitors must apply for a Turkey Electronic Visa at least three days before you visit Turkey. Foreign citizens can apply for an Turkey Visa Online Application in a matter of minutes. Turkey Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
So, are you all set to explore Turkey?
Turkey is indeed a jewel which shines bright with its natural wonders and ancient secrets. What you know about Turkey could be only the surface of a beautiful tapestry, as this country is way beyond the famous streets of Istanbul and mainstream travel destinations. With some of the largest mountain ranges, glacial lakes and national parks, along with dozens of UNESCO world heritage sites, read along as you journey through this land full of ancient and modern surprises.
Antalya: The Blue City with the Longest Coastline
Antalya, also known as the blue city, is known for its longest coastline in Turkey. Situated in the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue and emerald beaches, the city, though flooded with luxury hotels, still makes sure to leave an impact with its scenic and peaceful views.
Antalya, being Turkey’s biggest international sea resort, welcomes millions of tourists each year with rising development and funding by the Government to promote tourism in the city.
Cappadocia: For a Journey through Earth and Sky
One of the classical regions of Asia Minor, Cappadocia is home to some famous UNESCO world heritage sites which include national parks, rock sites and a number of underground cities. Home to many ancient ruins, Cappadocia has many smartly designed underground cities with traps located at many locations within the old remnants of these ancient wonders.
The roots of the city go back to the Roman period with many ancient ruins visible, along with natural wonders, with the most famous being the ‘fairy chimneys’ which are cone shaped rock formations spread far and wide around a valley. One of the best ways to gather these views is to take a hot air balloon ride as the sun paints the valley in beautiful shades of orange.
Besides, the place is also famous for its cave hotels in Turkey.
Karagol: Where Secrets of the Black Lake of Legends Whisper
Karagol, a name which means black lake in Turkish, is by all standards more appealing than its name. The lake being situated in the black sea region of Turkey appears the darkest of the blue on the surface, hence getting its name as the black lake.
Kargol Mountains are home to many glacial lakes, with Karagol Lake being one of the crater lakes in the region. Karagol is one of the main tourist attractions of Giresun Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey.
Oludeniz: For a Dive Into the Blue Lagoon
Located in the Turkish Riviera, Oludeniz, which in Turkish translates as the blue lagoon, is a beach resort in the southwest of the country. The beach is famous for its wonderful shades ranging from deep blue to light turquoise. It can also be called as sea of stillness with its calm nature irrespective of the weather conditions. The amazing views of the deepest blues meeting the lush green land can be experienced through many available paragliding opportunities in the area. For its apt location Oludeniz is also known as one of the best paragliding destinations in Europe.
READ MORE: Also learn about exploring tourist attractions of Istanbul for a more immersive experience.
Mount Cilo: Scale the Heights of Turkey’s Highest Peaks
The third highest mountain of Turkey with a height of more than 4000 meters, Mount Cilo as nature’s attraction is growing among nature enthusiasts and photographers. It was only in the last decade that the Cilo Mountains were opened for tourists for visits after being declared as a national park. Beside, the second highest mountain in the country is also one of the most visited areas with its abundant waterfalls and beautiful valleys.
Butterfly Valley: Just As It Sounds
In one of the prominent tourist destinations in the Turkish Riviera, by the mediterranean sea, lies a valley famous for butterflies. This line surely did not jump out from a story book. With rich flora and fauna, the variety of butterfly species can be found in the month of September to October in the region. Also home to small beautiful waterfalls and clean beaches this place could easily be mistaken for a tiny wonderland from the book of dreams. Butterfly valley is also known for promoting ecotourism and any construction for commercial purposes is prohibited in the region.
Lake Van: Where Nature and Legends Collide
The largest and the saltiest Lake of Turkey is Lake Van, sheltered amidst the pristine beauty, its waters stretch to meet the volcanic peaks. The picturesque landscape is immersed in rich history, where the legends of the lost Armenian kingdom still echoes. Its breeze adds a layer of mystery and wonder to the natural beauty.
Imagine! Standing at the edge of the Lake and experiencing its beauty and getting a taste of its legends.
Lake Salda: A Little Bit of Mars
Located in southwest Turkey, Salda Lake is a lake of its kind with its white shores and cobalt waters that shimmer with the sky's reflection like a mirror.
Lake Salda, formed within a crater, boasts uniquely mineral-rich waters, making it an important place for leisure trips and therapeutic getaways. Why draw visitors as wellness-focused trips? Its mineral rich waters are believed to offer remedy for various skin diseases.
The lake has also been subject to various academic studies with its mineral and rock formations found to be closest to that found on mars. Lake Salda is also considered as one of cleanest lakes of Turkey with crystal clear waters and a good place to swim with lukewarm temperatures.
Pools of Pamukkale: Ancient Mineral Springs of Healing
Pools of Pamukkale
Commonly known as cotton castle, Pamukkale, located in southwest turkey is the area famous for its thermal springs. Mineral rich water from the mountains flowing through the mineral terraces collects as a pool of water below thus making this unique formation. The travertine terraces, formed through mineral hot springs are white in appearance and are formed after crystallization of calcium carbonate. Travertine terraces of Pamukkale are one of the gorgeous UNESCO world heritage sites of Turkey.
Lake Tuz (Salt Lake): The Pink Lake
Nestled in the midst of Central Anatolia, this lake is famous for being the saltiest in the world. During the summer season the lake turns pink. The major reason for this is due to the presence of microorganisms.
An interesting fact about this lake is that it is one of the major producers of salt. What’s more? Enjoy walking on the dry lakebed in summer.
Lake Bafa (Bafa Gölü): Mythical & Ancient
Perched in a breathtaking surrounding in the Aegean Region, near the ruins of Heraclea. This freshwater lake houses ancient ruins, and monasteries on the lake's islands, offering a wonderful tour of the past. Be awed by the enchanting mythological stories, and a bit of time traveling.
Travelers, Are You in to Take the Leap into New Experiences?
Turkey, a country which offers an intersection of cultures from different parts of the world is also a place of grandest images from nature with exceptional views and surprising turns at every end. Make sure that visit to this Mediterranean nation is not limited to industrial towns and bustling bazaars. Sunsets are more than just a view from that hotel window just as a country is way beyond its urban towns.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.