Scenic Places to Visit in Turkey
There might be very little talk of Turkey beyond a few famous cities and places but the country is filled with lots of natural retreats and national parks, making it worth visiting this region just for its natural scenic views. The natural wonders of this region offer a perfect way to experience the sweet company of nature.
And although nature’s most extraordinary wonders can be found in many other places of the world too, for a traveller always in search of an unseen side of a country, these places are just what is needed for a nice scenic trip to Turkey.
Natural wonders to experience the sweet company of nature
For a unique travel experience of Turkey, consider visiting these well-known places in the country, ranging from national parks, old cities to hidden waterfalls.
Cappadocia: A Surreal Dreamland
Ever thought about floating in a moon-like experience? Welcome to Cappadocia, dotted with chimneys, cave homes and hot air balloon rides. It’s an otherworldly terrain with its peculiar rock formations, picturesque hidden valleys and underground cities. Get awestruck everywhere you set your eyes, sculpted by giants and dusted with stardust.
Don’t Miss: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride at dusk, Hike to Love Valley, and stay a night in a cave hotel.
Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle
Picturizing a shining white hillside gushing with pools of sky-blue wate, strange right? But it's there in Pamukkale which is formed by natural hot springs. These mineral deposits terraces look like a frozen waterfall from far but once you step in, your feet will feel like a natural spa.
Why It’s Special: The healing waters below, ancient ruins above, it’s a journey through time with ancient Hierapolis perched just above the terraces.
Uzungöl: The Alpine Escape
Cuddled in the fairytale pine forests and misty hills of the Black Sea region, Uzungöl that echoes the elegance of a Swiss alpine village. If you’re craving peace and quiet, the still waters and cozy village atmosphere offer a soothing retreat
Ideal For: Haven for nature lovers, soul seekers, and those who love cooler weather.
Lake Salda: Martian Vibes on Earth
with chalk-white beaches, glassy water, and an almost otherworldly calm, Lake Salda give it an ethereal beauty that has earned it comparisons to Mars. It’s not just stunning, Lake Salda is also the cleanest lake in Turkey and packed with minerals that offer natural benefits for the skin.
Interesting Fact: With Mars-like terrain, this earthly lake became NASA’s window, curiosity to uncover planetary parallels.
Butterfly Valley: A Hidden Coastal Gem
Reach this breathtaking destination by boat or a tough hike, a hidden sanctuary on the turquoise coast. Wrapped in cliffs above, rolling green hills all around and butterflies dancing over a sea that glows like precious stone.
Experience to Indulge in: Stay in eco-bungalows, sleep under the stars. In the morning wake up to the sound of the waves and fragrance of the wildflowers.
Mount Ararat: The Roof of Turkey
The towering mountain shrouded in snow and mystery, standing tall at a height of 5100 meters above sea level, long believed by many to be the landing spot of Noah’s Ark. Whether you hike its slopes or admire it from a distance, this mountain stuns at every angle.
Best Known For: Adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
Oludeniz Blue Lagoon: Postcard-Perfect
Where majestic mountains kiss the sea lies the Blue Lagoon, a serene and crescent-shaped bay with glassy turquoise waters that barely ripples. one glimpse and you’ll understand why it's among Turkey’s most photographed gems.
Adrenaline Experience: Paraglide from the heights of Babadag Mountain and snap the most epic aerial shots ever!
Saklikent Gorge: Nature’s Secret Passage
Ready to feel tiny in the best way?A dramatic 300-meter cliffs, and 18 kilometers of winding path and freezing water, Saklikent Gorge is pure adventure. Wade through glacial streams, scramble over rocks, and stand in awe of the massive walls rising all around you.
Best For: Nature’s own air conditioner, stay refreshed all summer long with cool and breezy air.
The Kaçkar Mountains: Turkey’s Wild Side
A symphony of wildflowers, misty peaks and alpine lakes, the Kaçkar Mountains in northeastern Turkey are a pristine wonderland. Love hiking and wild landscapes? It is a breathtaking retreat for those who seek unspoiled wilderness.
Vibes: Deliver big with lush valleys, glassy lakes, and alpine trails that’ll leave you breathless.
Duden Waterfalls: Nature in the Heart of a City
Think Antalya’s just about beaches? Think again. The Duden Waterfalls bring a burst of nature to the city. It is a cliffside spectacle where water dives into the sea and rainbows flicker in the sunlight.
Must Do: Get up close (and a little wet), take a stroll behind the cascading waterfall and feel the cool mist wash over you.
Uludag National Park
Located in the south of Bursa province, the Uludag National Park is Turkey's favourite winter destination offering a travel journey with a spirit of winter sports adventure. Although generally known for its winter landscapes, the park is equally enjoyable in summers for its hiking trails and camping grounds. The Uludag Center comes with various options for skiing, with shops in the nearby vicinity offering every necessary equipment needed for the season.
The Uludag mountain, meaning the Great Mountain in English, is located inside the national park, surrounded by glacial lakes, forests and alpine meadows, hence making it a great spot for spending a winter afternoon. Mount Uludag has a number of hiking trails going through its rich flora and dense forests. A number of glacial lakes are also located at the top of the mountain.
Munzur National Park
Located in eastern Anatolia, Munzur National Park is one of the most biodiverse national parks of Turkey. The park is considered as one of the most floristic regions of east Anatolia. The Alevi inhabitants of this biodiverse region live in harmony with the natural surroundings given their religious beliefs, whereas the park being a part of the deciduous forest ecoregion has its wildlife and habitat also under the protection of Turkey’s government.
The park, spanning an area of more than four hundred square kilometres is easy to reach from the city of Tunceli in eastern Anatolia. Tunceli has its borders extending as far as the Munzur valley and Munzur National Park. The upper half of the Munzur valley is considered as one of the most scenic landscapes of Turkey.
READ MORE:
Also known as the Turquoise Coast, this region has several places that provide a calm and relaxing journey, making it a must-visit place in Turkey. So, let us look at the 10 must-visit places in the Turkish Riviera.
Seven Lakes
A park within a national park, the Seven Lakes National Park of Turkey in the Bolu province is widely known for the seven lakes formed within the park due to landslides. This picturesque location is located within the Yedigoller National Park of Turkey and is mostly popular for its flora and wildlife in the region.
The park commonly known by the name of Yedigoller National Park is famous for its seven lakes formed by successive landslides caused by a small mountain stream, where some of the lakes within the park are even sourced from underground streams of the heavily forested area. The park is a great way of spending some time in the tranquillity of nature, and is mostly a non-crowded vacation spot. Except for a few picnic tables and drinking water, nothing else is provided inside the park’s surroundings, making it as naturally good as nature wants to present.
A two-hour journey from the nearest city Bolu, reaching the park is an adventure in itself, with rugged roads and only a few commercial tour operators found along the route.
City of Yalova
A small city on the Asian side of the country, Yalova can be best reached through fast ferry service from Istanbul. The city is usually popular with walking tourists and locals alike, with many nearby tourist attractions, and locations with both historic and natural scenic places.
One of the mansions built by Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, the Yalova Ataturk Mansion is one of the old style architecture in the region, with the mansion being converted to a historical house museum.
Besides, the other places which attract major tourists is the hot springs of Termal district in the Marmara region, located on the hilly side of Yalova. As the name Termal suggests, the place is renowned for its thermal hot springs along with many hammams accompanied with a public swimming pool and many hotels in the area.
Manavgat Waterfall
Located near the Mediterranean coastal city of Side, which is the best known classical city of Turkey, the Manavgat Falls are a wide stretch waterfall created by the Manavgat river. The falls spread over a wide area and can be best viewed from a high altitude.
The city of Side is in itself a great place to explore the ancient ruins, along with the place’s modern resort town. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination in line with the Antalya coastal project, making it a great site to explore the less known scenic places of Turkey.
READ MORE: In addition to gardens Istanbul has plenty more to offer, learn about them at exploring tourist attractions of Istanbul.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Egyptian citizens, Australian citizens, Chinese citizens and Bangladeshi citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.