Top 20 Breathtaking Places to Explore in Turkey

In my opinion, there is far more to Turkey than the packed holiday resorts. Explore the sites away from the crowds to find ancient architecture and extraordinary landscapes. From snow-like natural wonders to hippy beach retreats, and from my many visits here are my choices…

1. The Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz

Few places on earth offer such untouched beauty as the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. This area of Turkey is what dreams are made of; yes, the water is a spectacular shade of turquoise. Not only is the water the most striking shade of blue, but the lagoon is teeming with sea life.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and swimming in the lagoon will allow you to see turtles and sea horses up close, so be sure to bring your gear.

Blue Lagoon is in a protected park with a nominal entrance fee. at times, it can get crowded, but no matter how many people are there, you will enjoy a picturesque experience.

• Location: it’s a resort village on the southwest coast of Turkey.

2. Bodrum

On approach to Bodrum, on one of the many 50-minute ferries leading into the port city, you will first see a pristine coastline with the Castle of St. Peter standing high above the coastline.

Although some areas can be brash and touristy, I think it’s a charming city home to a collection of gorgeous upscale resorts, stunning beaches, buzzy restaurants and beautiful scenery. 

Bodrum is a melting pot of cultures, with several cultural events yearly to celebrate each one. Its 37,000 population welcomes visitors with open arms, and the locals love educating guests on their history, including Greek mythology, in this quaint fishing village.

• Location: The resort is located on the famous Bodrum Peninsula, which stretches from Turkey’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea

3. Istanbul

One of the most ancient cities in the world, Istanbul at times overshadowed even ancient Rome, serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

At every turn in the city, you fall over beauty. It teems with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and ruins. The Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the mosques of Süleymaniye, and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline.

• Location: the large city straddles the Bosporus Strait in Europe and Asia.

4. Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a stunning region of rock formations, subterranean churches, and underground cities whose scale is overwhelming.

There are hundreds of underground buildings in the region. Two of the most unmissable are Kaymakli, which has eight levels, and Derinkuyu, which descends some 55 meters.

Nevsehir, the capital of Cappadocia, is a great place to base yourself when visiting. The surrounding area is a popular trekking route amid the breathtaking and alien rock formations called Peri Bacalari, or ‘Fairy Chimneys.’

• Location: it’s an ancient district in east-central Anatolia on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains.

5. Pamukkale

Few people can ever say that they’ve seen snow at 40C. A hot spot on the backpacking trail and one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders, the Pamukkale mineral spa, translated as ‘cotton castle.’

Stunning white terraces of calcium-rich warm waters spring up from the earth and cascade over low cliffs, forming the crisp, snow-like landscape.

• Location: it’s a town in western Turkey in the Inner Aegean region.

6. Butterfly Valley

The scenery here is gorgeous, with pure turquoise waters and a pristine stretch of sandy beach nestled between two towering cliffs (accessed by boat from Olu Deniz or Fethiye).

But it’s also a special place because of the thousands of butterflies in the trees behind it —hence its excellent name—so this unique place offers stunning views and a kaleidoscope of colour in summer.

There are also no buildings or asphalt to ruin Butterfly Valley’s picture-perfect beauty, ensuring that It remains one of the most photogenic beach locations in the country!

• Location: it’s located on the western coast of the Gulf of Belceiz, close to Oludeniz.

7. Kas

The sea surrounding Kas looks almost like glass, allowing photographers to capture a glimpse of the crystal clear waters in every picture.

The coast is lined with residences and small shops to browse in, but shopping is not the only thing you will have on your mind while visiting.

Paragliding or watching the sunset up the mountain will be a welcomed activity to get a bird’s eye view of this spectacular city. Patara Beach and Xanthos ruins are in Kas and unique diving opportunities for tourists and residents alike.

• Location: It’s a resort coastal town on the Mediterranean coast or “Turquoise Coast” in southwestern Turkey. 

8. Patara

It was once the principal naval and trading port of Lycia, located at the mouth of the Xanthos River. Now, it is a broad, stunning smile carved onto the landscapes.

This bohemian beach retreat is also an incredibly biologically diverse national park rich in birdlife, and I’m a big fan.

It sits not far from the sites of Letoon and Xanthos and a day trip from Kalkan, Kas, or Fethiye. Beautiful 12 km-long Patara Beach, voted one of the top beaches in the world by Times Online, is an easy 10- to 15-minute stroll away from the significant ruins at Patara.

• Location: it’s a beach town in the Antalya Province of southern Turkey.

9. Fethiye

Fethiye is a traditional Turkish market town spread around a beautiful natural harbor on a wide bay. It is a significant centre for scuba diving and sailing on a stunning natural coastline, and I would suggest joining in if you can! 

Fethiye has a very traditional lifestyle and offers a change of pace for travelers who are always on the go. The most famous beach in the country is Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) near Fethiye, a serene lagoon beach with turquoise waters – a far cry from the arid and rugged areas to the south.

Location: It’s a port city on the Mediterranean coastline (Turquoise Coast) in southwestern Turkey.

10. Dilek Peninsula-Buyuk Menderes Delta National Park

Dilek Penninsular-Buryuk Menderes Delta National Park was established in 1966 among the older Turkish National Parks, and I think this place is just sublime! 

It is also known as one of the most diverse wildlife parks in the country, with hundreds of species found within its borders. If you truly want to see it all in one park, this is the one to visit.

It has everything from mountains to pristine waters, so bring your gear and enjoy your time at Dilek Penninsular-Buyuk Menderes Delta National Park.

• Location: In Western Turkey in the Kuşadası district of Aydın Province

11. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan

This is a nesting ground for one of the rarer creatures in the country. The loggerhead turtle nests annually on the beach, and if you are lucky enough to visit between May and September, you might catch a glimpse of these impressive creatures making their way to the ocean.

Beach officials work diligently to stake off nesting sites and protect the delicate turtles from overzealous tourists and other predators.

• Location: Province of Muğla in southwestern Turkey near Dalyan.

12. Ayvalik

Located on the Northern Aegean Coast of Turkey, Ayvalik is considered the prettiest coastal town in the country. It faces the Greek Island of Lesbos, and therefore, the two cultures seem to come together in this fantastic space.

Ancient buildings depicting Greek architecture remain a massive staple in the city of Ayvalik, and this classic notion mixes perfectly with modern life in the area. Those looking for a unique place to explore find Ayvalik ideal. Remember your camera, as you will want to take many pictures.

• Location: the Northern Aegean region of Turkey, 

13. Side

Relaxation is everywhere you look on the Side. The city is a large-scale resort, but you would be wrong if you think you will be brought into an area with noisy tourists and a lot of confusion. 

The site has made it its mission to ensure every guest enjoys their stay in this remarkably laid-back beach town.

Roman sculptures and the illustrious Taurus Mountains offer a backdrop to the city that makes visitors return. Beaches are provided on either side of this Peninsula, so you can visit both and choose your favorite.

• Location: resort town on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast (Turquoise Coast).

14. Icmeler

Located on the Datcha Peninsula, Idmeler is another resort city, but rest assured, it is a city all the same. Again, this is an area of the country where you can go from sea to mountains in just a matter of kilometers. 

Hiking and all forms of water activities are available here, and as in classic Turkish style, crystal clear waters abound. Apart from being beautiful, tourists note that the area is spotless, with abundant toilets and showers for public use.

Friendly residence adds to Icmeler’s overall charm, making it a top destination any time of the year.

• Location: Turkey’s southwest coast.

15. Koprulu Canyon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koprulu Canyon offers ultimate beauty and fun. A national park, It provides the opportunity to hike, bike, kayak, and whitewater raft in one location.

Whether you want to relax under the stars or enjoy a white-knuckle adventure, Korulu Canyon is the place to go. The canyon is over 14 km long, so much time can be spent enjoying the water or simply hiking the cliffs surrounding Koprulu Canyon.

• Location: the northeastern side of the city centre of Antalya.

16. Antalya

Antalya is best known as the Turkish Riviera and, I think, the most stunning part of the Mediterranean coastline. It blends thriving modern city and ancient history on your doorstep, boutique hotels, and restored Ottoman mansions.

Heading into the mountains, you can make the most of the beautiful scenery by visiting the spectacular Düden or Kursunlu waterfalls.

Location: It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region (the Turquoise Coast).

17. Ankara

Ruggedly and rustically beautiful, Ankara is the country’s capital. It is the country’s second-largest city after Istanbul and the center of the Turkish government.

It has historically been a vital and much-fought-over crossroads of trade. The city was famous for its long-haired Angora goat and prized wool mohair.

The historical center of Ankara is situated upon a rocky hill that rises 150 meters above the plain on the left bank of the Sakarya River’s tributary.

• Location: central Anatolia region. 

18. Temple of Hadrian

The facade of this ancient and wondrous temple has four Corinthian columns supporting an exquisite curved arch, the middle of which contains a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory.

Although the carvings are replicas, with the originals in Ephesus, the quality and setting transport you back in time.

The pedestals with inscriptions in front of the temple are the bases for the statues of various emperors. In contrast, inside the temple, above the door, a human figure, probably Medusa, stands with ornaments of acanthus leaves.

•  Location: Ephesus in the Central Aegean region.

19. Alanya

Alanya is a paradise of sun, sea, and sand. If you want more cultural vibrancy, It is a beautiful place to start.

Its pristine sandy beaches, modern hotels, and quality fish restaurants make it a great holiday centre.

The cafes that ring the harbour are popular gathering places for tourists and locals, with three blue flag beaches and many sights, including Damlatas Cave, the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and the Dim Çayi Valley.

• Location: it’s a resort town on Turkey’s central Mediterranean coast (Turquoise Coast).

20. Kure Mountains National Park

Kure Mountains National Park is a must-see place. Although it has only been an official national park since 2000, its natural beauty will envelop you.

With over 129 bird species, nine amphibian species, and 48 mammals documented so far, there is no limit to what you might see in this beautifully complex national park.

The park’s beauty is not simply a statement made by a few, but something stated by many as Kure Mountains National Park is on the global list of must-see places before you die. Hiking through this area is an exciting and breathtaking experience.

• Location: northern Turkey.

21. Northern Cyprus

Half the island of Cyprus belongs to Greece, and the northern part belongs to Turkey; this section isn’t as popular with tourists as the Greek portion, but it’s still filled with gorgeous scenery, superb beaches, and ancient towns waiting to be explored. As it uses the Turkish Lira, it’s also a lot cheaper than its Greek neighbour

My favourite areas include Famagusta, which is located on the east coast, the charming harbour town of Kyrenia (which has a stunning ancient castle), its cosmopolitan capital Nicosia, the ancient city of Salamis and the unspoilt Karpaz Peninsula.

• Location: Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Location of Turkey

Turkey is located partly in Europe and partly in Asia and is bordered by Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Greece and Bulgaria.