The vibrant city of Istanbul is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Turkey. Nevertheless, the country possesses a variety of magnificent destinations and stunning landscapes that could well be found in a real-life fairytale. We’ve gathered together the gorgeous sites in Turkey, from the Butterfly Valley, huddled in cliffs along the Lycian Way to the bizarre fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. If you are eager to see these beautiful places in Turkey, apply for a turkey visa online right away.
Balat, Istanbul
Istanbul, filled with Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, and ancient ruins, is Turkey’s most vibrant and prettiest city. Balat is one of the districts that stand out. Cafes and restaurants, antiques and vintage shops, and colourful houses line the streets of the old Jewish quarter. The rainbow-coloured scene is completed by cobblestone alleys studded with music venues and art galleries, as well as brightly painted stairs and vivid murals. Expect to see impressive Byzantine churches in the area, rich in Byzantine heritage.
Ephesus
Ephesus is the location to go if you want to see the best examples of classical architecture. The Heritage Ephesus, once an ancient Greek city (one of 12 in the Classical-era Ionian League), has it all: Christian, Roman, Ottoman, Hellenistic, and Greek monuments, including the Temple of Artemis. The ruins of this magnificent structure, which was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, can still be marvelled at today. There are many more temples here and a vast amphitheatre and the Library Celsus, which has lovely, carved archways.
Blue Lagoon, Olüdeniz
This Blue Lagoon (in the Fethiye region of Olüdeniz) is not confused with the artificial Blue Lagoon in Iceland; this Blue Lagoon is much more natural, with waters that reflect colours of dazzling blue. A stretch of white sand and green promontories frame it, producing a stunning landscape that feels more Maldivian than Turkish. The lagoon is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming, and you’ll almost certainly encounter sea turtles and seahorses here — you could even get to swim with them. Paragliding is another excellent way to take in the magnificent sights.
Cappadocia
The incredible rock formations known as fairy chimneys are the most prominent feature of this region high on the Anatolian plains. The lotion boulders here have taken on strange patterns due to weathering, sometimes resembling minarets and other times mushrooms. Follow the hiking trail around them or climb aboard a hot-air balloon and float above them to see them in all their victory; the view at sunrise or sunset, with the chimneys bathed in orange colour, is stunning. Hundreds of cave residents, churches, and even entire towns built by Bronze Age settlers from soft volcanic rock can be found many metres below the earth.
Pamukkale pools, Büyük Menderes Valley
Pamukkale’s awe-inspiring pools are a must-see for anybody visiting Turkey (which means cotton castle in Turkish). On a cliffside, mineral-rich water spills through pools of white travertine. The pools appear to be tumbling down the cliff, but they are frozen, resulting in a snow-covered panorama of petrified pools and waterfalls. Don’t miss the ruins of the Greco-Roman spa town Hierapolis, which are built on top of the site and where you may swim in Cleopatra’s hot bath, which was supposed to be a gift from Mark Antony. Your tensions will be washed away by the 36°C (97°F) water.
Butterfly Valley
A natural sand-and-pebble beach with clear emerald waters, surrounded by colossal cliffs, situated along the 500km (311mi) Lycian Way and is only navigable (either from Olüdeniz or the port city of Fethiye). This beautiful location features a camp and beach bar and the opportunity to participate in a yoga session among the trees. But it’s in the Butterfly Valley, right behind the beach, where the real magic happens. It’s been a protected area since 1987, and it’s home to 100 butterfly species, including the rare orange, black, and white Jersey Tiger. A beautiful waterfall cascades down a 350m (1,148ft) high canyon wall.
Kaş
Kaş, an old fishing village, is one of the few beach villages that has avoided the adverse impact of tourism. This coastal gem is not just a popular scuba-diving destination – the bright blue sea surrounded by beautiful hills – but also a site of gorgeous architecture and rich history, serving as a paradise for hippie travellers and bohemian Turks. Coastal restaurants and various ancient sites, like the ruins of Antiphellos (home to a well-preserved theatre) and the fourth-century BCE Lion Tomb, can be found alongside shrub, white-washed buildings and their colourful, Ottoman-style, wooden balconies.
Patara
On the southwest coast of the Lycia neighbourhood, Patara was once an active military and trading port. It is now a lovely refuge known for its 12km (7mi) long beach. Green dunes and pine trees border a broad stretch of lotion sand. Here you’ll find marshes and lagoons, as well as a variety of birds and other wildlife like loggerhead sea turtles. The ancient city of Patara’s ruins, including an amphitheatre and a parliament building, are a 15-minute walk away. Apollo’s temple is also buried beneath the sand, though no one has found it yet.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
If you’re looking for adventure, Köprülü Canyon National Park could be the place for you. The park, which spans 366 square kilometres (141 square miles) and includes everything from virgin forests to flowing rivers and waterfalls, is located in a fertile valley in Antalya province. The Köprülü Canyon, of course, is the park’s primary draw. This 14-kilometre (9-mile) stretch of the Köprü River provides good chances for climbing, hiking, riding, kayaking, and rafting in the river. Camping is also an option here, which comes with the added benefit of astronomy, and there are several restaurants nearby that offer delectable fish.
Küre Mountains National Park
The Küre Mountains, west of the Black Sea Region, are home to this national park established in 2000. The landscape is varied from forests and fields to rivers, caves, and rugged terrain. Yaraligöz Mountain (at 2,019m/6,624ft) is the highest point, located between the cities of Devrekâni and Abana. More than 129 bird species, 9 amphibian species, and 48 mammal species have been reported thus far in this diverse landscape. Hiking among the coves, cliffs, and streams is a thing to behold, so don’t miss out.
The writer has been associated with turkeyvisaonline.com and has written many articles on turkey e visa, travel, attractions, places to visit, local food, and applying for a turkey visa application online.