10 Must-See Natural Wonders for Your Turkey Trip

Ömer Faruk Kino
Content Editor
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Turkey is a paradise waiting to be discovered, with its unique natural beauty. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the white travertines of Pamukkale, from the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz to the green plateaus of the Kaçkar Mountains, every corner offers a different natural wonder. In this guide, you will discover in detail Turkey's 10 must-see natural beauties, how to get there, and activities to do while you're there. Prepared for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts, this list will help you shape your Turkey travel plans. So, where are the must-see natural wonders of Turkey? Where are the most beautiful places in Turkey? Let's explore together!

1. Cappadocia — Göreme, Fairy Chimneys and Balloons

Cappadocia is known for its unique rock formations, rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Millions of years ago, lava and tuff erupted from Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Göllüdağ, which were then eroded by wind and rain, resulting in the fairy chimneys we see today. Göreme National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there:

The most practical way to reach Cappadocia is to fly to Kayseri Erkilet or Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, then travel 40–60 minutes by shuttle or private vehicle. It is also possible to travel by road from Ankara, Konya or Antalya.

Things to do there:

  • Take a hot air balloon tour at sunrise.

  • Explore the rock-cut churches at the Göreme Open Air Museum.

  • Enjoy the panoramic view from Uçhisar Castle.

  • Go for a walk in Ihlara Valley.

  • See pottery workshops in Avanos.

Travel tip: Advance booking is essential for balloon tours. The scenery is breathtaking even in winter, but warm clothing is required.

2. Pamukkale Travertines and the Ancient City of Hierapolis

Pamukkale is world-renowned for its pure white travertine terraces, formed by calcium carbonate-rich hot springs accumulating on the slopes. The Ancient City of Hierapolis, located in the same area, offers visitors a unique blend of history and nature with its Roman-era theatre and necropolis.

How to get there:

Fly to Denizli Çardak Airport and travel for one hour to Pamukkale. Regular minibuses also depart from Denizli bus station.

Things to do there:

  • Walk barefoot on the travertines (shoes are prohibited due to conservation rules).

  • Explore the Hierapolis theatre.

  • Swim in the Cleopatra Ancient Pool.

  • Photograph the travertines at sunset.

Travel tip: It gets crowded with tourists in summer; visiting early in the morning is more enjoyable.

3. Ölüdeniz — Blue Lagoon at the Foot of Babadağ

The jewel of Fethiye, Ölüdeniz is renowned for its sheltered lagoon and paragliding from Babadağ. It frequently features on lists of the world's most beautiful beaches.

How to get there:

Ölüdeniz is a one-hour drive from Dalaman Airport. You can also take a minibus from the Fethiye bus station.

Things to do there:

  • Go tandem paragliding from Babadağ.

  • Swim in the Blue Lagoon and hire a canoe.

  • Explore Butterfly Valley and Gemiler Island by boat.

  • Hike the Lycian Way.

Travel tip: The best season for paragliding is between April and October.

4. Kaçkar Mountains and Fırtına Valley

The Kaçkar Mountains, the most magnificent mountains of the Black Sea, are a paradise for nature lovers with their peaks exceeding 3,900 metres, glacial lakes and green plateaus. The Fırtına River valley, starting from Çamlıhemşin, is popular for rafting and plateau tours.

How to get there:

From Trabzon Airport, take a bus or car towards Rize-Çamlıhemşin. From Çamlıhemşin, minibuses and shared taxis provide access to the highlands.

Things to do there:

  • Visit the Ayder, Pokut, Gito and Sal highlands.

  • Climb Kaçkar peak (for mountaineers).

  • Go rafting on the Fırtına River.

  • Stay in local mountain huts.

Travel tip: Even in summer, there is a high chance of rain; a raincoat and sturdy footwear are essential.

5. Mount Nemrut — Legacy of the Commagene Kingdom

Located in Adıyaman, Mount Nemrut is renowned for its colossal statues at an altitude of 2,150 metres. Commissioned by King Antiochos of Commagene in the 1st century BC, this monumental tomb has become legendary for its sunrise and sunset views.

How to get there:

There are regular tours to Mount Nemrut from Adıyaman or Malatya. Minibuses and private tours departing from the Kahta district are the most commonly used route.

Things to do there:

  • See the giant statues on the East and West terraces.

  • Watch the sunrise and sunset views.

  • See the nearby Karakuş Tumulus and Cendere Bridge.

Travel tip: The weather is quite cold at the summit, so bring warm clothes even in summer.

6. Lake Van and Akdamar Island — The Hidden Paradise of the East

Lake Van is Turkey's largest lake and holds an important place among the world's soda lakes. The surrounding mountains accentuate the lake's blue hues. Akdamar Island, located in the middle of the lake, combines history and nature with the Surp Haç Church, built by the Armenian Kingdom in the 10th century. The reliefs on the church's exterior are a rare example of Christian iconography.

How to get there:

After flying to Van Ferit Melen Airport, transfer to the city centre, then take a boat to Akdamar Island via the district of Gevaş. Boat tours are seasonal and usually depart in the morning and afternoon.

Things to do there:

  • Take a detailed look at the architecture and reliefs of Akdamar Church.

  • Take a boat tour on Lake Van and explore the island's surroundings.

  • Sample local delicacies with a Van breakfast (herb cheese, murtuğa, kavut).

  • Take a cycling or walking tour along the lake shore.

Travel tip: Spring and summer are the ideal times to visit; in autumn, the lake scenery offers more dramatic colours. Sunset photos along the lake shore are particularly impressive.

7. Patara Beach and Ancient City — Sand, History and Sea Turtles

Located on the Antalya-Kaş route, Patara boasts one of Turkey's longest coastlines with its approximately 18-kilometre-long sandy beach. The Ancient City of Patara, which was also the capital of the Lycian civilisation, offers a unique exploration area for history enthusiasts. Sea turtles (caretta-caretta) lay their eggs here during the summer months.

How to get there:

Transportation is available by car or minibus from Kaş or Kalkan. The nearest airport is Dalaman; after transferring from Dalaman to Kaş, you can proceed to Patara.

Things to do there:

  • Swim, sunbathe and take long walks along Patara Beach.

  • Explore structures in the ancient city such as the Lycian Theatre, the columned street and the agora.

  • Observe the caretta-caretta nesting areas (it is important to observe the protection hours).

  • Take sunset photographs and enjoy the quiet beach.

Travel tip: The beach and ancient city can be visited together; as it can get crowded during the summer season, it is advisable to go early in the day.

8. Saklıkent Canyon — Ice-Cold Waters and Adventure

Saklıkent Canyon, located between Antalya and Fethiye, is one of Turkey's largest canyons. With a length of 18 kilometres and walls reaching heights of up to 300 metres in places, it is impressive both visually and in terms of adventure. The ice-cold water flowing through the canyon is ideal for cooling off in the summer heat.

How to get there:

It is approximately 45 minutes by car from the centre of Fethiye, and day trips are available from Kaş. There is an entrance fee to the canyon, and reservations are recommended for guided walks.

Things to do there:

  • Walking along the canyon, wading in the water.

  • Participating in guided rafting or canyoning activities.

  • Taking photographs and observing nature.

  • Tasting trout and local delicacies at restaurants around the canyon.

Travel tip: Pay attention to the water level and weather conditions; non-slip shoes and waterproof clothing are recommended for walking inside the canyon.

9. İğneada Longoz Forests — Europe's Rare Longoz Ecosystem

İğneada Longoz Forests are located on the Black Sea coast in Kırklareli and are one of Turkey's rare floodplain/longoz ecosystems. Surrounded by submerged forests, lagoons and lakes, this area is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Migratory bird diversity is particularly high in spring and autumn.

How to get there:

It takes approximately 3.5–4 hours to reach by private vehicle from Istanbul. It is also possible to take a minibus from Kırklareli city centre to İğneada. Public transport is limited; a vehicle is recommended.

Things to do there:

  • Birdwatching around Erikli and Mert Lake.

  • Take nature walks and photographs in the Longoz forests.

  • Explore the lagoons by canoe or small boat tour.

  • Spend time immersed in nature at the camping and picnic areas.

Travel tip: Longoz ecosystems are sensitive; to avoid harming nature, use marked walking trails and do not approach migratory bird nests.

10. Köprülü Canyon National Park — Antalya's Adventure Route

Köprülü Canyon, located in the Antalya-Manavgat region, is an ideal area for nature and adventure tourism with its 14-kilometre-long riverbed and surrounding wooded areas. The historic stone bridge over the Köprüçay, dating back to the Roman period, also offers visitors a glimpse of the region's cultural heritage.

How to get there:

Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Antalya city centre. Day trips are organised from Manavgat and Side. Special operators should be preferred for rafting and canoeing activities.

Things to do there:

  • Guided rafting and canoeing experience on the Köprüçay.

  • Picnicking and nature walks along the riverbank.

  • Explore the historic Roman bridge and the surrounding trails.

  • Cool off in natural swimming areas during the summer months.

Travel tip: The ideal period for rafting is May to September. Weather and water conditions should be checked before the activity, and safety equipment must be used.

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