Turkey's Top 8 Green Escapes for a Refreshing and Rejuvenating Vacation

With an increasing number of people prioritizing profits over nature, the need to protect our environment is becoming more apparent. One way to tackle this issue is by introducing children to nature from an early age, and what better way to do that than by taking them to Turkey's greenest destinations!

To help you achieve this goal, I have put together a list of Turkey's top green spots. By visiting these destinations, you and your family can enjoy the great outdoors, breathe in fresh air, and reconnect with nature. So, if you want to help protect the planet and make memories that will last a lifetime, check out these green gems of Turkey!

Pokut Plateau-Rize

If you are on your way to Rize, definitely visit Pokut Plateau! Located in the Eastern Black Sea Region, this unique plateau is connected to the district of Çamlıhemşin. The region, which attracts attention with its foggy weather, is located at an altitude of 2032 meters. You can provide transportation to this plateau by private vehicles or minibuses. You can reach this point after a journey that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are 75 wooden houses built by sticking to the natural appearance in the plateau. It is also possible to stay in some of these houses, which stand out with their authentic appearance.

Altındere Valley National Park-Trabzon

Altındere Valley, which is home to different plant varieties, has been operating as a national park since 1987. This natural beauty, which stands out with its magnificent nature, is located on the southern side of Trabzon province. The national park, whose face measurement is determined as 4800 hectares, has a walking area of 65 kilometers. This area stands out not only with its natural beauty but also with its cultural values. Sümele Monastery, located in the national park, stands out with its unique architecture. This building, built during the reign of Alexius III Komnenos, opens its doors to visitors.

Kaz Mountain-Balikesir

Kaz Mountain, located between the provinces of Çanakkale and Balıkesir, is the center of attention of local and foreign tourists with its magnificent natural beauty. This region, also called 'Ida Mountain' with its old name, comes to the fore with its historical and natural beauties. The height of this mountain, which is even the subject of Homer's Iliad epic, is 1774 meters. This area, which is shown as the world's second oxygen tank, is also frequented by asthma patients. You can reach Kazdağı National Park by private vehicles or tours, and you can put your feet in the flowing water of waterfalls such as Hasanboğuldi and Pınarbaşı located in it.

Iğneada Longoz Forests National Park-Kırklareli

The Longoz Forests, also called the ”hidden paradise of Thrace', are located in the Marmara Region. Located at the combination of sea, lake, dune and forest ecosystem, this paradise is home to different plant and animal species. It is also possible to take your children for a canoe ride in this forest, which has a rare kind of beauty to its partner! Transportation to this park, which has a magnificent natural beauty, is also quite easy. For this purpose, you can come to Kirikkale center and use public transportation or provide transportation by private car.

Karacabey Longoz Forest-Bursa

Longoz forest, located in Karacabey district of Bursa, has a charming atmosphere. This heavenly place, which also contains rare plant species in the world, is ideal for picnics or camping. Surrounded by Montenegro and the Marmara Sea, this unique beauty is also a haunt of those who want to listen to their minds. You can reach the region by minibus or by private car and you can get caught up in the fascinating beauty of nature with your children.

Borcka Karagol Nature Park-Artvin

If your way falls into Artvin, do not pass by Borçka Karagöl Nature Park without stopping! This park, which resembles a hidden paradise with the landslide set lake located inside, is always a frequented point for nature lovers. This park, located 25-27 kilometers away from Decca district of Artvin, is a candidate to be among the greenest areas of Turkey. You can take advantage of dolmus to reach the area, you can stay in hotels near the surroundings.

Kure Mountains National Park-Kastamonu

When you travel to the west of the Black Sea, the Küre Mountains greet you with their unique beauty. The national park located here has opened its doors to many visitors since 2000. The national park itself is 34018 hectares in size, but with its immediate surroundings, this number reaches up to 103 575 hectares. This natural wonder, which hosts 1050 plant species, is one of the untouched areas of Turkey.

Soğuksu National Park-Ankara

For those who complain about the scarcity of nature space in Ankara, Soğuksu National Park is almost like a medicine. Located in Kizilcahamam district, 80 kilometers from the city center, this area is quite ideal for taking your child for a walk. You can have picnics and camping in this area, described by Ataturk as the lung of Ankara. If you are on your way to Kızılcahamam, do not pass through the petrified forest located in Çamlıdere Geopark without stopping!