Turkish National Parks: Discover Turkey's Natural Beauty

Ömer Faruk Kino
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Turkey is a country rich in natural beauty. Protected within its national and natural parks, the country's landscapes ranging from towering mountains to tranquil coastlines put the rest of the world to shame. These stunning parks offer the perfect getaway for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to connect with the country's diverse flora and fauna.

Let's explore these stunning national parks, where you can hike, explore and discover the incredible natural wonders the country has to offer.

Mount Nemrut National Park (Nemrut Dağı Milli Parkı)

The Adıyaman National Park is home to a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Mausoleum of Antiochus I (69-34 BC). Carved out of the mountainside, the statues you see in the picture above hint at a history so rich that you can't help but be enchanted. The National Park was created to protect this historic landmark, and it's become one of the most visited parks in Turkey. You can visit it for camping, trekking and hiking - and, of course, as part of a tourist trip. It's worth visiting the mausoleum and watching the sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain.

Aladağlar National Park (Aladağlar Milli Parkı)

Located near the Anti-Taurus Mountains, it stretches from the province of Kayseri to the province of Adana, thus covering a huge area that can be used for various outdoor activities. With limestone rock formations that are perfect for beginners, the mountain has several single and multi-pitch routes, and it's highly recommended that you visit this national park between the early weeks of June and the end of September.

However, the opportunities offered by the park are not limited to its magnificent climbing routes: Aladağlar National Park is also perfect for those who enjoy camping, hiking and trekking. Some of the routes are not forested but lined with alpine plants, so the park has a campsite to suit all tastes and preferences. You can pitch your tent in the designated areas and it is recommended that you bring your camera if you enjoy nature photography.

Source: Kültür Portalı

Yedigöller National Park (Yedigöller Milli Parkı)

Yedigöller, meaning seven lakes in Turkish, is home to seven lakes that are known to have been formed by landslides. The park is considered one of the most beautiful and popular parks to go camping in Turkey and offers incomparable views throughout the year. It has a visual composition of many different trees whose leaves change colour depending on the season. Together, they make up a beautiful landscape, so it's a good idea to bring your camera if you visit the park.

Köprülü Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı)

Located in Antalya's Manavgat district, the park is famous for its fresh trout. There are many restaurants in the area where you can enjoy this endemic fish. Note that there's a bridge nearby that deserves a visit: The Oluklu Bridge. Although the park is most popular for swimming, hiking and trekking, there are many areas where you can enjoy other types of outdoor activities and water sports.Source: Turna.com

Göreme National Park (Göreme Milli Parkı)

The historic town of Göreme in Cappadocia is home to a series of rock formations that combine natural wonders and historical remnants. Carved either by the hand of man or nature, they welcome myriads of travellers in the form of fairy chimneys, rock churches, monasteries and underground cities. Together they give the landscape an otherworldly character that you simply can't afford to miss. You can enjoy this unique landscape on foot, by bike or in a hot air balloon, the latter being the most popular of all.

Göreme National Park and the rock sites of Kapadokya were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. You may also wish to visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, which is located 4 kilometres east of the town and is easily accessible if you are in the vicinity of the park.

Lake Abant Nature Park (Abant Gölü Tabiat Parkı)

Lake Abant Nature Park takes its name from the freshwater lake of the same name in the province of Bolu. The lake was formed as a result of a large landslide and has since become a popular destination for nature lovers. Due to its beautiful natural environment, vast forests and accessibility from major cities of Turkey, the park has become a popular excursion spot for people. The lakeshore has many hotels, facilities and services to offer and is home to the Abant trout, a subspecies of trout that is strictly endemic to this lake.

Uludağ National Park (Uludağ Milli Parkı)

Uludağ National Park is home to the country's most popular ski resorts. The park crowns a mountain of the same name. Rising to over 2,000 metres, Uludağ is perfect for every winter sport you can think of. The park is also a popular destination in the warmer months, with countless people coming to hike or camp in this incomparable world of rich flora and fauna. Located in Bursa, the mountain is easily accessible from Istanbul, and there are plenty of Ottoman heritage sites nearby to add to your itinerary.

Lake Beyşehir National Park (Beyşehir Gölü Milli Parkı)

Beyşehir Lake, a natural retreat in the city of Konya, is an important sanctuary for 150 species of flora and over 16 species of freshwater fish. There are also several bird species that thrive in the lake - and only in the lake.

The lakeshore is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking and mountain biking. Many designated campsites may be of interest to you. As a visitor, you can pitch your tent in the designated areas or stay in the caravan parks. There are also a number of picnic areas with stunning views that are well worth a visit. The ideal time to visit the lake is between May and October, although it is heaven on earth all year round.

Source: GoKonya

Lake Bafa Nature Park (Bafa Gölü Tabiat Parkı)

Lake Bafa is located in the southwest of Turkey, with some parts falling within the boundaries of Muğla province and others within the Söke district of Aydın province. The lake area was officially declared a nature reserve and named Lake Bafa Nature Park, and is now one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Turkey. The western shore of Lake Bafa, overlooking the Balat Plain, is particularly important as a sanctuary for migratory birds that stop and breed there in autumn and spring. Not only are the waters of the lake impressive to behold, but the area is also ideal for trekking, hiking and birdwatching.

Source: Biz Evde Yokuz