Turkey’s Natural Wonders: A Land of Breathtaking Beauty
Turkey is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and its natural beauty is just as impressive. From the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia to the pristine beaches of the Turquoise Coast, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Turkey’s natural wonders. This travel guide will cover some of Turkey’s most popular natural wonders, as well as activities and tips for visitors. So whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia or a relaxing day soaking in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, this guide has you covered.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey that is known for its unique landscape of rock formations, cave churches, and underground cities. The region’s soft volcanic tuff rock has been eroded over millions of years to create a variety of unusual rock formations, including fairy chimneys, hoodoos, and valleys.
Cappadocia is a popular destination for hiking, hot air ballooning, and visiting cave churches. There are also a number of underground cities in the region, which were carved into the soft tuff rock by early Christians to provide shelter from persecution.
Activities in Cappadocia
There are a variety of activities that visitors can enjoy at each of the natural wonders covered in this guide.
Hiking:There are a number of hiking trails in Cappadocia that wind through the region’s unique landscape. Visitors can hike to fairy chimneys, hoodoos, and valleys.
Hot air ballooning: Hot air ballooning is a popular activity in Cappadocia, and it is a great way to see the region’s unique landscape from a different perspective. Visitors can book a hot air balloon ride through a local tour operator.
Visiting cave churches:There are a number of cave churches in Cappadocia that were carved into the soft tuff rock by early Christians. Visitors can visit some of the most popular cave churches, such as the Göreme Open Air Museum and the Selime Cathedral.
Underground cities:There are a number of underground cities in Cappadocia that were carved into the soft tuff rock by early Christians to provide shelter from persecution. Visitors can visit some of the most popular underground cities, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its white travertine terraces and thermal pools. The travertine terraces were formed by hot springs that are rich in minerals. The minerals precipitate from the water and form white terraces. The thermal pools at Pamukkale are also rich in minerals, and they are said to have therapeutic properties.
Pamukkale is a popular destination for swimming, relaxing, and exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman spa town. Visitors can also take a boat trip on Lake Köyceğiz, which is located nearby.
Activities in Pamukkale
- Swimming: Visitors can swim in the thermal pools at Pamukkale. The pools are rich in minerals, and they are said to have therapeutic properties.
- Relaxing: Visitors can relax on the travertine terraces at Pamukkale and enjoy the scenery.
- Exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman spa town: Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa town at Pamukkale. The town was once a popular destination for the wealthy and powerful, and there are a number of well-preserved ruins to see.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is a mountain in southeastern Turkey that is home to a series of ancient tombs and statues. The tombs were built in the 1st century BC by King Antiochus I of Commagene, who wanted to create a lasting monument to himself and his kingdom.
The tombs are located on a summit that is 2,150 meters above sea level. Visitors can reach the summit by car or by hiking. The views from the summit are spectacular, and the tombs and statues are well worth the visit.
Activities at Mount Nemrut
- Visiting the tombs and statues: Visitors can visit the tombs and statues of King Antiochus I of Commagene on the summit of Mount Nemrut.
- Taking a guided tour: There are a number of guided tours available for Mount Nemrut. The tours can be booked through tour operators in Adıyaman or Kahramanmaraş.
Lake Salda
Lake Salda is a lake in southwestern Turkey that is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The lake is often compared to the Maldives, and it is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Lake Salda is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including some species that are endemic to the lake. The lake is located in a protected area, and visitors are asked to respect the environment.
Activities at Lake Salda
- Swimming: Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters of Lake Salda. The water is clear and refreshing.
- Sunbathing:Visitors can sunbathe on the white sand beaches of Lake Salda.
- Water sports:Visitors can enjoy water sports such as kayaking and canoeing on Lake Salda.
Tüneltepe
Tüneltepe is a hill in Istanbul that offers stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. The hill is located in the Beyoğlu district, and it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
To reach the summit of Tüneltepe, visitors can take a funicular railway or hike up the hill. The views from the summit are worth the effort, and there are also a number of cafes and restaurants on the hill where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Activities in Tüneltepe
- Taking a funicular railway:Visitors can take a funicular railway to the summit of Tüneltepe. The funicular railway departs from Taksim Square.
- Hiking:Visitors can hike up Tüneltepe. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes.
- Enjoying the views:Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from the summit of Tüneltepe.
Tips for Visitors
- The best time to visit Turkey is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is very little shade at some of the natural wonders.
- Be respectful of the environment.
Official and Local Travel Resources
- Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism: https://www.ktb.gov.tr/?_Dil=2 (English available)
- Turkish General Directorate of Forestry: https://www.ogm.gov.tr/en/ (English available)