Best 5 of the Most Beautiful Places in Turkey

There is far more to Turkey than the packed holiday resorts. Explore the sites away from the crowds to find ancient architecture and some extraordinary landscapes. From snow-like natural wonders to hippy beach retreats, here is my choice for 20 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Turkey…

1. Istanbul – the most populous city in Turkey and the country’s economic, cultural and historic centre

One of the most ancient cities in the world, Istanbul at times overshadowed even ancient Rome, serving as capital first to Byzantine and then to the Ottoman Empire.

At every turn in the city you fall over beauty. It teems with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and ruins. The Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the mosques of Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline.

2. Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz – a spectacular lagoon made up of varying shades of turquoise

Few places on earth offer such untouched beauty as the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. This area of Turkey is what dreams are made of and yes, the water is a spectacular shade of turquoise. Not only is the water the most striking shade of blue, but the lagoon is teeming with sea life.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and swimming in the lagoon with give you the opportunity to see turtles and sea horses up close, so be sure to bring your gear along with you. Blue Lagoon is located in a protected park, so there is a nominal entrance fee and at times it can get crowded, but no matter how many people are there, you will enjoy a picturesque experience.

3. Cappadocia – a striking semi-arid region known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys”

Cappadocia is a stunning region of rock formations, subterranean churches and underground cities, the scale of which is simply overwhelming. There are hundreds of underground buildings in the region. Two of the most unmissable are Kaymakli, which has eight levels, and Derinkuyu, which descends some 55 metres.

Nevsehir, the capital of Cappadocia, is a great place to base yourself when visiting. The surrounding area is a popular trekking route amid the breathtaking and alien rock formations called Peri Bacalari or ‘Fairy Chimneys’ – easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.

4. Pamukkale – a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces

Few people can ever say that they’ve seen snow at 40C. A hot spot on the backpacking trail and one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders, the Pamukkale mineral spa, translated as ‘cotton castle.’

Stunning white terraces of calcium-rich warm waters spring up from the earth and cascade over low cliffs, forming the crisp, snow-like landscape.

5. Kure Mountains National Park – a beautiful national park is still largely undiscovered by tourism

Natural beauty will envelope you in Kure Mountains National Park. Although the area has only been an official national park since 2000, it has become one of the hottest attractions in Turkey.

With over 129 bird species, 9 amphibian species, and 48 mammals so far documented, there is no limit to what you might see in this beautifully complex national park.

The park’s beauty is not simply a statement made by a few, but something stated by many as Kure Mountains National Park is on the global list of must-see places before you die. Hiking through this area is an exciting and breathtaking experience.