By Justin Mays:
Turkey is one of the tourist destinations par excellence. The attractiveness of the country is almost infinite, so much so that sometimes it seems impossible to know it perfectly. As we already know, Istanbul is usually the main attraction for the vast majority of travelers, who come to the city attracted by its culture, its architecture, its gastronomy, and its people. But there is much to see beyond the metropolis. In this blog, we tell you five obligatory getaways that you have to do if you live in or visit Turkey.
Cappadocia
The most popular destination, without any doubt, is Cappadocia. It is almost impossible that you have never heard of this beautiful region of Turkey. It is located in the center of the country and is known mainly for its extraordinary landscape, its caves, and the dozens of hot air balloons that usually fly over it. We are sure you have already seen some photos of colorful balloons flying near the Cappadocia sunset.
Although hot air balloons are usually the main attraction in Cappadocia, this region of Turkey stands out for many other things. It is an ideal area for hiking and exploring ancient valleys. Cappadocia has a practically deserted landscape, it is full of caves and infinite hiding places. So much so, that it seems practically impossible to explore each and every one of its corners.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is another top tourist attraction in Turkey. It is located in the southwest of Turkey, in the province of Denizli, about 600 kilometers from Istanbul. This site is a true fantasy, a natural work of art that year after year attracts millions of visitors.
Its natural pools are the main attraction of Pamukkale, all of them with a white exterior and emerald green waters. The landscape is so spectacular that it even looks like a painting. The thermal waters of these natural pools come directly from the earth, at temperatures between 35 and 100 degrees. Believe us, if you live or travel to Turkey you have to go through Pamukkale. It is an unforgettable experience.
Ephesus
Another of the Turkish wonders that you have to visit is the ancient city of Ephesus, located in western Turkey, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The ruins of Ephesus are an impressive legacy, symbolizing the traces of all the civilizations that passed through this ancient city.
In ancient times, it was an important religious, cultural and commercial center for several centuries. Ephesus was the gateway to Asia Minor, as well as an important commercial port with a connection to the Aegean Sea and the entire Mediterranean.
Visiting the ruins of Ephesus is like traveling to the past. In the enclosure, you will be able to see public buildings, shops, houses, streets, and other elements that made up the city. It is also worth mentioning that Ephesus was named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2015.
Mount Nemrut
Another one of the most amazing places you should visit in Turkey is Mount Nemrut, a 2,150-meter-high mountain located in the southeast of the country. This mountain is near the province of Adıyaman and is known for holding several statues that are part of a tomb from the 1st century BC.
Around that time, King Atticus I ordered the building of his tomb: a rare mausoleum filled with statues. This set depicted the king sitting between eight-meter-high statues of gods and eagles. Currently, only the ruins of these sculptures remain, which are damaged and scattered on the ground.
Köprülü Canyon
Last but not least, you have to visit Köprülü Canyon, a canyon and national park located in the Antalya province of southwestern Turkey. The canyon has an extension of 14 kilometers and a depth of about 400 meters. It is a very impressive site, known for its turquoise waters and for the arch that forms the bridge that joins both sides of the canyon. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and for those who want to do outdoor activities.
