11 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Turkey

Turkey, with its historical and natural beauty, is home to countless treasures waiting to be discovered in almost every region. In these unique lands, where ancient cities bearing the traces of different civilisations merge with the magnificent landscapes offered by nature, unforgettable experiences await you. So, what to do in Turkey? What is Turkey best known for? Here are 11 unique experiences you must have in Turkey. Let's take a look together!SourceAt the top of our list is the famous Cleopatra Beach, located on Sedir Island (Kedreai) in Marmaris. The most striking feature that makes this beach special is its golden sand. These sands, which were formed by geological processes and are now protected, are actually specially formed limestone droplets. The legend that these sands were brought here by ship from Egypt for Cleopatra and Roman commander Mark Antony to meet here is still talked about. The natural beauty and vitality you will see underwater while diving with goggles will enchant you. With its golden sands and turquoise waters, Cleopatra Beach awaits you. Moreover, right next to the beach lies the archaeological site of Kedreai, an important Carian city waiting to be discovered. Many structures that take visitors on a journey through history await you here.Cappadocia is a fascinating region where nature and history coexist in perfect harmony. The most important feature that makes Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unique is undoubtedly the region's distinctive landforms. These natural wonders, known as fairy chimneys, combine with the region's historical fabric to offer visitors a visual feast. Perhaps the most impressive way to explore Cappadocia, which has been home to many civilisations since the Chalcolithic Period, is through hot air balloon tours at sunrise. As you gaze down at the valleys from above, floating among the balloons in the sky, you will experience a moment that feels like a dream. One of the places you must visit during your trip is Göreme National Park.Mevleviism is a Sufi order that developed after the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, a great Islamic thinker and poet, based on his Sufi teachings. Mevleviism, one of Anatolia's rich cultural heritages, has left a deep mark in areas such as religion, art, music and architecture. Mevlevi houses are special buildings where Mevlevis gather following their traditions. One of the most magnificent examples of these buildings in Turkey, the Galata Mevlevi House, is an important work from the Ottoman period and captivates visitors with its architecture. The Sema Ceremonies, an indispensable part of Mevlevi culture, are performances filled with deep symbols that have been performed for centuries. Listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, this performance takes viewers on an impressive journey into the depths of the past.One of Turkey's most iconic natural beauties, Pamukkale, offers a magnificent experience alongside the magnificent Hierapolis Archaeological Site next door. Hierapolis, most of whose ruins date back to the Roman period, has been a centre of healing and faith throughout history. Included in the UNESCO list as both a cultural and natural heritage site, this region has been home to people seeking health and beauty from ancient times to the present day. You can walk on the white terraces formed by travertine and experience the miracle of nature first-hand by dipping your feet in the healing waters. Don't forget to crown your visit with the works on display at the Hierapolis Museum.Kekova, located in the Demre district of Antalya, is a special region consisting of Üçağız (Teimioussa), Kaleköy (Simena), which can only be reached by boat, and the Kekova (Dolkisthe) Island just opposite. This unique region, which bears traces of the Lycian civilisation, features an ancient city largely submerged beneath the waters off the northern coast of Kekova Island. Filled with staircases, house foundations, and sarcophagi, this sunken city is of great importance in terms of underwater archaeology. In Kekova, you can embark on a magnificent journey right next to these historical ruins while swimming. This special place, where history and nature intertwine, will offer you a unique experience.Beneath the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia, another world from beyond time awaits you. Built by carving into soft tuff rocks, these underground cities have served as shelters for many communities over the centuries. The largest of these cities, Derinkuyu Underground City, is awe-inspiring with its eight-storey structure. This settlement, which features numerous functional structures ranging from stables to churches, dining halls to water wells, is connected by narrow tunnels. The Missionary School, located on the second floor, and the city's sophisticated ventilation system are fascinating examples of ancient engineering. Derinkuyu invites you on a journey filled with history and mystery.Olympos, one of the important cities of the Lycian Civilisation, is a historic port city surrounded by the sea in the Kemer district of Antalya. Known as one of the major cities of the Lycian Federation, Olympos was also a frequent destination for pirates. Today, this city, surrounded by ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, is located in a breathtaking valley opening onto the sea. Nearby Yanartaş (Chimaera) dazzles with its natural flames emerging from the rocks. The best way to experience Olympos is to camp. You can choose from a variety of campsites and take a walk among the ancient ruins while enjoying nature. Don't forget that you can reach the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea at any time!Located in Çanakkale and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Troy is one of the most famous places in world archaeological history. Immortalised in Homer's epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, this city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history due to its strategic location. There are 10 layers of structures from different periods in the city. One of the most popular attractions for visitors is the giant replica of the Trojan Horse at the city's entrance. This deceptive wooden horse, used by the Achaean soldiers to conquer Troy, was rebuilt by a Turkish artist in 1975. You too can capture this historic moment by taking a souvenir photo in front of this legendary horse.Located on the European side of Istanbul, at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, Rumeli Fortress was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet against the dangers that could come from the Bosphorus before the conquest. Located directly opposite the Anatolian Fortress, this giant structure has the biggest bastions of the period. Three viziers of Fatih took part in the construction of the fortress: Zağanos Pasha, Çandarlı Halil Pasha and Saruca Pasha. The natural beauties around the fortress are also eye-catching. You can see the flora of the Bosphorus with pine nuts, redbuds and many wild plants in the garden of the fortress. At this point, where history, nature and culture are intertwined, you will have the chance to watch both the European and Asian continents at the same time.Göbeklitepe, which dates back to approximately 11,600 years ago, is a revolutionary discovery in the world of archaeology. These fascinating structures arouse astonishment both technically and architecturally. This area, which is thought to have been built entirely for religious ceremonies, not for settlement, is considered one of the oldest and largest temple centres in the world. While it is still a mystery by whom it was built, for what purpose it was used and how it was built, Göbeklitepe shows us that we need to rethink human history. If you are travelling to Şanlıurfa, you can follow the traces of time among these historical buildings and witness the earliest traces of human history.The Lycian Way, one of the longest hiking trails in Turkey, begins in Ovacık, Fethiye, and finishes in Geyikbayırı, Antalya. This ancient route connects the Lycian cities with the breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean Sea. These paths, known to have been used by the Lycians for trade and transport, now serve as an open-air museum for lovers of nature and history. A particularly enjoyable aspect of this route, which passes through untouched bays, forests, and steep mountain slopes, is horse riding. The bond you develop with a horse on this journey, immersed in nature and intertwined with history, will become a profound discovery, unlike anything experienced on foot. Along the way, you may encounter some of the ancient cities: Xanthos, Letoon, Patara, Simena, Andriake, Myra, Olympos, and Phaselis.

Turkey Bucket List: 11 One-of-a-Kind Experiences You Must Try

1. Swim at Cleopatra Beach

2. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

3. Learn About Whirling Dervishes

4. Dip Your Feet in the Healing Waters of Pamukkale

5. Swim Among Ancient Ruins in Kekova

6. Discover the Derinkuyu Underground City

7. Camp in Olympos

8. Take a Photo with the Famous Trojan Horse

9. See the Two Continents at the Same Time in Rumeli Fortress

10. Witness the Zero Point of History at Göbeklitepe

11. Ride a Horse on the Lycian Way

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