Turkey's Natural Paradises: Top 10 Cities You Must Visit for Scenic Beauty
Surrounded by seas on three sides, Turkey is a paradise of natural beauty thanks to its unique location between Asia and Europe. From the golden beaches of the Mediterranean to the lush green plateaus of the Black Sea, from the tranquil bays of the Aegean to the enchanting valleys of Central Anatolia, this geography offers unlimited opportunities for nature lovers to explore.
In this article, we have listed 10 cities in Turkey that stand out with their natural wonders. With their mountains, forests, lakes, seas and unique landscapes, these cities promise an unforgettable travel experience. If you are looking for a peaceful route in touch with nature, these cities are for you!
1. Antalya: A Mediterranean Dream in the Lap of the Taurus Mountains
Antalya is a natural paradise where the majestic Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea, full of cliffs, waterfalls and canyons. The well-preserved cedar forests and endemic plant species in the Çığlıkara region, the rich vegetation of the Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park, and peaks such as Beydağları allow for adventure sports. Natural beaches such as Koru Coast Natural Pools Bay, untouched bays such as Sazak and Ceneviz, and Caretta Caretta spawning areas adorn the coastline. Canyons such as Göynük, Köprülü, Saklıkent, Manavgat and Düden waterfalls and the mystical atmosphere of Çıralı Yanartaş are the natural wealth of the city. This richness was formed by the interaction of the geology of the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean climate, and its protection is of great importance (e.g. Köprülü Canyon National Park).
2. Muğla: The Turquoise Heart of the Aegean and Hidden Paradises
Muğla is the symbol of the Aegean with its Ölüdeniz lagoon, countless turquoise bays, lush pine forests (especially red pine) and Babadağ, famous for paragliding. The Beşparmak Mountains (Latmos) are waiting to be discovered with their historical and natural texture. Iztuzu Beach is an important breeding ground for Caretta Caretta. It has natural wonders such as Butterfly Valley (more than 80 butterfly species, endemic plants), Saklikent Canyon and Dalaman Stream (rafting). This natural attraction is the product of different geological processes and coastal-inland interaction; the protection of unique ecosystems is of great importance.
3. Artvin: An Untouched Natural Wonder at the Foot of the Kaçkars
Artvin is one of Turkey's most pristine natural areas with its Kaçkar and Karçal Mountains, untouched forests (54.7% of the province's surface area; spruce, pine, fir), glacial lakes and the Çoruh River (ideal for rafting). The Macahel (Camili) region (Turkey's first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; unique biodiversity, pure Caucasian bee race), landslide lakes such as Şavşat and Borçka Karagöl, Maral and Suatan waterfalls, Hatila Valley National Park and Cehennem Deresi Canyon are important natural heritage. It has extremely clean and oxygen-rich air.
4. Rize: Motherland of Highlands and Tea, Breath of the Kaçkars
Rize is unique with its lush green plateaus (Ayder, Pokut, Gito, Anzer), lush forests (Colchic flora), a large part of the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, rushing streams (Fırtına Stream; rafting) and world-famous tea plantations. The Fırtına Valley has an extraordinary plant diversity. Gelin Tülü, Palovit and Bulut waterfalls show the richness of the streams. The air is clean and high in oxygen. Steep valleys, misty plateaus, terraced tea plantations (Haremtepe/Çeçeva Village), wooden plateau houses and stone bridges (Şenyuva Bridge) form its unique landscape.
5. Nevşehir (Cappadocia): The Magical World of Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia is a fairytale geography with fairy chimneys, rock-carved churches and underground cities formed by the erosion of lava and ash erupted by volcanic mountains (Erciyes, Hasan Mountain) over millions of years (UNESCO World Heritage Site - Göreme National Park). The Ihlara Valley and the banks of the Kızılırmak River offer green areas. It has valleys with different characters such as Güvercinlik, Kızılçukur, Güllüdere, Paşabağ (Priests), Devrent (Dream) and Aşk Valley. Hot air balloon tours offer a unique atmospheric experience. The natural and cultural values of this geography are inseparable.
6. Bolu: A Peaceful Stop Embraced by Lakes and Forests
Bolu is home to Turkey's most important forested areas (~64% of the province's surface area; pine, fir, beech) and numerous lakes. Yedigöller National Park (seven landslide lakes such as Büyükgöl, Seringöl, etc.) and Abant Lake Nature Park (a crater lake) are famous. Other lakes such as Gölcük Nature Park (artificial set lake), Çubuk, and Sünnet are also found. Köroğlu Mountains, Bolu Mountain, Arkut Mountain (Esentepe) and Kartalkaya Ski Centers are ideal for winter sports. Health tourism is also important with its clean, oxygen-rich air and Karacasu Hot Springs. Akkaya Travertines and Sarıalan Plateau are other natural beauties.
7. Trabzon: Black Sea's Beauty, Meeting Point of Highlands and History
Trabzon fascinates with its lush green valleys between steep mountains, exuberant streams, and natural wonders such as Uzungöl and the historical Sumela Monastery. It has dense forest cover (alder, chestnut, spruce, etc.) and important green areas such as the Altındere Valley National Park. The Zigana Mountains define its geographical character. Uzungöl (landslide set lake), Sera Lake, Balıklı Lake and Aygır Lake are important water resources. Its plateaus and forests offer a clean, cool and oxygen-rich atmosphere. The steep, rocky Sumela Monastery is both a natural and cultural heritage. Numerous plateaus in regions such as Çaykara and Maçka and Çal Köy Cave are also worth seeing.
8. Aydin: Aegean Abundance of History and Nature
Aydın stands out with its fertile Büyük Menderes Plain, olive groves, ancient cities and Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park (rich plant diversity, red pine forests, hundreds of bird species). The Beşparmak Mountains (Latmos) stand out with their ancient rock paintings and forests. The bays of the Dilek Peninsula, such as İçmeler, attract sea lovers. Lake Bafa is important for bird life. The turquoise waters of Arapapıştı Canyon and the mythological story of Zeus Cave are waiting to be discovered. National park and nature park status require the protection of ecosystems and balanced management of ecotourism potential.
9. Balıkesir: The Legends of Mount Ida
Balikesir, bordering both the Aegean and Marmara coasts, has natural and cultural riches such as Ida Mountains National Park (rich forest cover, endemic Ida Mountains Fir, Iliad legends), Manyas Bird Sanctuary National Park (Ramsar site, critical for Crested Pelicans) and Ayvalık Islands Nature Park (including Cunda Island). Areas of the Ida Mountains, such as Şahinderesi Canyon, have one of the highest oxygen levels in the world. Hasanboğuldu and Sütüven Waterfalls, Ayvalık Şeytan Sofrası (sunset view) are other important natural assets.
10. Denizli: The White Magic of Pamukkale and Hidden Natural Wonders
Denizli is world-famous for the white travertines of UNESCO World Heritage Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. It also has natural beauties such as healing thermal waters (including the red waters of Karahayit), Honaz Mountain National Park (the highest peak of the Aegean, rich flora), Güney Waterfall, Işıklı Lake and in-cave travertine formations in Kaklık Cave. The historical Cleopatra Pool (Ancient Pool) also offers a thermal experience. Plateaus such as Bağbaşı and Çameli have cool and clean air. Its natural identity is largely shaped by geothermal activity and karstic processes.
Keşfet ile ziyaret ettiğin tüm kategorileri tek akışta gör!
Test
Gündem
Magazin
Video
Send Comment