5 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey

Let’s discover together 5 most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.

Lake Salda

Lake Salda is renowned for its serene, mesmerizing blue color, complemented by peaceful surroundings and vibrant landscapes, making it a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. The lake’s unique snow-white sands and healing waters add to its charm, while a variety of alternative activities enhance the experience for visitors.

Located in southwestern Turkey, Salda Lake is a medium-sized crater lake within the Yesilova district of Burdur Province. Spanning an area of 4,370 hectares, it reaches a depth of 196 meters, making it the third-deepest lake in Turkey.

The lake’s pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere have earned it the nickname “The Maldives of Turkey.” However, unlike the crowded resorts of other destinations, Salda offers quiet, remote spots perfect for a peaceful swim. While some areas along the lake’s shores are ideal for swimming, it’s important to note that the lakebed consists of clay and loam, so swimming is only recommended in designated areas, and visitors should avoid venturing too far from the shore.

The mineral-rich waters of Salda Lake, particularly the hydromagnesite found here, have therapeutic properties for various skin conditions, making the lake one of Turkey’s most natural spa destinations. The surrounding black pine forests are home to unique plant and animal species endemic to the region, offering great opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

In 2019, a team of planetary scientists from the U.S. and Turkey conducted a research on the microbialite sediments along Lake Salda’s shoreline, further fueling a fascinating comparison. NASA has drawn this comparison between Lake Salda and the Jezero Crater on Mars. According to a 2021 report, the minerals and rock formations at Lake Salda are the closest match on Earth to those found around Jezero Crater, where NASA’s Perseverance rover landed.

For nature lovers, stargazers, and science enthusiasts alike, Lake Salda offers an extraordinary and rare glimpse into a landscape that mirrors the mysteries of space. Contact us to book your tour to Salda Lake and nearby places.

Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut is one of the most captivating destinations in Turkey, offering an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking mountaintop sunrise and towering ancient sculptures. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, Nemrut is one of the highest peaks in the Eastern Taurus mountain range. At an elevation of 2,150 meters, it is home to monumental statues made from colossal limestone blocks, erected in the 1st century BC by King Antiochos I of the Commagene Kingdom.

Antiochos I, who ruled the kingdom from 69-32 BC, combined elements of Zoroastrianism and Hellenism in his faith. This syncretism is clearly reflected in the monumental Hierothesion on Nemrut, which serves as both a temple and a tomb. Antiochos claimed descent from two powerful lineages: his mother’s side, tracing back to Alexander the Great, and his father’s side, to the Persian Emperor Darius. His goal was to fuse the beliefs, cultures, and traditions of his ancestors into a unified state cult, elevating himself to the status of a God-King. While the inscriptions mention the location of Antiochos I’s tomb, it has yet to be excavated. The immense statues and other monuments on Mount Nemrut offer a striking illustration of religious syncretism and Antiochos I’s ambition to introduce a new state cult blending Greek, Persian, and Armenian influences.

The Eastern and Western Terraces, where the statues of gods were erected by Antiochos, are prime spots to witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset, both offering spectacular views.

For those interested in astronomy, Mount Nemrut holds an intriguing mystery—the “lion horoscope” found on one of the mountain’s bas-reliefs. This ancient depiction is a fascinating subject for enthusiasts trying to decode its significance.

Mount Nemrut is an extinct volcano, located near the town of Kâhta in Adıyaman, and can be accessed from either Malatya or Adıyaman. If you are traveling from Adıyaman, be sure to visit the nearby archaeological sites of Arsemia, the Cendere Bridge, and Karakuş Tumulus along the way. While visiting Mount Nemrut in spring, summer, or fall, mornings tend to be chilly. Blankets are available at the Welcome Center, but it is advisable to bring a sweater or jacket, as the temperature warms up as the sun rises. Dressing in layers is recommended for comfort.

Most visitors will arrive from Adıyaman or Malatya, a two-hour journey. The Nemrut Mountain Visitor Welcome Center is the last point accessible by car, from there, reaching the summit requires a 25-minute climb up a series of stairs. If you’re planning to catch the sunrise, keep these travel details in mind to ensure a smooth and rewarding visit.

Anas Crecca Travel is an expert for organising tours to unique destinations in Turkey. Contact us today.

Patara Beach

Patara, an ancient city and its stunning beach, is located just south of the modern-day village of Gelemis, between Fethiye and Kalkan in Antalya, Turkey. Nestled along the Turkish Riviera, this area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. With rich marine life, lush green mountains, and a history spanning thousands of years, Patara offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a vast, unspoiled beach or explore ancient ruins, it’s the perfect destination.

Patara Beach is the longest and one of the most pristine in Turkey, stretching over 12 kilometers. Its secluded beauty makes it an ideal place for long walks and quiet moments of solitude. The beach remains largely untouched, thanks in part to conservation efforts for the endangered sea turtles that nest here, as well as the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Patara that add to the area’s unique charm.

Patara once thrived as a powerful city. According to legend, it was founded by Patarus, the son of Apollo, and its Temple of Patara was said to rival the famous Temple of Delphi. Over the centuries, the city played a key role under Lycian, Greek, Ptolemaic, and Roman rule, making it a significant cultural and commercial hub. Today, visitors can explore the city’s rich history through its well-preserved ruins, which include Lycian sarcophagi, Byzantine baths, Roman boulevards, basilicas, the world oldest lighthouse ruins, Lycian League’s parliament building, Roman Triumphal Arch, the Ancient Theater, the Temple of Corinth, the Baths of Vespasian, and the Granarium (an ancient granary). Patara is also the birthplace of St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, adding a unique historical layer to the city’s allure.

Whether you’re visiting for the beach, the history, or both, Patara offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient wonders. Do not hesitate to contact us to customize your Antalya tour.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a must-visit destination in 2025, offering a truly magical experience. With a rich history stretching back thousands of years across a vast region in central Turkey, this dreamlike landscape is one of the country’s most captivating sites. The area is known for its honey-colored rock formations, sculpted by natural erosion into shapes resembling mushrooms, and the famous “Fairy Chimneys.” Beneath the surface, ancient settlers, dating back to the Bronze Age, carved out cave dwellings, churches, monasteries, and even entire underground cities from the soft volcanic rock. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, local cuisine, wine tasting, or hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia offers a wealth of experiences to explore.

The Fairy Chimneys are perhaps the most iconic feature of Cappadocia, attracting travelers from all over the world. These towering, naturally-formed rock structures were created millions of years ago through a unique geological process, making them one of the region’s most striking natural wonders.

For nature lovers, Cappadocia offers a range of outdoor activities. The region is perfect for hiking, with numerous valleys to explore, such as the Rose Valley, Pasabag Valley, and Ihlara Valley, each offering its own unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut churches. The Ihlara Valley, in particular, is renowned for its beautiful hiking trails that follow the Melendiz River, where you can discover hidden rock-hewn churches and monasteries along the way.

To fully experience Cappadocia, we recommend staying at least two days. During your visit, you can explore its stunning valleys, where you’ll find ancient Christian churches carved into the rocks, cave dwellings, monasteries, and natural castles. The diversity of these sites makes Cappadocia a fascinating destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

One of the most unique experiences in Cappadocia is the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. This activity provides an incredible bird’s-eye view of the surreal landscape, especially at sunrise when the valley is bathed in soft golden light, and dozens of colorful balloons fill the sky. It’s an experience that is truly unforgettable and a must-do for many visitors.

Cappadocia’s wonders don’t end above ground. The region also boasts an extraordinary underground city, Derinkuyu, which stretches across five levels. This incredible subterranean complex, once home to up to 20,000 people and their livestock, showcases the ingenious way ancient civilizations adapted to their environment. Discovered by chance, Derinkuyu is an awe-inspiring site that will leave you speechless as you walk through its labyrinthine passageways.

For the best experience, contact us to customize your perfect Cappadocia tour, tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Cappadocia offers something unforgettable for every traveler.

Istanbul

Straddling the Bosphorus Peninsula, where Europe meets Asia, and connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, Istanbul is a city of extraordinary historical significance and cultural richness. Formerly the capital of both the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, its architecture beautifully blends the influences of East and West. Istanbul is a living museum, where ancient traditions coexist with vibrant modern life.

Among the city’s must-see attractions are its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hippodrome of Constantine, the magnificent Hagia Sophia from the 6th century, and the stunning Süleymaniye Mosque built in the 16th century. These landmarks reflect the city’s imperial past and are essential stops for any visitor.

Beyond these iconic sites, there’s so much more to explore in Istanbul. A stroll through the Galata District offers a 360-degree view of the city from the Galata Tower, while a Bosphorus cruise lets you experience the beauty of the waterway that divides two continents. The old neighborhoods of Fener and Balat are filled with colorful houses, historic churches, and a rich mix of cultures. A visit to the Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans, while the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are perfect places for shopping, haggling, and getting lost in a maze of vibrant shops selling everything from jewelry to textiles.

For those interested in Istanbul’s more contemporary side, the city offers an abundance of fine dining options, ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to international gourmet experiences. Nişantaşı and Beyoğlu are two of Istanbul’s most fashionable neighborhoods, home to luxury boutiques, art galleries, and independent stores selling fashion, antiques, and unique pieces of Turkish art.

To truly immerse yourself in Istanbul, don’t miss the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel dating back to Byzantine times, or take a walk along Istiklal Avenue, where modern cafes, theaters, and shops line the historic street. For a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, the Prince’s Islands offer a quiet retreat with charming streets and stunning views.

Istanbul is a city that never sleeps. It offers something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or someone simply looking to experience the unique fusion of cultures. Every corner of Istanbul tells a story, and every visit uncovers something new.

Whether you’re exploring its ancient landmarks, indulging in its culinary delights, or shopping for treasures in its bustling bazaars, a trip to Istanbul is an unforgettable adventure.

Anas Crecca Travel offers Istanbul tours for every kind of traveler, it is enough just to send us an e-mail.