7 Unbelievable Spots in Turkey So Stunning They Seem Unreal

Do you love sightseeing? These unbelievable spots in Turkey must be on your bucket list!

From unfathomable Mount Ararat to picturesque Alaçatı, from magnificent Mount Ağrı to spectacular Aladağlar, in this article, you’ll find some of the most famous wonders in Turkey.

The Best Time To Visit Turkey: Different Seasons, Different Reasons

Let’s begin with a fundamental question: “When should I visit Turkey for the best experience?” If you are wondering when the best time to visit Turkey is, then I have the answer for you.

Before picking a date for your trip, you should ask yourself about your expectations from this journey. Summer might be the right time for a calming beach holiday despite the relatively higher prices and overcrowded destinations.

Spring, however, is certainly the best time of year to visit Turkey. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds slowly melt away. So, if you’re seeking tranquility, spring is the way to go.

Depending on where you are going, winter might be the cheapest time to visit Turkey. Even though it won’t be possible to sunbathe or swim, winter in Turkey will offer you the best sights, where you can marvel at snow-covered mountains and the dramatic atmosphere.

You might also consider visiting Turkey at Christmas to see this country during the most magical time of the year. Celebrating the New Year in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, or Ankara surely holds lots of opportunities!

Fall is also a great alternative for the ideal vacation, with picturesque autumnal scenery and lukewarm weather. Turkey is not usually very crowded during the fall season, and prices tend to be much more much more affordable than during the peak season.

7 Unbelievable Spots In Turkey

If you’ve been to Turkey before, you might think you know a thing or two about planning a trip. But every corner of Turkey offers something unique, so I recommend exploring lesser-known gems instead of sticking to the same old tourist spots.

Don’t you know where to start? This article is the perfect place to do so! Below, I will list 7 incredible destinations from all around Turkey that will enrich your itinerary.

1. Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, or Mount Ağrı in Turkish, is a dormant volcano in Eastern Turkey and the country’s highest mountain.

This enormous geographic feature has been a significant part of the local culture’s folklore. Turks, Kurds, Armenians, and Iranians living in the vicinity held Mount Ararat in high regard, some even designating it as their national symbol. Plus, Mount Ararat is known in the Bible to be the place where Noah’s Ark is located.

Of course, the symbolic meaning might be the smallest thing that makes Mount Ararat a great travel destination. First of all, most, myself included, adore Mount Ararat for its breathtaking atmosphere. The mountain’s picturesque surroundings make an excellent scene for photography or just having a relaxing promenade.

Mount Ararat is the third-highest mountain in Europe, at 5,137 meters (16,854 feet). Its snow-capped summit is a popular destination for travelers seeking an indelible climbing experience. Mount Ararat is also one of the most popular Turkey camping sites and offers many opportunities for those involved in various outdoor activities.

Whether you are interested in climbing or not, Mount Ararat is a must-see destination for those seeking a lovely getaway.

2. Alaçatı

Since we started with chilly and magnificent Mount Ararat, we may continue with the narrow and warm streets of majestic Alaçatı. Located at the tip of the Çeşme Peninsula, Alaçatı has been among the most favored Turkey holiday destinations for both local and international visitors.

This pretty Izmir holiday town is known for its golden beaches and turquoise water. However, unlike many other popular vacation spots, Alaçatı offers visitors an experience beyond its beaches.

The old streets of Alaçatı, cornered by stone houses adorned with ivy, give the town a scenic ambiance. During your trip along the narrow streets, you can discover something new with every step and take lots of Instagrammable pictures.

I recommend everyone visiting Alaçatı to try one of the local meyhanes. These traditional taverns are often found near the coast or dock and offer visitors the chance to enjoy glasses of local raki along with a variety of delicious side dishes. Watching the sunset while enjoying a traditional Aegean dinner is an incredibly invigorating experience.

Another must-visit place nearby is Alaçatı Çarşı, or Alaçatı Bazaar, the historic town center. You can see the bazaar area as the Old Town; in addition to various stores and venues, the area offers a memorable stroll among the historic houses I mentioned earlier. The bazaar also features the renowned Alaçatı windmills, providing charming photo opportunities.

3. Aladağlar National Park

Aladağlar National Park is an extensive national park in Turkey. Established in 1995, it covers an area of 55,065 ha (136,070 acres). The national park preserves parts of the Aladağlar mountain range, also known as the Anti-Taurus Mountains. The name Aladağlar means “Crimson Mountains” in Turkish, referring to the mountains’ rusty color at sunset.

Aladağlar National Park is home to some of the highest summits in Turkey. So, if you’re interested in outdoor sports, this park could be an ideal location for an exciting mountaineering expedition. There are camping and picnic areas in some parts of Aladağlar National Park, where you can spend relaxing time or make the most of your journey in the breathtaking Turkish wilderness.

In fact, every corner of Aladağlar National Park has something to offer, from verdant trees to unfathomable rock hills. When spring arrives, the ice melts, and waterfalls emerge amidst the lush greenery, turning the whole national park into a spectacular album of nature scenes. Speaking of an album, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture stunning pictures for your Instagram page – or travel blog if you have one.

4. Ayvalık

Ayvalık has been a significant tourist spot for many years. However, unlike larger holiday towns like Marmaris or Bodrum, this pretty town still preserves its natural appeal.

Having been one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, Ayvalık is on the Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With old houses and towering structures at various corners of the town, Ayvalık boasts its historic atmosphere. When in Ayvalık, you feel as if time is frozen, and the slow pace of life fills you with energy.

In addition to its historical and cultural riches, Ayvalık is also an ideal destination for a calming summer holiday. At one of the myriad beaches in Ayvalık, you can enjoy the turquoise water, bask in the unique ambiance, and sip on a glass of a delicious cocktail.

Just like many holiday villages in Turkey, Ayvalık also has a sunset with incomprehensible beauty. So, add watching the sunset to your Ayvalık itinerary and capture the romantic moments of the water turning reddish as the sun dips below the horizon. This is an activity I particularly recommend to couples.

5. Dalyan Delta And Lycian Tombs

If you’ve been to Muğla before, you must be familiar with the famous Dalyan Delta and rock tombs there. Located near the stunning holiday town of the same name, the Delta is quite a popular spot for visitors coming to Muğla.

Above the cliffs of the Dalyan River are located the weathered tombs of ancient Lycians, built around the 5th century BC. You can see these tombs on foot or by boat. My recommendation would be to take a boat trip along the river as it allows you to explore all the hidden gems.

If you sail down the Delta, you will also come across the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos, which used to be a significant port town but is now nothing more than ancient ruins.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the route down the Delta offers breathtaking scenery. It would be best if you took the opportunity to immortalize the moment and snap lots of unforgettable pictures.

I also recommend you have a local Aegean breakfast when possible. You can feast on locally grown vegetables, delicious olives, and a plethora of pastries. Nevertheless, nothing can beat watching the Dalyan sunset while enjoying a glass of wine and some local side dishes.

6. Balat

Balat is the pearl of Istanbul’s Old Town and an underrated destination. Located between Fener and Ayvansaray, this historic district was a significant center for various non-Muslim communities, most particularly Turkish Jewry, during the Ottoman Empire. You can see the marks left by these populations at every corner of Balat, such as the historic Ahrida Synagogue, Or-Ahayim Hospital, or Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars.

Balat’s narrow streets are home to various old structures and impressive treasures. In fact, when in Balat, you never know what you will bump into. So, take an expedition through the streets of Balat and discover what the route has to offer.

7. Mount Nemrut

Are you ready for an off-the-beaten-path route? Then, add Mount Nemrut to your itinerary. Despite its domestic popularity, this spectacular spot isn’t as popular internationally as it deserves to be.

An unfathomable mountain crowned by the striking beauty of ancient statues, Mount Nemrut offers all visitors an unforgettable adventure. The colossal statues on Mount Nemrut were built in the 1st century BC by King Antiochus I of Commagene as part of a royal tomb.

You can either participate in one of the innumerable Mount Nemrut tours or plan the journey yourself. You will have to climb the mountain to reach the statues, but don’t worry—it’s quite a short climb and suitable for even absolute beginners.

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Booking A Tour Vs. Private Trip

So, if you have chosen your ideal destination, it may be time to decide whether to book a tour or a private trip. Since both have advantages and disadvantages, it might be tough to pick the right one.

I recommend that those planning to visit unusual spots, such as Mount Ararat or Mount Nemrut, book a tour from Get Your Guide or Viator. This way, they can travel with someone experienced and make the most of their trip. Taking a private trip is always possible, though, especially for a more flexible journey.

However, when it comes to Alaçatı, Balat, or even Ayvalık, I think having a private trip is the best way to enjoy the adventure. Since these are urban destinations, you can explore the area better alone. Of course, the decision is still up to your personal travel preferences. If you don’t like to visit new places alone and prefer someone knowledgeable to guide you, you can always book a tour.