10 Must-See Natural Wonders in Turkey (2024)

A concept growing in popularity in recent years, “ecotourism” is a form of tourism involving responsible and sustainable travel to natural attractions. Taking a vacation in nature or even spending a few hours in a natural setting is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our body and our mind.

Natural attractions offer numerous activities from bird watching to photography, stargazing to camping, hiking to fishing. Turkey, with its national parks, biodiversity hotspots, nature conservation areas, waterfalls, mountains, forests and lakes, offers an incredible abundance of natural wonders waiting for you to explore. For this article, we have made a list of 15 amazing ecotourism destinations, both well-known and obscure, that you must definitely see.

​​​​​​Valla Canyon

Carved by the Devrekani Stream as it runs through Küre Mountains, is one of the deepest and most challenging canyons in the world. It is located within the borders of the village of Muratbaşı in Pınarbaşı, Kastamonu, and extends roughly 10 kilometers in the direction of Cide to the north. Valla Canyon offers spectacular views to its visitors, and its walls, which range from 800 to 1,300 meters in height, serve as a habitat for several species of birds of prey including eagles, hawks and vultures. There are guided tours available at both ends of the canyon, while the two observation points built at different points, named “Muratbaşı Burgu Observation Deck” and “Kerte Observation Deck”, view the canyon from above. Navigating the canyon requires professional experience and equipment.

İnceğiz Canyon

Another must-see natural wonder is the Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon, located within the Bozdoğan district of Aydın. The canyon is believed to take its name from the constant Arab raids during the Byzantine Empire. The 380-meter deep, 6-kilometer long canyon is famed for its meandering river that can be explored by boat, and its ancient ruins, including rock tombs dating back to 2500 years ago. The water level in the river is 50 meters on average, but this depth falls significantly during summer. For this reason, spring is the ideal time to visit the canyon. Boat tours in Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon take approximately 2.5 hours, but the number of boats is limited, so you need to make a reservation beforehand. In contrast with touristic boat tours, there is no food service in these trips, so taking some snacks with you is highly recommended.

Gökpınar Lake

Located 10 kilometers from the Gürün district of Sivas, Gökpınar Lake is a rare sight with its verdant nature and brilliant turquoise waters. The water of the lake is cold and changes color depending on the sun’s angle, transforming this 3,000-square meter lake into a veritable natural aquarium. Water level of lake is 20 meters at its deepest point. It is home to a sizeable trout population, and accepts visitors all year round with boat and scuba diving trips.

Pamukkale Terraces and Ancient Pool

One of the iconic images of Turkish tourism, Pamukkale is a unique natural site with its terraces made of travertine deposits, a type of carbonate left over by mineral water from the hot springs. The site has been a center of healing for thousands of years, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of Pamukkale is incomplete without a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis in the vicinity, where the 2,300 year old Ancient Pool offers one of the most memorable swimming experiences of your life. The pool has a water temperature of 36°C, and can be enjoyed regardless of season.

Pamukkale also offers a wide range of gastronomy and shopping experiences that are certain to make your trip even more enjoyable, as well as many five-star hotels and boutique resorts. There are also hot air balloon rides available if you wish to marvel at the natural wonder from the air; these take approximately one hour, and there is also the option to book personal rides.


Ihlara Valley

Located within the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, Ihlara Valley offers an unparalleled experience of historical exploration within the majestic nature. This 150-meter deep, 18-kilometer long valley also holds the distinction of being the largest valley with permanent human settlements. The valley was formed by the Melendi River, which brought plentiful water supply to facilitate settlement. The region is characterized by its lush nature and amazingly clear air, as well as hundreds of rock-cut dwellings and churches dotting the valley’s walls. You can explore the valley on foot by following the Melendi River, or take part in tour programs that include horseback riding, cycling and photography.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s fairytale atmosphere and breathtaking natural wonders of fairy chimneys make the region a must-see destination at the global scale. Cappadocia encompasses an extensive geographical area within the borders of several provinces, mostly Nevşehir as well as Niğde, Aksaray, Kırşehir and Kayseri, so you will need more than one day if you wish to explore the region and enjoy the amazing natural vistas to their fullest. This region boasts the highest density of fairy chimneys in the world. These geographical landmarks have been created when the soft layer of volcanic rock from eruptions of Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Güllü Mountains was eroded by wind and rain over millions of years. There are numerous things to do in Cappadocia, including hiking along the valley, horseback riding, and trips to Ürgüp, Göreme and Avanos to explore the underground cities and trace the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area, which are set to transform your nature excursion into a veritable feast of culture.

Cappadocia offers all the amenities necessary to add a touch of luxury to ecotourism. Hotels in the region include Kayakapı Premium Caves, named one of the most luxurious hotels and the ninth-best hotel in the world, is actually made up of hundreds of cave homes and historical buildings. However, what makes a trip to Cappadocia a truly unforgettable experience in the hot-air balloon rides that will take you hundreds of meters in the air to greet the sun as it rises over the magnificent vista of fairy chimneys below.

You May Be Also Interested

10 Must-See Natural Wonders in Turkey (11)

10 Must-See Natural Wonders in Turkey (12)

How to Boost the Immune System Let's begin by taking a closer look at our immune system before learning what we can do to strengthen it.

Health Check-ups: Key to a Healthy Life Âlâ Banking believes that health is the best investment, and invites its customers to take advantage of free check-ups at Medical Park hospitals.

What to Know About Financial Literacy The concept of financial literacy has been subject to numerous studies and training programs across the globe. Let's dive deeper for a closer look.

20 Amazing Museums You Can Tour Online We understand that nothing can beat an actual tour of the museum, but in a time when we are mostly cooped up in our homes, we would like to take you on an amazing journey of history and arts.

8 Most Expensive Paintings in the World Do you wonder which paintings have reached the highest sale prices to date? Let's take a little informative tour about the top eight most expensive paintings, their stories and selling prices.

Best Low-Risk Investment Instruments So, how does one weigh the risks correctly and manage their savings more effectively when faced with so many options? What are the best investment instruments for an investor with little to no risk appetite??





10 Must-See Natural Wonders in Turkey (2024)

FAQs

What is the natural wonder of Turkey? ›

PAMUKKALE – White Marvel

These terraces – called travertines – are one of the natural wonders of Turkey and have been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They've been formed over many years by calcium that has washed down in the water and gradually hardened.

What are the 7 Wonders of Turkey? ›

We wanted to share the highlights from the tour and are very excited to introduce you to the 7 Wonders of Turkey.
  • Cappadocia. ...
  • Konya. ...
  • Kas (Mediterranean Coast) ...
  • Blue Voyage. ...
  • Ephesus. ...
  • Troy Museum. ...
  • Istanbul.
25 Mar 2021

How many of the 7 Wonders are in Turkey? ›

2 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World were in Turkey, however, today unfortunately none stands here. No matter how gorgeous and strong they were, with devastating earthquakes of the Aegean Sea, they were collapsed within centuries.

What are 7 famous wonders? ›

The Seven Wonders of the World are the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. Our world is filled with the most unique structures that are both man-made and natural.

Why is Turkey the best country to visit? ›

Historic ruins, bustling cities, beautiful beaches, mountains, shopping, excellent food, and all at an affordable price. So whatever you're looking for, be it a short city trip to Istanbul, a beach holiday along the south coast, or a place to travel for a while with a mix of everything, Turkey could be for you.

Which is the oldest 7 Wonders? ›

Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the wonders and the only one of the seven substantially in existence today.

What are the top 7 natural wonders of the world? ›

What are the 7 natural wonders of the world?
  1. Mount Everest. Mount Everest is renowned as the highest spot on earth, at 8,848.86 metres above sea level. ...
  2. Harbour of Rio de Janeiro. The famous Sugarloaf mountain sticks out of Guanabara Bay. ...
  3. Great Barrier Reef. ...
  4. Victoria Falls. ...
  5. Paricutin Volcano. ...
  6. Grand Canyon. ...
  7. Aurora Borealis.
17 May 2022

Which is the most beautiful 7 Wonders of the World? ›

New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Great Wall of China. Great Wall of China © Digital Vision/Getty Images. ...
  • Chichén Itzá El Castillo, a Toltec-style pyramid, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán state, Mexico © diegograndi/iStock.com. ...
  • Petra. the Khaznah © Lovrencg/Fotolia. ...
  • Machu Picchu. ...
  • Christ the Redeemer. ...
  • Colosseum. ...
  • Taj Mahal.

How many 7 Wonders lists are there? ›

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient world are: the Great Pyramid at Giza (Egypt), the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece), the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt).

Where are the 7 Wonders located? ›

They are: Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Colosseum in Italy, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, the Taj Mahal in India, and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.

How many 7 wonders of the world still exist? ›

Of the original Seven Wonders of the World, only one — the Great Pyramids of Giza — still exists. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus have all faded to dust and memory.

Is it 7 or 12 wonders of the world? ›

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (from left to right, top to bottom): Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (also known as the Mausoleum of Mausolus), Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria as depicted ...

Does Turkey have one of the 7 Wonders of the World? ›

Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey

In its final form, it was included on the list of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The temple is thought to have been a place of festivity and pilgrimage for followers of Artemis.

Why are the 7 wonders of the world so special? ›

The amazing works of art and architecture known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as a testament to the ingenuity, imagination and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. They are also, however, reminders of the human capacity for disagreement, destruction and, possibly, embellishment.

Can you visit all 7 Wonders of the World? ›

The 7 Wonders of the world are available to everyone. You might have to spread them over a couple of years, but you will get to see the Great Wall, Macchu Picchu and the Pyramids.

What is the 8th natural Wonder of the world? ›

Niagara Falls is the 8th wonder of the natural world and there's no better time to book your vacation to Niagara than now!

What are the 25 greatest natural wonders of the world? ›

25 Natural Wonders From Around The World You Need To See At Least Once
  • Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. ...
  • Grand Canyon, Arizona. ...
  • Zhangjiajie, China. ...
  • Aurora Borealis, Iceland. ...
  • Krem Liat Prah Cave, India. ...
  • Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. ...
  • Mount Everest, border of Nepal and China. ...
  • The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone, Wyoming.
28 Oct 2020

What is the only 7 Wonders of the World left? ›

The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder that still exists, stood as the world's tallest human-made structure for nearly 4,000 years. Erected around 2560 B.C.E. on the west bank of the Nile River, the Great Pyramid served as the tomb of the fourth-century pharaoh Khufu (Cheops).

What is the oldest new wonder of the world? ›

The Great Wall of China is the oldest structure of the new seven wonders of the world.

What is the 9 wonder of the world? ›

The Ninth Wonder of the World is any library's stacks, it's collection. Wonder, in it's most basic senses means something that causes astonishment or admiration, or being in a state of astonishment or admiration. That's what library's stacks offer any time you visit. Wonders are more often discovered than sought.

How many wonders are there in the world in 2022? ›

Ans. The Seven Wonders of the World are the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. Our world is filled with the most unique structures that are both man-made and natural. Q What are the 7 Wonders of the World 2022?

Which is the second wonder of the world? ›

Seven Wonders of the World
So.NameLocation
1The Great Wall of ChinaChina
2The Petrama'an, Jordan
3The ColosseumRome, Italy
4The Chichen ItzaYucatan, Mexico
3 more rows

What is Turkish famous for? ›

Turkey is famous for a diverse set of both oriental and European elements — from the traditional Turkish tea to the majestic Hagia Sophia. It's also famous for its carpets, hammam and bazaars, destinations like Istanbul and Cappadocia, and sweet treats like Turkish delights and baklava.

What is the most visited place in Turkey? ›

Istanbul

One of the most famous and most visited cities, there is an extensive number of places to visit in Istanbul, Turkey, including the pristine Istanbul beaches that tourists love to explore. Best Places To Stay Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottoman, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus.

Is Turkey more beautiful than Greece? ›

However, Turkey's less-populated beaches are equally beautiful, so perhaps Greece's reputation for beauty is only because of its overall fame. In terms of natural scenery, the countries both offer heavenly views of both mountains and oceans. When it comes to the urban areas, though, Greece wins hands down.

Which month is the best to visit Turkey? ›

The best time to visit Turkey is between June and September.

Turkey has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 35 C and an average low of 25 C.

Are Turkish people nice? ›

Turkish people are known for their hospitality, but there are so many other factors that tend to make a fan out of anyone who meets them. From their amazing cooking skills to the high value placed on friendship and family, here are some endearing qualities the people of Turkey share.

Why do people love visiting Turkey? ›

There are countless reasons to visit Turkey – breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, intricate architecture, lovely people, and the best shopping in all of Europe, just to name a few!

Is Turkey most beautiful country? ›

Turkey is a beautiful country surrounded by sea on 3 sides. The Mediterranean in the south, the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea to the north and northwest taking place in Turkey's overland waters including the Strait of Dardanelles and Bosporus involves the Marmara Sea.

Who destroyed the 7 wonders of the world? ›

These ancient wonders are Colossus of Rhodes, Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and Lighthouse of Alexandria. Of these wonders, 4 were destroyed by earthquake, 2 were destroyed by fire, and 1 is still standing.

What is the youngest of the 7 Wonders? ›

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

The youngest of the New 7 Wonders, Christ the Redeemer stands high above the skyline of Rio de Janeiro, at the peak of Corcadavo Mountain.

Is Eiffel Tower a wonder of the world? ›

The Eiffel Tower is not considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It was a finalist in the contest held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, however, it was not selected.

› magic-travel-a-guide-to-the... ›

A global popularity poll announced seven provisional winners that outrank other splendid sights. These 7 natural wonders of the world include the Northern Light...
Steeped in history with a landscape that encompasses beaches and soaring mountains, Turkey has acted as the gateway between Europe and Asia for thousands of yea...
Petra, Jordan · Great Wall of China · Christ the Redeemer, Brazil · Colosseum, Italy · Machu Pichu, Peru · Chichen Itza, Mexi...

What are the 2 Wonders of the World in Turkey? ›

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (near Izmir - Turkey), c. 6th century BC. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (in Bodrum - Turkey), c. 4th century BC.

Does Turkey have one of the 7 Wonders of the World? ›

Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey

In its final form, it was included on the list of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The temple is thought to have been a place of festivity and pilgrimage for followers of Artemis.

What is Turkey best known for? ›

Turkey is famous for a diverse set of both oriental and European elements — from the traditional Turkish tea to the majestic Hagia Sophia. It's also famous for its carpets, hammam and bazaars, destinations like Istanbul and Cappadocia, and sweet treats like Turkish delights and baklava.

What is the most important natural resource in Turkey? ›

Turkey's most important minerals are chromite, bauxite, and copper. The country also exploits deposits of other minerals such as iron, manganese, lead, zinc, antimony, asbestos, pyrites, sulfur, mercury, and manganese.

What are the top 7 natural wonders of the world? ›

What are the 7 natural wonders of the world?
  1. Mount Everest. Mount Everest is renowned as the highest spot on earth, at 8,848.86 metres above sea level. ...
  2. Harbour of Rio de Janeiro. The famous Sugarloaf mountain sticks out of Guanabara Bay. ...
  3. Great Barrier Reef. ...
  4. Victoria Falls. ...
  5. Paricutin Volcano. ...
  6. Grand Canyon. ...
  7. Aurora Borealis.
17 May 2022

Which is the oldest 7 Wonders? ›

Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the wonders and the only one of the seven substantially in existence today.

What is the name of the 7 Wonders of the World? ›

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (from left to right, top to bottom): Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (also known as the Mausoleum of Mausolus), Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria as depicted ...

Who list 7 Wonders of the World? ›

In 2000 a Swiss foundation launched a campaign to determine the New Seven Wonders of the World.
...
New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Great Wall of China. Great Wall of China © Digital Vision/Getty Images. ...
  • Chichén Itzá ...
  • Petra. ...
  • Machu Picchu. ...
  • Christ the Redeemer. ...
  • Colosseum. ...
  • Taj Mahal.

What are 5 interesting facts about Turkey? ›

10 Interesting Facts About Turkeys
  • Only male turkeys gobble. ...
  • Wild turkeys can fly. ...
  • Wild turkeys sleep in trees. ...
  • They can change colors. ...
  • Their poop determines if they're male or female. ...
  • Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey to the bald eagle. ...
  • Turkeys can see better than humans. ...
  • Presidential pardons for turkeys started in 1989.
24 Mar 2022

What is Turkey most famous food? ›

1. Baklava. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, baklava is one of the most iconic Turkish dishes and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Why is Turkey a famous tourist spot? ›

Its vibrant culture, famous food, and vast history wow all who venture here, while its glorious landscapes, from the sun-soaked Mediterranean to the mighty mountains and arid steppe, are tourist attractions in themselves.

What are four of Turkey's natural resources? ›

Turkey's natural resources include iron ore, copper, coal, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold, celestite (strontium), emery, barite, borate feldspar, pyrites, clay, limestone, magnesite, marble, perlite, and pumice.

What are three natural resources Turkey? ›

Turkey is a major producer and exporter of chromite and also mines iron ore, coal, lignite, bauxite, and copper. It is the Middle East's leading steel producer. Chief agricultural products include wheat, barley, olives, and tobacco.

Does Turkey have a lot of nature? ›

Turkey has a unique and exceptionally rich biodiversity. Turkey consists of different micro-climatic zones and biogeographic regions, each with its own natural ecosystems. Turkey is rich both in terms of its flora and fauna species, many of which are endemic.

› blog › 2012/08 › turkey... ›

1. Istanbul. The only city to straddle two continents (Europe and Asia), the city of Istanbul represents a confluence of world religion and culture. · 2....
Acarlar, Acarlar floodplain forest is located in Sakarya, northwestern Turkey. It is also known as the biggest floodplain in the world. This area is a combinati...

Wonders of Turkey

https://www.wondermondo.com › ... › Wonders of Turkey
https://www.wondermondo.com › ... › Wonders of Turkey
The most amazing wonders of Turkey are monuments of Hellenistic civilization, Neolithic settlements, Cappadocia rock cut houses.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5996

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.