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Best hidden gems in Turkey

Best hidden gems in Turkey

Discover the most beautiful hidden gems in Turkey. Secret and breath-taking destinations await you. Fly over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, bask on the beaches of Kemer, photograph the wild horses of Hörmetçi or the giant statues of Nemrut Dagi.

 

How about a spa break in Pamukkale or a stay in Amasra, one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the Black Sea? Find inspiration among the best hidden gems in Turkey and make your trip a la carte by booking your flights, accommodation and activities and tours at the best prices.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Pamukkale
©Suksamran1985

1. Pamukkale

Denizli

An incredible natural phenomenon is at the origin of the sparkling whiteness of Pamukkale which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Calcium oxide gives the white colour to this unique place in the world; another natural phenomenon, probably an earthquake, is at the origin of these large terraces which form real ponds and natural swimming pools

 

Pamukkale is also ranked among the best natural pools in Europe. Depending on the number of people, it may be more or less difficult to bathe in these pools, but you can enjoy a moment of well-being and calm by booking your room in one of the Pamukkale thermal hotels.

 

Book your flights to Denizli Çardak Airport as well as your accommodation, tours and activities at the best price, such as an "Antalya: full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour & lunch".

 

During your stay, visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Denizli Çardak Airport (1 hour by car). You can also reach Pamukkale from Izmir (3h) or Antalya (3h). You can get there on your own or book a transfer with a guided tour.

 

Where to stay: “Doğa Thermal Health & Spa”. Guests love its thermal pool and the friendly staff.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Kemer
©Laura for www.findingnewpaths.com

2. Kemer

Antalya

Kemer has become one of the most beautiful and popular resorts in Antalya province. It is the perfect destination for a holiday with family, lovers or friends. Many resorts have settled in this seaside resort dedicated to relaxation, well-being and partying.

 

During your stay in Kemer do not fail to visit the beaches of Çıralı, classified among the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

 

During your stay, visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Antalya (1h15 by car). 

 

Where to stay: “Seven Seas Hotel Life - Ultra All Inclusive & Kids Concept".

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Nemrut Mountains Copyright  kataleewan intarachote - European Best Destinations
© kataleewan intarachote

3. Mount Nemrunt

Adiyaman

You must see this unique site in the world once in your life. Overlooking the town of Adiyaman, on the border with Syria, Nemrut Dağı is both the name of this mountain and that of the site on which these incredible human heads or eagles' heads carved in stone, were found. They were created to establish the power of Alexander I and his generals.

 

The cult of personality to legitimize a power taken by force is nothing new. The best time of the year to explore this exceptional site is from mid-April to mid-October. Come discover the tomb of King Antiochus 1 of Komagene, one of the highest burial mounds in Europe and one of the best hidden gems in Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Ankara or Istanbul as well as a domestic flight to Adiyaman Airport (80 km from the Nemrut Dağı Mountain). 

 

Where to stay: "Nemrut Dağı Işik Pansi̇on" is set into the mountainside of Nemrut. 

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Love Valley
volkova natalia

4. Love Valley

Cappadocia

 It doesn't take much explanation to understand why this exceptional site has been called "Love Valley". These incredible rocks dozens of metres high, owe their shape to natural erosion. One can only think that the wind must be naughty in this region of Cappadocia. Foodies and woodland hikers may find these large boulders more like morels than anything else. You will decide when you discover this breath-taking site.

 

During your stay, visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

Book your flights to Kayseri Airport and reach the Göreme National Park by car (1h) or plan a guided tour with transfer.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Kayseri Airport (2h). You can also book your Airport transfer at the best price. 

 

Where to stay: “Charming Cave Hotel” situated in the heart of Göreme, its restaurant serves traditional Cappadocian meals (organic products).

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Duden Waterfalls
©Tatiana Popova

5. Duden Waterfalls 

Antalya

From Mount Taurus, water streams down to form the Duden Waterfalls that drop into the sea at the foot of Antalya. Come at sunset to see gorgeous rainbows. You can access the Duden Park by car or public transport and observe the waterfalls from the mainland, or take a boat ride to admire the main waterfall from the sea.

 

There are many bars and restaurants in the park. It’s a perfect place for a green outing, the park isn’t too crowded with tourists and it’s a great way to get out of town and breathe.

 

Book your flights to Antalya as well as your accommodation at the best price, your tours and activities in Antalya, such as an “Antalya City Tour and Duden Waterfalls visit with boat trip".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Antalya. The airport is 15 minutes from the Duden Waterfalls.

 

Where to stay: “Akra Hotel” located on the seafront.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Amasra
©Koray Bektas

6. Amasra

Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Black Sea Region, Amasra is a perfect destination for a holiday off the beaten track. This small seaside resort is popular with Turks who flee Istanbul or Ankara during the summer and come to recharge their batteries in this idyllic place.

 

Amasra is a destination for relaxation and idleness. Rest on the beaches of “Büyük Kiman and Kücük Liman, take a boat trip or take a walk. If you want to go on a cultural outing, be sure to visit the Amastra Museum awarded the title of the most beautiful small museum in Turkey. Many restaurants await you on the port to taste fish or delicious salads and tasty local produce.

 

During your stay, visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Esenboğa International Airport (3h30 by car) Ankara (4h30) or Istanbul (5h).

 

Where to stay: “Northdoor Hotel” located 2 minutes’ walk from the beach.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Goreme National Park
©MarBoom

7. Göreme National Park

 Cappadocia

 

It is in the heart of Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey, that you can admire this spectacular landscape. Sculpted by erosion, this exceptional site served as a sanctuary during the Byzantine period. Over the centuries, cave villages have also been dug by man in the rock of the Göreme National Park.

 

These are veritable underground cities, invisible to the naked eye, waiting to be discovered by you during your visit to Cappadocia. Do not miss to fly over the region in a hot air balloon and visit Uchisar Castle, ranked among the most beautiful castles in Turkey.

 

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities in Cappadocia, such as a "Cappadocia: hot air balloon flight at sunrise".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Kayseri Airport (1h by car).

 

Where to stay: “Charming Cave Hotel” situated in the heart of Göreme, its restaurant serves traditional Cappadocian meals (organic produce).

 


Best hidden gems in turkey - Hormetci
©Aleksandar-Todorovic

8. Hörmetçi Wild Horses

Kayseri - Cappadocia

To discover these wild horses galloping free, you will have to leave Kayseri and reach the village of Hörmetçi (20 min by car). The horses roam freely even though the men of the village come each year to capture some of them to domesticate them and get them to work. Come and photograph these wild horses at sunset when their frantic races raise dust lit by the setting sun.

 

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Cappadocia, such as a "Sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Kayseri-Erkilet International Airport (20 min by car) or Ankara (4h). 

 

Where to stay: "Argos in Cappadocia" situated in the best rated area in Cappadocia. 

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Sazova Park in Eskisehir
© Resul Muslu

9. Sazova Park

Eskisehir

You could call it a Disney Land of science. In this magnificent park, you will not only find a science park but also an aquarium, a zoo, games for children, restaurants and bars. Families also appreciate the miniature park where you can admire the "Selimiye Mosque" or the Taj Mahal.

 

Need more inspiration? Visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Eskisehir Anadolu Airport (10min from the town centre) or Istanbul (4h).

 

Where to stay: “Tasigo Hotels Eskisehir Bademlik Termal” one of our top picks in Eskisehir.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Alacati
© Nejdet Duzen

10. Alaçati

Izmir

Alaçati is one of Turkey's best hidden gems and one of the most beautiful destinations in the province of Izmir. Renowned for the beauty of its mills and houses, Alaçati is also known as one of Turkey's top destinations for wine lovers and foodies. The purity of its waters and the gentle breeze that can be found there throughout the year make Alaçati a trendy destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts.

 

The hipsters and champagne socialites of Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum have for several years made Alaçati a landmark for hip and golden youth. This is a perfect destination for a weekend or for working remotely, far from the stress of big cities.

 

Discover one of the best hidden gems of Turkey by booking your flights to Izmir as well as your accommodation at the best price in Alaçati, and your tours and activities in Turkey, such as an "Izmir City tour with a private guide".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Izmir (1 hour by car).

 

Where to stay: "House of Azur Alaçati". Couples particularly like the location.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Lycian Rock Tombs in Dalyan
©Nejdet Duzen

11. Lycian Rock Tombs

Dalyan - Fethiye

This is one of the most exceptional places in Turkey. In the 4th century, the Lycians believed that the deceased were taken to the afterlife by angels. In order to give the angels priority to help the deceased, the Lycians built monumental tombs at the tops of the hills. The tomb could thus be seen from afar and the angels gave priority to the dead buried in highly visible and easily accessible places. You can book a guided tour, take a one- or two-day trail or simply ask a taxi to take you directly there for a small fee.

 

During your stay visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

Book your flights to Dalaman Airport or Antalya as well as your accommodation in Fethiye or Ölüdeniz and your tours and activities, such as a "Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem paragliding from Fethiye".

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Dalaman Airport (1h30 by car) or Antalya Airport (3h).

 

Where to stay: “Yacht Classic Hotel - Boutique Class” located in the heart of Fethiye.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Sumela Monastery -
©Leonid Andronov

12. Sumela Monastery

Trabzon

In the heart of the Altindere National Park, in the province of Trebizond (Trabzon in Turkish) in the North-East of Turkey, come and discover one of the best hidden gems in Turkey. Legend has it that Greek monks found buried in one of the caves of the mountain, a small statuette of the Virgin Mary and then decided to build this incredible monastery.

 

History has done its work and relations between Greece and Turkey have evolved over the centuries. At the beginning of the 20th century the monks were sent back to Greece and the Monastery was abandoned. A thick layer of lime was also applied to cover the frescoes. The site is no longer a place to be hidden as it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the region. Work has been carried out by the Turkish government to remove the lime from the frescoes; now, travellers from all over the world can discover all the beauties and riches of one of the most incredible religious sites in Turkey.

 

Entrance to the park is chargeable, so is the access to the Monastery. Work is underway to renovate parts of the monastery (scheduled to end in the coming years).

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Trabzon Airport (1 hour by car).

 

Where to stay: “Hamsikoy Hotel” located 15 km from the Sumela Monastery. Guests love the rooms with mountain views and its top location.

 


Best hidden gems in Turkey - Uchisar Castle
©nadtochiy

13. Uchisar Castle 

Uchisar - Cappadocia

Uchisar is one of the most iconic villages of Cappadocia probably thanks to the Kale, this imposing rock on which the castle of Uchisar was built. During your stay you may have the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences such as a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia. For those who are dizzy or on a smaller budget, you can admire, from the top of Uçhisar a breath-taking view of the whole region. Uchisar and its castle form the highest point of this region.

 

Book your flights to Kayseri as well as your accommodation at the best price, your tours and activities, such as a "Göreme Horseback Riding Experience in Cappadocia".

 

During your stay visit the Best Beaches in TurkeyBest Places to Visit in TurkeyBest Things to do in TurkeyBest Castles in Turkey as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Turkey and discover the best of Turkey.

 

How to get there: Book your flights to Kayseri-Erkilet Airport (1h by car). You can also book your transfer from the airport.

 

Where to stay: “Hermes Cave Hotel” located 50 m from Uçhisar Castle. The views are sublime.

 


 

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