Attractions of Turkey

To help inspire or plan your trip to Turkey, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Turkey which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Go to Region of Turkey-> Western Turkey - Eastern Turkey

Western Turkey - Natural attractions

Pamukkale and Ruins at Hierapolis
Pamukkale and Ruins at Hierapolis Pamukkale, meaning 'cotton castle' in Turkish, is a bizarre and spectacular natural phenomenon where mineral-laden hot spring waters have created a landscape of petrified waterfalls, mineral forests and a cascade of terraced pools. The waters have supposed therapeutic qualities that have been used since Roman times. The ruins of the thermal spa of Hierapolis are close to Pamukkale. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the King of Pergamon, it soon came under Roman control and prospered as a cosmopolitan city. Among the ruins are a theatre, temple, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hierapolis-Pamukkale

Pamukkale and Ruins at Hierapolis

Pamukkale and Ruins at Hierapolis

Pamukkale, meaning 'cotton castle' in Turkish, is a bizarre and spectacular natural phenomenon where mineral-laden hot spring waters have created a landscape of petrified waterfalls, mineral forests and a cascade of terraced pools. The waters have supposed therapeutic qualities that have been used since Roman times. The ruins of the thermal spa of Hierapolis are close to Pamukkale. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the King of Pergamon, it soon came under Roman control and prospered as a cosmopolitan city. Among the ruins are a theatre, temple, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hierapolis-Pamukkale

Gulet Cruise Along Lycian Coast
Gulet Cruise Along Lycian Coast Gulet ships have been used for centuries to explore the coast around the Lycian peninsula in south-western Turkey and today have been converted to luxury cruising vessels. A gulet is a wooden yacht, handmade from hardwood using traditional Turkish carpentry techniques and nowadays powered by motors, though sails can still be used. The coastline, bays and islands of the region provide an interesting and picturesque landscape to explore in addition to swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise waters. On shore, there are numerous traditional villages and ancient ruins to explore, such as the ancient cities of Xanthus, Patara, Arycanda and the submerged city of Kekova.

Gulet Cruise Along Lycian Coast

Gulet Cruise Along Lycian Coast

Gulet ships have been used for centuries to explore the coast around the Lycian peninsula in south-western Turkey and today have been converted to luxury cruising vessels. A gulet is a wooden yacht, handmade from hardwood using traditional Turkish carpentry techniques and nowadays powered by motors, though sails can still be used. The coastline, bays and islands of the region provide an interesting and picturesque landscape to explore in addition to swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise waters. On shore, there are numerous traditional villages and ancient ruins to explore, such as the ancient cities of Xanthus, Patara, Arycanda and the submerged city of Kekova.

Cappadocia
Cappadocia One of Turkey's most iconic sights is the lunar like landscape of Cappadocia. Formed by wind and water erosion of tuft (soft compacted volcanic ash), the landscape comprises bizarre rock formations shaped like pillars, cones, towers, domes and pyramids, some up to 40 metres high. For centuries man has carved dwellings, churches, troglodyte villages and even entire subterranean cities into these rocks, particularly Byzantine monks and hermits from the 4th century onwards. Many of the rock churches in the Göreme Valley contain richly decorated religious frescoes from the post-iconoclastic period (10th-12th centuries). The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, built by Christians seeking refuge from Arab oppression, are fascinating places to explore with several levels of tunnels extending for many kilometres. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Cappadocia

One of Turkey's most iconic sights is the lunar like landscape of Cappadocia. Formed by wind and water erosion of tuft (soft compacted volcanic ash), the landscape comprises bizarre rock formations shaped like pillars, cones, towers, domes and pyramids, some up to 40 metres high. For centuries man has carved dwellings, churches, troglodyte villages and even entire subterranean cities into these rocks, particularly Byzantine monks and hermits from the 4th century onwards. Many of the rock churches in the Göreme Valley contain richly decorated religious frescoes from the post-iconoclastic period (10th-12th centuries). The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, built by Christians seeking refuge from Arab oppression, are fascinating places to explore with several levels of tunnels extending for many kilometres.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Eastern Turkey - Natural attractions

Lake Van
Located in eastern Turkey, Lake Van is Turkey's largest lake and the largest saline lake in the world. Framed by mountains over 4,000 metres high, this is a dramatic and beautiful setting. The town of Van, located on the lake's shore, was once capital of the ancient Urartian Empire. The beautiful 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross is located on Akdamar Island on the lake. Close to Lake Van lie the historic Urartian site of Cavustepe built in the 8th century BC and the 17th century Kurdish castle at Hosap.

Lake Van

Located in eastern Turkey, Lake Van is Turkey's largest lake and the largest saline lake in the world. Framed by mountains over 4,000 metres high, this is a dramatic and beautiful setting. The town of Van, located on the lake's shore, was once capital of the ancient Urartian Empire. The beautiful 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross is located on Akdamar Island on the lake. Close to Lake Van lie the historic Urartian site of Cavustepe built in the 8th century BC and the 17th century Kurdish castle at Hosap.