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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Go to Region of Turkey-> Western Turkey

Western Turkey - Trekking opportunities

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

Trekking in the Taurus Mountains

The Taurus Mountains near Cappadocia in central Turkey offer a spectacular landscape that's ideal for trekking. The region is characterised by rugged peaks and high passes, mountain pastures and isolated valleys, dramatic canyons and deserted mountain lakes.