The most beautiful natural sites to discover Turkey

Very extensive, it requires a long visit. The old part of the city, near Kızıl Avlu, is very endearing.

The acropolis is perched on top of a rocky hill overlooking the modern city of Bergama, 5 kilometers from the museum. It is best to take a cab. As you enter, on the left you can see the Heroon, a temple in honor of the rulers of Pergamon. A path leads to the site of the sanctuary of Zeus, in an idyllic environment. Eumenes II had it built in 180 BC to commemorate the victory of his father against the Galatians. The building is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, only the base of the sanctuary is visible, all the rest was transferred to Berlin. Behind it was a temple of Athena. Continuing north, you reach the library and the temple of Trajan. From the temple of Athena, steps lead to the Hellenistic theater, which, clinging to the side of the acropolis, is particularly impressive. Provided with a mobile wooden stage, it could contain 10 000 people. To the south of the sanctuary of Zeus is the temple of Demeter, the oldest building on the site (^3rd century B.C.) and next to it, the gymnasium. From the hill of the acropolis you can clearly see the ancient aqueduct.

Asclepion. To reach the Asclepion, dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine, take a path west of the modern city. Attention, photos are forbidden, the building is near a military zone. The Asclepion was founded by Archias, a citizen of the city who had been cured at the Asclepion of Epidaurus. But the medical school of Pergamon became famous in the ^2nd century A.D. thanks to Galen who researched the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems. His work is fundamental for the history of medicine. Thermal baths, massages and herbal teas were prescribed to the sick in Pergamon, as well as psychological cures. The Asclepion was also frequented by philosophers. The present remains date for the most part from the time of Hadrian (^2nd century). The snake that you see engraved in several buildings is the symbol of Asclepios. Following the Sacred Way, you arrive at the temple of Asclepius, a circular construction, at the library and at a small Roman theater of 3 500 seats. After the sacred fountain, an underground passage leads to the temple of Telesphorus.

The cave is full of multicolored stalactites and stalagmites. The temperature is constantly 23°C with a humidity between 90 and 100%. It has higher than normal levels of carbon and radioactivity, which is why it relieves asthma and rheumatism. To take a cure, you must go to the public hospital where a health check-up will be carried out to determine the length of treatment required, after which another check-up will be carried out.

In the 3rd century, seven young Christians from Ephesus, persecuted, took refuge in this cave, the exit of which was blocked by Roman soldiers. They fell into a deep sleep that lasted 192 years according to some, 309 years for others. After their death, they are buried in the cave, a chapel is built on their graves. This cave was used as a burial place until the end of the Byzantine era. The location of the tombs, which became a place of pilgrimage, is clearly visible.

Fifty-three miles from Aspendos. For nature lovers with a means of transport, the excursion to the Köprülü National Park is an idea. You drive 43.5 km on the narrow road through dense pine forests dotted with waterfalls following the river. This one passes in front of the two guesthouses restaurants of the area: Selge and Kanyon (by the river, on a tree trunk, to eat trout). The river leads to the campsites: Medraft and Öncü. It reaches the entrance of the canyon and the Roman bridge of the 2nd century AD, and Oluk Köprü on the Köprü Çay River which descends from the Taurus and travels 120 km to reach the Mediterranean Sea. These establishments offer rafting for those who have not purchased a Side or Antalya trip.

Continuing this path to Altınkaya (1,000 m). The higher you climb, the wilder the landscape becomes with beautiful views of the Dedegöl mountains (3,000 m), up to the village of Altınkaya or Zerk (13 km from the bridge). Near the bridge, the ruins of Selge (paying), a city with a dark history, inhabited until the beginning of the Byzantine era. You can distinguish the agora with a 3-storey building, 2 temples (one attributed to Zeus, the other to Artemis), the stadium and an impressive 9,500-seat theatre, partly carved out of rock.

The villagers offer to guide you on mountain hikes: one of them lasts 4 hours and reaches the canyon, the others last several days to the surrounding mountains.

To reach Zelve de Çavuşin (or Avanos), you cross the Vallée valley. An unmistakable break to admire the magnificent "fées" of fées. The one with 3 heads, right in the valley, is supposed to have sheltered the Saint of Syria, which served as a model for many hermits de of Cappadocia. You can then begin the climb of Boztepe. The duration of this march is approximately 3 hours 30 with a difference of 150 m.

Boat-dolmuş from the cooperative connect Dalyan to Istuzu beach, the domain of the endangered species of caretta-caretta turtles, several times a day. A few years ago, environmentalists led a great struggle to prevent developers from building hotels in this idyllic place. Today, the turtles are protected and invisible, since the beach is only open from 8am to 10pm. Camping is prohibited. An information center in Dalyan answers all questions on this subject (open every day from 10am to 8pm).

Tombs west of the theater constitute a rock necropolis in two parts. They are decorated with bas-reliefs representing warlike scenes. Note the beautiful carved sarcophagi. In the lower necropolis, fantastic tombs "inhabited" by life-size statues and reliefs representing the families of the deceased. The theater is well preserved and has 29 tiers dug into the rock. It was restored after the earthquake of 141.You can negotiate with a cab driver for a round trip.

The Pigeon Valley connects Uçhisar and Göreme. It presents the natural and geological characteristics of the region. Its name was given to it in reference to the multiple colored pigeon houses that it shelters. Please note: it is considered dangerous for some passages, so make sure you are accompanied or explained. 2 hours of walking on a 4 km path. Before arriving in Göreme, several churches can be visited, Kadir Dümuş, Karşı Bucak and Yusuf Koç.

With its 80 m depth and 15 km length, the impressive canyon at the foot of Mount Hasan is carved out of the tuff by the Melendiz River. It connects Ihlara to Selime, with Belişırma in the middle. The first section between Ihlara and Belişırma is marked, possible to continue to Selime. The valley is home to about 100 rock churches and a monastic complex (Kale), many churches have been damaged by the river waters.

Advice: bring non-slip shoes because of the water. There are fish restaurants along the river in Belişırma.

Local youths often offer to be guides for a little money. As part of Cappadocia, the valley then known as Peristremma developed in parallel with Christianity, with the flourishing period beginning in the 6th century and lasting until the 13th century.

Kokar Kilise ("fragrant church", left bank). A single vaulted nave. The apse is partly collapsed (on the side of the entrance). The burial hall joined the church later on. A dominant gray coloring. Dated to the 9th century.

Pürenliseki Kilisesi ("Terrace Church", left bank). Four parts. Vaulted entrance, two naves and two apses, columns. The scenes are very distinct and well separated. It resembles the churches of Kokar and Yılanlı. Dated to the 10th century.

Ağaç Altı Kilise ("church under the tree", left bank). Cross-shaped architecture, vaulted dome, three apses. Dated between the 9th and 11th centuries, it features the traditional themes of the region. Its name comes from the representation of St. Daniel between the lions (just in front of the entrance).

Yılanlı Kilise ("snake church", left bank). Cross-shaped. Vaulted. One apse. The scene on the west wall shows four damned women being attacked by snakes. Dated from the end of the 11th century. A chapel to the north would have served as a burial chamber. Dated to the 9th century.

Kırkdamaltı Kilisesi (St. George's Church, left bank, at Belisırma). Irregular octagonal shape. Possessing a flat ceiling, it has lost its apse. The basement and the sides have housed tombs. A peculiarity is that there are writings mentioning the Seljuk sultan and the Byzantine emperor. Dated to the 13th century (1283-1295).

Kale Manastırı Kilisesi (St. George's Church, at Selime). Known as one of the largest monasteries in Cappadocia. Very well preserved, it is excavated in several tuff cones. The frescoes would go up at the period going from Xth to XIth century.

Lake Kovada (kovada gölü) is located in a national park at 908 m above sea level. With an area of 4 km², it is connected to the Eğirdir Lake by the Aksu River (25 km) and is surrounded by expanses of apple and peach trees. Fishy and 7 m deep, it offers an enchanting setting for fishing (between June and the end of September), picnicking and hiking. There is a possibility to camp. Note that the Kasnak forest is nearby.

One hour by ferry (20 minutes by hydrofoil), this island of the Dodecanese does not offer a very different face from that of Bodrum except for the Turkish doner which becomes the Greek gyros. You will go there for its beaches or for a walk. The ideal is to rent a scooter to go around the island. Remember that Hippocrates (460-357 BC), the founder of the first school of medicine, is from Kos. The beach of Tigaki is often crowded. On the other side are the beaches of Kefalos, the most beautiful beaches of the island: quiet with clear water.

Mount climbing can take place in 2 days, with one overnight camp. Depending on the season, crampons and picks may be necessary, guides on site. The view is incredible! One of the two «founders» of Cappadocia, now extinct, houses a ski resort (between 1 800 and 3 000 m) with 1 lifts and 2 ski lifts running from November to May and about tracks.

With an altitude of 2,640 m and largely dominating the region to the west, Mount Davraz is in the continuity of the Dedegöl, Akdaş and Barla mountains. Still little known until recently, it is a resort installed at 2,160 m. Interesting ski area with a variety of slopes, there are also equipment rental companies, cafes. The Sirene Davras Mountain Resort with its 123 rooms welcomes skiers. To get there, it is best to be motorized, otherwise buses go there from Isparta in season.

This bright blue freshwater lake is the fourth largest in the country (517 km²). Several viewpoints offer exceptional panoramas. There are beaches that allow safe swimming. Until the 20th century, the peninsula and Yeşilada (Green Island) were separated. The peninsula was then an island, occupied mostly by a population of Greek origin, which, after the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 imposing the exchange of populations between the two countries, was forced to leave. The pensions usually offer boat tours.

Yüksel Kilise and Manastir is a religious complex. As its name suggests, it consists of a monastery and a church perched on rocks overlooking the Güzelyurt Lake. It is especially for the panorama which the area offers, on the water, the mountains and the mount Hasan, among others, that the stroll is worth the blow. Indeed, the buildings that appear massive from afar are unfortunately covered inside with inscriptions and graffiti.

You have to be brave to swim in Marmaris, the city offers only small pebble beaches. It is better to go to Içmeler (10 km away) and Turunç (20 km away) in the southwest direction. From April to October, water cabs go there and it is very convenient. Another (better?) idea is to explore the surrounding coves and islands on a boat. Local tourist agencies offer interesting packages. Day trips allow you to travel along the water, to discover beautiful panoramas and to swim more quietly.

The beach of Sarmısaklı, 8 km away, accessible by dolmus, is the most beautiful in the area. It is a large sandy spit that stretches for 4 km south of the town. Don't be afraid of the translation of its name!(Sarmısaklı plaj means "the garlic beach"). The beach is very crowded as it is one of the stops for tour operators and a large part of it is overrun by hotels and restaurants. But if you are willing to walk a bit, you will discover secluded corners like Badavut Bay, further west, where there are small, quieter restaurants.

A protected nature reserve of 46 hectares, it is 8 kilometres from Beykoz, within the limits of the village of Tokat. It is a rare and endangered ecosystem, in which a colony of fir trees has settled and developed naturally. In Turkish göknar means fir tree, hence the name given to the reserve. Chestnut, linden, hazelnut and hornbeam are the other species present in the park. On hot summer days, you will enjoy this shady area. Very easy access from Beykoz.

Despite the multiplication of industrial sites in its surroundings, Polonezköy has managed to preserve its natural biotope, which is totally characteristic of the flora of the western Mediterranean. The forest is rich in chestnut, lime, elm and alder trees. They are home to an intense sub-flora of plants and a particularly dense wildlife. Storks and some species of birds of prey stop here during their autumn and spring migrations. The geomorphological structure of the place has all the specificities of a plateau.

The grove is part of one of the last legacies of the Ottoman Empire because it is due to the rich vizier of Armenian origin, Ibrahim Paşa (1830-1918). Passionate about hunting, the Pasha owned several residences around the Bosporus. Bought by the State in 1887, it became a public domain. The grove has a large number of species and a diversified flora. Cascades, hiking and jogging trails, observation areas, restaurants and tea rooms are installed.