Türkiye, known for its iconic sites and vibrant cities, also has unexplored gems off the beaten path that are just waiting to be discovered. Beyond the bustling streets of Istanbul and the historic ruins of Ephesus is a kaleidoscope of hidden gems, each with a distinct charm and allure. With its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, Türkiye beckons travellers to venture beyond popular tourist destinations and take an exciting voyage of exploration.
Situated near Izmir on the Aegean Coast, Alacati is a little slice of blue-and-white paradise and is worthy of being covered on your Türkiye tour. Alacati is a good substitute for the better-known Cesme if you want to sleep in an authentic stone cottage and explore relatively quieter lanes.
With a visible Greek influence, this is one of the most traditional towns in Türkiye, with cobblestone streets and charming stone houses covered in bougainvillaea flowers. From boat rides and windsurfing to summiting the neighbouring 16th-century Cesme Castle, Alacati has enough activities to make a few nights' stay worthwhile. Windmills, a symbol of Alaçatı, offer stunning views of the town and its surroundings; however, you might have the best time just meandering between quaint eateries and bars that serve local wine.
Mount Nemrut is located in Adiyaman, southeast Türkiye, close to the Syrian border; do not let that deter you from visiting, as it is nevertheless a well-liked tourist destination and is, therefore, safe to visit. The peak is famous for more than just its breathtaking views. It's most famous for its massive carved stone heads that are positioned randomly along the trail that leads to the summit and at the top of the mountain. Though no one knows for sure how they arrived there, the consensus is that they were placed there to symbolise the authority that Alexander I once yielded.
Water cascades down from Mount Taurus to create the Duden Waterfalls, which drop into the sea at Antalya's base. Visit around sunset to witness breathtaking rainbows. You can take a boat ride to see the main waterfall from the sea, or you can drive or take public transport to get to Duden Park and see the waterfalls from the mainland.
Divided into two main sections, the Upper Duden Waterfalls and the Lower Duden Waterfalls, they offer visitors breathtaking natural beauty. The Upper Falls are known for their tranquil park setting, ideal for picnics and walks, while the Lower Falls, dropping into the Mediterranean Sea from a rocky cliff, provide a spectacular view, especially from the sea.
The park is filled with restaurants and bars. The park isn't very packed with visitors, making it the ideal location for a stroll and a chance to escape the city and take a breather.
The Anatolian city of Mardin, perched atop a rocky outcrop above the Mesopotamian plain, is a living library with a wealth of information about religion, history, and archaeology. Even better, there is very little to no mass tourism there, so you must definitely include it in your Turkey tour.
Mardin is known for its Artuqid architecture and strategic location on a hill near the Tigris River. It's a UNESCO-protected site, preserving its old city's façade. The city's history dates back to the Syriac Christian period and has seen various rulers, including the Artuqids and Ottomans. Mardin has a mixed population, with significant Arab, Kurdish, and Assyrian communities. It offers a rich blend of cultures and languages, making it a unique destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.
Fashioned almost entirely from buff-coloured limestone that is mined nearby, giving it the appearance of a naturally occurring rock formation. The tiny lanes are brimming with traditional dwellings - take note of the local construction style, which promotes sloping facades and large courtyards - interspersed with historic structures and small workshops belonging to the city's Syrian Orthodox silversmiths.
History and beauty converge at the Lycian Rock Tombs, which most people discover by chance. If you're staying anywhere in the Dalaman region, you'll see trips to the Sultanyimud baths and Turtle Beach, where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs during nesting season.
But what they don't tell you is that you take a riverboat trip of the Dalyan River en route from the Sultanyimud mud springs to Turtle Beach, and along the way, you pass what can only be described as a piece of historical beauty.
There are actual tombs carved into the sheer rock face. These were made in the fourth century by the Lycians, who believed that angels carried the dead to the afterlife.
The fastest way to reach Turkey from India is to fly which costs somewhere between INR 19,000 to INR 38,000 and takes around 12 hours and 45 minutes to reach. The flying distance between the two countries is around 4,500 kilometres.
