Turkey, a land where East meets West, is famous for its bustling bazaars, iconic mosques, and ancient ruins. However, hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered beyond the well-travelled tourist trails. Join me as we set off on a guided tour through Turkey’s lesser-known wonders, from the misty mountains of the Black Sea to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
On this journey, we’ll discover the beautiful landscapes, rich history, and authentic experiences that these hidden treasures offer to the intrepid traveller in 2024. It has been divided into regions, to help make it easier for you to plan your trip.
Black Sea Region
The Black Sea region is a part of Turkey that is rarely visited by foreign tourists and is one of Turkey´s best kept secrets.
Amasra
Amasra is a picturesque town that seems frozen in time. Its history dates back to Roman times, which is evident in the well-preserved walls and gates. While most tourists flock to the main beach, locals know about the secluded coves accessible only by boat.
These pristine spots offer a glimpse into the Black Sea’s rich marine life and stunning coastal scenery. Along the charming harbour area, there are many excellent fish restaurants where you can try some inexpensive local fish dishes, such as hamsi (anchovies).
Safranbolu
Safranbolu, an Ottoman time capsule, is just a short drive from Amasra. It’s a place that makes you feel as if you’re walking onto the set of a historical Turkish TV drama. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, including mansions that were once the summer homes of wealthy Ottomans. Historical gems such as the Cinci Han and Cinci Hammam (Turkish baths) are also worth exploring.
However, the town is also a place of natural beauty, with nearby canyons. There are some good ones within walking distance of the old town. The old town has a small but lovely bazaar, and it is one of the few places in Turkey where you can witness the art of Yemenicilik, the craft of making traditional Turkish shoes.
Sümela Monastery
For those travellers who love history, it is also possible to visit the fascinating ancient Sümela Monastery on a day trip from Trabzon.
Greek Orthodox monks built the monastery centuries ago on a steep mountain cliff, and it is currently undergoing loving restoration. It is not so easy to get to, you could get there by bus and taxi, rent a car or go on an organised tour.
Aegean Region
Apart from the many popular resorts in the Aegean region, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Kuşadasi, there are also some lovely resorts that are hidden gems.
Alaçatı
Located near the city of Izmir is the charming town of Alaçatı, known for its iconic windmills and fancy boutique hotels. There are beautiful houses, charming cafes, and fancy restaurants located in its narrow streets. The place has a sophisticated atmosphere with a price tag to match.
The town is at the forefront of Turkey’s slow food movement, with several restaurants sourcing their ingredients exclusively from local farms.
Most of the tourists here are Turkish, and few foreigners have heard about the place. In Spite of this, prices are not cheap compared to many of the other towns in the Aegean region. There are some great beaches in nearby Çesme.
Bozcaada
An Island of Vineyards This small Aegean Island is famous for its wines, but its hidden gem status comes from its lesser-known beaches and coves. Bozcaada’s efforts to revive ancient grape varieties are not widely known.
The island’s vineyards are home to nearly extinct grape types, preserved through a collaboration between local winemakers and agricultural scientists to make some of the most delicious wines in Turkey.
Şirince Village
Şirince is a picturesque village that is famous for its fruit wines and Ottoman houses, but its lesser-known treasure is its culinary heritage.
The village is one of the few places where one can taste “forgotten” Turkish dishes; modern Turkish cuisine rarely incorporates recipes passed down through generations.
Ephesus
Sirince is located not far from the ancient, ruined city of Ephesus. You can visit both cities in one day if you’re in a hurry. It’s Turkey’s most famous ancient city. I remember visiting Ephesus for the first time as a teenager, many years ago, when my friend and I were literally alone as we walked up to the ruins. These days, it is a busy place with many day trippers.
The best way to jump the lines is to either go on a guided tour or arrive very early. If you go in the height of summer, make sure you take a hat, sun cream, and plenty of water with you. It may not be a hidden gem these days, but it is definitely one.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a natural wonder that is located right next to Hierapolis, an ancient Rom an city with an outstanding amphitheatre, surrounded by a vast area of ruins and tombs. The name Pamukkale, which translates to Cotton Castle, refers to the water-filled, calcium-white terraces. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume. If you don’t want to swim in the water terraces, you may want to take a dip in the famous Cleopatra’s pool, where history has it that the famous Queen once took a bath.
In the summer months, the place gets filled with day trippers, so the real secret is to stay in the town overnight and go to the attraction either first thing in the morning to watch the sun rise or late in the day to see the sun set. At these times, you will virtually have the place to yourself. A hot air balloon ride over Pamukkale and Hierapolis offers one of the best views at a much lower cost than those in Cappadocia.
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Mediterranean Region
Along the Turkish Mediterranean, often referred to as the Turkish Riviera, there are so many wonderful places to visit. Here are just a few.
Butterfly Valley
Not far from Fethiye town, you will find the natural haven of Butterfly Valley. It is famous for its natural beauty, but its true beauty lies in its role as a crucial habitat for diverse butterfly species.
What’s not widely known is the valley’s night-time allure. On certain summer nights, visitors can witness the bioluminescent plankton that light up the shoreline. This is a rare phenomenon in the Mediterranean and a treat for ecologists.
Ölüdeniz
Less than 20 kilometres from Butterfly Valley, you can also visit Ölüdeniz. This destination is famous for its blue lagoon, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The nearby Babadağ mountain is not just perfect for paragliding but is also home to several rare plant species. The mountains are a beautiful destination, offering breath-taking views and hiking trails along the historical Lycian Way that most visitors to the famous beach miss out on.
Kemer
The impressive Tarsus Mountains flank the charming seaside resort of Kemer. It is an unpretentious and wonderful place to unwind and enjoy a beach holiday without the bustle and crowds of Antalya.
For those with a head for heights there is the amazing Mount Olympos cable car ride that will enable you to see the entire coastline from a birds eye view.
Kaş
Kaş is a diver’s paradise, where you can explore ancient shipwrecks and submerged ruins. The town offers visitors a unique perspective on the region’s rich maritime history. Before you go diving, make sure you have passed your PADI diving test.
The town itself is quite off the beaten track, but in spite of this, it has become rather trendy in recent years. There are lots of boutique hotels and fancy restaurants, and prices aren´t so cheap here. There are some lovely beaches, but they are mainly located outside the town and are difficult to get there without a car or taking a taxi.
Antalya & Duden Falls
While it’s difficult to characterise Antalya as a hidden gem, there are some charming parts of the old town, such as the harbour, that I consider to be truly remarkable.
When visiting the city, your itinerary should include natural wonders like the nearby Duden Waterfalls. It is just a short trip to the city centre and is quite breath-taking.
Central Anatolia
Central Turkey, also called Central Anatolia, is a vast and generally sparsely populated area, (except for the capital city of Ankara which is located in the middle. The famous tourist destination of Cappadocia is also found in this part of Turkey and it is not a city, but rather an entire region. The main tourist town is called Göreme, which in recent years has become a bit of a tourist trap. But the Goreme National Park itself is still a real gem.
Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s world is famous for its fairy chimneys and hot air balloons, but there are also many other attractions that are a must for visitors.
Ancient Underground Cities
Derinkuyu is probably the best example of an ancient underground city, but it isn´t the only one. There are lesser-known underground cities such as Özkonak and Mazi that offer a more intimate and less crowded experience.
These cities are marvels of ancient engineering, with sophisticated ventilation systems that maintain a constant temperature year-round for the Christians, who hid underground to protect themselves from invading armies. While it’s an unforgettable experience, individuals with claustrophobia or serious health issues should avoid it.
Uçhisar Castle
This attraction is located in the small town of Uçhisar, which is less of a tourist trap than nearby Göreme. Historically, people used this castle, carved out of a natural rock, as a watch tower to spot invading armies.
It is a masterpiece of architecture and a must-see. Top views are stunning, and the best time to go is in the evening to watch Turkey’s most beautiful sunset.
Göreme Open-Air Museum
While the Göreme Open Air Museum is a popular place to visit with its fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and cave dwellings, few visitors realise the intricate details of its ancient construction.
Many of them have remarkable frescoes made from pigeon eggshells and employ architectural techniques that have withstood the test of time.
South Eastern Turkey
Some of Turkey’s best-kept secret destinations are located in Southeastern Turkey, which is a cultural melting pot. It´s an isolated part of the country, but the effort to get there is well worth it.
Sanliurfa
The ancient city of Sanlıurfa, formally known as Urfa, is a place of pilgrimage. The Pool of Sacred Fish and its connection to Abraham are beautiful places to visit, and they attract Muslims from all over the world.
However, the city is also known for its traditional crafts. The city’s bazaar is a treasure trove of handmade textiles, copper work, and traditional jewellery, offering a shopping experience that connects visitors with ancient artisanal traditions. But don´t forget to barter for the best price.
The city´s amazing History Museum, which is the largest and most modern in Turkey, has just reopened and is a must-see for history buffs like me. Another wonderful thing about the city is its proximity to two other amazing historical attractions, Harran and Gobeklitepe.
Harran
Located just a short distance from Sanliurfa, Harran is another one of the hidden gems in Turkey. Their mud-hut beehive houses, architectural marvels, are naturally cool inside, even in the scorching summer heat. For a small fee, you can visit them and look around.
What’s not widely known is Harran’s historical significance in astronomy. Harran also boasts the ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities, dating back to Babylonian times, where ancient scholars made significant contributions to our understanding of the stars.
Göbekli Tepe
Göbekli Tepe is one of the world’s oldest known temples and an archaeological site that is rewriting our understanding of human civilization. The intricate stone carvings and massive pillars, dating back to 10,000 BCE, offer insights into the beliefs and capabilities of our ancient ancestors.
The Anatolian Civilisations Museum in Ankara now houses many of the best artefacts, while the small onsite museum showcases many others. You can get there by car or public transport.
Mardin
Mardin’s stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a unique destination. The city is a melting pot of cultures and one of the few places where you can hear Syriac, Aramaic, Kurdish, and Arabic spoken alongside Turkish, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s cultural diversity.
The impressive mosques and Madrasas of Mardin overlook the stunning plains of Mesopotamia. You can relax on one of the café terraces, drink a cup of Turkish tea, and enjoy the views. The area surrounding the city has many historical and beautiful Christian monasteries that are wonderful to visit, and they stand as a testament to the coexistence of different faiths living together in peace.
Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Istanbul is not exactly a hidden gem of Turkey, but there are certainly some neighbourhoods and attractions that are off the beaten path and where few foreign travellers visit. Istanbul is definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkey, with so many Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.
It is also one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with a stunning view across the iconic Bosphorus, which separates the city into two continents (Europe and Asia). If you are planning a trip to Turkey for the first time, you should come here. If you visit Turkey looking for culture, history, and tasty food, you are going to find it all here, among the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
Other Destinations
There are so many more wonderful destinations to visit in Turkey (which is now officially called Türkiye). It would be difficult to include them all in just one blog. I will do some more blogs that classify hidden gems in Türkiye into natural parks, ancient ruins, beach resorts, etc.
Tours and Sightseeing
I usually go on most of my trips around Turkey independently, using public transportation, and I rarely go on organised tours. However, there are some parts of the country where it is very difficult to get to without renting a car, especially national parks, etc.
If you don´t want to drive, I highly recommend booking an organised trip through a reputable travel agent to see these places. An organise tour can help eliminate all the stress of planning or organising everything yourself. There are numerous excellent tours available in Turkey that offer great value for money.
Map of the Hidden Gems of Turkey
I have put these destinations into sometime of geographical order, grouping them into regions.
Conclusion
As you journey through Turkey’s hidden and not-so-hidden gems, it’s clear to see that many of its lesser-known destinations offer more than just beautiful landscapes and rich history. They also represent the true heart of Turkey, where ancient traditions live on and unexpected wonders await us around every corner.