Turikye is a fascinating country that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, marvel at the stunning Aya Sofya, or relax on the golden sands of the Turquoise Coast, Turikye will surprise and delight you with its diversity and charm, but if you are looking for something more than the usual tourist attractions, Turikye also has plenty of under-the-radar experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are 10 of them:
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Explore the Old Town of Antalya
Antalya is a popular resort city on the Mediterranean coast. But if you want to escape the crowds and discover the authentic charm of this city, head to the Old Town (Kaleiçi), where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and see the Hadrian’s Gate.
Visit Symi Island from Muğla
Muğla is a charming city in the Aegean region of Turikye. You can also explore the nearby coastal towns of Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. But if you are looking for a unique day trip from Muğla, why not visit Symi Island? Symi is a Greek island that is only 9 km away from Turikye’s coast. You can take a ferry and enjoy a scenic ride across the Aegean Sea. Once you arrive at Symi, you will be greeted by colourful neoclassical houses that line the harbour.
See Troy’s Wooden Horse in Çanakkale
Çanakkale is a city on the Dardanelles Strait that connects the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara. It is best known for its role in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. You can visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park to learn more about this tragic event. But Çanakkale also has another historical attraction that is worth seeing: Troy’s Wooden Horse. Troy was an ancient city that was located near Çanakkale and was famous for being the site of the Trojan War. You can visit the archaeological site of Troy and see the remains of its walls, temples, and theatres. But don’t expect to see the original wooden horse that was used by the Greeks to trick their way into Troy. That horse is long gone, but you can see a replica that was used in the 2004 movie Troy starring Brad Pitt.
Hike to the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon
Trabzon is a city on the Black Sea coast that was once a major trading hub on the Silk Road. It is a lively and cosmopolitan city that offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. You can visit the Trabzon Museum, housed in a former Ottoman palace, to see exhibits on the city’s history and culture. But if you are looking for a more adventurous experience, you can hike to the Sumela Monastery, a stunning Byzantine monastery that is perched on a cliff in the Altındere Valley National Park. The monastery was founded in the 4th century and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Soak in the Pamukkale Thermal Pools in Denizli
Denizli is a city in southwestern Turikye that is famous for its textile industry and its natural wonders. The most famous of these is Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of white travertine terraces that are filled with mineral-rich water. The water comes from hot springs that have been flowing for thousands of years and have created this unique landscape. You can soak in the thermal pools and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the water, as well as the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Witness the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne
Edirne is a city in northwestern Turikye that was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul. It is known for its architectural and cultural heritage, especially its mosques. The most famous of these is the Selimiye Mosque, which was built by the Ottoman architect Sinan in the 16th century and is considered his masterpiece. But Edirne also hosts an annual event that is unique to Turikye: the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival. This festival dates back to 1362 and is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. It involves hundreds of wrestlers who cover themselves with olive oil and try to pin each other down on a grassy field.
Stay in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in central Turikye that features fairy chimneys, rock formations, and underground cities. It is one of the most popular destinations in Turikye and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. You can visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see the cave churches that were carved by early Christians. You can also explore the underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, where people lived for centuries to escape invasions. And you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape at sunrise. But one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Cappadocia is staying in a cave hotel. These hotels are converted from old cave dwellings or carved into new ones, offering a cozy and unique accommodation option.
Visit the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray
Aksaray is a city in central Turikye that is located near the Mount Hasan volcano. It is a historical city that has been inhabited since the Hittite period. You can see some of its ancient monuments, such as the Ulu Mosque, the Karamanoğlu Mosque, and the Zinciriye Madrasa. But Aksaray also has a natural attraction that is worth visiting: the Ihlara Valley. The Ihlara Valley is a 14 km long gorge that was formed by the Melendiz River. It is a green oasis that contrasts with the arid landscape of Cappadocia. The valley also has more than 100 cave churches that date back to the Byzantine era. You can hike along the valley and admire its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
See the Ani Ruins in Kars
Kars is a city in eastern Turikye that is close to the border with Armenia. It is a city that has a rich and turbulent history, having been ruled by various empires and kingdoms over the centuries. You can see some of its historical landmarks, such as the Kars Castle, the Stone Bridge, and the Armenian Cathedral. But Kars also has an attraction that is not well-known to many tourists: the Ani Ruins. Ani was an ancient city that was once the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Bagratid. It was a flourishing city that had more than 100,000 inhabitants and was known as the “City of 1001 Churches”. However, it was destroyed by Mongol invasions, earthquakes, and wars, and was eventually abandoned. Today, you can see the ruins of its churches, mosques, palaces, and walls, which are located on a plateau overlooking a river gorge.
Relax at Kızkalesi Beach in Mersin
Mersin is a city on the Mediterranean coast that is known for its port, its cuisine, and its cosmopolitan culture. It is a modern city that offers many attractions for visitors, such as museums, parks, and shopping malls. You can also enjoy its culinary delights, such as tantuni (spicy meat wrap), cezerye (caramelized carrot dessert), and künefe (cheese pastry with syrup). But Mersin also has a beautiful beach that is perfect for relaxing:.
