Top Hidden Tourist Destinations in Turkey: Unveiling a New Side
With its deep blue sea, warm beaches, and long ski slopes, Turkey is one of the world’s most visited destinations, with millions of tourists coming from all over the world every season. However, the features that make Turkey a tourist must-see destination are not limited to these.
Turkey has many hidden tourist treasures, each more valuable than the other, which turn visitors’ experiences into unforgettable moments. To find cheap flights to Turkey, you can visit the website of Pegasus Airlines and see a plane ticket suitable for your budget. You can read the rest of the article to get an idea about the unique beauties of Turkey.
Turkey, which has witnessed many civilizations throughout history, has many historical and cultural beauties. Here are some of hidden tourist destinations in turkey
1. Şahinkaya Canyon – Samsun
The southern coast of Turkey attracts tourists from all over the world every summer. However, not only the south and Aegean coasts but also the Black Sea coast is another place that must be seen by those who come to Turkey.
Canyons, one of the great natural wonders, have been formed due to the water eroding the enormous rocks for centuries. One of the fascinating canyons in Turkey is Şahinkaya canyon, located in Samsun province. Şahinkaya Canyon, which is the deepest point of Altınkaya Dam on Kızılırmak, is approximately 1500 m long.
2. Valla Canyon – Kastamonu
Kastamonu, one of the oldest settlements in Turkey, impresses tourists with its historical, cultural and natural beauties. Valla Canyon, located in the Pınarbaşı district of Kastamonu, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Guidance service is provided for those who want to visit the Valla Canyon, which is approximately 1200 meters deep.
3. Sümela Monastery – Trabzon
Sümela Monastery, located in the Maçka district of Trabzon, is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world. According to a legend, two monks living in different parts of the world dreamt a picture of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms, and they came to Trabzon unaware of each other.
These two monks, who found the image they saw in their dreams in a cave in Trabzon, started to build the Sümela Monastery there. This church, built 1600-1700 years ago, has become one of the essential structures of the Christian world over time. Sümela Monastery, built at an altitude of approximately 1150 m above sea level, is a cultural heritage for Christians and all civilizations.
4. Göbeklitepe – Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa, also known as the city of prophets, is located in the heart of Mesopotamia. As a result of archaeological excavations in Şanlıurfa, a temple built long before the Egyptian pyramids were discovered. The history of this mega temple, which is thought to have been constructed approximately 12.000 years ago, dates back to the Nordic Stone Age.
Göbeklitepe, considered sacred by the locals, is one of the first pieces of evidence of the transition from nomadic life to the settled one. Archaeologists think that the drawings in the temple in Göbeklitepe are pictures of the first gods, which means that humanity built a massive structure for its gods while they were still in the Stone Age. Göbeklitepe is one of the must-see places for anyone interested in human history.
5. Mount Nemrut – Adıyaman
Located in the Kahta district of Adıyaman, Mount Nemrut has one of the most interesting historical and archaeological remains. On the summit of Mount Nemrut, at an altitude of 2200 meters, there are artifacts made during the reign of Komagen, one of the forgotten kingdoms.
There is a temple, considered the 8th wonder of the world by some scientists, and a tumulus thought to have belonged to the Kingdom of Commagene on the top of the mountain.
6. Halfeti – Sanliurfa
If you hear anything about Sanliurfa, it’s highly possible for you to hear about Halfeti, as well. Halfeti is located on the border of Gaziantep. One of the western districts of Sanliurfa, this place is also known as Rumkale. Considered one of the most extraordinary places in Turkey, Halfeti has three thousand years of history.
Halfeti was called different names by many civilizations throughout these three thousand years of history. But on the other hand, the name Halfeti is believed to come from a story of immortal love. So, it’s possible to consider Halfeti as one of the hidden tourist destinations in Turkey. You should visit this place.
If you are planning a trip to Turkey, you can visit Pegasus Airlines’ website and get cheap flights to Turkey. You can fly to the major cities with direct or connected flights.
Explore Further