Top three National Parks to visit in Turkey ranging from windswept mountain ranges and volcanic valleys to bird-filled marshes and sun-drenched coastlines, Turkey’s national parks depict the amazing diversity of a country that straddles continents, climates, and civilizations. Turkey gives nature enthusiasts, history aficionados, and adventure seekers an opportunity to get away from the throng and discover the country’s more tranquil, wilder side with its 48 designated national parks and numerous other protected places.
A growing number of tourists are venturing into the wilderness, even though many come for the famous ruins and busy bazaars. Turkey’s national parks provide some of the most immersing travel experiences in the nation, whether it’s kayaking beneath ancient Lycian tombs, trekking alpine routes in the Kaçkar Mountains, or watching flamingos skim Lake Manyas.
Göreme National Park
Best for beautiful landscapes and cave culture
Few locations on Earth look like Göreme National Park, where wind and time have molded volcanic rock into fantasy spires, mushroom-like pinnacles and wave-rippled valleys. A geological marvel and cultural gem, Göreme is a part of the greater Cappadocia region and is home to early Christian-carved underground cities, ancient monasteries, and rock-cut churches.
The most popular attraction is the famous morning hot-air balloon ride, which can be reserved through regional tour companies in Göreme, Avanos, or Ürgüp. Hotel pickup occurs prior to daybreak, and rides typically last an hour. Hiking the Rose Valley (about 4.5 km, 2–2.5 hours round-trip) at dark, getting lost amid cave chapels in Zemi Valley, or witnessing the golden light fall on Tokalı Church are just a few of the richer experiences that may be had on foot.
Love Valley is perfect for hikes at sunset and is a one-way trip of 2.5 km (1.5 m). The Ihlara Gorge, which is roughly 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Göreme, is a beautiful canyon walk of 14 kilometers (9 miles) in total. However, most people choose the picturesque 3–4 kilometers (about 2 miles) stretch from Ihlara town to Belisırma, which has many cafes by the river.
Mt Nemrut National Park
Best for ancient tales about treasure troves
Elevated above the parched plains of southeast Turkey, Mount Nemrut resembles a throne for gods long forgotten. One of the most bizarre and famous landmarks in the nation is this UNESCO-listed national park, which features a 2150-meter (7054-foot) summit crowned by a tumulus, a large gravel mound, surrounded by enormous stone heads of long-dead monarchs, lions, and eagles. The mystery is still fueled by stories of missing treasures and secret chambers, even though it hasn’t been investigated. In the first century BCE, King Antiochus I of Commagene constructed the shrine as both a pantheon of Greco-Persian gods and a place to repose.
When the peak is accessible and clear of snow, late April to October is the ideal time to go. The best part of the trip is the sunrise, when the solitude feels hallowed and the sculptures gleam golden. The vista spans Mesopotamia, the air is thin, the wind is fierce, and it’s more than simply a national park—it’s a pilgrimage.
Troy Historical National Park
Best for ancient ruins and nostalgia
The ancient city of Troy, immortalized by Homer’s Iliad, is a multi-layered archaeological wonder where legend and reality collide. Troy Historical National Park has more than 4,000 years of history, from Roman buildings to Bronze Age communities, and is situated in northwest Turkey, close to the Dardanelles. It attracts tourists from all over the world who are looking for long-lost heroes, whispered wars, and wooden horses.
Troy’s distinctive archaeological story is what sets it apart, not just its name. Nine successive towns that were destroyed and rebuilt over millennia of invasions, natural calamities, and fresh starts may be seen piled on top of one another at the site. You can stroll over historic defense walls, stop at the Scaean Gate, which is believed to be the former location of Achilles, and even discover remnants of Roman-era streets.
With multilingual signs, interactive video displays, and a fantastic audioguide app that is available in both English and Turkish, the contemporary visitor center brings the site to life and helps explain the various strata and their historical significance. The city walls of Troy VI, which are believed to correspond with the chronology of Homer’s epic, can be seen by following the road through the oldest ruins after climbing into the kitschy yet entertaining rebuilt wooden horse at the entrance.
Source: Lonely Planet
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