A concept growing in popularity in recent years, “ecotourism” is a form of tourism involving responsible and sustainable travel to natural attractions. Taking a vacation in nature or even spending a few hours in a natural setting is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our body and our mind.
Natural attractions offer numerous activities from bird watching to photography, stargazing to camping, hiking to fishing. Turkey, with its national parks, biodiversity hotspots, nature conservation areas, waterfalls, mountains, forests and lakes, offers an incredible abundance of natural wonders waiting for you to explore. For this article, we have made a list of 15 amazing ecotourism destinations, both well-known and obscure, that you must definitely see.
Valla Canyon
Carved by the Devrekani Stream as it runs through Küre Mountains, is one of the deepest and most challenging canyons in the world. It is located within the borders of the village of Muratbaşı in Pınarbaşı, Kastamonu, and extends roughly 10 kilometers in the direction of Cide to the north. Valla Canyon offers spectacular views to its visitors, and its walls, which range from 800 to 1,300 meters in height, serve as a habitat for several species of birds of prey including eagles, hawks and vultures. There are guided tours available at both ends of the canyon, while the two observation points built at different points, named “Muratbaşı Burgu Observation Deck” and “Kerte Observation Deck”, view the canyon from above. Navigating the canyon requires professional experience and equipment.
İnceğiz Canyon
Another must-see natural wonder is the Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon, located within the Bozdoğan district of Aydın. The canyon is believed to take its name from the constant Arab raids during the Byzantine Empire. The 380-meter deep, 6-kilometer long canyon is famed for its meandering river that can be explored by boat, and its ancient ruins, including rock tombs dating back to 2500 years ago. The water level in the river is 50 meters on average, but this depth falls significantly during summer. For this reason, spring is the ideal time to visit the canyon. Boat tours in Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon take approximately 2.5 hours, but the number of boats is limited, so you need to make a reservation beforehand. In contrast with touristic boat tours, there is no food service in these trips, so taking some snacks with you is highly recommended.
Gökpınar Lake
Located 10 kilometers from the Gürün district of Sivas, Gökpınar Lake is a rare sight with its verdant nature and brilliant turquoise waters. The water of the lake is cold and changes color depending on the sun’s angle, transforming this 3,000-square meter lake into a veritable natural aquarium. Water level of lake is 20 meters at its deepest point. It is home to a sizeable trout population, and accepts visitors all year round with boat and scuba diving trips.
Pamukkale Terraces and Ancient Pool
One of the iconic images of Turkish tourism, Pamukkale is a unique natural site with its terraces made of travertine deposits, a type of carbonate left over by mineral water from the hot springs. The site has been a center of healing for thousands of years, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of Pamukkale is incomplete without a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis in the vicinity, where the 2,300 year old Ancient Pool offers one of the most memorable swimming experiences of your life. The pool has a water temperature of 36°C, and can be enjoyed regardless of season.
Pamukkale also offers a wide range of gastronomy and shopping experiences that are certain to make your trip even more enjoyable, as well as many five-star hotels and boutique resorts. There are also hot air balloon rides available if you wish to marvel at the natural wonder from the air; these take approximately one hour, and there is also the option to book personal rides.
Ihlara Valley
Located within the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, Ihlara Valley offers an unparalleled experience of historical exploration within the majestic nature. This 150-meter deep, 18-kilometer long valley also holds the distinction of being the largest valley with permanent human settlements. The valley was formed by the Melendi River, which brought plentiful water supply to facilitate settlement. The region is characterized by its lush nature and amazingly clear air, as well as hundreds of rock-cut dwellings and churches dotting the valley’s walls. You can explore the valley on foot by following the Melendi River, or take part in tour programs that include horseback riding, cycling and photography.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s fairytale atmosphere and breathtaking natural wonders of fairy chimneys make the region a must-see destination at the global scale. Cappadocia encompasses an extensive geographical area within the borders of several provinces, mostly Nevşehir as well as Niğde, Aksaray, Kırşehir and Kayseri, so you will need more than one day if you wish to explore the region and enjoy the amazing natural vistas to their fullest. This region boasts the highest density of fairy chimneys in the world. These geographical landmarks have been created when the soft layer of volcanic rock from eruptions of Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Güllü Mountains was eroded by wind and rain over millions of years. There are numerous things to do in Cappadocia, including hiking along the valley, horseback riding, and trips to Ürgüp, Göreme and Avanos to explore the underground cities and trace the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area, which are set to transform your nature excursion into a veritable feast of culture.
Cappadocia offers all the amenities necessary to add a touch of luxury to ecotourism. Hotels in the region include Kayakapı Premium Caves, named one of the most luxurious hotels and the ninth-best hotel in the world, is actually made up of hundreds of cave homes and historical buildings. However, what makes a trip to Cappadocia a truly unforgettable experience in the hot-air balloon rides that will take you hundreds of meters in the air to greet the sun as it rises over the magnificent vista of fairy chimneys below.
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