Turkey’s natural wonders: a traveller’s guide

Turkey, a country straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, provides a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, this is a nation of diverse attractions.

Turkey’s strategic location has helped make it a pot of civilisation, from the ancient Romans and Greeks to the Byzantines and Ottomans. Its rich history can be seen in its landmarks, and its varied landscapes—beaches, mountains, and deserts—provide a backdrop ripe for exploration.

Whether you’re a foodie, nature enthusiast, or history buff, you can trust that there is something interesting for you to see and do in Turkey. Read on to learn of the country’s natural wonders, including tips on what to expect during your trip!

Digital navigation

Travelling across Turkish cities comes with its own set of challenges, such as having to acquire a local SIM card or even having to rely on unpredictable, and at times non-existent, WiFi. And this doesn’t help much, given that you need to be flexible and connected to keep in touch with friends and family.

Enter eSIM for travel. The eSIM travel for Turkey offers a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure you and your travel group have seamless connectivity during your trip. Some of its benefits are:

• Reliable connectivity: Using an eSIM from a renowned provider guarantees that you’ll have the data needed to download travel maps and guides and navigate to even the remotest places.
• Convenience and flexibility: Traditional SIMS require you to swap your primary SIM with a local one. eSIM technology eliminates this hassle, allowing you to connect to a network upon landing.

Once you’ve downloaded the eSIM profile, make sure to download maps of the areas you wish to visit beforehand. Downloading offline maps from Google Maps will allow you to save your data and ensure that you can access all locations without using up all your available data allocation.

Cappadocia adventures

You must have seen the balloon-filled skies on arrival. But have you considered taking a walk through the Rose & Red Valleys, hiking through the Ihlara Valley, or even exploring the underground cities? Cappadocia is a paradise for writers, photographers, and creators.

Therefore, as you pack for your Turkish family getaway, make sure to include clothing suitable for different activities. Some of the must-see attractions while in town will consist of:

• Hot air balloon rides: Embark on hot air balloon rides over unique rock formations and experience the breathtaking views of the city’s landscape.
• Underground cities: The early Christians used the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu as refuges, and this is your chance to explore them.
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has rock-cut churches featuring ancient frescoes.

Try to allocate two to three days in Cappadocia to explore the valleys, enjoy a hot-air balloon ride, and visit its underground cities. It’s recommended that you make a reservation for the hot-air balloon rides, as they’re quite popular.

Pamukkale’s thermal pool

Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle,” is a natural wonder located in Denizli, southwestern Turkey. This destination is renowned for its travertine pools and terraced hot springs, which have been formed over thousands of years.

Their formation is a result of calcium carbonate buildup. Visitors to the city come here to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, walk along the terraces, and bathe in the mineral-rich waters. Some of the top locations to visit while in Pamukkale are:

• Cleopatra’s pool: This is an ancient thermal pool believed to have therapeutic powers.
• Hierapolis: It’s an ancient city that includes baths, a necropolis, and a theatre.
• Travertine terraces: Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the terraces as you enjoy its therapeutic waters.

If you wish to avoid the crowds and the heat, the best time to visit Pamukkale is in the late afternoon or early in the morning. If you plan on swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool, make sure to pack a towel and a swimsuit.

Coastal escapes

A Turkish trip is considered incomplete without a visit to its coast. Take a few days of your trip to unwind in beach towns like Antalya and Bodrum. Antalya is a beautiful coastal city that’s renowned for its historical sites, picturesque Old Town, and stunning beaches.

Top attractions in Antalya include:

• Perge is an ancient city famed for its well-preserved Roman ruins, which include a theatre and a stadium.
• Duden waterfalls: These picturesque waterfalls cascade into the Turkish Sea, providing a refreshing escape from the city.
• Old Town: Spend some time wandering through its narrow, winding streets, which are known for its charming harbour and Ottoman-era architecture.

If you have time, you can schedule a visit to Bodrum, which provides a glimpse of traditional Turkish village life, exclusive beach clubs, and a blossoming food and wine industry.

Mount Ararat exploration

For adventure-seeking digital nomads, tourists, and leisure travellers, few places on earth are as thrilling as the Turkish Eastern Highlands. You should plan a visit to the area to discover the majestic peaks and hiking trails available and get a chance to explore other tourist zones.

Be warned that Mount Ararat and the surrounding areas have poor connectivity as they’re isolated from the other, more developed regions. This makes an eSIM necessary for safety and navigation.

As you scale the mountain’s summit, you’ll appreciate the ability to document your climb with photos and videos, communicate with guides, and receive local weather updates. When travelling to such remote areas, the eSIM ensures you can switch carriers if the coverage fades.

Before your trip, take time to learn some basic Turkish phrases, as these can help enhance the travel experience. Furthermore, take note that English is the country’s official language and is widely spoken in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, and the Turkish Lira is the primary currency.