Turkey is blessed with beautiful beaches and stunning sandy coves but if you’re anything like us, you love to explore the local attractions and excursions, but you don’t know where to start. There’s no need to worry, as here at Holiday Hypermarket we have handpicked our top nine must-do excursions in this truly enchanting country.
It’s easy to see why the Blue Lagoon at Olu Deniz, has been rated by travel and tourism journalists as one of the top five beaches in the world, with its impressive secluded bay and natural nature reserve. To top it off it’s backed by the Babadag Mountains which is one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean. If you would rather do something more energetic than topping up your tan, then how about paraglide off the 1,960 jump point on Mount Babadag? It’s regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to the impressive panoramic views.
Set between two striking cliff faces with the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, Butterfly Valley is renowned for being one of the most picturesque places in Turkey. It is a prime example of the beauty Mother Nature created as it is home to many species of butterflies. There are two ways to reach the valley, the fun way or the easy way. We prefer the fun way which involves trekking down a hiking trail – it takes about 40 minutes, but the views more than make up for the terrain. Or you can get the taxi boat from Olu Deniz and soak up the views over the stunning coastline.
If you love all things tacky then head to the local bazaars such as the one in Fethiye’s old town. They are crammed with unique knick-knacks and delicacies; you can stroll round the shops and stalls where you’ll find countless goods on sale such as – handmade gold and silver jewellery, pungent spices, medjool dates, and beautiful textiles. Top tip – Make sure you buy yourself a box of homemade ‘lokum’ (Turkish delight) the flavours are just overwhelming.
Have you ever wanted to release your inner child and cover yourself head to toe in mud? If you have, then head to the Mud Baths in Dalyan – where you can smother yourself in mud without getting into trouble for getting mud everywhere. Once this mineral rich mud has dried, you wash it off in the showers – not only does it leave your skin feeling really rejuvenated, it is said that it can also make you look ten years younger. You can also experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the thermal baths, before heading to the warm and relaxing spa pool.
For all you nature lovers head to the Duden Waterfalls, where you can explore the hidden cave chambers that go behind the waterfall, l along with unique flora and fauna. The Upper Waterfall is in the north east of Antalya and has a lovely park with beautiful gardens surrounding it. Not only does the mist coming from the waterfalls have such a cooling effect during the hot summers, it is also so pretty to watch. The Low Waterfall flows 40 meters from the cliffs to the sea to create this stunningly beautiful waterfall.
If history is your thing, then no visit to Turkey should be complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pamukkale. The Roman ruins of Heriapolis are located at the top of the mountain and are really worth exploring along with a magnificent amphitheatre. Also at the top is an antique pool called Cleopatra’s pool, which you can swim in, so be sure to pack your swimwear! The water that flows down from the cliff have created some beautiful waterfalls and stunning thermal pools, it really is a beautiful blend of nature and history that is not to be missed.
For an unforgettable fun filled day, head to Saklikent Gorge and try your hand at river tubing. The Skalikent Canyon is the second largest gorge in Europe with a setting that is truly stunning, you can soak up the views as you drift down the river rapids, in your inflatable ring.
Fancy a bit of island hopping? Then why not take the ferry from Bodrum Turkey and sail across to the Greek island of Kos, where you can spend the day exploring this charming town. History buffs can explore nearby Asklepieion, one of Greece’s most important classical sites or the 15th century, Knight’s fortress. The town’s boutiques and shops are ideal for some retail therapy, before heading to a coffee shop for a spot of people watching. If you’d rather soak up the sun rays you can take your pick from one of the town’s beaches.
If you’re looking for a fun filled night out, with lots of belly laughs, then head to talk of the town theatre in Hisaronu. You will be entertained from the moment you arrive in the cabaret room, from fantastic comedy acts and glitzy costumes to musical numbers and dance routines.
With all these superb excursions, no wonder Turkey is destination of the month for June.