I compiled a list of the ”10 Amazing Natural Heritage Sites in Turkey” for my dear visitors. It might be long but definitely a great voyage in Turkey if you can visit all of them. Enjoy the list and feel free to contact me if you have any question about places in the article. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
Travertines of Pamukkale
Within the boundaries of Turkey many natural processes occur. One of the most important tourist natural heritage sites is Pamukkale travertines. Pamukkale travertines area as well as Hierapolis ancient city are both protected and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Pamukkale, which consists of natural pools fed with mineral-rich waters coming from underground, is a natural monument that must be seen with 17 water sources ranging from 35 to 100 ° C. Moreover, you can visit Pamukkale every season.
Nemrut Mountain National Park
Nemrut is one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural monuments. Nemrut, a 2100-meter-high mountain near the Kahta district of Adıyaman, is also a cultural route with giant head sculptures which remain from the Commagene Kingdom and still remains a mystery with its unopened tumulus.
Cappadocia – Göreme Historical and National Park
Cappadocia, one of the most famous natural monuments of our country, invites you to a fairytale journey with its fairy chimneys, a work created by nature for millions of years. You shouldn’t skip the opportunity to have a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.
Damlatas Cave
Damlataş Cave, as one of the most touristic natural monuments in the district of Alanya, attracts enthusiasts, especially in the summer.
Offering an extraordinary view with stalactites and stalagmites formed by calcareous water, Damlataş Cave was found by chance by an engineer in 1948. Since it is thought to make asthmates feel good, the cave is opened specially for asthma patients between 06.00 – 10.00 in the morning.
Heaven and Hell Caves
Heaven and Hell Caves (Cennet Cehennem Caves) are popular natural monuments in Turkey. Cennet Cehennem Caves located in Silifke district of Mersin are also known as sinkholes; because one of the causes of natural formation is collapse.
Paradise (Cennet) Cave was formed as a result of chemical erosion caused by the underground creek. A stream runs through the cave, and the cave also has lush vegetation. There is also a historical church built around the 5th century. This church, built by St. Paul to the Virgin Mary, offers a discovery option to those who love the atmosphere of religious buildings.
You can go down to Paradise Cave with a ladder consisting of approximately 452 steps. This staircase was built during the Roman Empire. Also an elevator was built in May 2020.
Cehennem Cave, located 75 m near the Paradise Cave, is a cave that can only be entered with special equipment. This is the same way that the floor was eroded. Those who want can watch the inside of the cave from the terrace above.
Tortum Waterfall
Located in Erzurum, Tortum Waterfall, 48 meters in height and position of one of Turkey’s highest waterfalls. There is a terrace located right across the waterfall. The terrace created to watch the waterfall brings together those who want to enjoy this beautiful nature view.
To witness the most exuberant times of the waterfall, it is enough to bring your visit to the spring months. There are also many natural beauties to be seen in the environment.
Manavgat Waterfall
Manavgat Waterfall, located on Manavgat River, is one of the routes you can go to spend a peaceful day with its touristic facilities and natural wonders.
Manavgat Waterfall may not be a very large waterfall, but sipping your tea or coffee with the sound of running water should definitely be experienced here in spring. The 4 meter high waterfall is also a place for water sports.
Oludeniz
Ölüdeniz, which was selected as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2006, is located in the Fethiye district of Muğla. It has turquoise waters and golden beaches. Considered one of Muğla’s top tourist attractions, Oludeniz journey must be taken and that should be in the top 3 swim stops in Turkey.
Oludeniz is the rising paragliding location in Turkey. There are several companies giving paragliding services. Contact your tour guide to book paragliding tour in Oludeniz.
Van Lake
Van Lake, which emerged as a result of a volcanic eruption on Mount Nemrut, is a volcanic embankment. Thanks to salt levels the lake does not freeze easily even in very cold winters of Van city.
Boat trips are organized to reach these islands in Van Lake, where Akdamar, Kuş, Çarpanak and Adır islands are visited during these boat tours. Eastern cuisine unique to Van also adds flavor to this discovery.
Mount Cilo, Glacier Lakes
Mount Cilo in Hakkari is very famous for its Sat Glacier Lakes. The Nature Sports Festival is also held here every year. Glacier lake and clouds offer a complete feast for your eyes with reflecting natural waters and mountain flowers.
