🗺️ 20 Places in Turkey for strong impressions: canyons, caves and ruins

Turkey surprises you with more than just the beaches of Antalya. In a single trip you can see a deep canyon with an ancient bridge, a multi-level underground city, and the white terraces of Pamukkale.

Many tourists never venture beyond their hotel and one bus tour. Yet the country's most dramatic landscapes are scattered from the Lycian coast to Lake Van in the east. From Antalya to Cappadocia is about 550 km, roughly seven hours on the road (according to the map).

We've put together 20 places worth seeing, with seasons, opening hours, and tips on how to get there. This is a working list of vacation itineraries, not a dry ranking.

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What to see in Turkey: our picks

💡 In short:

If you have one week, set aside two days for Cappadocia and one day for Pamukkale, and spend the rest of your time in Antalya.
For a beach vacation, keep Oludeniz, Kaputas, and the Duden Waterfalls on your list.
The Damlatas and Dim caves are easy to visit from Alanya, Koprulu from Antalya or Manavgat, and Yoruk Park from Kemer.
Museum and cave opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Turkish museums portal.

Navigation by region will help you choose a base for your trip.

Place	Region	Why it's interesting
Cappadocia	Central Turkey	Rock cities and hot air balloon flights
Pamukkale	Aegean region	White travertine terraces
Oludeniz	Lycian coast	Turquoise lagoon and paragliding
Duden Waterfalls	Antalya	Waterfall plunging straight into the sea
Koprulu Canyon	Antalya	Rafting and an ancient bridge over the river

1. Koprulu Canyon

River in a rocky canyon with autumn trees

The name Koprulu translates from Turkish as "canyon with a bridge." The historic Oluk Bridge in ancient times connected the riverbanks on the route between the regions of Pisidia and Pamphylia.

Koprulu Canyon is both a deep gorge and a national park near Manavgat, in the Antalya area. The gorge was carved by the mountain river Koprucay. The park is home to hundreds of tree species and nesting birds.

There's plenty to do here. You can raft down the river, ride on horseback to the ruins of ancient Selge, or take a boat across the lakes and tunnels of a karst cave. The easiest way to get there is with a tour or by car.

How to get there: from Antalya or Manavgat, about an hour's drive (according to the map).
Cost: park entry is paid, check the rate at the entrance.
Who it's for: active couples and families with teenagers.
The catch: without a car or a tour, you'll spend the whole day on the road.

2. Damlatas Cave

In the center of Alanya, next to Cleopatra Beach and the fortress, lies Damlatas Cave. It is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites that are thousands of years old. The name is made up of two Turkish words: damla means "drop" and tas means "stone," because water constantly drips from the ceilings.

Multicolored lighting turns the chambers into a fantastical world. The air here is rich in carbon dioxide and is considered beneficial for asthma. Benches line the walls where you can sit and breathe the healing air.

The cave is small, and twenty minutes is enough to see it. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Go in the morning, while the chambers are still quiet.

Signs at the entrance tell the story of the cave and its microclimate. The ticket office operates the same hours as the cave itself, and the ticket is valid for one visit.

How to get there: on foot from the center of Alanya, next to Cleopatra Beach (according to the map).
Cost: entry is in the lower double-digit range, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: families and people with respiratory conditions.
The catch: the cave is compact, a thorough visit will take no more than twenty minutes.

3. Dim Cave

Dim Cave lies on the slope of Mount Cebel Reis, twelve kilometers northeast of Alanya, above the Dim Cay river gorge. It is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It was carved out by rainwater that seeped into a crack in the limestone rock.

Corridors ten to fifteen meters wide split into two branches. The right branch is short, while the left one extends deeper inside. Suspended walkways run along the entire length, making it easy to view the wall patterns of stalactites and stalagmites.

Halfway along the left branch, a flutist plays, and the sound under the vaults conjures up whimsical images. Further on, you come to a small underground lake. The visit takes no more than half an hour. Afterward, climb to the observation deck: from there you can see the Dim Cay gorge and the Taurus Mountains.

How to get there: from Alanya, about twenty minutes by car (according to the map).
Cost: entry is paid, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: families and fans of easy walks.
The catch: the last visitors are admitted until 6:30 p.m., so arrive with time to spare.

4. Zeytin Tas Cave

Zeytin Tas Cave, which means "Olive Stone," was discovered near Belek during quarrying. It is about 14 million years old. Despite its fantastic beauty, it has not yet gained tourist popularity, so it remains quiet.

Inside there are two underground galleries connected by chambers. Only the upper corridor is open to visitors. The finest stalactites and stalagmites hang from the ceiling. The most beautiful ones, resembling delicate needles, are gathered in a chamber called Spaghetti.

The paths inside are even, so you can walk them even in heels. The temperature stays steady at around 23 degrees, so you won't need a jacket. You can only enter with a group of no more than ten people, from May 1 to October 15.

How to get there: from Belek or Kemer by car (according to the map).
Cost: entry is paid, check the rate on site.
Who it's for: those who want to see a cave without the crowds.
The catch: the season is short, from May 1 to October 15, and only with a group.

5. Beldibi Cave

Beldibi Cave is called one of the main points of Beydaglari National Park. It lies between Antalya and Kemer. It gained fame for its petroglyphs, the only rock carvings of this age in Western Asia. The cave got its name from the neighboring village, along which a string of hotels stretches.

Beldibi is currently officially closed to visitors. Local guides still bring tourists here for a separate fee. Several cultural layers from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Paleolithic eras were found in the cave. Household items from the excavations are on display at the Antalya History Museum.

How to get there: only with a guide, independent entry is closed.
Cost: a local guide charges a fee for accompaniment.
Who it's for: those interested in archaeology and who enjoy offbeat routes.
The catch: there is no official access, the visit is unofficial.

6. Derinkuyu Underground City

Vertical shaft of the Derinkuyu underground city

Cappadocia is known for the underground cities left by distant ancestors. The largest of them bears the name Derinkuyu. According to the official Turkish museums portal, it consists of hundreds of chambers carved into soft tuff and connected by galleries and tunnels.

The city descends almost 90 meters underground. It had stables and storerooms, living quarters and kitchens, churches and grape presses, and a missionary school operated on the second level. A ventilation shaft 55 meters deep was also used as a well. Only about a tenth of the city is currently open to visitors, but even that is enough to appreciate the scale.

The passageways are narrow and dimly lit, so bring a flashlight. The city was built so that outsiders would get lost in the labyrinth, and you shouldn't stray from the route. Derinkuyu is open daily, in summer from 8 to 18:45, the ticket office closes at the same time (as of 09/2026, official website).

Tours of the underground cities of Cappadocia are easy to find on GetYourGuide.

How to get there: from Göreme or Nevşehir by car, about 40 minutes (on the map).
Cost: paid ticket, buy online in advance.
Who it's for: for those who aren't afraid of enclosed spaces.
The catch: narrow, dimly lit tunnels, uncomfortable without a flashlight.

7. Duden Waterfalls

Water stream falling down a rocky cascade in greenery

The Duden River forms two Duden waterfalls, Upper and Lower. The Lower one drops from a height of fifty meters straight into the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening it is illuminated, and the view from the sea or from the park is especially striking. There are viewing platforms and rest areas nearby.

The waterfall's second name translates as "bouncing watermelon." In Duden Park you can have lunch above the water, go rafting, or ride the Zip Line.

Upper Duden is located eleven kilometers northeast of Antalya. The water falls from a height of almost 28 meters and, according to estimates, has been doing so for about six hundred years. In winter and spring the flow is powerful, but in a dry summer it turns into thin streams. Paths, stairways, and bridges lead to the waterfall from different levels, and nearby there is a cave entrance offering a new angle on the water.

Near the viewing platform are ancient burial sites from the first centuries AD. The visit takes an hour to an hour and a half if you take your time and walk through all the levels. In winter, bring a jacket: it is windy near the water.

How to get there: from Antalya by car or as part of a tour (see map).
Cost: park entry is paid, check the rate at the entrance.
Who it's for: families and photographers, especially in the evening with the lighting.
The catch: in summer without rain the water flow is weak, and the lower waterfall gets crowded.

8. Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall wide flow on a turquoise river

Near Side stands the town of Manavgat, named after the mountain river. The river rises in the Taurus Mountains and carries its water to the Mediterranean Sea, cutting through the town. The waterfall itself is hidden in a valley, in the center of a small forest park.

The waterfall is only two meters high, but its width of almost forty meters gives Manavgat its scale. This is a man-made attraction: it was formed by a dam. Viewing platforms are set up on both sides, offering a full view of the water and greenery. Park entry is paid, and visits are available throughout the day.

How to get there: from Side or Manavgat by car (see map).
Cost: park entry is paid, check the rate at the entrance.
Who it's for: a short stop on the way to other places.
The catch: the waterfall is man-made and low, so it is not worth a long trip just for the view.

9. Oludeniz

Turquoise lagoon of Oludeniz with mountains and beach

Oludeniz is a resort village on the Lycian coast. The name translates as "dead sea," but the water here is a surprisingly turquoise color, and the beaches of light sand and pebbles are considered among the best on the Turkish coast.

In Oludeniz, beach holidays combine with excursions. Mount Babadag, almost two kilometers high, rises above the village. Paragliders launch from its slopes, and mountain trails are laid out for hiking.

Nearby lies the Blue Lagoon nature reserve. The bay is sheltered from land by mountains and from the sea by Turtle Island. The coast is lush with park greenery, with pines and palms standing over the water. The lagoon has a sandy beach, and another scenic beach hides in Butterfly Valley.

How to get there: from Fethiye by dolmus or car, about half an hour (see map).
Cost: entry to the Blue Lagoon beach is paid, check the rate on site.
Who it's for: couples and paragliding enthusiasts.
The catch: in season the lagoon gets crowded, so arrive at opening time.

10. Olympos

Ruins of ancient Olympos in a mountain gorge

Ancient Olympos lies in a river valley at the foot of Mount Tahtali, about twenty-five kilometers from Kemer. Historians believe the city was founded in the third century BC. Excavations are still ongoing here, and only part of the site is open for viewing.

Even the ruins of the amphitheater, temple, baths, workshops, and a section of the aqueduct speak to the skill of ancient builders. Here you will also see Lycian tombs and sarcophagi. Stone embankments, the remains of a bridge, and the city wall survive on both banks.

Around it all, the green zone of a national park rustles with laurel and fig trees. Nearby is a wild beach where turtles come ashore in season. Exploring the ruins is easy to combine with swimming, and access to the water is open to everyone.

How to get there: from Kemer by car or by boat from Cirali Beach (see map).
Cost: entry to the ruins is paid, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: lovers of antiquity who also want the sea.
The catch: only part of the city is open, the rest is hidden under excavation.

11. Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach at a rocky cliff with turquoise sea

Kaputas ranks among the best beaches in Turkey. It is located twenty kilometers from the town of Kas, squeezed between cliffs and small in size: a narrow strip of pebbles and sand right at the water's edge. The water here is clear and azure, and the surrounding nature is almost untouched.

Infrastructure is minimal. There is a cafe, changing cabins, and a rental point for umbrellas and sun loungers. Until recently the beach was wild, and the only way to reach it was by sea. Now regular buses run here from Antalya and Fethiye.

From the bus stop to the water you have to walk, cross a bridge over the gorge, and descend a long stone staircase. The climb back is harder than the descent, so do not bring extra things. Arrive in the morning, before tour groups show up.

How to get there: by bus from Kas, Antalya, or Fethiye, then on foot and down the stairs (see map).
Cost: entry is free, umbrella and sun lounger rental is paid.
Who it's for: those willing to go down the stairs for clean water.
The catch: the climb back up the stairs is tough, and infrastructure is minimal.

12. Green Canyon

Green canyon with reservoir among rocks and pines

In the Taurus Mountains, ten kilometers from Manavgat, lies a valley completely flooded with water. It is called the Green Canyon. The place got its name from the emerald color of the water and the lush greenery along the banks, and the depth of the artificial lake is estimated at tens of meters.

A river and several lakes once flowed here, feeding an ancient Roman city. Today the reservoir is filled by springs running down from the mountains, and its area is measured in hundreds of hectares. Sheer cliffs covered with pines are reflected in the lake's surface.

The entire area is declared a nature reserve, so swimming and camping are regulated. Arrive in the morning, while the water is calm and the cliff reflections are clearly visible.

How to get there: from Manavgat by car or by boat across the lake (see map).
Cost: boat trips are paid, check the rate at the pier.
Who it's for: a calm day on the water and for photographers.
The catch: it is a man-made lake, not a wild canyon, and parts of the shore are closed off.

13. North Anatolian Mountains

Forested ridges and meadows of the Pontic Mountains

In northern Turkey, along the Black Sea coast, stretches the range of the North Anatolian, or Pontic, Mountains. These are rows of parallel ridges separated by river valleys and gorges. From west to east the peaks rise from two thousand meters to almost four thousand, and the highest of all is Mount Kackar.

The slopes are covered in dense greenery, with clean mountain air and panoramic views. People come here for trekking, walks along trails, and picnics. The coastline is fairly flat, and in several places small bays surrounded by cliffs cut into it. The largest is Sinop Bay with the resort town of Sinop.

How to get there: from Trabzon or Samsun by car along the Black Sea roads (see map).
Cost: hiking routes are free, you only pay for accommodation.
Who it's for: those who want to swap beaches for mountains and forest.
The catch: far from Antalya, requires a separate trip to the north.

14. Lake Van

Satellite view of Lake Van among mountains and plains

Lake Van in eastern Turkey sits on the Armenian Highlands and is known far beyond the country. By area, it is the largest soda lake in the world. It ranks fourth among the world's non-drying salt lakes.

The water is clear, aquamarine in color, and feels like a soap solution to the touch because it contains a lot of soda. Locals have used it for laundry for centuries. Swimming in this water is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.

Recently, ruins of a fortress about three thousand years old were found at the bottom of the lake. From the shore, you get a panorama of the dormant Nemrut Dagi volcano. Come at sunset, when the water and mountains become especially photogenic.

How to get there: fly to Van, then drive along the shore (see map).
Cost: the shore is freely accessible, tours and boat rides are paid.
Who it's for: those looking for unusual landscapes and history.
The catch: swimming is not suitable for sensitive skin because of the salts and soda.

15. Cappadocia

Central Turkey surprises with a region of fantastic landscapes. Cappadocia lies away from the beaches, but it is worth crossing the country for. Canyons, underground cities, caves, and temples carved from volcanic tuff form a landscape that looks like a movie set.

The region's tourist hub, the town of Goreme, grew up among these rocks. Here buildings are cut directly into the stone: you can spend the night in a cave hotel and have lunch in a restaurant inside a rock. Underground lies a subterranean city with several levels of corridors and halls.

Together with Goreme National Park, these sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The easiest way to see everything at once is from above, on a hot air balloon flight at dawn. Flights depend on the weather, so book in advance.

How to get there: about 550 km from Antalya, easier with a flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir (see map).
Cost: individual sites are paid, check ticket prices on site.
Who it's for: those looking for landscapes and not afraid of early wake-ups.
The catch: getting between points without a car is difficult, and balloon flights depend on the weather.

16. Lycian Way

The peninsula between Antalya and Fethiye is crossed by the Lycian Way, or Lycian Trail. The route got its name from ancient Lycia, which once occupied this land. The trail runs through the most scenic coastal landscapes and requires no special preparation.

Along the way, you'll see cliffs, beaches, and ancient ruins. Mountain sections alternate with dirt and paved roads. You don't have to hike the entire route: it is designed so that each day of walking ends in a resort town where you can stop or leave the trail.

Bring water and comfortable shoes, and plan the route in short segments. That way you'll have time to hike in the mountains and swim in the sea. Check the weather in advance: in summer, open sections get very hot during the day.

How to get there: start in Fethiye or Antalya, then walk the route (see map).
Cost: free, you only pay for lodging and food.
Who it's for: those who want to combine hiking and the sea.
The catch: the full trail is hundreds of kilometers long and can't be completed in one trip.

17. Pamukkale

Travertine terraces of Pamukkale with pool and town

Pamukkale translates as "cotton castle" and is known far beyond the country. These are enormous limestone walls with ledges that look like blocks of ice. They have nothing to do with ice: the white bowls are filled with thermal water from springs of varying temperature and composition.

A cascade of terraced pools stretches down the slope, and the ancient city of Hierapolis lies nearby. Each pool has a sign with the water temperature and composition. The local springs are believed to help with skin and joint conditions.

At night the pools are illuminated, so some areas are open in the evening too. Walking on the white travertines is allowed only barefoot to avoid damaging the surface. Come at opening time, before the slope heats up and while there are few tour groups.

Tours to the terraces and ancient Hierapolis are available on GetYourGuide.

How to get there: from Denizli by bus, about half an hour, then walk (see map).
Cost: entry to the site is paid, check the rate on the official museums website.
Who it's for: couples and those looking for unusual landscapes and thermal springs.
The catch: you can only walk on the travertines barefoot, and in summer the surface is hot.

18. Ancient Pergamon

Ruins of ancient Pergamon with marble columns

Pergamon was founded in the twelfth century BC. The ancient ruins lie twenty-six kilometers from the Aegean Sea. The city flourished in the Hellenistic era and was later inherited by the Romans. The Acropolis survives on a hill about three hundred meters high.

You can imagine the city's grandeur from the fragments of the temples of Trajan and Athena and from the ruins of the Library of Pergamon, one of the most famous in antiquity. Below the Temple of Trajan, the scale of the steep amphitheater is striking, and nearby lies the foundation of the Altar of Zeus.

Continue your visit at the Asclepieion complex, which has been renowned since antiquity as a healing center. It included a medical school, temples, a spring with healing water, a library, a theater, and a hospital. Down below, by the bed of the Bergama River, the ruins of the Red Basilica from the early Christian era survive.

How to get there: from Izmir or Bergama by car, about half an hour (see map).
Cost: entry to the Acropolis is paid, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: lovers of ancient history and architecture.
The catch: the Acropolis stands on a high hill, and the climb takes time and effort.

19. Ancient city of Phaselis

Stone ruins of Phaselis among pines by a paved street

At the foot of Mount Tahtali, which is mentioned as far back as the Iliad, stands ancient Phaselis. The striking rocks, beaches, and a quiet harbor with white yachts make the city very beautiful, but it is known above all for its ancient monuments. Legend says Phaselis was founded in the seventh century BC by settlers from Rhodes.

The ruins survive from Roman and Byzantine times. Remains of the city wall at the entrance and fragments of a temple date to the third century BC. A theater is visible on the slope of the Acropolis, and beyond the northern harbor a necropolis lies on the hills.

The ancient aqueduct that supplied the city with water from a spring in the northern hill is especially impressive. Walking through Phaselis, you'll pass three city agoras, see ancient baths near the square, and hear legends about the goddess Athena, the city's patron.

How to get there: from Kemer by car, about half an hour (see map).
Cost: entry to the site is paid, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: those who love ruins by the sea and want to combine sightseeing with the beach.
The catch: in the heat, the open site has little shade and nowhere to take cover.

20. Yoruk Park

Yoruk Park is an ethnographic village near Kemer, on Mount Kucukburun by the Mediterranean Sea. It recreates the daily life of the Turkish Yoruk nomads, who lived sometimes in the mountains and sometimes in the valley. The park got its name from them.

Tents and houses display items of national culture and rituals. Human figures show national clothing and scenes of artisans at work: carpets are woven here and leather goods are displayed. Guests are treated to traditional dishes and water borek, a pie with various fillings.

After walking through the village, the path leads to a cafe terrace. From there you get a view of the greenery and Kemer in the distance. Stop by in the afternoon, when the heat subsides.

How to get there: from Kemer by car, a few minutes from the center (see map).
Cost: entry is paid, check the rate at the ticket office.
Who it's for: families with children and those interested in local culture.
Not for: those looking for an authentic nomad village rather than a museum.

Tours and tickets

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The most beautiful places in Turkey on the map

All twenty spots are marked on the map below. Plan your route in advance so you don't spend your vacation on the road between cities.

The most beautiful places in Turkey

Places on the map

1Köprülü Canyon Gorge with an ancient bridge and rafting near Manavgat
2Damlataş Cave Cave with stalactites in the centre of Alanya
3Dim Cave One of Europe's largest caves with hanging bridges
4Zeytintaş Cave Little-known cave with a Spaghetti Hall near Belek
5Beldibi Cave Cave with petroglyphs, officially closed to visitors
6Derinkuyu Underground City The largest underground city in Cappadocia, going 90 m deep
7Düden Waterfalls The lower waterfall drops straight into the Mediterranean Sea
8Manavgat Waterfall Man-made wide waterfall in a forest park near Side
9Ölüdeniz Resort village with a turquoise lagoon and paragliding
10Olympos Ancient city in a river valley by Mount Tahtalı
11Kaputaş Beach Narrow beach between cliffs, stairs down through a gorge
12Green Canyon Emerald-coloured artificial lake near Manavgat
13North Anatolian Mountains Pontic Mountains along the Black Sea coast
14Lake Van The world's largest soda lake in eastern Turkey
15Cappadocia Rock-cut towns, caves and hot-air balloon flights
16Lycian Way Hiking trail from Antalya to Fethiye along a scenic coast
17Pamukkale Limestone terraces with thermal water near Hierapolis
18Ancient Pergamon Ancient acropolis with temple ruins and a library
19Ancient city of Phaselis Ancient ruins at the foot of Mount Tahtalı with a beach and harbour
20Yörük Park Ethnographic village of Yörük nomads near Kemer

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see the main sights of Turkey?

For landscapes and ancient cities, allow at least a week. Two days go to Cappadocia, a day to Pamukkale, and the rest to Antalya, Oludeniz, and the Lycian Way. If you want to travel at a relaxed pace, take ten to fourteen days.

When is the best time to go to Cappadocia?

The calmest weather and wind for hot air balloons come in spring and autumn. In summer it's hot during the day, and in winter some routes and flights are canceled due to snow and wind. Book your flight in advance and keep a spare day in case of bad weather.

Can you visit the Damlatas and Dim caves without a tour?

Yes, both caves near Alanya are open for independent visits, and you buy tickets at the ticket office. A tour is only needed where you can't get to without a car: Koprulu Canyon, the waterfalls, or Beldibi, which is officially closed to tourists.

What to see in Turkey with kids?

Kids usually enjoy Yoruk Park with its nomads, Damlatas Cave with its lighting, and Duden Waterfalls. For a relaxed day, Manavgat Waterfall or a boat trip on the lake in Green Canyon works well. Long hiking routes are better left for another time.

Is it worth going to Lake Van and the North Anatolian Mountains?

These are far-flung destinations for those who have already seen the coast. Lake Van and the Pontic Mountains require a separate flight and several days. If you have a short vacation in Antalya, it's easier to choose Oludeniz, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.

In short: what to book

If you have a week, set aside two days for Cappadocia and a day for Pamukkale. Spend the remaining days in Antalya: Duden Waterfalls, Koprulu, and the caves of Alanya.

If you're going for landscapes: start in Cappadocia, then head to Pamukkale.
If you're traveling with kids: choose Yoruk Park, Damlatas Cave, and Duden Waterfalls.
If you want sea and history: go for the Lycian Way, Olympos, and Phaselis.
If you need a relaxed day: head to Green Canyon or Manavgat Waterfall.

Plan the route between stops in advance, and book tours and tickets online: see excursions on GetYourGuide. For overnight stays in tourist hubs, hotels in Antalya on Trip.com work well.

Where to go in Turkey for landscapes: 20 places from canyons to ancient cities