Turkey can surprise even those who have been here more than once, because outside the resorts there are places with unique history, nature, and atmosphere. These locations reveal the country from an unexpected side. Learn more about the unexplored treasures of Turkey that are worth seeing at least once in your life

Planning a trip to Turkey is often limited to searching for hotels on the Mediterranean coast. However, this country has much more to offer than comfortable beaches and all-inclusive resorts. From sunken cities to high-mountain palaces, from ancient libraries to mineral wonders of nature, every corner has its own story to tell. If you are looking for an itinerary that goes beyond the standard tourist offerings, the Tripmydream platform recently shared a selection of locations that are truly considered treasures of Anatolia.

Read on to learn about ten locations that showcase the true face of multifaceted Turkey.

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Sultanahmet: the heart of historic Istanbul

The central district of Istanbul preserves the architectural heritage of different eras and religions. It is home to two remarkable temples that have defined the city's skyline for centuries. One of them impresses with its size and interior walls decorated with blue ceramics, creating an atmosphere of peace and grandeur. The other temple has a more complex history — its walls remember both Christian prayers and Muslim namaz, as the building changed its purpose along with the change of power.

Both sites are listed as World Heritage Sites and remain active religious centers. The Sultanahmet district allows you to take in the different cultural layers that have shaped Istanbul over the millennia in just a few hours of walking. The architecture of this place demonstrates how different civilizations have left their mark on the same territory.

Photo: Viator

Kekova: an island with a sunken secret

Off the southern coast of Turkey lies an island, part of which lies beneath the sea. The ancient settlement of Dolichiste disappeared as a result of earthquakes, and now its remains can be seen through the crystal clear waves. Stairs, building walls, and streets create an unusual picture — the city continues to exist, but in another dimension.

Tourists are offered sea excursions on glass-bottom boats to see the underwater ruins without diving. Legislation prohibits diving directly above the sunken part of the city due to the need to protect the archaeological zone. At the same time, the surrounding waters of the island are open for scuba diving, and several local companies organize dives at other points along the coast. The underwater world here is rich in marine flora and fauna, making these places attractive to diving enthusiasts.

Ephesus: an ancient metropolis

The ruins of one of the largest cities of antiquity are located on the west coast of Turkey. Ephesus was an important commercial and cultural center, and its streets were walked by philosophers, merchants, and pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean. Among the numerous buildings, the Library of Celsus stands out — a two-story building with columns, erected at the beginning of the second century AD. In addition to its function as a book repository, it served as a tomb for the Roman senator whose name it bears.

In ancient times, this library housed about twelve thousand manuscripts, making it the third largest collection in the world. A walk through the archaeological complex takes several hours, as it includes temples dedicated to various deities, a stadium that could seat thousands of spectators, fountains, residential quarters, and public buildings. Every stone in Ephesus bears the imprint of past eras when the city was one of the most important in the Roman Empire.

Photo: Depositphotos

Pamukkale: a white wonder of nature

In the south-west of the country, there is a unique geological formation, whose name translates as “cotton castle”. The snow-white terraces were formed by deposits of travertine, a mineral that settles from thermal waters. The water temperature in the seventeen springs ranges from thirty-five to one hundred degrees Celsius, creating different conditions for relaxation and healing.

In addition to the natural phenomenon, the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded during the Roman Empire, have been preserved here. The amphitheater, capable of accommodating several thousand spectators, has survived to this day in excellent condition. Its rows are still clearly visible, and the architectural details allow you to imagine what performances were like in ancient times. The combination of natural wonders and historical monuments makes Pamukkale a place where the creations of nature and man coexist in harmony.

Pigeon Valley: the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia

This valley got its name from the numerous pigeon houses carved into the rocks in centuries past. Local residents used pigeons to collect droppings, which were a valuable fertilizer for vineyards. Unique geological formations create a landscape reminiscent of a fantasy film set, with cone-shaped rocks and natural pillars scattered throughout the area.

Tunnels and caves, some created by nature and some carved out by humans, form a complex labyrinth. Exploring these passages can take several hours, and every turn reveals new views. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the sun is approaching the horizon. The golden light of the sunset transforms the already fantastic landscape into an absolutely magical picture.

Mardin: a city at the crossroads of cultures

In the south-west of the country, near the border with Syria, lies a city with a unique history and architecture. Mardin has

been home to various ethnic and religious communities, which is reflected in its buildings and cultural traditions. Assyrians, Kurds, Arabs — all these peoples have left their mark on the city. Honey-colored stone buildings descend the slopes of the hill, creating a cascade of terraces with a unique silhouette.

It is here that the Aramaic language, spoken in the early Christian era, is still spoken today. In the 1990s, the area was closed to visitors due to the unstable situation in the region, but now Mardin is open and gradually gaining popularity among travelers. The locals are renowned for their hospitality, and the city offers a completely different Turkey — without mass tourism, but with deep authenticity and a rich cultural heritage.

Lake Van: high-altitude uniqueness

In the far east of the country, at an altitude of more than one and a half kilometers above sea level, lies the largest soda lake in the world. The water here has a special chemical composition, as the high concentration of salts and soda creates a unique environment. Local residents attribute healing properties to the lake's waters, especially for joint diseases. This reservoir is home to the pearl mullet, a species of fish found nowhere else on the planet.

On the lake is Akhtamar Island with an Armenian church built over a thousand years ago. The walls of the temple are decorated with reliefs depicting biblical scenes and images of animals. The city of Van, located on the shore of the lake, preserves traces of the ancient state of Urartu. The fortress towering over the city and the archaeological museum allow you to delve deeper into the history of this region, which was an important center for various civilizations.

Ishak Pasha Palace: a fortress in the mountains

East of Lake Van, on a high mountain plateau, stands a palace complex that took almost a century to build. Three hundred and thirty-six rooms are arranged in such a way as to take into account both defensive needs and the comfort of the inhabitants. The palace combines elements of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architecture, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.

Construction was completed at the end of the so-called “Tulip Era” — a period of artistic and cultural flourishing in the Ottoman Empire. The palace terraces offer a panoramic view of Mount Ararat, which dominates the horizon. The deep gorges surrounding the plateau add to the complex's defensive strength and create an impression of inaccessibility. A visit to the palace allows you to appreciate the ambition of the builders and their ability to adapt the architecture to the challenging mountain conditions.

Photo: iStock

Gerege: the cave city of Cappadocia

In the central part of Cappadocia, there is a complex of cave structures, most of which are religious in nature. Soft volcanic tuff allowed entire rooms to be carved directly into the rocks, and monks took advantage of this opportunity to create temples and monasteries. The largest concentration of such structures dates back to the 10th-11th centuries, the heyday of Christianity in the region.

The frescoes preserved on the walls of the cave churches are of particular value. In addition to religious scenes, they depict everyday life and architectural details of the time. Among the most famous sites are the chapel with images of St. Basil, the church of St. Barbara with its characteristic red ornamentation, the dark church with the best-preserved paintings, and other structures, each with its own history. It is recommended to arrive before the museum opens to avoid large crowds and calmly view all the objects.

Photo: Shutterstock

Anitkabir: monument to the founder of the republic

The capital city of Ankara is home to a memorial complex dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the man who radically changed Turkey in the first half of the 20th century. The architecture of the mausoleum combines elements of antiquity with modernist solutions, as the colonnades resemble Greek temples, and the overall composition with the square creates an impression of grandeur and solemnity.

The complex is open to visitors, and ceremonies of changing the honor guard are held here every day. The museum inside contains Ataturk's personal belongings, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of the formation of the modern Turkish state. This place has special significance for Turks, as it was thanks to Ataturk's reforms that the country chose a European vector of development and modernized all spheres of public life.

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Reminder! Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where history intertwines with modernity, and the aromas of spices in the air mix with the sea breeze from the Bosphorus. How to plan a budget trip to Istanbul in 2026 — we tell you here.

Photo: iStock

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