National Parks

Exploring National Parks in Turkey: Best Destinations and Travel Tips

Turkey is home to stunning national parks that showcase its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and historical treasures. From snow-capped mountains to lush forests and coastal wonders, these parks offer endless opportunities for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Best National Parks to Visit in Turkey

1. Göreme National Park – Nevşehir Province

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site with fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rock-carved churches.
  • Best for: Hot air ballooning, hiking, and historical exploration.
  • Tip: Visit at sunrise for the most magical views.

2. Mount Nemrut National Park – Adıyaman Province

  • Famous for its massive stone heads of ancient gods, built by King Antiochus I.
  • Best for: Sunrise and sunset photography, historical exploration.
  • Tip: Wear warm clothing—it gets chilly even in summer.

3. Kaçkar Mountains National Park – Rize & Artvin Provinces

  • A hiker’s paradise, featuring glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and stunning peaks.
  • Best for: Trekking, wildlife spotting, and camping.
  • Tip: Visit in July and August for the best weather.

4. Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) National Park – Bolu Province

  • Famous for its seven interconnected lakes, offering a breathtaking autumn landscape.
  • Best for: Camping, photography, and nature walks.
  • Tip: Visit in October-November to see the fall colors.

5. Köprülü Canyon National Park – Antalya Province

  • A top whitewater rafting destination, with stunning canyon views and historical bridges.
  • Best for: Rafting, hiking, and canyoning.
  • Tip: May to September is the best season for rafting.

6. Uludağ National Park – Bursa Province

  • Home to Turkey’s most popular ski resort in winter and a hiking destination in summer.
  • Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, and summer trekking.
  • Tip: December to March is best for winter sports.

7. Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida) National Park – Balıkesir & Çanakkale Provinces

  • A lush green escape, rich in oxygen and natural beauty, offering waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • Best for: Camping, trekking, and eco-tourism.
  • Tip: Visit in spring for the best weather and wildflowers.

8. Lake Beyşehir National Park – Konya & Isparta Provinces

  • Turkey’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by forests, ancient ruins, and islands.
  • Best for: Boating, birdwatching, and nature photography.
  • Tip: Take a boat tour to explore the lake’s islands.

9. Soğuksu National Park – Ankara Province

  • A perfect weekend escape near the capital, featuring pine forests, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.
  • Best for: Hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
  • Tip: Visit in spring to enjoy the lush greenery.

10. Saklıkent National Park – Muğla & Antalya Provinces

  • Home to Turkey’s deepest canyon, perfect for hiking through icy waters and rock formations.
  • Best for: Canyoning, trekking, and adventure sports.
  • Tip: Bring water shoes for walking through the river.

11. Munzur Valley National Park – Tunceli Province

  • A hidden gem in eastern Turkey, known for untouched nature, rivers, and traditional villages.
  • Best for: Hiking, rafting, and wildlife spotting.
  • Tip: Try local organic honey and dairy products.

12. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park – Aydın Province

  • A coastal paradise with crystal-clear beaches, hiking trails, and wild boars.
  • Best for: Swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • Tip: Kalamaki Beach inside the park is a must-visit.

13. Gala Lake National Park – Edirne Province

  • A birdwatcher’s paradise, home to thousands of migratory birds.
  • Best for: Birdwatching, photography, and eco-tourism.
  • Tip: Bring binoculars to spot flamingos and pelicans.

14. Karagöl-Sahara National Park – Artvin Province

  • Offers lush forests, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain lakes.
  • Best for: Hiking, camping, and nature photography.
  • Tip: Visit in June-July for the best views.

15. Troia (Troy) National Park – Çanakkale Province

  • A UNESCO-listed site, featuring the ruins of ancient Troy.
  • Best for: History enthusiasts and archaeological exploration.
  • Tip: Visit the Troy Museum for deeper historical insights.

Best Travel Tips for National Parks in Turkey

1. Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April-May): Best for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring ruins.
  • Summer (June-August): Ideal for coastal parks, boating, and water activities.
  • Autumn (September-November): Best for forest parks, photography, and trekking.
  • Winter (December-March): Great for skiing and snow-covered landscapes.

2. Packing Essentials

  • Comfortable hiking shoes for rough terrains.
  • Light layers in summer and warm clothing in winter.
  • Insect repellent for forested areas.
  • Camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting and landscapes.

3. Booking & Transportation

  • Some parks require entrance fees, so carry cash or cards.
  • Renting a car is the best option for reaching remote national parks.
  • Local buses and tours are available for major parks like Göreme and Mount Nemrut.

4. Responsible Travel

  • Respect wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
  • Follow marked trails to protect the environment.
  • Carry reusable water bottles to minimize plastic waste.