Turkey is a country with a lot to offer. It’s a place where you can soak up history and culture, go shopping or explore gorgeous landscapes.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your trip, check out this list of the best things to do in Turkey. From paragliding in Oludeniz to taking a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia, there are endless ways to enjoy this incredible destination.
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Paragliding in Oludeniz is an incredible experience that will leave you feeling like an adrenaline junkie. You can take a tandem flight with a professional pilot and enjoy the views as you fly over the mountain ridges or across the lagoon.
Paragliding is a safe activity that requires no special skills or training. Unlike skydiving, you do not have to worry about where the winds will take you; instead, your pilot will take care of everything for you.
There are several different companies offering paragliding tours in Oludeniz, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your needs. They will provide you with a helmet, transportation to the launch site, full insurance, and an experienced pilot.
Once you get to the launch site, it will only be a few minutes before you’re off the ground and ready to soar into the air! All you have to do is follow the instructions provided by your pilot.
Oludeniz is home to one of the highest commercial take-off sites in the world, a 6,460-foot-high mountain called Babadag. It is a geological marvel that creates incredible thermals and ideal conditions for paragliding in Turkey.
The panoramic views will be awe-inspiring as you glide over the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll be able to see the coves, beaches, and the glittering waters of Fethiye, as well as the islands in the Gulf of Turkey. You can also see the ruins of Pamukkale, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its white travertines.
Go to the Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey. This event attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers an amazing opportunity to see the region’s beauty from the sky.
The festival is held in early July and lasts for a few days. It’s best to book your tickets well in advance because the date and schedule may change from year to year.
You can watch the balloons from a variety of locations. Some of the most popular spots include Love Valley, Red Valley Hill Viewpoint, and Goreme Village.
A few balloons will take off before sunrise each day to check the weather conditions and ensure it’s safe for the rest of the balloons to fly. Then, after sunrise, hundreds of balloons will launch in two waves.
There are also different balloon glows, including a morning glow and a twilight twinkle glow. These are great to check out because the balloons are inflated, but tethered to the ground, making them look like they’re floating in the air.
The cost of a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a bit high, but it’s still worth the experience. Prices range from 110 euros at the low end to 220 euros at the high end, depending on where you’re located and who you buy from.
Visit the Duden Waterfalls
The Duden Waterfalls are located in Antalya, Turkey and are one of the most popular attractions in the region. These waterfalls are a beautiful natural attraction and provide a great escape from the heat of the city.
The Upper Duden Waterfall is a spectacular sight and visitors can spend a relaxing day here. It is a stunning cascade of waters that falls from 15 metres height and forms a 20 meters wide natural pool.
It is located in a small nature reserve near Lara district in Antalya, 15 km north of the Lower Duden Waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by a forest, a river and a cave. The park has several typical Turkish outdoor restaurants where you can have a delicious meal and grill your own meats.
There are many boat tours in Antalya that take you to this beautiful waterfall. The boat ride is a great way to view the waterfall and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
For the best experience, book a guided tour. You’ll get round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide.
A full-day tour from Antalya is a convenient way to see the city’s top sights, including a ride on the Tunektepe Teleferik cable car, historic Kaleici, and rushing waterfalls. You’ll also have time to explore the city’s ancient walls, including Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate, and savor a classic Turkish lunch.
The mighty Duden Waterfalls are the largest waterfalls in Turkey and are located close to the city center. They are a must-see for anyone visiting Antalya.
Take a Gulet Boat Trip
A Gulet Boat Trip is an ideal way to spend a few days cruising the turquoise seas of Turkey. These small boats are used to take passengers to various places of interest, including historical ruins and local attractions.
Guests on board a gulet cruise tour usually enjoy meals prepared by a private chef and served up in a comfortable lounge. The food menus are often tailor-made to meet the dietary needs of the travelers.
The cruises are typically accompanied by walking and cultural tours, and they last for around eight days. However, a few trips can last longer.
Gulets are traditionally wooden fishing boats but over the years have evolved into luxury crewed sailing yachts that offer every modern safety feature you can think of, plus a wealth of amenities. They are the perfect yacht for a relaxing cruise through historical and alluring ports on Southern Turkey’s Aegean coast such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek and Fethiye.
On a gulet holiday you will cruise around the coastline for around three to five hours a day, taking in scenic landscapes, exploring small villages and witnessing the wonders of Turkish nature. You will also have time at anchor for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal clear waters.
During the gulet cruise, you will sail to many places of interest, including Butterfly Valley, a hippy inspired community living within a gorge, and Gemiler Island, which boasts church ruins and Byzantine city walls. You can also explore the small traditional village of Kas, spot the Caretta Caretta turtles in Simena and head to the ruins of sunken cities at Kekova.
Go to Mermerli Beach
If you’re looking for a beach with a bit more to offer, Mermerli Beach is the place to go. Located just below the old town, this pebble cove is perfect for sunbathing or soaking up some rays.
It’s not hard to see why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Turkey. The turquoise waters and dazzling view of the old harbor are a must-see for anyone visiting this area.
However, you’ll need to be careful because the beach can get very crowded at times. You’ll also want to make sure you get there early in order to score a good spot.
The beach actually has a number of facilities, including restrooms and showers. You can even rent snorkels and diving goggles for a reasonable price. The most impressive feature of the beach, however, is the views from the top of the cliff overlooking the water.
This particular beach is not for the faint of heart though, so make sure you bring plenty of water and a strong stomach. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you wear a suit with sunscreen on it because you’re likely to be in the water for quite some time.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Mermerli Beach, Vrbo has a great selection of 2023 vacation rentals to choose from. From houses to condos, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
Visit Cappadocia
One of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Turkey is Cappadocia, a magical landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and erosion. From the fairy chimney rock formations to the epic rock-cut churches and surreal hot air balloon rides, there is no shortage of stunning sights to see in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in central Turkey, between the cities of Aksaray and Kayseri, Cappadocia is a huge area that captivates many tourists. The most popular towns are Goreme, Uchisar and Urgup, each offering a variety of accommodations and activities to enjoy.
Aside from the amazing natural landscape, Cappadocia is also known for its ancient religious history. The region was settled by Byzantine Christians and is home to hundreds of cave churches, most of which feature colorful frescoes. Some of the most famous are the Dark Church in Goreme Open-Air Museum and the Crusader Church in Rose Valley.
Another fascinating place to visit in Cappadocia is Derinkuyu, an underground city that was inhabited thousands of years ago. This is the largest underground city in Cappadocia, and it was able to accommodate as many as 20,000 people on its 16 levels.
If you’re planning to visit Cappadocia, consider booking a tour that includes the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Uchisar. This will provide a more in-depth experience of the area and give you more time to explore.
Is Turkey Fun To Visit?
Turkey is an incredibly fun country to visit with something for everyone, from its stunning beaches and vibrant cities to its rich history and cultural heritage.
What Are Some Fun Things To Do In Turkey?
Turkey offers a plethora of fun activities, such as hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, exploring the ancient city of Ephesus, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and indulging in the delicious local cuisine.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Turkey?
The best things to do in Turkey include visiting the stunning Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, exploring the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, relaxing on the beaches of Antalya, and experiencing the hot springs of Pamukkale.
Is Turkey Safe For Tourists?
Turkey is generally a safe country for tourists, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, travelers should still exercise common sense and take precautions, such as avoiding political demonstrations and being mindful of their belongings in crowded areas.