National Parks in Turkey

The Göreme Open Air Museum, situated in Göreme, Cappadocia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional collection of rock-cut churches, monasteries, and religious frescoes dating back to the Byzantine era. It features numerous cave churches, some with multiple chambers, adorned with intricately painted frescoes. Among the notable churches, the Karanlık Church (Dark Church) is the most famous.

Buyuk Menderes National Park is a biologically diverse park that lies in the Kuşadası district of Aydın Province. The park is protected under various wildlife and wetland conventions and features some species that are endemic and cannot be found elsewhere in the world. You can engage in various activities here, including nature photography, hiking, mountaineering, and birdwatching. The Natural reserve highlights various geographical features like mountains, caverns, canyons, valleys, beaches and coves.

The Aladaglar National Park in Cappadocia is known for its majestic mountain range, often known as the “Alps of Turkey,” which appear rust-coloured at sunset. It is spread out across the provinces of Kayseri, Niğde and Adana in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The park is home to the tallest mountains of Turkey's Central Taurus Mountains and is an ideal place for hiking, trekking, mountaineering and bird watching.

Uludag National Park is Turkey’s leading centre for winter sports and skiing. The area is covered with snow for 178 days. It also withholds the famous Mount Uludag (the highest point in the Marmara region), the Aras Waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. Skiing, snowboarding, bigfoot and snowmobiling are the most common winter sports here.

Koprulu Canyon National Park is located in Manavgat, Antalya, features a scenic canyon, ancient Roman bridges, and opportunities for white-water rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Part of the St. Paul Trail passes through here. From Antalya, take a bus or taxi to Manavgat, then a local bus to reach the park.

Marmaris National Park is famously recognized for its yacht tourism and rich flora. And not just that, but much fauna too, like - red squirrels, weasels, bears, foxes, lynxes, martens, jackals, hedgehogs, and pigs. The park is a protected area, and camping and picnics are not allowed inside the park. There are some benches in the the park where you can site and relax. It is best known for Nimara cave. It is on 15 minutes ride from Marmaris center. You can also take a Dolmus going towards Adakoy.

The pine-shaded ancient ruins of Olympos and Phaselis lie within the park, as do some fine beaches, notably those in Çıralı and Adrasan. it is also known as Beydaglari Coast National Park. Above Çıralı is the famous “burning rock” known as the Chimaera. The Lycian Way, Turkey’s best-known hiking path, runs through the park, and the grand hilltop ruins of Termessos are nearby. From Antalya, take a bus or taxi to Kemer and then to the park.

Famous for its seven picturesque lakes, dense forests, and vibrant autumn colors, Yedigöller National Park is located in Bolu in Northern Turkey.  It is ideal for camping, picnicking, and hiking. The Kapankaya Manzara Seyir Yeri scenic overlook is popular. To reach the park you can drive or take a bus from Istanbul or Ankara to Bolu, then continue by car to the park.

Lake Beyşehir National Park is a stunning national park situated in Konya Province, central Turkey. It encompasses an impressive area of 88,750 hectares, making it the largest national park in Turkey. The park boasts a rich biodiversity with 85 plant families, 305 genera, and 545 species, including 88 endemic species. You can enjoy trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and boat rides on the lake here. The park has designated picnic areas, off-road parks, and campgrounds for tents and campers too.

Altınbeşik Mağarası Milli Parkı, also known as Altınbeşik Cave National Park, is located in the Manavgat Valley of Antalya province. This stunning park is home to Altınbeşik Cave, one of the most impressive and largest underground lakes in Turkey. The park is unique due to its karst landscape, featuring dramatic limestone formations.

Saklıkent National Park is renowned for its breathtaking gorge, which is one of the deepest in Turkey. The park is located in the southwestern part of the country, lying the Antalya and Muğla provinces. It offers a unique combination of adventure and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The centerpiece of the park, this impressive canyon is 18 kilometers long and 300 meters deep where rafting and tubing can be done.

Nemrut Dağı National Park is famous for its historical significance and stunning landscapes. The park is home to the ancient ruins of the Commagene Kingdom, including the iconic statues on Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the summit of Mount Nemrut. The summit, at an altitude of 2,134 meters, features colossal statues and the royal tomb of King Antiochus I.

Kazdağı National Park, also known as Mount Ida National Park, is famous for its rich biodiversity, mythological significance, and stunning natural landscapes. The park is located in the northwestern part of Turkey, near the Aegean coast. The park's highest peak, Mount Ida, offers breathtaking views and is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse plant life.