Take Your Holiday in Turkey Off the Beaten Path

If you are visiting Turkey on holiday, there are some places that are are on most travelers’ “must see” list. Among them are the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mount Nemrut, the Blue Mosque, and, of course, the Hagia Sophia. If you are seeking sun and relaxation, you might head to the Turkish Riviera along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. However, even beyond the usual tourist haunts, Turkey is a charming vacation destination with enjoyable and affordable places to visit that are somewhat off the beaten path.
 
Lake Koycegiz Mud Baths
 
One of the strangest places to visit in Turkey is the Koycegiz Mud Baths near the lakeside town of Dalyan. You will need to take a boat ride to get there. The mud baths are complemented by hot springs. The warmest of the baths comes in at a toasty 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Farhenheit). Visitors are willing to tolerate the smell of rotten eggs from sulfurous fumes because the mud and hot spring water are believed to have healing properties. Ancient Roman ruins in the area show that people have been enjoying these natural phenomena for centuries. Mud baths might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Turkey, but these are worthy of a visit.

Don’t worry. It washes off. Photo credit: Christian-Mihail Miehs via Wikimedia

Troy (Troia)
 
You may have seen the Hollywood film starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom, but the ancient city of Troy has a lot more to offer visitors than blood and battles. Even if you haven’t read the Iliad by Homer, you have probably heard about the ancient treachery when marauding Greeks offered the people of Troy a gigantic wooden horse as a gift — except the hollow wooden horse actually held a detachment of Greek soldiers who captured the town. Archaeologists now believe that at the time of that particular battle, there had already been a settlement at Troy for over 1,700 years as they have uncovered evidence of human habitation there since about 3,000 B.C. If you have any interest in history and/or archaeology, this city in northwestern Turkey is worthy of a spot on your Turkish itinerary.

Not the original ancient wooden horse, but you get the idea. Photo credit: Carole Raddato via Wikimedia

Saklikent Gorge
 
While well known for its human-made monuments, Turkey also offers natural breath-taking beauty. Located about 50 kms. from the Mediterranean coastal town of Fethiye , the Saklikent Gorge will not disappoint. It is the second-largest gorge in the whole of Europe, much of which can only be accessed after April when the high water of the spring thaw is over. “Hiking” in this gorge also involves some wading and maybe even swimming. The challenge is to wear the proper footwear for both rocky and underwater terrain. An early start is recommended to stay ahead of the crowds. If you are looking to add some outdoor adventure to your travel in Turkey, a visit to Saklikent Gorge might well be what you’re looking for. 

Make sure you are prepared to get wet when you set out to hike in Saklikent Gorge. Photo credit: By Elelict via Wikimedia

Conclusion
 
These are just three attractions that many people miss on their first visit to Turkey. Turkey is an excellent holiday destination, where you can find history, contemporary culture, warm beaches and natural beauty. The best holidays often combine classic sights with more unusual places, making Turkey a good choice for a holiday destination. 

Do you have any recommendations for off the beaten path places to visit in Turkey.

Tagged as: Saklikent Gorge, Troy, turkey, Turkey holidays, Turkey Mud baths