Cappadocia: A Land of Fairy Chimneys and Cave Dwellings
This geographic wonder straight off of Mars is on most everyone’s travel bucket list. Catch the most epic sunrise of your life while soaring over natural nooks and spires in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia. If you’re wondering where to go in Turkey for an otherworldly adventure, look no further than Cappadocia. The region is known for its unusual rock formations, deep underground cities, and majestic views of nature. Shaped by volcanic activity and erosion, the rugged valleys and fairy chimneys make hiking here a surreal dream.
Explore the unique rock formations of Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, trek through the surprisingly lush green of Ihlara Valley, or visit the underground city of Kaymakli, a hidden labyrinth of tunnels and rooms built by ancient civilizations. Churches tucked into caves and monasteries adorned with centuries-old frescoes, as well as those spooky underground complexes (some 8-10 stories deep), give Cappadocia an air of mystery you can’t experience anywhere else.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack
Hot air balloons won’t take off in unfavorable weather, so stay connected to keep abreast of changing wind patterns and rebook plans as soon as possible. (And if you’re set on ballooning, be sure to stay at least two nights, just in case!).
Pamukkale: Snow White Thermal Pools
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site (be prepared, Turkey is home to many!), Pamukkale is known as the “cotton castle” because of its dazzling white terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down a hillside – seemingly in the middle of nowhere. From the small airport of Denizli, this natural marvel makes for a cozy weekend getaway in the dead of winter. The mineral-rich pools of warm water are believed to have healing properties, and walking barefoot through them is a strange, but delightful, sensation on a cold day. When thinking about where to go in Turkey and when, we recommended visiting in off-season, and arriving as soon as the site opens, to experience Pamukkale’s serenity without a horde of tourists.
After strolling up the hillside through the thermal pools, explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient spa city perched atop the terraces. Wander through its well-preserved theater, necropolis, and take a dip in the thermally-heated Cleopatra’s Pool.
Having only seen photos of the white terraces, most folks don’t realize there is an ancient site at the top of Pamukkale. With an eSIM, you can read up on the ruins while in Hierapolis, which are not well explained. Then call a ride to another lesser-known nearby ancient city, Laodicea.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack:
Ephesus: Walk in the Footsteps of the Ancient Romans
Forget where to go in Turkey, this is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world! Ephesus offers the closest thing to seeing how life was 3,000 years ago. Stroll the marble-paved streets, go wide-eyed at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, and feel just how small you are compared to the Great Theatre, which could once seat 25,000 spectators. Temples, bathhouses, and even public latrines are all on display and free to roam through. Be sure to pay the extra ticket for the Terrace Houses, where you can peek into the lavishly decorated homes of wealthy Ephesians.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack
You’ll really be missing out if you don’t have some kind of guide while in Ephesus. With an eSIM, you can access audio guides or detailed historical information right on your phone and at your own pace, instead of shelling out the big bucks to stand in the sun with thirty other people on a guided tour.
Ölüdeniz: The Call of the Turquoise Coast
Where better to go in Turkey than the glorious Mediterranean Sea? Picture-perfect Ölüdeniz, or the Blue Lagoon, is a sheltered, crystal-clear bay. Its calm waters make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even kayaking. And adventure seekers can vie for the best vantage point of this sparkling lagoon, surrounding mountains, an stunning coasting by soaring above while paragliding.
Nearby Butterfly Valley, accessible only by boat or a long downhill trek, is another masterpiece of nature. Though this secluded spot is quite popular, there are many hidden bays along the coast.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack
Get yourself a set of wheels to better explore this breathtaking region, and never worry about running out of data with a Red Bull MOBILE eSIM.
Lycian Way: Hike Through History
Winding its way through Ölüdeniz, this ancient footpath is now a popular 540-kilometer hiking trail, with incredible views of the Turkish coast. Stop in villages when you’re tired, dip into the sea when hot, and crawl through ancient ruins on this trail. When considering where to go in Turkey, this trek is best planned for spring or fall.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack
Stay on track with GPS navigation and access online trail guides – you don’t want to get lost when the sun is hot and fresh water is scarce. Best of all, book last-minute stays in village pansiyons when you just need a good meal and a shower.
Mount Nemrut: Colossal Statues and Ancient Mysteries
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountaintop sanctuary in southeastern Turkey was built by King Antiochus I of Commagene in the 1st century BC. If you’re looking for a unique and awe-inspiring place to go in Turkey, this is up there. Its home to a curious set of colossal statues, depicting gods, goddesses, and the king himself. Watch the sun rise or set from the mountain in the company of these gigantic statues. You can also visit the surrounding archaeological sites, including the tumulus of Karakus and the ancient city of Arsameia.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack
An eSIM is essential for navigating the remote location of Mount Nemrut. Use it to access maps, find transportation options, and share your experience with others.
Sümela Monastery: A Cliffside Marvel
Nestled in the lush forests of the Black Sea, where tea fields meet misty highlands, the Sümela Monastery is an unusual place to go in Turkey. This Greek Orthodox monastery, precariously built into the side of a cliff, dates back to the 4th century AD. While you can’t go inside, it makes for a good excuse to plan a Black Sea roadtrip.
eSIM Turkey Travel Hack:
Getting to Sümela Monastery with public transport will take a bit of work, but hiring a car and trekking there on foot is actually worth the extra effort. Stay connected with data form an eSIM – you don’t want to get lost in the woods, there are bears!
To find out more about how to stay connected and avoid roaming charges while traveling in Turkey, check out our piece on the benefits, FAQs, and installation process for the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM.
