Türkiye is often celebrated for its Mediterranean beaches, luxury resorts, and thermal spas, but the country's vast landscape hides a wealth of lesser-known marvels. Beyond the bustling bazaars and coastal towns, intrepid travellers can discover ancient underground cities, Hittite sanctuaries, and natural phenomena that rival anything in the region.
Underground city of Kaymaklı
In the heart of Cappadocia, beneath the soft volcanic rock and fairy chimneys, lies one of the world's most remarkable subterranean settlements. Kaymaklı, an ancient city carved 40 metres into the earth, was once a refuge for early Christians during the Arab-Byzantine wars. Today, locals still use parts of it for storage, a testament to its enduring utility.
Originally hewn by the Phrygians in the 7th century BCE, the city expanded over centuries to include stables, a church, living quarters, kitchens, and even a metallurgy workshop. Visitors can explore four of its eight floors, which together could shelter up to 20,000 people. It's a humbling reminder of human ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Yazılıkaya: a Hittite open-air sanctuary
About a two-hour drive east of Ankara, the ancient Hittite sanctuary of Yazılıkaya is a geological and historical treasure. Established in the 13th century BCE, this open-air religious site features towering rock faces adorned with reliefs of 83 gods, demons, and kings. The carvings are best viewed around noon, when the sun illuminates them most clearly.
Pair a visit with the nearby Hittite capital of Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a deeper dive into one of Anatolia's earliest empires. Together, they provide a fascinating window into a civilisation that once rivalled Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Lake Salda: Türkiye's Maldives
In Burdur Province, northwest of Antalya, Lake Salda presents a surreal sight: dazzling white shores and crystal-clear turquoise water that could easily be mistaken for the Maldives. The white sand is actually hydromagnesite deposits, which also give the lake its striking colour. At nearly 200 metres deep, it's one of Türkiye's deepest lakes.
Beyond its beauty, Lake Salda has scientific significance. Ancient fossils found here helped NASA scientists prepare for the Mars 2020 mission, as the lake's mineral-rich environment mirrors conditions on the Red Planet. For visitors, it's a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, or hiking through the surrounding pine forests.
Mount Nemrut: a man-made mountain of statues
While Egypt has its pyramids and Mexico its Mayan temples, Türkiye boasts its own monumental mountain. Mount Nemrut, in the eastern Anatolian region, was constructed in the 1st century BCE as a tomb for King Antiochus I of Commagene. The summit is adorned with colossal statues of gods and kings, their heads scattered at their feet, creating an eerie and awe-inspiring scene.
The eastern terrace is the best preserved, with nine-metre-tall figures lining the platform. Watching the sunrise here, with the statues silhouetted against the sky, is an experience that rivals any ancient wonder.
Yanartaş: the eternal flames
Near the ancient city of Olympos, about 80 kilometres southwest of Antalya, a rocky hillside has been burning for over 2,500 years. Known as Yanartaş, or "flaming stone," this natural phenomenon is caused by methane gas seeping through cracks in the earth, ignited by a rare metal called ruthenium. The flames flicker and dance, changing intensity with the seasons.
At night, the fires create an ethereal glow that has inspired myths and legends for millennia. It's a reminder that Türkiye's wonders extend far beyond its well-trodden tourist paths.
For those seeking to explore these hidden gems, consider planning a trip that combines the new luxury hotels in Türkiye with off-the-beaten-track adventures. And if you're looking for more European travel inspiration, check out Europe's best autumn foliage destinations or the most walkable cities in Europe.
