The Most Beautiful National Parks in Turkey

Established as a national park in 1995, Aladağlar is in southern Turkey and is part of the Anti-Taurus Mountains. With an area of more than 55,000ha (135,908 acres) and an elevation of 3,500m (11,483ft), the giant national park stretches from the Kayseri province all the way to the Adana province.

In the Konya province in central Turkey, Lake Beyşehir is an important sanctuary for 140 flora varieties and more than 16 species of freshwater fish, as well as water birds. For visitors, the park is perfect for trekking, hiking and mountain biking, with plenty of campgrounds and hotels in the town of Beyşehir.

This mountain, standing 2,000m (6,562ft) above sea level, is a national park with a whole lot of historical significance. Climbing to the summit is rewarded with the sight of the famous statues that stand in what is assumed to be a royal tomb dating back to the first century BCE.

The most popular town in Cappadocia is also a national park that converges the worlds of natural phenomena and historical remnants. The fairy chimneys, rock churches and underground cities are breathtaking in equal measure, and you can enjoy the landscape on foot, by bike or by riding a hot-air balloon.

The namesake canyon of this park covers an area of about 366sqkm (141sqmi) and is as deep as 400m (1,312ft). Established as a national park in 1973, Köprülü is also known for fresh trout, which can be enjoyed at the local restaurants, as well as the Roman Oluklu Bridge. You can visit the Köprülü Canyon National Park with Culture Trip on our epic 12-day Turkey adventure, which includes an opportunity to go river rafting.

Stretching over a huge area of more than 34,000ha (84,016 acres), Beydağları includes the ancient settlements of Olympos, Phaselis and Idyros, which are all intertwined with wild flora and beaches. The archaeological sites are open all year; you can hang out on the beach or go trekking, camping and mountain climbing.

As the largest and most biodiverse national park in Turkey, it’s no wonder that Munzur was established as a national park in order to protect the rich wildlife and flora. It’s in eastern Anatolia, where the climate can often be quite harsh, and it’s best to visit in the summer, especially June and August.

With many native and migratory birds, mammals, plants and marine life, Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes is a real natural haven overlooking the Aegean Sea. Apart from excellent opportunities for nature photography, the park has many forest and high-elevation trails with beautiful views of the landscape and sea.

Known for the seven lakes that were formed here through landslides, Yedigöller is a beautiful park with a stunning visual composition of many different trees, whose leaves change colour through the different seasons and are reflected in the water. Camping here or even taking a long stroll is always very peaceful.

The Uludağ mountain rises to more than 2,000m (6,562ft) and is perfect for winter sports. In the warmer months, the national park is also a great destination for hiking and camping in a world rich in flora and fauna.