The Most Beautiful National Parks in Turkey

Nemrut Dağı National Park is known for its statues
Nemrut Dağı National Park is known for its statues | © Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

The national parks in Turkey are true wonders of nature but can also carry historical significance. From mountains to ancient ruins, valleys to secret coves, check out some of the most beautiful natural haunts in the country where Europe and Asia meet.

1. Aladağlar National Park

Park, Natural Feature

Group of hikers at Hastakoca Lake, Yedigoller Plateau, Aladaglar National Park, High or Anti-Taurus Mountains, Turkey
© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

2. Lake Beyşehir National Park

Park, Natural Feature

The freshwater natural reservoir Lake Beysehir, Southwestern Turkey
© Henryk Kotowski / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

3. Nemrut Dağı National Park

Historical Landmark

Mount Nemrut Dagi National Park, Turkey
© Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

5. Köprülü Canyon National Park

Natural Feature

Ancient arch bridge over the Koprucay river gorge in Koprulu national Park in Turkey. Panoramic scenic view of the canyon and blue stormy mountain riv
© frantic / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

6. Beydağları Coastal National Park

Park

Antique city of Phaselis, Antalya Destrict, Turkey: aqueduct
© Rolandas Misius / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

7. Munzur Valley National Park

Natural Feature, Park

Munzur mount and national park. Munzur River in Ovacik, Tunceli. Turkish name; Munzur Gozeleri.
© Thankful Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

8. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes National Park

Natural Feature

Scenic view of coastline in Dilek Peninsula Davutlar National Park, Kusadasi Turkey.. Image shot 2007. Exact date unknown.
© Images & Stories / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

9. Yedigöller National Park

Park

The Yedigoller Seven Lakes National Park is in the north of the Bolu province, and south of Zonguldak in the western Black Sea region.
© Mehmet Kalkan / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

10. Uludağ National Park

Natural Feature, Park

Transportation via cable car among snow covered tree on a sunny winter day in Uludag National Park, Turkey.
© Haluk Cigsar / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

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