6 Off Beat Places Tourists Must Visit In Turkey

Turkey is a popular holiday destination with many visiting the capital of Istanbul, the famous landscapes of Cappadocia, and the beach resorts along the south coast. However, at three times the size of the UK and over twice the size of Germany, Turkey is a huge country with so much to see besides the main tourist hotspots.

The east and north of the country in particular are full of so many hidden gems and unique attractions. Plus, locals in the east of Turkey are known for being some of the most friendly and hospitable, which is saying a lot in a country where friendly locals can be found everywhere!

So if you’re looking for nature, history, amazing food and to really experience local Turkish culture, take a look at the list below and add some of these off the beaten track destinations to your Turkey itinerary.

# Lake Egirdir

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in a natural setting then the small lakeside town of Egirdir with its mountainous backdrop is the perfect spot. Visit or even stay on the tiny peninsula jutting out into the lake, which houses some great waterside fish restaurants and small guesthouses, and is a great place to catch sunrise or sunset.

A popular thing to do here in the summer is to take a boat trip on the lake, or rent a bicycle and cycle to one of the many lakeside beaches for swimming or to just simply relax by the shore.

Egirdir’s location on the Saint Pauls Trail also makes it an ideal base for hiking. Walk (or drive) up to Akpinar village and get a tea or a traditional Turkish breakfast with a stunning view over the whole of the lake. From Akpinar you can then continue hiking up to the peak of Sivri Dagi where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the whole area.

# Adana

A must visit whilst in Adana is the Sebanci Merkez Mosque. Standing on the banks of the Seyhan River, it’s the second biggest mosque in Turkey and is impressive inside and out. The mosque was built in classical Ottoman style and has five domes and six minarets. Inside, the deep red ceramic tiles and stained glass windows make it one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey.

Just upriver from the mosque you’ll find Taskopru (Stone Bridge). This Bridge, built around 200AD, is one of the oldest in the world. But not only is it still standing but after nearly 2000 years it is still being used by people to cross the river today.

Finally, you can’t leave Adana without eating an Adana Kebab. This spicy minced meat kebab is one of Turkey’s most popular but Adana is where it originates and so it’s a must-eat whilst you’re there.

# Gaziantep

Gaziantep is known as the food capital of Turkey which is an achievement in a country known for its food. The food here is so good that it was actually recognised by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy. It’s particularly famous for its pistachios, and these can be found in pretty much every dish here, from traditional baklava to kebabs. Make sure to try Katmer, a thin flaky pancake filled with pistachio and clotted cream, and one of Gazientep’s most unique dishes.

For a true gastronomic experience at a local price have dinner at Culcuoglu Et Lokantasi. Order one of their kebabs and enjoy a ton of free appetisers which will not only give you a taste of Gaziantep cuisine but will leave you so full you’ll be struggling to walk out of there. When your stomach has recovered, visit the local Zincirli Bedesten bazaar where you’ll find lots of dried fruits, nuts and spices and many stall holders offering free samples.

The most famous attraction in Gaziantep is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. The world’s largest mosaic museum, it is home to 3000 square meters of mosaics and 140 square meters of frescoes, plus Roman fountains, columns and sculptures. The majority of the mosaics are from the now flooded ancient city of Zeugma. At about 2000 years old, it truly is remarkable to see the beauty of these rescued mosaics.

# Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa is one of the most interesting and historic cities in Turkey. It is also a place of pilgrimage due to Balikligol, or Fish Lake. According to Muslim belief, this lake is where Nimrod threw Abraham into the fire, the fire turned into the pool and the firewood into fish. Hence, the lake and carp fish in it are considered sacred. The lake sits in the middle of a park and is overlooked by Sanliurfa Castle, and so is a great place to wander around and you’ll find lots of local families hanging out there.

If you’re interested in history and archaeology then you must visit Sanliurfa and take a trip to Gobekli Tepe. Lying just 12km outside the city, the 12,000-year-old complex, pre-dating Stonehenge by some 6,000 years, is regarded by many as the world’s oldest temple. Not only that, the discovery of Gobekli Tepe has actually changed the way archaeologists think about the origins of civilization. Scholars previously believed that agriculture led to civilization, however, Göbekli tepe, which was built by hunter-gatherer communities before they even began to practice agriculture, has completely shifted this school of thought.

# Mount Nemrut

North of Sanliurfa in the Eastern Taurus mountain range, Mount Nemrut is not the easiest place to visit but with the summit being home to one of Turkey’s most iconic sights, it’s certainly worth the effort. The summit contains the tomb of King Antiochus I of Commagene and two terraces of stone statutes. These represent Antiochus himself, Commagene, Apollo, Hercules and Zeus flanked by huge statues of guardian lions and eagles. The heads of the statues have now fallen off and so sit in front of the colossal figures.

On your way down from the Mountain there are further Greek ruins, including a carving showing Hercules shaking hands with King Antiochus, as well as a couple of caves to explore.

# Mardin

Mardin is a historical city sitting atop a rocky hill which rises steeply over the surrounding plains. It’s elevated position means great views, and there are many rooftop cafes and restaurants here which are perfect to wile away a couple of hours, especially over sunset.

Wander around this old town and you’ll find yourself sharing the streets with locals on horseback, which is still the most common way to transport goods around Mardin’s narrow alleyways and cobbled streets. Visit the market and make sure to try some sugared almonds which are a Mardin speciality.

Whilst here visit Zinciriye Medresesi and take photos in the pretty courtyards and arched walkways with a view out over Mardin and beyond.