Turkey is a modest beauty. If Italy were the popular girl at school who everyone knows is gorgeous (and she knows it too), Turkey is the quiet girl who people may not notice at first. But when they do, they realize she is just as stunning as her more confident counterpart.
Come along and see her beauty for yourself. After looking at these pictures, you may just start researching flights to this underrated Mediterranean gem. You can’t say we didn’t warn you!
Tip: If you’re curious how we got these photos, we used a lot (if not all) of our 32 Easy & Creative Travel Photography Tips to make these shots happen. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these tips will help you take incredible pictures!
The turquoise waters beckon
Kabak Beach is utter perfection. Reach it by hiking into this hidden valley that you may never leave.
Is there any better combination than mountains and the ocean (and a couple palm trees for good measure)?! I think not.
Planning a trip to Turkey? Find out the best time to visit Turkey based on regional weather patterns and your personal travel style.
Adventure awaits
Soar over the stunning waters in Oludeniz while paragliding!
Taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia will surely be the highlight of any trip to Turkey!
You can even sleep in a cave!
Exploring sunken ruins is best done in a kayak!
Psst! If you’ll be traveling more throughout the country, be sure to check out our bucket list of epic places to visit in Turkey.
Turkish cuisine will please any foodie
Turkish breakfasts are reason enough to visit this country!
I can’t decide which is better… the food or the view!
“Kebab” is more than just those wraps you get as drunk food! That’s right, folks, kebab actually means something like “barbecue” and can refer to many dishes, like this one! Mmmm… and that bad boy on the right is pide, the Turkish version of pizza! You may just fall in love with the cuisine and take a cooking class, like we did!
Little slices of paradise are still relatively untouched
Be careful because Butterfly Valley may convince you to cancel all your plans to stay in this flower-filled haven forever.
Ridiculously cute towns may convince you to stay longer than planned…
The countryside villages are just so darn cute!
Salty breezes, mountains in the distance and sparkly turquoise waters come together in Turkey’s charming seaside towns.
Göreme is something out of a fairy tale!
Get out of the city and breath in the fresh air. Turkey is full of natural beauty.
The very ummmm… interesting… rock formations in Love Valley. Understand the name yet?
Turkey taught me that I love the combination of pine forests and the ocean. Perfection, in my opinion.
Hike through Love Valley and you’ll likely have the entire park to yourself! Packed a picnic lunch and wander through the canyon, past fruit trees and wildflowers until your heart is content.
Spend the day soaking in these magical hot springs
Turkey is packed with ancient ruins that are far less touristed than those in neighboring Italy and Greece
Turkey is full of ruins. Even on the beaches!
There is a charming mix of old and new architecture and art
When streets are this cute, how can you not fall in love?!
Ancient architecture can even be found everywhere modern Istanbul, even underground.
The Blue Mosque is a stunner on the outside as well as the inside!
Did we mention the hot air balloons?! Riding in one of these over beautiful Cappadocia should be on any Turkey Bucket List!
You can’t go far without seeing wildflowers in the spring
Wildflowers are sprinkled everywhere throughout the country in May!
This is the view from our hot air balloon ride. Yes, really!
Wildflowers + Rock formations… okay, I’m in love.
Turkish people are warm and welcoming
Oh, and for all you cat lovers out there, you’ll find furry friends around every corner!
With sunsets this beautiful, how could you not want to visit Turkey?!
If you’re headed to Turkey, we’ve got some things you should see!
We have lots of resources on travel in Turkey and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide for all the answers to your travel questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
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We want to hear from you!
Do you want to visit Turkey now?! Thought so! Which place do you find most beautiful? We’d love to hear your comments!
Thank you for such amazing description!
Simply Amazing. My Dream Country
Oh gosh now I am looking forward to our trip even more! Your pics are so beautiful and Turkey definitely does look way more amazing than I ever thought it was. Unfortunately we won’t be able to travel around and see as much as you guys as we’re based along the coast but will definitely visit some ancient sites and Pamukkale. Just means we’ll have to return again to see everything else!
Hey there, I can’t wait to follow along on your adventures to Turkey! You guys are going to love it! There’s just so much to do and see, the people are great and the food is delish! I think we’ll have to return at some point too 😉
Absolutely gorgeous, and the food looks delicious! 🙂
Thanks so much, Linda! Turkey is very photogenic 😉 and oh my goodness, the breakfasts… We’re lready missing them!
Turkey surprised me with its beauty. I guess I would say that Butterfly Valley with the pink flowering palm trees and the mountains in back was my favorite. I also thought that the Magical Hot Springs was unusual and very inviting.
The seaside towns are so special. My son lives in Oahu and we love visiting him and all the little towns on the island. I think that is why I love anything with water. Having said that – Gorame was very pretty with the night lights. I appreciate the good photography which you two are doing. "Happy trails to you."
Thanks so much for the kind words, Sue 🙂 Turkey surprised us as well! Butterfly Valley is very beautiful, peaceful and not very touristy. How fun that you get to visit your son in Oahu! Such a beautiful place to call home! Take care, Sue!