Trip to Turkey Go Turkiye

National Parks

Turkey is home to a stunning array of national parks, showcasing diverse landscapes from rugged mountains and dense forests to coastal cliffs and ancient ruins. With over 40 national parks, they’re managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, aiming to preserve the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity while offering spots for hiking, camping, and cultural exploration. Here’s a rundown of some notable ones, based on what’s out there.

Popular National Parks in Turkey

  1. Göreme National Park (Cappadocia)
    • Location: Central Anatolia, Nevşehir Province
    • Why It’s Special: Known for its otherworldly rock formations, fairy chimneys, and extensive underground cities carved by early Christians. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending natural wonders with historical significance.
    • What to Do: Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum for ancient frescoed churches, take a hot air balloon ride for surreal views, or hike the Rose Valley at sunset.
    • Flora/Fauna: Sparse vegetation due to the arid climate, but you might spot foxes, hares, or migratory birds like storks.
  2. Kaçkar Mountains National Park
    • Location: Northeastern Turkey, spanning Rize and Artvin provinces
    • Why It’s Special: Towering peaks (up to 3,937 meters at Kaçkar Peak), alpine meadows, and glacial lakes make this a paradise for mountaineers and nature lovers.
    • What to Do: Trek the Kaçkar Summit trail, visit the Yaylalar (highland plateaus) for local culture, or raft on the Çoruh River.
    • Flora/Fauna: Rich with spruce forests, bears, wolves, and chamois. Spring brings wildflowers like rhododendrons.
  3. Yedigöller National Park (Seven Lakes)
    • Location: Bolu Province, Western Black Sea region
    • Why It’s Special: Seven interconnected lakes surrounded by dense forests of beech, oak, and pine. It’s a postcard-perfect spot, especially in autumn when the foliage explodes in color.
    • What to Do: Hike trails between the lakes, camp by the water, or photograph the misty scenery.
    • Flora/Fauna: Deer, roe deer, and wild boars roam here; the lakes host trout.
  4. Olympus National Park (Olimpos Beydağları)
    • Location: Antalya Province, along the Mediterranean coast
    • Why It’s Special: Combines dramatic mountains with turquoise beaches, plus the ancient ruins of Olympos and the eternal flames of the Chimaera (Yanartaş).
    • What to Do: Swim at Olympos Beach, hike the Lycian Way, or explore the fiery rocks of Chimaera at night.
    • Flora/Fauna: Mediterranean maquis, pine forests, and rare species like the loggerhead sea turtle nesting on the beaches.
  5. Mount Nemrut National Park
    • Location: Adıyaman Province, Southeastern Anatolia
    • Why It’s Special: Famous for the colossal statues of gods at the summit of Mount Nemrut, a 2,134-meter peak. Another UNESCO site, it’s a blend of nature and ancient history from the Kingdom of Commagene.
    • What to Do: Watch the sunrise or sunset from the summit for jaw-dropping views of the statues and surrounding Taurus Mountains.
    • Flora/Fauna: Sparse vegetation at the summit; lower areas have steppe flora and small mammals.
  6. Lake Van (Van Gölü) and Surroundings
    • Location: Eastern Anatolia, Van Province
    • Why It’s Special: While not a formally designated “national park” in the same sense, the Lake Van region includes protected areas like the lake itself and nearby Mount Süphan. It’s a massive soda lake, the largest in Turkey, with unique biodiversity.
    • What to Do: Visit Akdamar Island for the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, swim in the alkaline waters, or hike nearby peaks.
    • Flora/Fauna: Endemic species like the Van fish (a type of carp), plus flamingos and other migratory birds.
  7. Küre Mountains National Park
    • Location: Kastamonu and Bartın provinces, Black Sea region
    • Why It’s Special: A biodiversity hotspot with deep canyons, waterfalls, and virgin forests. It’s part of the Global 200 ecoregions identified by WWF.
    • What to Do: Trek through Valla Canyon (one of the deepest in the world), explore Horma Canyon via wooden walkways, or spot wildlife.
    • Flora/Fauna: Brown bears, lynxes, and over 100 bird species; forests of fir, beech, and hornbeam.
  8. Troy Historical National Park
    • Location: Çanakkale Province, near the Dardanelles
    • Why It’s Special: Home to the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. The park combines archaeological significance with natural beauty along the Aegean coast.
    • What to Do: Tour the ruins of Troy, visit the replica Trojan Horse, or hike through the surrounding oak forests.
    • Flora/Fauna: Mediterranean flora like olive trees and scrub; small mammals and reptiles.

Practical Tips for Visiting

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather for hiking and sightseeing. Summer can be scorching in the south, while winters are harsh in the east and mountains.
  • Permits/Fees: Some parks, like Göreme or Nemrut, have entrance fees, especially for historical sites. Camping may require permits in certain areas—check locally.
  • Getting Around: Public transport to remote parks can be tricky; renting a car or joining guided tours is often easier. Roads to places like Kaçkar or Yedigöller can be rough, so a 4×4 might be handy.
  • What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, layers for unpredictable weather, and a camera. Some parks lack facilities, so pack water and snacks.
  • Respect Nature: Stick to trails, don’t litter, and be mindful of wildlife. Fires are often restricted due to wildfire risks.
Powered by GetYourGuide