Exploring the Natural Wonders of Turkey Through Photography

Turkey is an incredibly diverse and enchanting country, with breathtaking natural wonders that are begging to be explored. From sweeping seascapes to majestic mountains, lush forests to eerie canyons, there is something for every nature-loving photographer to capture. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the opportunities for snapping stunning shots in Turkey are endless. Read on to discover the country’s most incredible natural wonders through photography.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region of Turkey where the landscape is truly out of this world. Its unique rock formations, formed by millions of years of erosion, make it a photographer’s paradise. From ‘fairy chimneys’ to ‘mushroom rocks’, Cappadocia’s surreal beauty is sure to inspire any shutterbug. Capture the dreamy landscape from a hot air balloon or take a hike through the magical valleys. You’ll be sure to come away with some truly amazing photographs.

The Lycian Way

If you’re looking for a photography-worthy hike, look no further than the Lycian Way. This 500-mile long-distance trail stretches along the stunning Turquoise Coast, passing through spectacular scenery and quaint villages. The trail is full of traditional villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking seascapes, all begging to be captured on camera. Plus, the Lycian Way is an accessible route, with plenty of rest stops and accommodation along the way.

Iztuzu Beach

If you’re in search of a beach paradise, then Iztuzu Beach is the place to be. This secluded beach is located on the Dalyan Delta, and is home to the endangered loggerhead turtles. As well as being a haven for wildlife, it’s also a photographer’s dream, with its pristine white sands, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Capture the beach from a bird’s eye view with a drone, or take a closer look and snap the turtles in their natural habitat.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a unique geological wonder, located in the Denizli Province of southwestern Turkey. This Unesco World Heritage Site is famous for its natural hot springs and travertines, which look like giant terraces of snow cascading down the hillside. Capture the beauty of the terraces, with their cascading pools of milky blue water, and take a dip in the thermal pools if you’re brave enough. Pamukkale is sure to be a highlight of any nature photographer’s trip to Turkey.

Kizkalesi

Kizkalesi is an ancient castle located on the Mediterranean Sea in the Mersin Province. This castle is surrounded by a stunning beach and azure waters, and is a great spot for capturing some postcard-worthy shots. Climb to the top of the castle and take some panoramic shots of the beach, or get up close and personal with some portrait shots of the castle walls. Plus, if you’re lucky you might even spot some wild turtles, adding an extra element of interest to your photographs.

Sumela Monastery

Sumela Monastery is a Byzantine monastery located in the pine forests of the Pontic Mountains. This ancient site is a fantastic place to capture some unique photographs, with its dramatic cliffs and lush forests. Wander through the ruins and capture the stunning architecture, or take a hike through the woods and snap the majestic mountains. The monastery is also a great place to capture some wildlife shots, with eagles, owls, and woodpeckers all frequenting the area.

Goreme National Park

Goreme National Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site, located in the heart of Cappadocia. This incredible landscape is full of natural wonders, from rock-cut churches to fairy chimneys. Capture the park’s stunning views with a drone, or take a hike through the valleys and explore the caves. Goreme National Park is sure to leave you with some truly unforgettable photographs.

Kekova

Kekova is a small island located off the coast of the Antalya Province. This magical island is a photographer’s paradise, with its crystal clear waters, stunning seascapes, and ancient ruins. Capture the beauty of the island from a boat, or take a dive and explore the underwater ruins. Kekova is sure to be a highlight of any nature photographer’s trip to Turkey.

Olympos

Olympos is a small village located in the Antalya Province, and is home to the ancient ruins of Lycia. This magical village is great for capturing some unique photographs, with its traditional stone houses and stunning seascapes. Get a bird’s eye view of the ruins with a drone, or take a hike through the hills and explore the ruins up close. Olympos is sure to be a highlight of any nature photographer’s trip to Turkey.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley is a stunning nature reserve located in the Muğla Province. This secluded valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the rare and endangered species of butterfly. Capture the stunning views of the valley with a drone, or take a hike and explore the wildlife up close. Butterfly Valley is sure to leave you with some truly unforgettable photographs.

Kackar Mountains

The Kackar Mountains are a range of mountains located in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. This area is great for capturing some stunning landscape shots, with its majestic peaks, lush forests, and crystal clear lakes. Capture the beauty of the mountains from a bird’s eye view with a drone, or take a hike and explore the area up close. The Kackar Mountains are sure to leave you with some truly amazing photographs.

Saklikent Gorge

Saklikent Gorge is a natural canyon located in the Muğla Province. This stunning gorge is a great spot for capturing some unique photographs, with its dramatic cliffs and lush forests. Capture the beauty of the gorge from a bird’s eye view with a drone, or take a hike and explore the area up close. Saklikent Gorge is sure to leave you with some truly unforgettable photographs.

Summary

Turkey is a country full of natural wonders, waiting to be explored and captured on camera. From surreal landscapes to stunning seascapes, ancient ruins to lush forests, there is something for every nature-loving photographer to capture in Turkey. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’re sure to come away with some truly amazing shots. So why not take a trip to Turkey and start exploring the country’s incredible natural wonders through photography?