Turkey, an intoxicating mixture of eastern and western culture, draws in millions of tourists each year, all marvelling at the country’s unique culture. You can only truly appreciate the wonders of Turkey by going there and experiencing them yourself. But with the tourism industry so oversaturated, hitting Istanbul’s busy streets can seem like an unappealing prospect.
Fortunately, there are ways to get around the swarms of tourists that descend on Turkey each year. You could always splash out for an all-inclusive holiday. For instance, you could visit Turkey with Club Med and not worry about the crowds. While you do so, be sure to check the less-visited sights of this fascinating country.
GitoYaylası
If Istanbul has become too crowded for your liking, you could always consider an escape to GitoYaylası, a hidden plateau located in the Kackar Mountains. It’s not easily accessible, but if you’re game for an adventure, it’s definitely worth the trip. GitoYaylası will give you the most stunning side of rural Turkey.
It’s really out of the way – you need to take a flight to Trabzon and then drive for an hour to Rize before driving for another two hours. It’s ideal for budding photographers or camping enthusiasts.
Photo Credit: Jean Paul Peters
Polonezköy
Polonezköy is just on the outskirts of Istanbul, an hour’s drive away. Formerly known as Adampol, it’s a small Polish village that boasts some strange architecture, along with some equally strange history. It was the home of Polish refugees who fled their homeland in the 1840s.
The buildings are still decorated with Polish features, which really stand out in their Turkish surroundings. There are some descendants of the refugees still present, albeit numbering less than a hundred.
Lake Van
Not many people have heard of Lake Van, an alkaline inland sea that has been untouched by the passage of time and development. Expect mountainous peaks and loads of gorgeous, historic buildings, like the Armenian cathedral on Akdamar Island. You can visit the island by boat.
There is also a castle high on the hill on the opposite side – ideal to visit if you fancy feasting on some sumptuous views of the lake. Before you leave, make sure you drop in at one of the breakfast halls, famous in the region for local cheese and honey.
Photo Credit: Mustafa Görke Aksu
Mount Nemrud
Out of all the Turkish mountain ranges to visit, Mount Nemrud is the most special. Giant statues of ancient gods surround the mountaintop and archaeologists claim that the site was a tomb for a member of royalty in the 1st century BC. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but doesn’t receive as many visitors as one would expect.
Don’t ever be put off by a visit to Turkey just because you think it’s an overcrowded place. The country has a vast amount to offer, it’s just a matter of finding the sights that are a little out of the way and off the beaten track.
