Natural wonders in Turkey

Turkey’s diverse geography encompasses the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, the high-altitude cascades of the Black Sea region, and the ancient limestone caves of the Mediterranean coast. This list features geological highlights such as the salt flats of Lake Tuz, the multi-tiered waterfalls of the Kaçkar Mountains, and Paleolithic archaeological sites. From rock-cut dwellings in Rose Valley to the emerald waters of glacial lakes, these locations showcase the country's unique natural formations and historical cave settlements.

Turkey's Natural Wonders — Map

A

Zelve Open-Air Museum

This cave town is where Christians and Muslims once lived together. It was abandoned in the 1950s, when life in the caves became too…

Klaus-Peter Simon / CC BY 3.0

B

Karain cave

Karain Cave is a Paleolithic archaeological site located at Yağca Village 27 km northwest of Antalya city in the Mediterranean region of…

C

Rose Valley

A valley in Cappadocia known for its pink-hued volcanic rock formations, ancient cave churches, and hiking trails that connect to the Red Valley.

D

palovit falls

One of the highest-flow waterfalls in the Rize province, located within the Kaçkar Mountains National Park and surrounded by dense rainforest.

E

Gomeda Valley

A quiet canyon in Cappadocia featuring multi-story pigeon houses, rock-cut dwellings, and a small stream running through the valley floor.

F

Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz was the second largest lake in Turkey with its 1,665 km2

Muratc3 / CC BY-SA 2.5

G

Lake Yarışlı

Lake Yarışlı is a lake in Turkey.

H

Zindan

A natural cave system in the Mardin region, historically used as a shelter.

I

Dim Cave (Dripstone)

A 360-meter-long dripstone cave on Mount Cebel-i Reis featuring a small lake at the end and extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

İnce Buru

A dramatic coastal cliff formation located on Gökçeada island, marking one of the westernmost points of Turkey.

K

Turgut Waterfall

A series of small cascades near Marmaris, featuring tiered pools and surrounded by lush vegetation and ancient plane trees.

L

Gelin Tülü Şelalesi

A thin, high-altitude waterfall on the Ayder Plateau named for its resemblance to a bridal veil as it flows down the Kaçkar Mountains.

M

Ucansu Waterfall

Also known as the Flying Waterfall, this 50-meter cascade drops over limestone cliffs into a turquoise pool near the village of Akçapınar.

N

Latmos Şelalesi

A seasonal waterfall located in the Latmos Mountains, known for its unique gneiss rock formations and proximity to ancient ruins.

O

Armağan Dam

Armağan Dam is a dam in Kırklareli Province, Turkey, built between 1986 and 1998.

P

Gölet

A small local pond and reservoir located in the Mardin province.

Q

Gölet

A small water reservoir located in the rural landscape of Mardin.

R

Gölet

A local pond used for irrigation in the Mardin region.

S

Green Lake

A high-altitude glacial lake in the Kaçkar Mountains, characterized by its deep emerald-colored water.

T

Garzan Reservoir

An artificial reservoir created by the Garzan Dam on the Garzan River, used for hydroelectric power and local irrigation.

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