There’s a reason that tourists flock to the same cities, regions and beaches in Turkey again and again. Istanbul’s enchanting blend of ancient and modern makes it the perfect city break, while Bodrum delivers all the ingredients for a fly-and-flop with style, and the magical spectacle of balloons gliding over Cappadocia is an Instagrammer’s dream.
For this reason, it can be easy to forget that beyond the tourist hotspots, Turkey offers a wealth of cultures and a diversity of landscapes that most travellers never think to experience. But with the country actively encouraging tourism and an infrastructure that comfortably accommodates visitors, now could be the time to divert from the tourist trail.
Ismail Bütün, general manager of TGA (the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency) tells The Independent that they’re focused not only on making Turkey a year-round destination, but ensuring that travellers spread out across the 81 provinces.
Bütün explains that with a projected 60 million tourists visiting the country in 2024, he is keen for the more popular destinations to “share the love” with the lesser-known spots so the economic benefit of tourism is felt across Turkey – and that travellers are able to enjoy the full diversity of the country’s history, culture, cuisine and geography.
Even when based in the more popular destinations, Bütün points out that it’s worth venturing beyond the resort. The Köprülü Kanyon National Park – an adventurer’s haven with zip lining, white water rafting, quad biking and jeep safaris – is just an hour from the bustling metropolis of Antalya, for example, while the laid-back beach town Akyaka is barely 30 minutes from the tourist hotspot Marmaris.
So to encourage you to spread your wings and delve deeper into Turkey, below is just a taste of the amazing destinations that are easily accessible for tourists – but you probably haven’t ever heard of.
The Black Sea
Tourists seeking a beach break in Turkey will invariably opt for the Turkish Riviera where you’ll find the likes of Antalya, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kemer and Fethiye. But Turkey’s wilder Black Sea region is far quieter and boasts its own rugged beauty.
Sleepy fishing villages…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…