Top Non-Touristy Activities That Will Leave You Amazed in Turkey
Turkey is a country mostly filled with places that offer multiple activities for tourists to enjoy. Luckily, for those who are more interested in non-touristy activities around Turkey, there are some popular activities that you can engage in at certain places.
Tourism is one of the most sought-after activities by people across the globe. Everyone wants to explore many different destinations and do fun activities that they don't otherwise get to do when they are at their office doing the same mundane tasks every day.
Top non-touristy activities in Turkey
There are travellers looking to just travel to good tourist destinations to relax and enjoy new experiences. So, keep reading to learn the top non-touristy activities in Turkey that will leave you amazed.
A Casual Stroll Across the Beautiful Black Sea Coast of Amasra
Due to their large-sized beaches, the southern regions of Turkey are very popular amongst most tourists. Luckily, the Black Sea Coast of Amasra located in the northern region of Turkey is an excellent off-tourist spot that looks very beautiful despite its comparatively smaller size.
The town of Amasra is not only full of places perfectly suited for casual walks but also has plenty of places to explore such as the Amasra Museum, taking a boat trip along the coast, and eating the famous fish foods of the town. Amasra is one of the best locations in Turkey for non-touristy activities.
Witness the Oil Wrestling Festival of Edirne
Every year between late June and early July, the city of Edirne in Turkey hosts a unique festival where wrestlers put on their trousers made from a water buffalo's skin and lube their bodies in 10 tons of Olive Oil to do intense battles with each other. This unique festival has been celebrated in the country since 1346.
The festival also starts with a ceremony, and the entire event is full of drum beats and traditional music of the native people.
Take a Tour of Alacati in Izmir City
The city of Izmir is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. Despite this fact, however, the nearby metropolitan suburb named Alacati is not well known among tourists. This place is filled with very good bars and restaurants to eat and drink.
Other than restaurants, the place also has some nice beaches for you to take casual strolls around and the beaches have a steady breeze which makes them the perfect spot for kite flying and windsurfing. Alacati is a great option for those looking to do non-touristy activities in a tourist destination.
Explore the Lycian Rock Tombs in the Dalaman Region
The Dalaman region is an excellent place for non-tourist activities. If you are looking for a place with both beauty and history, then the Lycian Rock Tombs are the ideal place. Surprisingly despite the location being such a favourable tourist spot, it does not receive frequent visits from tourists.
These tombs are situated at high vantage points due to the belief among Lycian people that angels carry the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. So, to assist the angels in their tasks, the tombs were created at taller heights to make the process easy for them. On your way to the tomb, you are taken on a boat trip over the Dalayan River which provides a great view of the Lycian Rock Tombs.
The best part about the Dalaman Region is that it provides all these amazing experiences at very cheap costs.
Visit the Akyaka Region
Akyaka is a municipality that can be accessed by taking an off-road path from either Icmeler or Marmaris. The region is situated at the base of a lofty mountain and has plenty of seaside resorts and the Azmak River for you to relax and enjoy yourself.
The Azmak River's water is very clear and chilly which gives it a very beautiful appearance. You can even take a boat trip over the river to see the river up close. The restaurants around the area serve some really tasty delicacies from the sea. Take a stroll around the breezy shore of the Azmak River and you will have an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the Winter of Kars
Kars is a city famous for having an 8-month-long winter that covers its mountaintops with snow and its Russian Influence. The city has preserved the traces of its previous rulers to this day which include a 40-year rule of Russia over the city and, after World War I, the city came under the rule of Armenians for a brief period.
These can be traced through the mediaeval sites of Ani, the stone mansions, Hotel Cheltikov, and the Apostle Churches. If you wish to enjoy winters with a small dose of history mixed in, then the city of Kars is a must-visit place for you.
Observe the Duden Waterfalls of Antalya
Antalya is one of the most visited places by tourists in Turkey. This is probably because of the Antalya airport where most tourists land. However, many of these tourists are unaware of the beautiful Duden Waterfalls that are present very close to the Antalya airport.
These waterfalls are the result of rivers flowing down from the nearby Mount Taurus and flowing towards the sea. After sunset, the water from this waterfall can be seen sparkling, creating beautiful scenery. Conveniently, these waterfalls are also located inside a protected park, which has ample greenery for you to relax in.
You can also take a boat trip to the base of these waterfalls which allow you to gaze upon their beauty up-close.
Escape to the Cunda Islands
Also known as the Alibey islands, the Cunda islands are located on the north coast of the Aegean Sea which is connected to mainland Turkey through a causeway, making it easy to access via the road. Cunda islands are a great place to explore for those looking to learn about the Greek influence in the early 20th century.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels has been repurposed as a museum and is a great place to visit in Cunda islands. To the western side of this island lies the Ayvalık Adaları Nature Park, which offers beautiful pine forests, beaches, and a Greek monastery.
The Cunda islands are also very famous for their cuisine comprising Cretan and Turkish delicacies along with many hotels and resorts for you to rest at during your travels. Overall the Cunda Islands are an excellent destination in Turkey.
Watch Camel Wrestling of Selcuk
If you wish to witness one of the most unique fighting scenes in the world, take a trip to the town of Selcuk. The town hosts a one-of-a-kind wrestling tournament where male camels wrestle with each other, adorned in many beautiful decorative items by their owners. This wrestling tournament is held every year in January and is one of the most unique events in the world.
Conclusion
Turkey is a great tourist destination with many potential attractions for tourists to enjoy. Luckily, it also serves as a great destination for those who wish to go on a trip with a non-tourist destination in mind. From its festivals to its beaches, there is no shortage of places for non-tourist travel in the territory of Turkey.
Remember to explore outside of main cities and travel in locations only accessible through off-road driving. Wherever you go and explore, make sure you always have your Turkey visa with you. Hopefully, the 9 places mentioned above in this article will provide ample enjoyment to you on your journey to Turkey.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Saint Vincent citizens, Cypriot citizens, Bangladeshi citizens and Suriname citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.