Culture & Travel
6 December 2023In 2023, many travelers explored new destinations and shared their fresh discoveries and adventures. Of course, when it comes to Türkiye, travel experiences are as diverse as they come. However, certain places consistently stole the spotlight on social media, personal blogs, and articles. So, here's a rundown of the regions and experiences that captured the most attention in 2023. Here are the top 10 travel experiences of 2023.
Rafting Thrills on the Çoruh River
The Çoruh River, stretching from Erzurum to Artvin, boasts not only breathtaking natural beauty but also draws adventurous souls. The 127-kilometer stretch of the river is perfect for white-water rafting, making it a breath-stealing destination for water sports enthusiasts every season. In 2023, it became a top choice for those seeking to explore the magnificent beauty of the Çoruh River through an exhilarating rafting adventure.
Trekking and Cycling around Lake Van
Lake Van, one of Türkiye's largest and most significant lakes for tourism, continued to attract attention throughout 2023. Locals and international tourists flooded to Lake Van to capture stunning photos, partake in nature walks, and explore its surroundings by cycling. The lake remained a hotspot for nature lovers throughout the year.
Memorable Moments in Çanakkale
Çanakkale, with its rich history and captivating nature, emerged as a key attraction in 2023. Drawing numerous local and foreign tourists year-round, the city's monuments, unique landscapes, and surrounding islands fascinated visitors once again.
Scuba Diving Excitement in Kaş
Kaş solidified its position as the ultimate destination for diving enthusiasts in Türkiye. Boasting 21 different diving sites, it attracted those eager to explore the mysterious underwater world. Beyond scuba diving, Kaş charmed holidaymakers with its cultural attractions, natural beauty, and deep blue sea.
Journey to the Past in Phrygian Valley
The Phrygian Way, weaving through Kütahya, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Afyonkarahisar, emerged as a top trekking destination in 2023. The valley, also offering a bicycle path, became a favorite among travelers who sought both nature sports and a glimpse of Phrygian artifacts. Particularly in May and October, the valley experienced a surge in tourist activity.
Paragliding in Fethiye
Fethiye, with its stunning blend of blue and green, stood out as a popular destination in 2023. Visitors flocked to enjoy the calm, crystal-clear sea and exhilarating paragliding experiences. Babadağ, the prime spot for paragliding, witnessed significant interest, with runways ranging from 1200 to 1900 meters. Organized paragliding tours allowed enthusiasts to witness Fethiye's magnificent views from the sky, creating an unparalleled experience.
Ballooning in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most popular destinations in our country both in terms of history and natural beauties. Especially for amateur or professional photographers who love to take photos, this place is a paradise. Because each region of Cappadocia has a different beauty that will fascinate you. In Cappadocia, which also has must-see spots such as Ihlara Valley, those who want to watch the whole region from the sky enjoyed the moment by riding colorful balloons.
Exciting Minutes with Canoeing in Kızılırmak
Kızılırmak, our longest river flowing into the sea, attracted the attention of water sports enthusiasts in 2023. Every year, countless local and foreign tourists come here for exciting canoeing in Kızılırmak. Although not every stage of Kızılırmak, it is possible to experience canoeing on a 100-150 km section. It is also possible to visit the must-see places in the region along with the canoeing experience. With its cultural, historical and nature, Kızılırmak has hosted many guests this year.
A Day with the Magnificent View of Sapanca
Sapanca in Sakarya province was one of the favorites of travelers this year with its wonderful lake and must-see natural and historical sites. As every year, Sapanca attracted a lot of attention with those who had their photos taken at Sapanca Lake, those who enjoyed tea and coffee by the lake, and those who camped in the campgrounds.
Bird View in İğneada
İğneada, connected to Kırklareli, fascinates its visitors with its many natural and cultural features. There are many things to do in İğneada, one of the most special spots of Thrace, which attracted great attention in 2023. Guests who came here had the chance to observe different bird species here as it is a bird migration route. Those who wanted to visit cultural sites took plenty of photos by visiting places such as Gökkaya Tower, Hamdibey Castle, Harbor Lighthouse, Sislioba Castle, which are the most special historical heritage of İğneada. İğneada also offered its visitors many activities such as trekking in the forest, bicycle tours, camping and beaches.
