The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Central Anatolia: 20 Routes to Discover

Located at the heart of Turkey, the Central Anatolia Region offers numerous routes waiting to be explored with its historical cities, ancient settlements, natural beauties, cultural heritage, and unique geography.

When mentioning places to visit in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia and Ankara may come to mind first, but the region offers much more. Konya's Mevlana atmosphere, Eskişehir's historical Odunpazarı houses, Sivas' Seljuk monuments, Aksaray's Ihlara Valley and Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) such as natural beauties cater to different travel expectations.

In this guide, you can find 20 places you must see in Central Anatolia, along with their distinguishing features and the type of vacation they are suitable for.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Central Anatolia

1. Cappadocia – Nevşehir

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular routes for Central Anatolia tours is Cappadocia.

With its fairy chimneys, valleys, rock formations, underground cities, and historical structures carved into rocks, Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most unique destinations. Göreme Open-Air Museum is also among the most important historical sites in the region and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Main activities to do in Cappadocia:

• Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum
• Enjoy the view from Uçhisar Castle
• Explore pottery workshops in Avanos
• Tour Ihlara Valley
• See underground cities
• Watch hot air balloons at sunrise
• Go ATV or horse safari
• Hike in the valleys

Ideal for whom? Honeymoons, cultural tours, photography, nature, and adventure vacations.

2. Ankara

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, carries traces of thousands of years of history alongside modern city life.

Among the top places to visit in Ankara are Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, and the Temple of Augustus. Ankara also hosts important historical areas like Gordion.

Especially during your city tour:

• Anıtkabir
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• Ankara Castle
• Hamamönü
• Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque
• Temple of Augustus
• Kuğulu Park
• Eymir Lake

can be visited.

Ideal for whom? Culture, history, museum visits, and city tours.

3. Konya

Konya is one of the most important centers for culture and faith tourism in Central Anatolia.

The Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, which has become the symbol of the city, is an indispensable stop for Konya visits. Konya also stands out with its architectural works dating back to the Seljuk period.

Main places to see in Konya:

• Mevlana Museum
• Alaaddin Hill
• Alaaddin Mosque
• Karatay Madrasa
• Ince Minareli Madrasa
• Shams-i Tabrizi Mausoleum
• Sille
• Çatalhöyük

Ideal for whom? Faith tourism, cultural tours, and history enthusiasts.

4. Eskişehir

Standing out with its young and dynamic city structure, Eskişehir is a very nice alternative for weekend getaways in Central Anatolia.

Especially Odunpazarı Houses, with its historical streets and museums, is one of the most striking areas of the city.

During your Eskişehir tour:

• Odunpazarı Houses
• Odunpazarı Modern Museum
• Kurşunlu Complex
• Museum of Wax Figures
• Porsuk Stream
• Adalar
• Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park
• Sivrihisar

can be visited.

Sivrihisar also stands out with its important architectural works remaining from the Seljuk period.

Ideal for whom? Weekend getaways, family vacations, and city tours.

5. Ihlara Valley – Aksaray

Ihlara Valley is one of the places that nature and hiking enthusiasts must consider visiting in Central Anatolia.

Formed by the Melendiz River, the valley is one of the most impressive natural areas of the Cappadocia region with its high rock walls, green hiking trails, and historical churches carved into the rocks.

In Ihlara Valley:

• Nature hiking
• Photography
• Exploring historical rock-cut churches
• Picnicking
• Valley views

activities can be done.

Ideal for whom? Nature, trekking, and photography enthusiasts.

6. Tuz Gölü – Ankara, Konya, Aksaray

One of the most striking natural areas in Turkey, Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake), especially with its vast white surface, offers a different landscape.

The large basin where the lake is located is also significant in terms of bird species. The salt layer revealed when the water recedes during summer months can create quite impressive images for photography.

Best experience: Watching the scenery around the lake near sunset.

7. Gordion Ancient City – Ankara

For history enthusiasts, Gordion is one of the places to see in Central Anatolia.

The ancient city is known as the capital of the Phrygians and is one of the important historical areas associated with King Midas. Gordion was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

You can see the ancient settlement area, the museum, and the Midas Tumulus here.

Ideal for whom? Archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts.

8. Beypazarı – Ankara

Beypazarı, preferred for weekend trips due to its proximity to Ankara, is a nice route for those who want to see traditional Anatolian architecture up close.

Stands out with its historical mansions, narrow streets, local cuisine, and handicrafts, Beypazarı is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Here:

• You can tour historical Beypazarı houses,
• You can enjoy the view from Hıdırlık Hill,
• You can taste local products,
• You can explore the markets.

9. Sivas

Sivas is one of the notable cities of Central Anatolia with its important works reaching from the Seljuk period to the present day and its cultural heritage.

In the city, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, Çifte Minareli Madrasa, Atatürk and Congress Museum, and Sivas Archaeology Museum stand out among the visit points.

Nature and winter tourism can also be added to your Sivas tour.

Ideal for whom? History, culture, winter sports, and city tours.

10. Divriği – Sivas

Divriği district of Sivas is particularly known for the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital.

1. Built in the 13th century, the structure is among the most important historical works of Anatolia with its stone craftsmanship and architectural decorations and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

An important route that can be added to Central Anatolia tours for history and architecture enthusiasts.

11. Kayseri

Kayseri is an important Central Anatolia city located at the foot of Mount Erciyes and standing out with winter tourism.

During winter months, Erciyes Ski Center becomes one of the most important tourism points of the city.

Additionally in Kayseri:

• Kayseri Castle
• Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Medical History Museum
• Hunat Hatun Complex
• Covered Bazaar
• Koramaz Valley

places can be seen.

Ideal for whom? Skiing, gastronomy, history, and nature tours.

12. Koramaz Valley – Kayseri

Koramaz Valley, one of the natural and cultural riches of Kayseri, is one of the routes that can be evaluated for nature hiking and photography.

In addition to natural beauties, there are traces of historical settlements and traditional structures in the valley. Koramaz Valley is one of the routes showing that Central Anatolia is not just about steppes.

13. Aladağlar National Park

Aladağlar National Park, located in the area where the borders of Kayseri, Niğde, and Adana meet, stands out in terms of mountain and nature tourism.

In the region:

• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Camping
• Rafting
• Photography
• Canyon and nature explorations

activities can be done.

Ideal for whom? Adventure and nature enthusiasts.

14. Hattuşa – Çorum

Although Çorum, located at the northern border of Central Anatolia, creates a different geographical transition zone, Hattuşa is one of the important historical destinations that can be included in Central Anatolia cultural routes.

Hattuşa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, is a very important visit point for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

It is recommended to evaluate it especially with the Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary.

15. Çatalhöyük – Konya

Çatalhöyük, one of the most important settlements in human history, is one of the most important cultural routes around Konya.

The Neolithic settlement area provides important information about life in Anatolia thousands of years ago.

Ideal for whom? Archaeology, history, and cultural tourism.

16. Ürgüp – Nevşehir

Ürgüp, one of the most well-known centers of Cappadocia, stands out especially with its rock formations, historical structures, boutique hotels, and wine culture.

During your Ürgüp tour, you can explore the surrounding valleys, rock formations, and historical settlements.

Accommodation suggestion: Cave hotels, boutique hotels, and stone mansions can offer a different accommodation experience during your Cappadocia vacation.

17. Avanos – Nevşehir

Avanos, located on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, is particularly known for its traditional pottery culture.

By visiting pottery workshops here, you can see traditional production techniques and get to know the region's handicrafts up close.

Avanos is a nice alternative for those who do not want to limit their Cappadocia tour only to valleys and fairy chimneys.

18. Kızılcahamam – Ankara

Kızılcahamam, one of the districts of Ankara that stands out in terms of nature tourism, attracts attention especially with its thermal springs and forested areas.

Kızılcahamam, which can be evaluated for those who want to connect with nature without leaving the city, is a suitable route for weekend getaways, thermal vacations, and nature tours.

19. Phrygian Valleys – Eskişehir, Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar

The Phrygian Valleys, carrying traces of the Phrygian civilization, are one of the most different cultural routes around Central Anatolia.

Structures carved into rocks, monuments, hiking trails, and natural rock formations make the region interesting especially for history and nature enthusiasts.

Phrygian Valleys can be evaluated for those looking for a route different from classic city tours.

20. Yozgat – Sarıkaya Roman Bath

Sarıkaya Roman Bath, one of the less known historical stops of Central Anatolia, is one of the important structures reaching from the ancient period to the present day.

The Basilica Therma, belonging to the Roman period, is one of the important works revealing the historical richness of the region and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

When to Visit Central Anatolia?

The best time to visit places in Central Anatolia varies depending on the route you choose.

Spring: Very suitable for nature hikes, city tours, and photography.

Summer: Can be evaluated for Cappadocia, lakes, and high-altitude nature routes. However, since daytime temperatures can be high, planning open-air activities for morning or evening hours may be more comfortable.

Autumn: One of the ideal periods for photography, cultural tours, and nature walks.

Winter: Winter landscapes of Cappadocia, skiing at Erciyes, and winter tourism can be preferred.

Where to Stay During a Central Anatolia Tour?

Accommodation selection in Central Anatolia should be made according to your tour program.

In Cappadocia, Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, and Avanos stand out in terms of accommodation, while hotels close to the city center in Ankara and Eskişehir can provide easy access.

In Konya, accommodation options close to Mevlana and the city center can provide advantages for cultural tours.

Especially in Cappadocia, cave hotel and boutique hotel experiences can be considered for those who want to make their trip more special.

Is Car Rental Necessary for a Central Anatolia Tour?

Public transport may be sufficient in city centers. However, if you want to see distant points like Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley, Gordion, or Phrygian Valleys in the same trip, renting a car or choosing an organized tour can provide advantages in terms of time.

Especially on routes including multiple cities, planning transportation in advance will help you use your travel time more efficiently.

Things to Consider Before a Central Anatolia Tour

You can pay attention to the following points while planning your Central Anatolia trip:

• Check the distances between the cities you will visit in advance.
• Plan your accommodation early in popular destinations like Cappadocia.
• Choose clothing and shoes appropriate for the season.
• Use comfortable and non-slip shoes for nature hikes.
• Check opening hours of museums and archaeological sites before your trip.
• If you will visit multiple cities, plan your vehicle or transfer in advance.
• Do not leave hotel and tour reservations until the last minute during peak season.

Plan Your Route Now for an Unforgettable Trip in Central Anatolia

Places to visit in Central Anatolia offer a very wide exploration area not limited to a few cities. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the historical heritage of Ankara, from the spiritual atmosphere of Konya to the Seljuk works of Sivas, the region caters to different travel expectations.

Whether you plan a romantic vacation in Cappadocia, a cultural tour focused on Ankara and Konya, or a nature and adventure vacation in Ihlara Valley and Aladağlar; the right route and accommodation choice directly affect the quality of your trip.

Don't postpone your vacation. Set your dates → Compare transportation and accommodation options → Choose the route suitable for you → Complete your reservation.



Are you ready to explore Central Anatolia? Plan your dream route now.