Let’s begin our journey through Turkey’s landscapes in Istanbul, a modern metropolis spread gently over seven hills dominated by minarets, domes, and always graced by seagulls, which give the city an even more magical atmosphere. In Istanbul, finding a scenic viewpoint to gaze at beautiful stretches of coastline dotted with picturesque, 200-year-old Ottoman wooden houses is easy. Or soak up its history by wandering through the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat: authentic historic centers with colorful houses, steep streets, and hidden Byzantine churches waiting to be discovered.
Landscapes of Turkey
For a sweeping view of this extraordinary city, climb the Galata Tower at sunset. You’ll feel as if you’re suspended between two continents made of air, earth, and water. Built by the Genoese in 1348, the Galata Tower offers a superb vista over the Golden Horn—an estuary curving through the city from north to south.
After Istanbul, one of the most impressive sights on Turkey’s southwest coast is undoubtedly the thermal pools of Pamukkale. These spectacular natural travertine terraces were formed by a fascinating chemical process—the deposition of calcium bicarbonate. The result is a dazzling expanse of overlapping “cotton castles” (the literal meaning in Turkish) and pools filled with warm water, where you can soak while enjoying a stunning setting and Turkish hospitality.
We end our landscape tour in the heart of Central Anatolia, in the historic region of Cappadocia. This area features a volcanic landscape etched by silvery, almost lunar hills, interspersed with gorges, caves, and outcroppings, naturally adorned by the mythical “fairy chimneys.” These conical basalt and tuff formations have been slowly sculpted by wind and weather over soft, sandy terrain. Not far away is the Göreme valley, an open-air museum that looks like a beautiful rock village full of houses and ancient chapels and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The last stop in this region is Uçhisar, a village famous for its fortress—climb to the top for breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and get behind the lens! With such amazing scenery, it’s almost impossible not to take spectacular photos. Your best shots could even win you the #viaggicheamo photo contest, organized by American Express to launch the new Carta Italo.
