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Thanks to its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and friendly faces, Turkey has certainly increased in popularity over the past year or so. People from all over the world want a chance to experience a little Turkish coffee and the country’s vast cultural significance.
Turkey’s ‘Riviera’ has now become a well-known spot for holidaymakers looking for inexpensive beach towns that are just as picturesque as other popular places around Europe.
Turkey is certainly a budget-friendly destination, but prices may start to increase with tourism demand.
With such an explosion of tourism, Istanbul is now the airport in Europe seeing the most foot traffic, with an average of 1,486 flights per day in July.
According to the Daily Sabah, “Antalya Airport serving the Mediterranean resort city saw 1,018 flights per day on average from July 10 through July 16.”
With the masses flooding into the country, it appears even the once lesser-known destinations have certainly become known to most tourists now. While Turkey is getting busier and busier each year, there are still a few hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the country.
Want to explore more lesser-known areas this year? Try these four stunning spots in Turkey instead for untouched beauty, local lifestyle, and a little relaxation.
Kemer
On Turkey’s Southern Mediterranean Coast, Kemer is a resort town known for its lush pine forests and impressive marina. In a bay of crystal-clear waters, this spot is still pretty under-the-radar with beautiful sandy beaches and plenty to see and do.
Aside from beach hopping, explore the gorgeous secluded area of Phaselis. You’ll be in awe as you admire the Ancient Ruins with the mountains as a backdrop.
There’s also a 2,365-meter cable car if you want to appreciate the town from above the clouds.
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Pamukkale
More well-known but still less so than other places in Turkey, Pamukkale is a town in Western Turkey with beautiful thermal waters flowing calmly down a hillside of white terraces.
As the result of an earthquake, this is certainly an impressive site to witness.
Yes, the waters are a must-do; however, Pamukkale also has an ancient theater and a necropolis for history-buffs to admire. Around 3-4 hours from Izmir, it’s doable if you’re renting a car or want to spend a few days near the area.
Amasra
An enclosed seaport town, Amasra is appreciated for its calming vibes and natural beauty. A bay village lined with multi-colored homes, this spot is definitely for those looking for some stillness in their travels.
Amasra is one of those fairytale towns you have to see to believe. Sat on a cliff-side, the impressive variety of quaint houses are jaw-dropping. The closest small airport here is Zonguldak.
Streets are filled with quirky trinkets that add a little personality to this already beautiful area. With a 9th-century bridge linking the mainland to a tiny island: it’d be a crime not to see it!
Indulge in the easy way of living here at one of the local restaurants or digging your toes in the sand at any of the beaches.
Alacati
A watersports haven, Alacati sits on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula (and is even close to a waterpark: ideal in the summer months).
If you’re not looking to dabble in the water, Çeşme Castle is located to the Northwest. If you’re on the hunt for stunning windmills- this is your place.
An eclectic array of stone houses, colorful storefronts, and cobblestone streets make the center an ideal area for wandering aimlessly.
This part of Turkey is best known for its wine-making traditions: so wine lovers, you’re in for a treat.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com