Unreal Places in Türkiye Every Traveler Should Visit
Last year, my best friend of over two decades came up with an idea — what if we finally took a proper holiday together? A year later, we found ourselves eating, laughing, and wandering through Türkiye on our first-ever best-friends-only trip — no partners, no schedules, just adventure.
This country is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes I’ve ever seen — places that feel almost otherworldly. From surreal rock valleys to ancient ruins that could be straight out of a film set, here’s where our journey took us.
Rose Valley, Cappadocia
You’ve probably seen those iconic images of Cappadocia — hot air balloons floating over dreamlike valleys bathed in soft light. Nothing, however, compares to standing there in person.
Rose Valley, with its pink-hued rock formations, looks like something between Arizona and Mars. As the sun sets, the entire valley turns rose-gold, glowing so beautifully that you forget to check your phone — at least until you take a few hundred photos.
We hiked through winding trails, past ancient cave chapels and stone-carved homes. Every turn revealed something unexpected — a quiet lookout, a hidden passage, or a lone cat striking a pose on a cliff edge. By the time we finished, we were dusty, tired, and completely in awe.
Ephesus
If Rose Valley feels like another planet, Ephesus feels like another century.
Walking along its marble streets lined with columns, temples, and theatres is like stepping into the Roman Empire itself. The Library of Celsus, still majestic after nearly two millennia, left us speechless.
We couldn’t resist having a little fun — posing dramatically among the ruins and joking about being ancient philosophers debating the meaning of life (and the merits of modern air-conditioning). It was hot, dusty, and absolutely magical.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Imagine descending through narrow tunnels, the air cooling as the light fades — and then suddenly, you’re standing in an underground city that once housed thousands.
Derinkuyu, carved deep beneath Cappadocia’s volcanic rock, was a shelter during invasions and harsh winters. There were living quarters, kitchens, even stables — all hidden beneath the surface.
As someone mildly claustrophobic, I found it both fascinating and unsettling. Some tunnels were so tight that I had to crouch and shuffle through, while my taller, braver friend laughed the whole way. Still, emerging into daylight after exploring this hidden world felt almost like returning from another dimension.
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
When I stepped into the Basilica Cistern, my first thought was, “This could be straight out of a fantasy film.”
It’s dark, cool, and eerily beautiful — hundreds of ancient marble columns rising from shallow water, lit by soft amber and green lights. The atmosphere is both mysterious and cinematic.
The most famous features are the two Medusa heads supporting some of the columns — one upside down, the other sideways. No one knows exactly why they were placed that way, but they add to the site’s haunting allure.
It’s easy to imagine mythical creatures sleeping beneath Istanbul’s streets. When we finally stepped back into the sunlight, it truly felt like returning from another world.
Back to Reality
Flying home to Singapore’s glass towers and ordered streets felt strangely jarring. Türkiye had been a journey through time and myth — a blend of warm hospitality, unforgettable food, and landscapes that redefine the word “surreal.”
For any traveller who loves history, adventure, and the magic of discovery, Türkiye is not just a destination — it’s an experience that lingers long after you return.
