Turkey is a country of beauty, in the cities leading to the hills, mountains, and beaches. This country has a lot to offer during summer and winter. Nature seems untouched, to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets, sunrise over the Aegean Sea and rivers. In this article, we will give you some places where you can enjoy your vacation and at the same time take beautiful photos.

Turkey, straddling both the East and West, is a fascinating country with a long and illustrious history and some of the world’s most unique and beautiful tourist attractions. You may find stunning locations all throughout Turkey to capture on film. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the top locations in Turkey for taking photographs.

Best gear to photograph Turkey

The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity.  A wide-angle lens.  14-24mm or something similar.  A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.

If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. A tripod is also highly recommended to capture those epic sunsets and night shots.

Best Photography Spots in Turkey

1. Pamukkale Pools

Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle, is truly a wonder of nature. The white slopes of the ancient site are a combination of minerals and thermal water coming from the earth. From any angle, the white cascading waterfalls and deep emerald pools look like a snapshot from a dream. This is one of the best photography spots in Turkey and a must-see for all travelers and photography lovers.

2. Ölüdeniz Lagoon

Ölüdeniz is famous for its clear water and pristine white sand, as well as its hot springs and geothermal activity that heats up the water to a pleasant temperature even in winter. But it’s also very popular among photographers, with great landscapes and unobstructed views of the lagoon.

3. Cirali Beach

Cirali Beach is one of the best photography spots in Turkey. Just looking at this beach and its surroundings, you’ll understand why it’s so popular among photographers.  This beach is famed for its beautiful granite rocks, which are covered in a thin layer of pink. This stunning location offers great views and is a must-see for lovers of nature and photography.

4. Kursunlu Natural Park Waterfall

Kursunlu Natural Park Waterfall is a significant destination for photographers in Turkey. The waterfall is located on the road between Izmir and Selcuk, about an hour’s drive from both Selcuk and Pamukkale. You can visit Kursunlu Waterfall from several entrance points. If you want to see the falls and the pool directly, we recommend you enter from Sogutlucesme or Karaburun. However, if you would like to walk with nature and explore more waterfalls, we recommend that you enter via Dalyan or Adrasan Village.

5. Colorful Hot Air Balloon at Cappadocia 

One of the best photography spots in Turkey, Cappadocia is the perfect backdrop for a colorful hot air balloon. With the warm colors of sand, stone, and HDR skies, this beautiful landscape is a romantic place for a photo shoot with your significant other. You can explore this amazing place by taking photo walks through its natural wonders, exploring caves and valleys, and admiring striking ‘fairy chimneys.

Best Photography Spots in Turkey

6. Nemrut Mountain

Nemrut Mountain is one of the best Best Photography spots in Turkey, where Apollo from Zeus’s head can be found. The giant expressionless statue speaks volumes about the power and precision of the ancient civilizations that once lived here. The panorama of its natural beauty is absolutely stunning, as well as being an incredibly rich archaeological site.

7. Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat is one of the best photography spots in Turkey. It’s an unmissable attraction known around the world as a symbol of ancient civilizations that established themselves on its slopes. You can reach this mountain, which stands tall above the fertile alluvial plains in Eastern Turkey, by taking a two-hour flight from Ankara to Van or Mus with Pegasus Airlines.

8. Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque is the most famous mosque in Istanbul. Located beside the waterfront, it’s a breathtaking building to see up close. It’s just a short walk from the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and other sites of ancient Istanbul. Its blue minarets and wonderful decorations make this mosque one of the best places to visit while traveling in Turkey.

9. Mount Erciyes in Kayseri

Mount Erciyes is one of the best Best Photography spots in Turkey. It is located to the southeast of Kayseri. The mountain has an alpine climate and its summit is covered by snow during the winter. Mount Erciyes, also known as the Great Blinding Mountain, is an active volcano located in Kayseri Turkey. Erciyes is one of the largest monogenetic volcanoes in the world and is a popular tourist spot with amazing views.

10. Salda lake

Salda Lake is one of the best places for photography in Turkey, especially in October and April. This lake is surrounded by mountains and pine forests. The view is breathtaking! It is home to a number of amazing natural phenomena, like the pink flamingos that can be seen feeding just off its shores. There’s little doubt why this lake is often referred to as “the pearl of Turkey”.

Best Photography Spots in Turkey

11. Uludag National Park

Uludag national park is one of the best places for photography. The highland scenery of the National Park can be reinterpreted in very unique and creative ways. A visit to Uludag National Park will fill you with pleasure, the moment you begin to explore the beautiful nature, mountains, and valleys. The high altitude of this national park makes it feel like you’ve flown to the Alps, but there’s still hot sun and warm weather!

12. Kekova Island

Kekova is one of the best Best Photography spots in Turkey. It is located in the Gulf of Antalya and is surrounded by crystal clear water and blue color. Kekova was born in a very short time thanks to its natural beauty. The island consists mainly of white limestone rock formations with caves, grottoes, and churches carved into them.

13. Soumela Monastery

Soumela Monastery is one of the best photography spots in Turkey. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Vermion and overlooks the beautiful village of Trabzon. The monastery was built in the 10th century and was originally a pagan temple for worship. Soumela Monastery is considered one of the most important historical monuments in all of Asia Minor.

14. Kaunos Ruins

Kaunos was an ancient port city in Ionia, on the Küçük Menderes River near the Mediterranean coast. It was located at the mouth of two streams, Chemena and Galabas, that flowed into the Ionian Gulf. This place is a very famous location for photographers. One of the top destinations of Turkey, it is the only city that has been preserved in its entirety with examples of Roman architecture and art.

15. Koprulu Canyon National Park in Manavgat 

Koprulu Canyon and National Park in Manavgat is one of the best Best Photography spots in Turkey. It forms the northernmost edge of the Mediterranean coast and is a deep canyon between two rocky massifs from different geological eras.

Best Photography Spots in Turkey

16. Old amphitheater Aspendos

Aspendos is a must-see destination for all visitors to Turkey. The oldest city in the region was founded in the Bronze Age, but it is primarily famous as an ancient theatre. Finely carved statues and reliefs can be found throughout the ruins. Aspendos amphitheater is one of the best preserved Greek theatres in Anatolia, offering a unique opportunity to experience a classical performance at its original site!

17. Waterfall Duden

Waterfall Duden is one of the best photography spots in Turkey. It is a beautiful waterfall in the river Deve between Sariyer, Beylikdüzü, and Mimarsinan, which flows into the Bosphorus. Located in Izmir’s southern region, Waterfall Duden is surrounded by lush nature and designed for tourists who wish to capture a real Turkish landscape.

18. Bodrum

Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most beautiful places to go out and take some photos. With its pristine beaches, white sand, and turquoise waters, it’s no wonder why the area has been a popular tourist destination for years. If you’re planning on going there make sure to see all these great places that are perfect for photography.

19. Ephesus

If you are looking for the best Photography spots in Turkey, this is the place. This amazing city is also known as Ephesus. Many of your favorite celebrities and world leaders visited this city throughout their lives because of its architectural and historical beauty. This is a very beautiful city with lots of ancient sites that teach you about history and culture.

20. Bodrum Harbor and Castle

There are some really nice spots all around the Bodrum peninsula with amazing views of the Castle and Harbor. One of the best Best Photography spots in Turkey is located in the center of the Bodrum peninsula. An outstanding place for those who love to take good pictures with their family or friends.  One of the most beautiful beaches and bays with amazing views of Castle, Bodrum harbor and Marina Bay is waiting for you to enjoy.

21. Roman Pergamum

Roman Pergamum is one of the best photogenic spots in Turkey. It is on a hill in the center of the city, surrounded by green fields and ancient buildings. There are many ways to get there from the city center, but walking up from the lower town offers an amazing view of the city below and its structures.

These are the Best Photography Spots in Turkey

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