Highlights
2024 Mystical Places to Discover in Turkey in the Year of the Dragon
2024 marks the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese calendar and this is considered a year of adventure, luck and change. Dragons are symbols of power, wisdom and prosperity in Chinese mythology and this year is the perfect time to explore places that carry the spirit of these mythical beings. Turkey, with its rich cultural heritage that has been home to many civilizations throughout history, breathtaking natural beauty and mystical atmosphere, is an ideal country to feel and experience the magic of the Year of the Dragon. In this special year, we will explore the magical places you can discover in Turkey, from mysterious caves to ancient city ruins and legendary mountains, and discover what these places have to offer. Reflecting the spirit of courage, adventure and exploration of the Year of the Dragon, these routes await you with both stunning landscapes and deep history.
1. The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia: A Landscape Full of Legends
Cappadocia offers a mystical world of unique fairy chimneys, underground cities and prehistoric cave churches. In the Year of the Dragon, a hot air balloon ride takes you to the heart of this magical land. You can rent a car with RentiCar from Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport or Kayseri Erkilet Airportand explore the hidden corners of Cappadocia freely.
2. The Ruins of Ani: On the Trail of a Forgotten Kingdom
The Ruins of Ani, a quiet area in Kars that hides the once glorious capital. This ancient city, with its mighty walls and churches, preserves millennia of secrets. The Year of the Dragon offers a mystical opportunity to explore this historical heritage. Ani is easily accessible from Kars city center. You can reach the city by air via Kars Harakani Airport. You can rent a car from the airport and start your journey to Ani Ruins. Discovering history echoing in the silence of Ani promises an unforgettable adventure in the Year of the Dragon.
3. Mount Nemrut: Throne of the Gods
Mount Nemrut is a mystical place in Adıyaman that attracts attention with its giant statues and royal tomb. The sunrise and sunset offer a unique view here. Visiting Mount Nemrut during the Year of the Dragon is like touching legends. Your journey that starts with your arrival at Adıyaman Airport can continue with the car you will rentwith RentiCar. Car rental allows you to easily reach the foothills of Mount Nemrut and other historical sites around it, so you can explore the beauty and history of this sacred mountain at your own pace.
4. Göbeklitepe: Ground Zero of History
Göbeklitepe is a megalithic temple complex in Şanlıurfa that is rewriting human history. Dating back 12,000 years, these structures offer the perfect mystical past to explore in the Year of the Dragon. Şanlıurfa Airport is the starting point for transportation to the region. You can easily reach Göbeklitepe by renting a car from the airport. This freedom allows you to explore other historical sites in the surrounding area, so you can experience not only the temples of Göbeklitepe, but also the rich cultural heritage around it.
5. Hagia Sophia: A Structure Beyond Time
Hagia Sophia is an enormous building on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, bearing the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Having served different functions as a church, mosque and museum for centuries, Hagia Sophia has a mystical atmosphere that takes its visitors on a journey through time during the Year of the Dragon. You can easily access the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul by renting a car from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. A visit to Hagia Sophia, especially during the Year of the Dragon, builds a unique bridge between the past and the future and allows you to get lost in the depths of this magnificent structure.
6. Travertines of Pamukkale: Nature's Work of Art
Pamukkale is a natural wonder in Denizli, with its white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. In the Year of the Dragon, this unique natural beauty offers the perfect escape for those seeking health and renewal. Denizli Cardak Airport is the ideal starting point for transportation to Pamukkale. Renting a car from the airport gives you the freedom to explore Pamukkale as well as other natural and historical beauties in the surrounding area. With your own vehicle, you can wander the travertines of Pamukkale, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and relax in the thermal waters of the region, so you can fully experience renewal and discovery in the Year of the Dragon.
7. Ancient City of Ephesus: Traces of the Past
The ancient city of Ephesus, in the Selçuk district of Izmir, is a treasure trove of history that brings the splendor of the past to the present. With its magnificent structures such as the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus is an unmissable discovery point in the Year of the Dragon for those who want to feel the magic of the ancient world. Transportation from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Ephesus is easy and comfortable with car rental. A rented car gives you the freedom to explore Ephesus as well as other historical and natural beauties around Selçuk. Around every corner in Ephesus, from the ancient theater to the prehistoric ruins, you can embark on a unique historical journey in the Year of the Dragon.
8th Theater of Aspendos: The Living Stage of the Ancient World
Located in the Serik district of Antalya, the Aspendos Theater is one of the best preserved ancient theaters that have survived from the Roman period to the present day. Built in the 2nd century AD, this magnificent structure amazes visitors with its acoustics and architecture. Visiting Aspendos during the Year of the Dragon is like watching a performance in ancient times. You can easily reach Aspendos by renting a car from Antalya Airport and take a journey through time in the fascinating atmosphere of the ancient theater.
9. Sumela Monastery: Hidden Pearl of the Mountains
Located in the Maçka district of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery is built on a high cliff in the steep mountains of the Black Sea. Founded in the 4th century, this monastery continues to impress visitors with its frescoes, architecture and incredible natural surroundings. Exploring Sumela Monastery during the Year of the Dragon promises an adventure where nature and history are intertwined. You can reach this mysterious monastery by renting a car from Trabzon Airport and explore the unique landscapes and historical atmosphere.
10th Fethiye Oludeniz: Sail to Freedom in the Sky
Fethiye Oludeniz offers the perfect option for adrenaline junkies and those born in the Year of the Dragon in search of freedom. The world-famous paragliding experience gives you the opportunity to discover the perfect harmony of blue and green from the air. By renting a car from Dalaman Airport, you can easily reach the adrenaline-filled paragliding experience of Fethiye Ölüdeniz and fully experience the spirit of freedom of the Year of the Dragon.
Make Memorable Moments in the Year of the Dragon
The Year of the Dragon is a symbol of renewal, courage and adventure. These fascinating destinations in Turkey offer unique landscapes and experiences that reflect the spirit of the dragon. Whether soaring through the sky at Fethiye Ölüdeniz, flying among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia or touching history in the silence of Ani Ruins, you will deeply experience the sense of innovation and adventure that the Year of the Dragon brings. At every step, Turkey's rich cultural heritage and natural beauties tell a story unique to the Year of the Dragon. This mystical journey will take you not only to Turkey, but also to the depths of your own inner world.