Turkey's hidden gems are ready to cast a spell on you

Summer has arrived, the temperature has risen and if the only thing left is planning your holiday, Turkey awaits you with its beautiful and well-kept summer destinations



Summer, the season for tanned skin, beaches and longlasting fun, is knocking on doors in the northern hemisphere these days, reminding us that we are all alive and ready to enjoy. As the coasts become more and more inviting with the rising temperatures, Turkey, with its long, sandy and secluded beaches and turquoise waters from the north to the south, calls you to explore what well-kept beauties are preserved in this country's arms.Even though Turkey is renowned for its crowded beaches, nightlife and busy resorts on its coastlines, visitors only know certain tourist places. If what you are looking for this summer is serenity, tranquility and lying down on the sand while your toes touch the sea, keep reading because I will share hidden beaches that are waiting to be discovered in the heavens of Turkey.Let today be the day that you prepare your backpack and plan your visit with bated breath to hit the road to Turkey's escape points with a nice summer love song on your headphones. Butterfly Valley on Turkey's Aegean coast: Declared a first-degree natural protected area on Turkey's western coast of Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in Turkey. Since any type of construction is prohibited in the area, and the valley's location is away from prying eyes, all you can get during your stay are nature, fresh air, a vivid blue sea, colorful butterflies flying above and a hidden valley waiting to be explored. The valley is named after its butterflies that cover all the trees and rocks like a silky soft scarf. Do not expect to notice them as soon as you hop into the valley. Just wait until one of them moves and triggers all the other butterflies. The valley is a suitable place to camp and has a capacity of nearly 125 tents and power, with shower and toilet facilities free-of-charge at certain times of the day. There are also bungalows for those who wish to holiday at a homey place.How to get there: The only way to get to the valley is by renting a boat or using a water taxi. You may directly go from Fethiye, Ölüdeniz to Butterfly Valley. It takes around half an hour, and if you are lucky enough, your boat may stop by one of the most renowned caves in the region, the Mavi Mağara, Turkish for "Blue Cave." Adrasan on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast: With priceless landscapes dominating the Kemer coast of Turkey, historical beauties and crowd-free beaches, the Adrasan district in southern Turkey is one of the most hidden secrets in Antalya. Described as an escape from the bustle of Antalya's city center, Adrasan has its own entertainment.Bungalow houses certainly don't have the luxurious quality of expensive hotels, but they offer guests a friendly, quiet environment. Most of the bungalows offer half-board, but are ready to meet all your demands during your stay. A boat trip is the perfect way to explore the sea and islands surrounding Adrasan and the city of Antalya.A boat tour costs about TL 40, with lunch included. While on the boat, ask the captain to take you to the "wellness spring" - its water is believed to have healing properties and to cure illnesses. If you are looking for an adventure, you can jump off the rocks when the boat trip takes you inside the Fosforlu Cave. This majestic cave takes on different colors in the moonlight, and sometimes in the daylight too, thanks to its geological structure.How to get there: There are minibuses from Antalya›s bus terminal (main station for intercity buses). After hopping off at the junction on the upland section of the main coastal highway of the region, there are minibuses you can catch that depart fairly frequently to Adrasan. Akbük Bay on Turkey's Aegean Coast: Nested between the crystal clear waters, spectacular, protected mountain forests and olive groves of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Akbük Bay, which means White Bay, is accepted as a specially protected environment area and building is not allowed here. That is why this bay may be the most untouched bay in Turkey. Historically, Akbük Bay was a small fishing village that was off the beaten track for fish lovers. Although more and more visitors are discovering it every day, what makes this bay special is that it has the lowest humidity and highest oxygen ratio in the entire country.Recognized internationally with a blue flag, the harbor in the bay is renowned for its serenity and peaceful atmosphere. The bay boasts brilliant white sands like no other with its sea that does not quickly deepen no matter how long and far you swim. There are camping sites and pensions in Akbük Bay for those who want to spend a night in this mesmerizing bay. You can also visit Altınkum, which means gold sand, during your stay. It is approximately 20 minutes away by car and offers boat trips and tours for visitors.How to get there: Akbük Bay is just 50 minutes away from Bodrum Airport, which is in one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Turkey. Local minibuses run regularly throughout the day. These buses stop at the complex approximately every 15 minutes. The Akbük Bay town center, harbor and main beach are only five minutes by local buses. Selimiye in Turkey's Aegean Coast: Selimiye, a picturesque harbor in Turkey's western city of Muğla, which is waiting to be discovered, casts a spell on its visitors. Even though it is nearly 30 minutes away from Marmaris, which is one of the most renowned tourist cities in the country, Selimiye is a small tourist resort strung out along a stunning bay. Most of its visitors arrive by yacht or boat to Selimeye which features mesmerizing turquoise waters that charm visitors. Selimiye has a strong local reputation for traditional wooden boat building, so on the road into town you will pass several boat yards where you will see massive wooden gullets being built in time-honored traditional methods. This little harbor may also be the perfect spot for those who want to taste some of the best seafood on the Aegean coast. It has little restaurants where fishermen serve fish that they have caught; their service is simple, but delicious!There are also little hostels serving as bed and breakfast and boutique hotels where you can spend a night in tranquility. How to get there: Selimiye is approximately two hours away from Dalaman Airport. After your flight, you can reach Selimiye by renting a car.