The hidden corners of Turkey await you this summer

A photo-safari at Bakacakkadı: When you hear "Zonguldak," don't imagine that region's many coal mines, but think instead of the great expanses of green covering the land here, or the trees and forests so densely populating the area. Your first stop here might be Bakacakkadı, one of Turkey's hidden paradises, a serene green holiday spot that promises day after day of relaxation for you. This village offers essentially its own botanical gardens, with beautiful trees and flora that make it the perfect spot for walking tours, photography and even fishing. And one more hint, for train lovers: This small town has a train passing right through its center.

The trees have their own museum: Yenice Forest in Karabük is one of Turkey's largest. This spot lies in the western reaches of the Black Sea region and is a forest covering approximately 75,000 hectares of land. In fact, you could characterize Yenice Forest as a museum of trees, as it features species of trees rarely ever seen outside of tropical regions. You can reach Karabük by car by taking the Gerede exit from the Ankara-Istanbul highway. From Yenice Forest to Karabük it's around 33 kilometers. The second week of August every year features the Zümrüt Yenice Göktepe Festival.

Sarısu: only a boat trip away from the Black Sea: A brook runs calmly and quietly through the woods; this is the Sarısu River. Flowing into the deeper waters of the Black Sea, this is a freshwater river with an abundance of fish for the catching. The coastal village of Sarısu takes its name from the river and is located right where the river flows into the Black Sea. It lies eight kilometers from Kandıra and gives visitors the opportunity to board a little boat and make their way from the reeds of the river to the sands of the Black Sea beaches. There are many places ideal for camping here, too.  

The new address for trekking: Ballıkayalar: For those who love a good climb on mountainous rocks, there is the Ballıkayalar Valley and the Ballıkayalar Nature Park, near the İzmit village of Tavşanlı. Here, rock climbers and trekkers will enjoy trails meant specifically for them, while grabbing the chance to espy hawks, field birds and other interesting wildlife. This getaway spot is only 45 minutes from İstanbul and can be reached by taking the Tavşanlı exit from the highway about four kilometers after Gebze. It is the ideal spot for relaxing and decompressing from city life, but of course, make sure you are wearing the right shoes when you get here. After all, you'll want something that will let you traipse around comfortably on mountain tops.

Gölyanı Plateau: There is a natural wonder all its own lying near the Giresun town of Yağlıdere: the Gölyanı Plateau. Those who make the journey out here will be transported to another world by the traditional architecture of the plateau homes here, the lake and, of course, the gorgeous spruce trees. In fact, Gölyanı is a new favorite in the rapidly growing eco-tourism trend. A fast way to ascend to this unforgettable plateau is through the center of Yeşilpınar village, straight up through the Mollaoğlu Mahallesi. When you do reach the plateau, go up to the At Tepesi (Horse Point), and take in the view below.

Two gorgeous villages: Kıyıköy and Kastro: There are two relatively unknown villages that lie on the Black Sea coast in Turkey's Thrace region: Kıyıköy and Kastro. These villages lie within the district of Kırklareli and are only one-and-a-half hours from Istanbul. Kıyıköy is a coastal village reached after a long and winding road that starts after the İstanbul-Çerkezköy-Saray turnoff and winds its way between the Yıldız Mountains. Kastro is right next to Kıyıköy and lies within a forest next to the coast.

Ayder Plateau: The Ayder Plateau is a place to not only cool off from the heat of summer but also to allow your mind and body to simply relax, away from the stress and tempo of city life. The Ayder Valley lies between Rize and Artvin, past Çayeli, and is located at the point where the Fırtına River meets the Black Sea. It's hard not to get impatient on the way to Ayder, but it would be a good idea to stop and rest at Çamlıhemşin, in the Fırtına Valley. From here, start to follow the river, with its unique bridges and its century-old traditions. The Ayder Plateau lies above the beautiful river, with its varieties of trees and flowers lining both sides. When ascending this plateau, make sure you stick to the right, because from the right-hand side of the road you can view a gorgeous waterfall, which seems to be on display for you alone. Pay attention to the unique mountain-style homes here, the women picking tea leaves and the very basic gondolas transporting people from one high point to another.

Dikili; hidden beauty: Dikili is around 120 kilometers north of Izmir. Keep driving on the road from the famous Sarımsaklı Beach and you'll find yourself in a calm and serene Aegean village. This spot has an advantage over many in the region in that it has fewer tourists, but all the sand and sun that make this region so attractive. This is the perfect spot for a family holiday, for calm afternoons spent on the seashore or for clean and serene beaches and waters. For those looking for a quieter holiday than the more-crowded seaside spots with all the noise and distractions of discos and bars, this is the spot for you. Don't forget to visit the village of Merdivenli and see the beautiful lake there.