Breezy plateaus cool off summer

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Famous for its sea, sun and beaches, Turkey also hosts visitors on its fascinating plateaus. Many people prefer to go to these breezy plateaus on hot summer days. The Black Sea region has the world-famous Ayder, Uzungöl, Bektaş, Kafkas plateaus, while the Mediterranean city of Antalya has the Elmalı plateau

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

Turkey's plateaus represent one of the most outstanding scenic beauties in the country. Among them, the Black Sea region has the world famous Ayder, Uzungöl, Bektaş and Kafkas plateaus, while the southwestern city of Antalya boasts the Elmalı Plateau.

The most popular plateau in the Black Sea Region is the 1,350-meter-high Ayder Plateau, which was chosen as the first tourism center in 1987. Beside good quality drinking water, the Ayder Plateau is famous for its natural beauty, thermal waters, bullfighting events, food competitions and festivals. The plateau is situated 200 meters above sea level and, with its hornbeam trees and rich plant cover, draws the attention of nature lovers.

The Uzungöl Plateau in Trabzon is among the best plateaus, with its fresh fish and green scenery. Bektaş Plateau in Giresun is popular for its Kurttepe Ski Center facilities, even in the summertime.

Artvin, a city of plateaus

Encircled with forests and unique plant cover, the 250-meter-high Kafkasör Plateau in Artvin province hosts the Kafkasör Culture and Art Festival every year.

In the Otinga Forests of the Karagöl Plateau, there are many wild creatures, including lynx, grizzly bears and chamois, along with special honey to taste.

On the Kaçkar Plateau there are several glacier lakes on the hills of the Karagöl Mountains. The plateau is famous for its racecourses between the mountain footpaths and plateaus.

The Deli Çermik thermal waters on the Çermik Plateau in Erzurum province are famous for their mud, which is said to have healing effects on rheumatic and skin diseases. The region is popular for its pine trees and beautiful views, especially in August and September.

The 2,300-meter-high Kadırga Plateau in Gümüşhane province is located among the Tonya, Maçka and Kürtün counties. People generally prefer to stay there during the summer. In July it hosts the Otçular Şenlikleri festival.

Breezy plateaus of hot Antalya

The Elmalı Plateau in the province of Antalya is preferred by many people during the sweltering heat. There are places for tours, special jogging areas and the Kızlarsivrisi Hill for ascent of the mountain.

Located among the Kaş, Kalkan and Elmalı region, Gömbe Plateau was known as �Komba� in ancient times.

The Kozak Plateau is the biggest plateau in the Aegean region, with 5 million pine trees.

On the Dokorcun Plateau are located the Sünnet and Sülüklü lakes.

Other plateus that can be visited:

Kardüz Plateau (Gölyaka-Düzce), Kavron Plateau (Çamlıhemşin), Kusera Plateau (Maçka-Trabzon), Kümbet Plateau (Giresun), Lişer Plateau (Trabzon), Macahel-Gorgit Plateau (Artvin), Pokut Plateau (Çamlıhemşin), Pozantı Tekir Plateau (Adana), Süphan Plateau (Van), Şavşat-Karagöl Plateau (Artvin), Şolma Plateau (Maçka-Trabzon), Topuk Yaylası (Düzce), Uzunyayla (Kayseri), Yeşilyayla (Korkuteli-Antalya) and Işıkdağı Plateau (Ankara).

Inform