Turkey’s 10 Most Beautiful Highlands (Yaylas) and How to Get There

A yayla holiday — a mountain highland escape — is still one of Turkey’s most underrated travel experiences. It offers the exact opposite of crowded coastal resorts: mornings above a sea of clouds, afternoons scented with wildflowers, and evenings beneath star-filled skies.

But this scenery comes with one reality: most highlands are difficult — or nearly impossible — to reach by public transport. In many places, buses run only once a day, if at all. On these routes, car rental is not simply about comfort; it is about access itself.

This guide brings together 10 beautiful Turkish yaylas from four different regions, along with practical advice on how to reach each one.

Black Sea Highlands: Endless Shades of Green

The Black Sea region is where Turkey’s yayla culture thrives most deeply.

Ayder Plateau — Rize

Ayder Plateau is perhaps the region’s most famous highland destination. The winding road climbing from Çamlıhemşin passes through the spectacular Fırtına Valley, where every turn reveals a new view.

The easiest way to reach Ayder is by renting a car from Trabzon or Rize. Trabzon Airport serves as the most practical starting point for this route. Ayder lies approximately 75 kilometres from Rize, along a scenic but winding road.

Uzungöl — Trabzon

Uzungöl showcases a different side of the Black Sea highland experience. Wooden houses surrounding the lake and the morning mist drifting across the water make this one of Turkey’s favourite destinations for photography lovers.

The drive from Trabzon city centre takes around 1.5 hours, though the final 20 kilometres require extra caution due to narrow roads.

Çiçekli Plateau — Artvin

Among these destinations, Çiçekli Plateau in Artvin’s Şavşat district remains the most hidden gem.

The road climbing from Şavşat is rugged and demanding, but the scenery at the top more than rewards the effort. Around Artvin, renting a higher-clearance vehicle or SUV provides a noticeable advantage for both comfort and safety.

The Reality of Driving in the Black Sea Highlands

Black Sea mountain roads share several characteristics: they are narrow, winding, and highly affected by sudden weather changes.

Even in midsummer, fog and heavy rain are possible during early mornings. In winter and early spring, routes such as Zigana Pass may require winter tyres.

Fuel stations are available in larger towns, but destinations deep inside Fırtına Valley or remote places like Çiçekli Plateau offer few options. Filling up your tank before leaving major settlements quickly becomes essential.

Aegean and Mediterranean Highlands: From Sea to Mountains in an Hour

Many visitors holidaying along Turkey’s southern coast remain unaware that peaceful mountain highlands lie only a short drive inland.

Saklıkent Plateau — Muğla

One of the best examples is Saklıkent, near Fethiye. After approximately 45 minutes of driving, visitors can experience both the canyon and the surrounding highland landscape in a single trip.

From Dalaman Airport, reaching Saklıkent by rental car via Fethiye is simple and convenient.

Elmalı Plateau — Antalya

Behind Antalya’s coastline rise the Taurus Mountains, home to the peaceful Elmalı Plateau.

Located around two hours from Antalya city centre, this destination remains surprisingly quiet even during the busy summer season. Although roads around Elmalı can be narrow, the dramatic mountain scenery turns the drive into an experience rather than merely transportation.

Central Anatolian Highlands: Surprisingly Close

A highland escape from Ankara may sound unlikely, but Soğuksu National Park, near Kızılcahamam, lies just 80 kilometres away.

Soğuksu Highlands — Ankara

Cool air, forest walking trails, and a complete break from city life make this route one of the most natural weekend escapes from Ankara.

Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding forests at your own pace.

Ilgaz Mountain Plateau — Kastamonu

Another excellent option is Ilgaz Mountain Plateau, suitable for both summer and winter visits.

Located around three hours from Ankara, the plateau sits within Ilgaz National Park, surrounded by pine forests and refreshing mountain air.

A mid-size vehicle is generally sufficient for this route, as most roads inside the park are paved and well maintained.

A Special Mention for Autumn: Yedigöller National Park

Although technically not a yayla, Yedigöller National Park in Bolu deserves a place on this list.

During October, forests surrounding the lakes turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating one of Turkey’s most dramatic autumn landscapes.

Located approximately 2–2.5 hours from both Istanbul and Ankara, Yedigöller becomes extremely popular by late October. Early booking for both accommodation and car rental is highly recommended.

Which Vehicle Is Best for Which Highland?

Not every yayla requires the same type of vehicle.

For easily accessible destinations such as Soğuksu, Elmalı, Uzungöl, and Yedigöller, a mid-size rental car is comfortable and sufficient.

For more demanding routes — including Ayder, Zigana Pass, and especially Çiçekli Plateau — SUV rental offers significant advantages, especially on steep roads, uneven surfaces, and long mountain climbs.

During winter or seasonal transitions, travellers heading to the Black Sea highlands should always check for winter tyre requirements or four-wheel-drive options before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to reach yaylas by public transport?

Some major yaylas can be reached by minibuses from district centres, but schedules are limited and often run only once daily. Having a car is essential for flexibility and local exploration.

Which yaylas are the least crowded?

Çiçekli Plateau and Ilgaz are generally among the quietest options. Ayder and Uzungöl become busy during peak summer months, though arriving early in the morning makes a major difference.

What is the best season for a yayla holiday?

For the Black Sea region, the ideal period is June to September. For Aegean and Mediterranean highlands, May–June and September–October offer the best conditions.

For Yedigöller, mid-to-late October provides peak autumn colours.

Is SUV rental necessary for every yayla?

No. For more accessible destinations such as Soğuksu, Elmalı, Uzungöl, and Yedigöller, a standard mid-size vehicle is enough.

However, Ayder’s upper roads, Zigana Pass, and Çiçekli Plateau are considerably more comfortable and safer with an SUV.

Your First Step to Highland Air Starts with the Right Car

Turkey’s mountain highlands hide a kind of silence that cities can no longer offer — and reaching that silence begins with choosing the right vehicle.

For airport locations across Turkey, including Trabzon and Antalya, a wide vehicle fleet, and flexible booking options, visit Europcar Turkey.

Choose your route and reserve your rental car today. 👉 Europcar Turkey