A relaxed park just outside the centre, known more as a local hangout than a tourist spot. There’s a lake with pedal boats in summer, a playground for kids, and a beer garden that’s busy on warm afternoons. Good place for a slow walk, a picnic, or just to take a break from the city streets.

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.

Not far from the coast lies the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with its colorful flora and fauna. Tortoises, squirrels, and various birds can be found among its wildlife. As a visitor, you can explore the park by canoeing in the lagoon, cycling on paved roads, picnicking, or simply hiking among its trees and bushes.