Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.

The Museum of Fine Art houses over 10,000 works of art, including many notable pieces, which were acquired after the building was rebuilt post-war. A curious initiative of the museum is the so-called "artothèque" — a library of art pieces, which locals are free to borrow for a short period of time.

Moorten Botanical Garden showcases over 3,000 plant species collected from deserts across the globe, all thriving on the historic Moorten family estate. The garden is filled with intriguing varieties of cacti, succulents, ancient fossils, and striking mineral specimens. A guided tour is well worth it—led by one of the Moortens or a seasoned guide, you’ll get a closer look at rare plants and stories of the garden’s evolution.