Pamukkale really is one of nature’s wonders. There are terraces with pools, and the water runs down from one level to the next in a natural spectacle created by white lime deposits. The name means ”The Cotton-wool Fortress.” Unfortunately, too many visitors have created a lot of wear and tear on the cliffs, and now most of the pools are closed to the public. There are daily excursions here, but you can also take the local bus. The travelling time is about 3.5 hours.

In 620 AD, in the company of an angel, the prophet Mohamad took a night journey to Heaven: called Mi'raj, this episode is a key point in the Islamic tradition. Located on top of the Noble Sanctuary upland, the Dome protects the rock where this journey started. On the same rock, thousands of years before, the biblical patriarch Abraham had allegedly tried to sacrifice his son Isaac, before God told him to stop. The Dome is, according to some, the oldest existing Islamic building, and a holy place of immense importance. Byzantine artisans built it between 687 and 691, and today its golden top stands out against the cityscape. Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter the Dome, but its elegant architecture is definitely worth taking a look at.

Staten Island might be the city’s quietest borough, but it’s full of character and history. The free Staten Island Ferry runs all day and night, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan before docking in St. George, where 19th-century architecture meets local culture. Stop by the restored St. George Theatre, the National Lighthouse Museum, or the Staten Island Museum, which mixes natural history, art, and local exhibits. Green space is everywhere here. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of trails and woodlands, and in summer, the island’s beaches are popular for kayaking and relaxing by the water. For a closer look at local history, visit the Alice Austen House, once home to one of America’s first female photographers, or explore Historic Richmond Town, a preserved village with buildings and artifacts that trace island life back to the 1600s. Staten Island also has a growing food scene, especially around St. George and Stapleton, where you’ll find local breweries and waterfront restaurants worth discovering.

The long and beautiful Patara beach, with its protected sand dunes, is where the sea turtles come to lay their eggs. The ancient town, hidden beneath the sands, is now being excavated. Patara is best known as the birthplace of St Nicholas, also called Santa Claus or Father Christmas. You can visit his grave at Demre. Come here on the local bus or dolmus.