Why Ula Should Be on Your Turkey Bucket List

I am a digital nomad, working remotely while exploring Turkish cities and towns.

My journey to Ula started on a whim. A friend mentioned it casually, and something about the name stuck with me. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by the most incredible scenery I had seen in months.

Street food in Ula is legendary among locals but barely known to tourists. I had a freshly made flatbread stuffed with local herbs and cheese that cost almost nothing but tasted like a million dollars.

Exploring Ula on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

At a local tea house in Ula, I ended up in a conversation with a group of retired teachers. They shared stories about how the town has changed over the decades and their hopes for its future. These unplanned encounters are what travel is all about.

Before you plan your trip, I was blown away by what I found here: I was blown away by what I found here

My biggest tip for visiting Ula: skip the main road and explore the back streets. That is where you will find the authentic experiences, the best food, and the friendliest people. The tourist path, if there even is one, only scratches the surface.

I rented a bicycle and rode through the outskirts of Ula. The landscape changed dramatically — from urban streets to rolling hills and farmland within minutes. The people of this region really comes alive when you get out of the center.

There is a river near Ula where locals go for picnics on weekends. I joined a family there and spent the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient trees. Pure magic.

My Ula chapter is closed for now, but the memories will stay with me forever. To everyone reading this: put Ula on your list. You will not regret it.