For Lykkers looking for an unusual landscape beyond Turkey's well-known destinations, the colorful hills of Nallıhan offer one of the country's most surprising natural scenes. Layers of red, yellow, orange, gray, and beige stretch across the valleys, creating a landscape that often reminds visitors of a painted canvas. Located in Ankara Province, the Nallıhan hills remain relatively unknown to international travelers, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer quieter destinations over crowded tourist hotspots.

Unlike a typical sightseeing stop, visiting Nallıhan requires some planning. Distances are longer than many travelers expect, lighting conditions dramatically affect the appearance of the hills, and the experience is closely tied to weather and timing. The most rewarding trips focus on choosing the right season and organizing a realistic route that allows enough time to enjoy the landscape properly.

Choose the Right Season and Stay Nearby

The colorful hills can be visited throughout the year, but certain periods generally provide better conditions.

For many travelers, the most comfortable seasons are:

• April to June

• September to early November

During these months, temperatures are often pleasant for outdoor exploration, typically ranging between approximately 15°C and 28°C.

Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, particularly during the afternoon. While visibility is usually good, walking and photography become less comfortable during midday hours.

Winter occasionally brings snow to the surrounding area. The contrast between white surfaces and colorful hills can create unique scenery, but road conditions may become less predictable.

How Long Should You Stay?

For most Lykkers, one night is sufficient.

However, a two-night stay offers greater flexibility for photography and changing weather conditions.

Many visitors arrive in the afternoon, explore the viewpoints around sunset, stay overnight, and return the following morning for sunrise conditions.

This schedule allows travelers to experience the landscape under two very different lighting situations.

How to Get There

Nallıhan is located approximately:

• 160 km west of Ankara

• Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car from central Ankara, depending on traffic and road conditions

The most practical transportation option is a rental vehicle or private driver.

Typical rental car costs often range from approximately:

• Economy vehicle: 35–70 EUR per day

• SUV: 60–120 EUR per day

Public transportation is available to Nallıhan town, but reaching the viewpoints themselves is significantly easier with a private vehicle.

Where Should You Stay?

Most travelers choose accommodation in or near Nallıhan town.

Typical prices often range from:

• Small guesthouses: approximately 40–70 EUR per night

• Mid-range hotels: approximately 70–120 EUR per night

Staying locally allows easier access to sunrise viewpoints without needing a very early departure from Ankara.

Plan Your Visit Around the Light

The hills are impressive at any time of day, but their colors change dramatically depending on the position of the sun.

This is one of those destinations where timing often matters more than distance.

Arrive Before Sunset

For many visitors, the first stop is the main observation area overlooking the colorful slopes.

Try to arrive approximately 60–90 minutes before sunset.

As the sun lowers, shadows begin to define the ridges and valleys, making the different layers of color much more visible.

The landscape often appears flatter during midday, while late-afternoon light creates stronger depth and contrast.

Many visitors spend 1–2 hours simply walking between viewpoints and observing how the colors change minute by minute.

Return for Sunrise

Sunrise offers a completely different atmosphere.

Between approximately 30 minutes before and 90 minutes after sunrise, the hills gradually transition from soft pastel shades to stronger tones as sunlight spreads across the valleys.

Temperatures are also cooler, making short walks more comfortable.

Unlike many famous scenic destinations, visitor numbers during sunrise are usually low. It is not uncommon to have large sections of the viewing area almost entirely to yourself.

Combine the Hills with Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary

If you have additional time, consider visiting the nearby Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary.

Located roughly 15–20 minutes from the colorful hills by car, this protected wetland area supports numerous bird species throughout the year.

Depending on migration seasons, visitors may observe a variety of waterbirds and other wildlife.

Allow approximately 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit.

This combination creates a balanced day featuring both geological landscapes and natural ecosystems.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Arriving Only at Midday

Many travelers make a quick stop between destinations and arrive during the strongest daylight hours.

This is often when the hills appear least dramatic.

Sunrise and sunset generally provide the most rewarding conditions.

Treating the Area as a Quick Photo Stop

While the main viewpoint is easy to access, spending only 10–15 minutes usually means missing the changing colors that occur as light shifts.

Allow at least 2–3 hours overall.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Light cloud cover can sometimes improve visibility and contrast.

Checking forecasts before departure helps set realistic expectations.

Staying Too Far Away

Driving from Ankara and returning on the same day is possible, but staying locally often creates a much more relaxed experience.

Typical Budget for One Night

Per traveler:

• Accommodation: approximately 40–120 EUR

• Car rental and fuel: approximately 40–120 EUR

• Meals: approximately 15–40 EUR per day

• Miscellaneous expenses: approximately 10–30 EUR

Estimated total:

• Budget trip: approximately 100–180 EUR

• Comfortable trip: approximately 180–350 EUR

The colorful hills of Nallıhan are one of Turkey's most underrated landscapes. Their appeal comes not from dramatic hiking routes or famous landmarks but from the extraordinary patterns and colors created by geology and light. Visiting during spring or autumn, staying overnight nearby, and planning your schedule around sunrise and sunset can dramatically improve the experience.

For Lykkers, Nallıhan offers something increasingly rare: a spectacular landscape that remains relatively peaceful. With thoughtful timing and a flexible itinerary, the hills reveal a constantly changing palette of colors that feels different from one hour to the next, making every visit unique.