The eclectic city of Istanbul, the fantastic rock forms of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the glittering Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are Turkey’s biggest draws, but each region of the country has something different to offer. There are many reasons to visit in Turkey.

The diversity of landscapes, heritage and culinary culture will surprise those who have never ventured beyond the resorts and beaches. While getting around Turkey is easy, there is so much to see and do in the country that you can’t cover it all in one trip. Since most domestic flights pass through Istanbul, spend at least a few days in this dynamic global metropolis before heading to one of the other popular places to visit in Turkey.

Istanbul

Best for ancient areas and modern neighborhoods

Istanbul, one of the largest cities in the world, should be on every traveler’s must-visit list. Tourist attractions such as the grand Byzantine basilica Hagia Sophia, also called Hagia Sophia, and the ostentatious Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman sultans bear witness to the city’s centuries-long history as the capital of powerful empires.

But also take some time to experience Istanbul as it is today. Hit the cafes or bars in the trendy Kadıköy district, wander the back streets of the more conservative Fatih, or check out contemporary art in Beyoğlu. Don’t forget the pleasure of drinking tea on the ferry accompanied by the magnificent city view.

Planning tip: You can easily spend your entire holiday in Istanbul, but if you have time, it’s worth heading further afield in search of other Turkish delights.

Cappadocia

The best with its unique view

Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in central Turkey. The history of the first Christians in Anatolia comes to life at the Göreme Open Air Museum and other cave churches and underground cities scattered throughout the valley. Romance blooms in the area’s cozy cave hotels and restaurants; There are also balloon rides at sunrise. Adventure awaits hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners amid green valleys and undulating rocks.

Turquoise Coast

Best for history lovers and beaches

Yes, Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline between Fethiye and Antalya is full of beautiful places for a sun, sea and sand holiday, but it is also colored by the ruins of ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region. The coastal ruins of Patara and Phaselis, which have some of the best beaches in Turkey, are particularly picturesque, and the rock tombs of Myra are very impressive. Antalya Museum offers good information about the history of the region. Explore on a seaside gulet cruise, walking the Lycian Way walking path, or driving along the scenic (but winding!) coastal roads.

Eastern Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains

Best for rural traditions

The choppy, cold waters of the Black Sea aren’t exactly inviting, but to see the region’s charm, cast your gaze inland, where lush valleys tumble onto the coast from high peaks. While the lower elevations host the bulk of Turkey’s tea and hazelnut production, plateaus such as Pokut, once used as summer pasture for livestock, are becoming popular with tourists seeking scenic views and traditional Black Sea delicacies. culture and cuisine. Further up, the Kaçkar Mountains offer a magnificent trekking opportunity for experienced hikers in the summer months.

Planning tip: Home to the cliff-top Sumela Monastery, Trabzon is the region’s main hub for air travel.

Southeastern Anatolia

Best for culture and food

Often overlooked, the Southeastern Anatolia region is one of Turkey’s cultural and culinary stars. The cities of Gaziantep and Antakya (Hatay) are famous for their food, and both boast museums with incredible Roman mosaic collections. Mardin’s picturesque, well-preserved old town is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding monasteries and Roman ruins. The world’s oldest religious site, Göbeklitepe, is located just outside Şanlıurfa, which has its own beautiful archaeological museum and bazaar.

Datça and Bozburun Peninsulas

Best for relaxation

Relaxing and returning to nature in the remote Datça and Bozburun peninsulas of the Southern Aegean is the agenda of the new era. Instead of the vibrant nightlife of nearby Bodrum and Marmaris, you’ll find miles of dramatic rocky coastline, scenic rural villages and small, quiet seaside resorts and seaside towns.

Planning tip: The Carian Way long-distance hiking trail circles both peninsulas. Check before you set off as some parts of the route are inaccessible due to wildfire in summer 2021.

Far east of Turkey

Best for rugged beauty

The vast landscapes of Turkey’s far east have a remote ruggedness unmatched elsewhere in the country. Perhaps best known to travelers as the last stop of the Eastern Express, a popular and scenic overnight train ride from Ankara, the border city of Kars preserves striking architecture from its years as a Russian outpost in the 1800s. Nearby are the extensive and evocative UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani, an ancient Armenian capital.

A three-hour drive south will take you to the distant Ishak Pasha Palace, passing the legendary Mount Ararat on the way. Continue towards Van, where you can refuel with one of the elaborate breakfasts the city is known for, before visiting the city’s beautiful museum and taking a day trip to Akdamar Church, a masterfully decorated Armenian church and monastery complex on a small island in Lake Van. .

Gallipoli and the Northern Aegean

Best for WWI history and ancient Troy

Dedicated to the memory of the tens of thousands of soldiers who died in the bloody clashes on the Gallipoli Peninsula during the First World War, cemeteries are scattered around the idyllic hills and are all the more poignant amidst these serenely beautiful landscapes.

The region is also a gateway to Turkey’s Northern Aegean coast, a more relaxed alternative to the Mediterranean, where you can take a pleasant tour of pleasant seaside towns such as Ayvalık and Foça, as well as the ancient city of Troy (with its notable features). Museum) and the magnificent hilltop acropolis of Bergama.

Safranbolu

Best for Ottoman atmosphere

Safranbolu, which takes its name from the saffron that has been grown and traded here for centuries, is today a favorite of visitors who come to experience the old Ottoman atmosphere. Many of the town’s historic timber-framed mansions have been restored and converted into excellent boutique hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Planning tip: If it’s all starting to feel a little too cute, the canyons, waterfalls and forests of the nearby Yenice Forest are a natural tonic.

Pamukkale

Best for antique spa

Pamukkale’s bright white terraces, one of Turkey’s most photographed landmarks, shine incongruously over the rural town like freshly fallen snow. The warm mineral water flowing through them formed the basis of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, whose extensive ruins lie along the hill next to the famous travertines.

Planning tip: Pamukkale is also a good base for visiting other nearby ancient sites such as Laodicea, Tripolis and, most importantly, the magnificent ruins of Aphrodisias with its impressive collection of Roman marble sculptures.

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