Turkey stands out as one of the most captivating tourist destinations in the world. Are you ready to discover the best places to visit in Turkey? Lock your seatbelt and let us take you on a wild adventure to explore the majestic ruins of ancient civilizations to the breathtaking landscapes that range from pristine beaches to rugged mountains. We are here to reveal Turkey’s most famous places for you.
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What Are the Best Places To Visit In Turkey?
Every corner of Turkey is a piece of art that reflects a rich history. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Istanbul, riding on an adventurous Hot air balloon in Cappadocia, or relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean beaches, Turkey promises an unforgettable adventure. We have gathered some of the best places to visit in Turkey with family.
1. Majestic Domes of Istanbul
Your trip is useless without visiting the majestic Istanbul that straddles between Europe and Asia. Istanbul depicts the rich history of three separate empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman). Don’t miss the most famous Turkish breakfast in Istanbul with a breathtaking view of Blue Mosque. Must visit the exquisite Topkapı Palace of the Ottoman sultans and the stunning Byzantine mosque Hagia Sophia attest to the city’s long history as the center of strong empires.
Explore the vibrant Kadıköy neighborhood’s cafes and bars, wander through the traditional Fatih neighborhood’s back streets, or explore Beyoğlu’s modern art collection. Don’t forget the sweet delight of drinking çay (tea) on the ferry while admiring the stunning sights of this vibrant city.
2. Mystical Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the best places to visit Turkey for couples. The mystical landscapes of Cappadocia take you to an enchanting fairyland. It is an ideal location to take dreamy pictures. Make a bucket list to experience the enchanting beauty of Cappadocia filled with exciting activities given below:
- Fly in the sky and enjoy magical views of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
- Catch the spectacular view from the terrace of your cave hotel in Göreme
- Delve into fascinating Byzantine art like historic cathedrals carved out of rock decorated with beautiful paintings at Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia.
- Explore Sultan Cave Suites for its iconic rooftop
- Hiking in the Ihlara Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people who enjoy the outdoors and adventure.
- Check out the Museum Hotel or Kayakapi, which both have outdoor pools, or stay at the rustic-charming Cappadocia Cave Suites, or the film-set-like Yunak Evleri.
- Wake up to a serene view of hundreds of balloons drifting overhead as the low sun casts an apricot light on this extraordinary land.
3. Cotton Castle Pamukkale
Let us introduce you to Pamukkale, one of the most popular vacation spots in Turkey. The stunningly white terraced pools of Pamukkale are also known as the “cotton castle”. Travelers travel from all over the world to soak in these therapeutic thermal pools in southwest Turkey.
- See the breathtaking dawn over the travertine pools of Pamukkale.
- Take a tour of the Pamukkale travertines and then dive into their therapeutic waters.
- Take a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool’s crystal-clear waters.
- Explore the amazing Ancient Theatre of Hierapolis.
- Explore the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- Check out the amazing Archaeological Museum at Hierapolis.
4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
If you are a history lover then Ephesus is an ideal location to visit in Turkey. More than a million tourists visit this archaeological masterpiece. The remarkable Greek/Roman city of Ephesus was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
It is ranked among the top ten places to visit in Turkey and was once a busy commercial port and the hub of trade in the area.
- Check out the remains of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which used to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Stroll along Curetes Street, which is lined with pillars.
- Learn about the exquisite carvings in Hadrian’s Temple.
- See the Terrace Houses, which are the wealthy residents of Ephesus’ residences.
5. Sandy Beaches Of Antalya
Antalya is a great holiday trip if you want to enjoy a beach vacation with your friends or family. Antalya is renowned around the world for its stunning sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. It is an ideal place for history lovers surrounded by Roman and Greek remains. You won’t be able to resist its charming old center, classic cafes, and trendy cultural spots.
- A trip to Kaleiçi’s ancient town is like traveling back in time. It is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, classic Ottoman buildings, and ancient Roman walls that provide an insight into Antalya’s rich history.
- The historic city of Perge is a must-see for history lovers. Perge is home to remarkable ruins, such as an incredible stadium, a well-preserved theatre, and tall colonnades that will take you back to ancient Rome.
- Another historical site is the Aspendos ruins, which contain one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theatres.
- Take a journey to the Duden waterfalls by boat, or go to the cotton palace at “Pamukkale” from Antalya.
- If you enjoy heights, take a cable car panorama tour to see Antalya’s surrounding landscapes from above.
- Take a Viking boat trip to the stunning bays as a treat for yourself.
6. Ancient Roman City Dara
Want to explore something unique in Turkey? allow us to introduce you to the Ancient Roman City of Dara, located 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin. This place is a paradise for all history lovers. It has an enormous necropolis, two magnificent cisterns that resemble cathedrals, and an agora.
- Dara’s underground cisterns, Sarnıç Zindan, and Batı Sarnıç, provide a unique subterranean experience.
- Explore Dara’s necropolis, which consists of rock-cut tombs and burial chambers. Discover an enormous Gallery Grave that has real bone remains.
- Explore the Agora in Dara, which was formerly a busy Roman marketplace.
7. Magical Butterfly Valley In Fethiye
Butterfly Valley is one of the most breathtaking places in Turkey that you’ll see when hiking along the Lycian Way. Imagine a tiny blue bay in the middle that becomes turquoise as it approaches the shore, surrounded by cliffs that rise sharply on either side.
- The valley is home to about 100 different species of butterflies in the spring, which makes this place magical like a scene from a fantasy movie.
- Relax in the campsite with a beach bar serving drinks and grilled fish.
- Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of yoga sessions done under the trees.
- Explore lush nature as you go inland to find secret waterfalls.
- The valley has a rich history because it has been used as a trade route for centuries.
8. Gorgeous Lake Van
Turkey’s Lake Van is a must-visit place famous for two main reasons: incredible food and beautiful scenery! There aren’t many locations as stunning as Lake Van, where the ultramarine waters lap at the base of six towering snow-capped mountains.
- Numerous islands can be found in lake Akdamar Island, well-known for the Church of the Holy Cross decorated with detailed carvings and colorful paintings.
- The island’s almond trees bloom in the spring with pink and white blossoms, creating a gorgeous view when combined with the lake’s deep blue waters and the snow-capped mountains.
- If you want to taste the best Turkish breakfast, then Van is an excellent spot to go in Turkey!
- Van’s breakfasts are legendary, offering a variety of dishes and regional specialties such as otlu peynir (herb cheese), kavut (a sweet dish of butter, sugar, and wheat), and murtağa (crispy scrambled eggs with honey and walnuts).
- Visit the fascinating Van Museum and learn about the history of Van.
9. Sumela Monastery
One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Turkey is undoubtedly Sumela Monastery, which is only 45 kilometres outside of Trabzon. This Greek Orthodox monastery was established in AD 386 and is located at a dizzying height of 1200 meters above sea level in the Pontic Mountains.
- The monastery is filled with rooms carved straight out of the rock face, including courtyards, chapels, a library, a hostel, kitchens, student quarters, and a church.
- The most breathtaking feature of the monastery is its rock church and chapel, which are covered with exquisite artwork representing a variety of Biblical events.
- Seyir Noktası’s viewpoint offers a stunning aerial view of the monastery, giving you a feeling that it is hanging over the landscape.
10. Konya
Konya, an important town in Central Anatolia, Turkey, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is well-known for its stunning Seljuk architecture and Whirling Dervishes.
- The Alaeddin Mosque contains the tombs of multiple sultans.
- The Ince Minare Medrese is currently a museum featuring items from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras.
- The Seljuk Palace is also worth seeing, despite being in ruins. The Seljuk Tower, one of Turkey’s largest skyscrapers, features a revolving restaurant on its top two floors.
- In the 13th century, Rumi, a Persian theologian and Sufi mystic, lived in Konya. A must-visit spot in Konya is his mausoleum, the Mausoleum of Rumi, which is next to the Melvana Museum.
- The Mevlevi Order, popularly called as the Whirling Dervishes because of their famous religious rituals in which they spin around and around on their left foot draped in enormous white gowns.
- Every week, the Mevlana Cultural Center hosts these ceremonies, also called Sama.
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Conclusion:
Turkey is no doubt an adventurous country to travel filled with exciting activities and stunning views one can never forget. We have discussed the best places to visit in Turkey that will surely give you incredible memories and thrilling experiences.
Whether you want to explore the vibrant bazaars, hike through ancient ruins, or just take in the stunning scenery. Turkey is a place you’ll want to visit again and again because of the kindness of its people and the richness of its history, no matter where you travel.
Ready to explore Turkey’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes? Book your Turkey Tour Trip now with Ayyman Group and experience the best of Turkey!
