Turkey, the meeting point of Europe and Asia, possesses a captivating transcontinental culture clash. Its blend of influences, flavours, cultures, religions, and histories from the East and the West creates an intoxicating allure. This country offers a sensorial feast with its bustling bazaars, magnificent mosques, tantalising cuisine, and vibrant arts scene.
The country's breathtaking landscapes, ranging from the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline to towering mountains and vast arid steppes, are attractions in their own right.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the Byzantine and Ottoman splendours of Istanbul during a city getaway, bask in the sun on pristine beaches, embark on a historical journey while wandering through ancient ruins like Ephesus, or witness surreal panoramas found in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, Turkey offers an extensive array of experiences for visitors to indulge in.
To help you discover these remarkable destinations, we have compiled a list of the top 10 places to visit in Turkey.
No. 10 - Mount Nemrut
Located in eastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut boasts a remarkable sight that captivates tourists from far and wide. At the summit of this magnificent mountain, one can find a funerary mound strewn with the shattered remains of colossal statues, once revered guardians of this sacred site.
A visit to Mount Nemrut unveils an eerie and surreal experience, making it one of Turkey's most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Gazing from the pinnacle, the immense stone heads of ancient deities, long forgotten by history, gaze outward, casting an ethereal ambiance across the desolate mountaintop.
These monumental structures were crafted by the skilled hands of Antiochus I, the ruler of the Commagene Kingdom, which thrived in the buffer region between the Roman and Parthian empires. Antiochus I constructed this grandiose funerary mound as a testament to his significance, erecting an artificial peak that soared 50 meters high on Mount Nemrut's summit. Adorning this monumental mound are statues depicting Antiochus I himself, alongside a pantheon of deities.
The ideal time to experience the magnificence of Mount Nemrut is at sunrise when the first rays of light pierce through the darkness. Witnessing the statues emerge from the shadows adds to the mystical allure of this awe-inspiring site.
No. 9 - Mardin
Situated majestically atop a strategic hill, commanding views over the vast plains of Mesopotamia in southeastern Turkey, Mardin proudly stands as the capital of the Mardin Province. As one of the oldest settlements in the region, Mardin is renowned for its remarkable cultural diversity and the captivating Old City, where sandstone buildings gracefully cascade down the hillside.
Exploring Mardin's Old City is a delightful experience best enjoyed on foot. Navigating the maze of winding streets, visitors are treated to the sight of terraced houses and encounter popular landmarks such as the Deyrü'z-Zafaran Monastery, which stands as one of the oldest monasteries in the world. Another notable site is the Sultan Isa Medresesi, a medieval monument that once served as an astronomical observatory. The Zinciriye Medresesi, a 14th-century Islamic school, boasts stunning courtyards adorned with intricate artworks.
The Great Mosque, with its towering minaret, is an unmistakable landmark that graces the city's skyline. While inaccessible to the public, the citadel presents awe-inspiring photo opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the essence of Mardin's historical charm. Throughout the winding streets of the Old City, an abundance of shops awaits, offering a variety of wares ranging from pottery and silverware to leather goods and traditional headdresses.
No. 8 - Side
Side served as a significant port in ancient Pamphylia, and was once occupied by Alexander the Great during the 4th century BC. Today, it stands as a picturesque town adorned with classical ruins and modern resorts that overlook pristine sandy beaches. Nestled on a small peninsula along Turkey's Mediterranean Coast, in the Antalya Province, Side is a destination that promises an array of fantastic sightseeing opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling outdoor adventures.
The crown jewel of Side is its excavated site, showcasing ancient Hellenistic and Roman ruins. Visitors can explore the remnants of a colossal amphitheatre, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, public baths, majestic marble columns, and various temples. The Roman baths have been meticulously restored and now house a museum, which proudly displays a remarkable collection of Roman statues and artifacts. Dominating the shoreline, the Temple of Apollo stands as a breathtaking spectacle, especially when illuminated by the vibrant hues of a sunset.
Within Side's enchanting town, characterized by its narrow streets and captivating gardens, visitors can indulge in a diverse culinary scene. From delightful delis and pizza shops to upscale dining establishments offering a variety of cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. Just beyond the town's borders, the Manavgat River awaits, offering exciting boat tours, exhilarating white-water rafting experiences, and awe-inspiring waterfalls to behold.
No. 7 - Cappadocia
Situated in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia captures the imagination with its enchanting landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale. This remarkable region is renowned for its otherworldly formations, resembling chimneys, cones, mushrooms, and pinnacles. These extraordinary shapes were sculpted over time by natural forces, including ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion, with some towering as high as 130 feet (40 meters). Adding to the allure, humanity left its mark on this captivating terrain by carving houses, churches, and even entire underground cities into the soft rock.
With a history spanning back to 1800 BC, Cappadocia witnessed the ingenuity of early inhabitants like the Hittites, who crafted intricate tunnel complexes to seek refuge from invading Persian and Greek forces. Centuries later, during the 4th century AD, Christians fleeing religious persecution in Rome found solace within the tunnels and caves of Cappadocia. Today, the region's blend of natural wonders and historic sites continues to captivate travelers, making it a sought-after destination.
While the majority of Cappadocia lies within the province of Nevsehir, the region is dotted with charming towns such as Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Mustafapasa. These towns offer a range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, vibrant nightlife options, and a plethora of attractions. Visitors can explore museums, marvel at rock castles, wander amidst the fairy chimneys, venture into underground tunnels, experience the charm of old Greek villages, visit monasteries, and immerse themselves in the bustling handicraft markets. Some of the region's caves have even been transformed into unique hotels catering to tourists, providing an unforgettable and immersive experience.
No. 6 - Rize
Located along the Black Sea coast, near Turkey's northeastern border with Georgia, the province of Rize remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by international travellers. Yet, it is precisely within this region that some of the country's most pristine alpine landscapes beckon to nature enthusiasts seeking the path less travelled.
Beyond the seaside city that shares its name with the province, Rize unveils valleys and plateaus embraced by lofty mountain ranges, still predominantly untouched by modern development. These areas, adorned with high-altitude ridges, have managed to preserve their rural essence. Blessed with abundant rainfall, Rize's mountain villages, known as "yayla," offer a refreshing respite from the summer heat.
At the heart of Rize province lies Çamlıhemşin, a captivating rural district that surrounds the town of the same name. Here, nature reigns supreme, largely unspoiled by human intervention. It is a place where simple guesthouses, quaint cafes run by urban escapees seeking a more serene existence, and artists finding inspiration in untouched tranquillity converge, creating an enchanting ambiance that captivates all who visit.
No. 5 - Ephesus
Nestled in Aegean Turkey, Ephesus stands as the epitome of a complete classical metropolis in Europe. Flourishing during the 1st century BC, this ancient site grew to become one of the largest cities within the vast Roman Empire. Among its illustrious achievements was the renowned Temple of Artemis, which held the distinction of being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus reside within an expansive archaeological site, attracting hordes of visitors and solidifying its status as one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations.
The declaration of Ephesus as a Roman settlement occurred in 133 BC, yet it took nearly two centuries for the city to reach its pinnacle. As the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus boasted a staggering population of over 250,000 permanent residents. Notably, it was here that St. Paul resided, fostering the growth of Christianity amidst a diverse array of religions.
However, the decline of Ephesus was inevitable. The waning importance of its harbour, coupled with the devastating sack of the city by Germanic Goths in the third century, marked the beginning of its gradual descent. Despite its decline, the legacy of Ephesus continues to captivate the imaginations of travellers, who come to marvel at its magnificent ruins and immerse themselves in the rich historical tapestry that unfolds within its ancient walls.
No. 4 - Izmir
Situated at the western edge of Turkey, Izmir stands as a bustling metropolis and holds the distinction of being the country's third most populous city, following Istanbul and Ankara.
Once known as the ancient city of Smyrna, Izmir has seamlessly evolved into a modern and thriving commercial hub. Nestled around a vast bay and embraced by majestic mountains, the city boasts wide boulevards, contemporary glass-fronted structures, and bustling shopping centres. Amidst this urban landscape, one can still spot the charming sight of traditional red-tiled roofs, the historic 17th-century Keramalti market, and ancient mosques and churches like the breathtaking Hisar Mosque. Despite these vestiges of antiquity, Izmir exudes an atmosphere that leans more towards the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean Europe than the conventional essence of Turkey.
Izmir owes its current status as a socially and economically dynamic city to a combination of factors. Its strategic location, inviting climate, and rich historical tapestry have contributed to its allure. Throughout its extensive history, Izmir has been a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions. It has played host to Persians, ancient Greeks, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and countless other civilizations, each leaving their unique mark on the city's identity.
No. 3 - Pamukkale
This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site has been made eternally famous by the gleaming white calcite terraces, overrunning with warm mineral-rich waters, on the mountain side above the village.
Pamukkale, or ‘Cotton Castle’ in English, looks more like something out of a fairytale than a real place. Located in the province of Denizli, this extraordinary landscape is home to 17 hot springs, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 100 °C. Pamukkale's terraces are made of travertine, a sedimentary rock, deposited by mineral water from the hot springs. The terraces then catch the mineral water, creating stunning thermal spas that are believed to have healing qualities.
There is so much ancient history and mystery surrounding Pamukkale. Just above the terraces lies the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, once a Roman and Byzantine spa city. Hierapolis was founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamom at the end of the 2nd century BC, and stretches for around 1.7 miles. Over hundreds of years, multiple earthquakes caused devastation in the holy city, leading to it being completely abandoned around the 14th century. Today, the site is home to a number of beautiful ruins, such as an amphitheatre, temples, columns and baths. There is also a museum at Hierapolis, which showcases a large selection of artefacts that were found within the site and the surrounding region.
No. 2 - Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz, nestled close to Fethiye, beckons with its mesmerising beauty that seems straight out of a picture-perfect postcard. With its unbelievably vibrant turquoise-blue waters, a lush green forest cascading down a cliff to meet a pristine white-sand beach, this sheltered inlet has earned its reputation as Turkey's most renowned beach.
It's worth noting that Ölüdeniz holds its place among the world's premier destinations for paragliding, adding another exciting dimension to its already captivating allure. Should the beach become too bustling, a thrilling adventure awaits in the skies above. Embark on a tandem paragliding excursion from the summit of the majestic Babadağ (Mount Baba), standing tall just behind the shoreline. As you soar through the air, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking aerial vistas that showcase the splendour of the surrounding landscape.
No. 1 - Istanbul
Once the majestic capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul has evolved into Turkey's largest city and one of the world's sprawling urban centres. Straddling both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait bridging Asia and Europe, Istanbul stands as the only city on the globe that spans two continents. With its awe-inspiring architecture, rich historical sites, vibrant dining scene, bustling shopping districts, lively nightlife, and exotic atmosphere, Istanbul has rightfully earned its place among the world's top tourist destinations.
The heart of Istanbul's grand history resides in the Old City, where a treasure trove of remarkable landmarks awaits exploration. From the iconic Hagia Sophia and the exquisite Blue Mosque to the splendid Topkapi Palace, these impressive historic sites offer glimpses into the city's imperial past. Another notable district is the New City, renowned for its modern attractions, soaring skyscrapers, and vibrant shopping malls. For those seeking vibrant nightlife and entertainment, Beyoglu and Galata stand as popular zones, pulsating with energy. Meanwhile, the Bosphorus area beckons with its captivating palaces, elegant waterfront mansions, and enchanting urban parks.
In Istanbul, the possibilities for exciting experiences are boundless. A must-visit destination for shopping enthusiasts is the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, where the air is alive with the enchanting allure of its bustling stalls. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a Turkish bath, an invigorating and traditional way to rejuvenate both body and soul. When the sun sets, Istanbul's nightlife scene comes alive, offering a plethora of dining options, charming pubs, and vibrant nightclubs catering to every taste and budget.
In Istanbul, the blend of history, culture, and modernity creates an irresistible fusion that draws visitors from around the world, promising an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Turkey. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Turkey.
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