We all need vacations, sometimes you may feel like getting away from the constant buzz of social media, humdrum of the city and traffic but selecting the destination is hard, it’s difficult to find a place which has everything you need for a vacation. And turkey is one such gem of a place.
Turkey is a dazzling destination that straddles Asia and Europe. It is packed to the brim with ancient monuments, cultural sites, beautiful beaches, shopping hubs and cruise destinations precisely all the best places you need to visit. Turkey is adorned with quaint villages, a matchless cultural legacy and a stunning coastline. Here is an overview of the best places to visit in Turkey that will inspire you to plan your next destination.
1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is situated in Central Anatolia and it is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. It is best known for its spectacular landscapes of unusual formations resembling cones, pinnacles and chimneys. This amazing place is the result of ancient volcanic eruptions and erosions.
The landscape of Cappadocia has remarkable carved houses, underground cities, churches, caves and tunnels from the soft rocks. Today most of the caves in the region are converted into hotels and cater to tourists. You can explore this place through air balloon ride or with a horse ride.
2. Marmaris
Located along the Turkish Riviera in southwest Turkey, Marmaris is the most popular seaside resorts in turkey. This stunning cruise port is a tourist paradise with exceptional water sports, sightseeing opportunities, adventures, dinning and buzzing nightlife.
There are boating tours that take tourists around the neighbouring villages and scenic bays. Marmaris has flawless sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, pine- clad mountains and historic architecture.
3. Ephesus
Ephesus is a classical metropolis located in Aegean Turkey. An ancient site built in 1st century by Roman Empire has the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Contained within a large archaeological site this ruins of Ephesus is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. Structures to see in this site include the temple of Hadrian, the outstanding celsus library and massive theatre.
4. Istanbul
Istanbul was once the capital of Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. It is the largest in Turkey, located along a narrow strait that connects Europe and Asia making it the only city in the world stretching across two continents.
Istanbul is one of the best to visit historic sites, impressive architecture, exotic atmosphere as well as shopping, dining and nightlife. If you area architecture buff visit the old city to its impressive historic sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque.
5. Antalya
A large vibrant city, Antalya, is located on the beautiful Turkish Riviera along the Mediterranean coastline. Gorgeous beaches and lush green mountains welcome the tourists for sailing, swimming, mountain climbing and sightseeing. It has numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants where the tourists can relax.
A walk along the ancient city of Kaleici takes you back to the Roman times with the old city walls, the maze like streets, historical structures including the clock tower and the Roman gates.
6. Konya
Konya is one of the oldest cities in the world. Located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, in 12th and 13th century it was the capital city during the rule of Seljuk dynasty. Known for its Seljuk architecture and Whirling Dervishes, the city can be admired through the ruins of the Seljuk palace and the Alaeddin Mosque.
Sufi mystic and Persian theologian, Rumi once lived here. It was his followers who founded the Mevlevi Order involving the Whirling Dervishes which is a religious ceremony where they spin around on the left foot wearing white billowing gowns.
7. Bodrum
Bodrum was once home to the Mausoleum which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is located in the south Aegean Region of Turkey which known for its intriguing ruins, cliff top resorts and stunning beaches.
Visit to Bodrum is incomplete without a trip to Bodrum castle, built by Nights Hospitaller in 1402, which now serves as a museum. A beautiful beach located on the eastern side of Bodrum overlooks the clear blue waters and you can find plenty of Bars, cafes and night clubs near the beach.
8. Princes’ Island
If a Serene and tranquil atmosphere is what you are looking for, this is the destination for you. Instead of the motorised vehicles you will find horse drawn carriages and bicycles for getting around this beautiful island.
9. Mount Nemrut
This historical site is located in Arsameia antique road and is studded with huge statues of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene two lions and various Persian and Greek gods. It is the eight wonder of the world which you cannot miss out on.
10. Patara
One of the longest beaches in Turkey, Patara has few good beach cafes with umbrellas and sun bed for hire. It is an ideal location to view the mesmerizing sunset and the moonrise at the same time.
