25 Most Beautiful Places In Turkey: Must-see Sights & Hidden Gems
Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. There are late-night bars and clubs (like Inferno) around the Grand Hotel if you’re seeking nightlife in the city. And when you’re hungry, there are top-rated Turkish restaurants to choose from serving up lamb, kebabs, and vegetarian dishes all around Alaeddin Hill. While you’re here, take a taksi (taxi) to Kadikoy and eat a filling traditional meze spread (similar to Spanish tapas) or grab kebabs from a food cart and sip twice-distilled grape rakı to catch an Istanbul buzz. Welcome to Travel Melodies, your ultimate resource for all things travel. I bring years of writing experience to this vibrant online space, sharing inspiring and meticulously curated family travel stories to inspire and empower you to explore the world more thoughtfully with your loved ones.
Cappadocia: The Fairyland
Istanbul may not be the capital of Turkey, but it’s certainly the tourism capital of the country and the one that most people come to see when visiting Turkey. Istanbul is the most visited tourist destination in Turkey, seeing upwards of 16 million visitors each year (according to Statista) and leaving other Turkish destinations far behind in terms of annual tourism numbers. Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa, or “Green Bursa” (thanks to all its parks and natural areas) is now a bustling city that pays homage to the past as it sits in the shadow of Mount Uludag.
Fantastic day hikes and horse rides are right on the doorstep here, while Cappadocia’s hot-air ballooning is world famous. Pamukkale is also the best base for day trips to the nearby Roman ruins of Laodikeia and Afrodisias. You’re going to head inland after Selçuk, through the coastal plains to visit Pamukkale, your last UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final stop on this itinerary. Pamukkale’s hill of gleaming white calcite travertine terraces, topped by the rambling ruins of the Roman spa-town of Hierapolis, is a natural wonder and archaeological site all-in-one. This classic 7-day itinerary, which can easily be traveled solely using public bus, hits Turkey’s most feted archaeological sites as it scoots south down the Aegean coast.
Making these extraordinary journeys possible are the handpicked experts in our 50 offices worldwide, on call around the clock. Chief among them are our resident A&K Tour Directors and local guides. The Tour Director leads each group departure, providing unmatched on-the-ground expertise with A&K local guides contributing along the way. At Abercrombie & Kent, we strive at every turn to redefine your notion of what is possible on a vacation. A&K lets you discover Machu Picchu through the eyes of its former resident archaeologist, and introduces you to Mayan culture firsthand, through an exclusive meeting with a Mayan family.
The ride is about 30 minutes and will cost you about 300 lira (~$17 USD) one way. Located in a lesser-developed area along Turkey’s southwestern coast, Patara Beach can be reached by bus from Fethyie, Kas, or Antalya. Stretching for approximately 18 kilometers, this pristine beach boasts soft golden sands, shimmering turquoise waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that entices sun-seekers and nature lovers alike.
What Adaptor Do I Need For Turkey?
Many of the town’s historic wood-framed mansions have been restored to their original 17th-century grandeur, and converted into picture-perfect boutique hotels, cafes and restaurants. The seaside ruins of Phaselis and Patara (which also boasts one of Türkiye’s best beaches) are particularly picturesque, as are the rock-cut tombs of Myra. The Antalya Museum offers Viaggi in Turchia plenty of insights into the region’s rich history. Explore by sea on a gület (sailing boat) cruise, on foot along the Lycian Way hiking trail or by driving along scenic coastal roads. The Hittites, Byzantines, Ottomans, and many others have left their indelible marks on Turkey. Each city is a living museum, with layers of history waiting to be discovered.
Possibly the most famous historical site in this city is the Temple of Artemis, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other buildings include the impressive Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian. Housed in a renovated historical warehouse with thoughtfully designed rooms, cozy atmosphere, and a prime location in the heart of Alacati, The Stay Alacati Warehouse Hotel provides a unique and memorable stay for guests. Offering a convenient location near the beach and a range of amenities including a rooftop terrace and swimming pool, the Laledan Hotel provides a delightful and relaxing experience for visitors to Cesme. A luxurious and contemporary hotel that combines upscale amenities with breathtaking views of the Black Sea. This charming beach town may be known as Turkey’s premier scuba diving destination, but there is so much more to fall in love with here.
Archeological & Cultural Tour Of Turkey: Antioch, Harran & Gobekli Tepe
The Ottomans sided with Germany in World War and the Allied victory dissolved the empire. Following a brief Allied occupation, the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who introduced radical reforms to modernize Turkey and establish a unique national identity. The team includes expert tourist guides (who can take you inside the sights) – both men and women, are chosen for their enthusiasm, personality, academic backgrounds and professional experience..
Hostels in Turkey are much cheaper than equivalents in Western Europe, with the big exception being Istanbul over the summer, but even then, it’s still far from outrageous. You can expect to spend around $18-25 for a dorm bed in most spots in Turkey, including Istanbul. I’ve been fortunate to have spent over two months of my life travelling in Turkey, and I’ve managed to see a hell of a lot of the country over that time. If the winds are not in your favour and you’re not able to take flight, there’s a fantastic alternative; the Derinkuyu Underground City. 85 metres underground is the almost 3,000-year-old dwelling that can hold up to 20,000 people, with small rooms dotted around, joined by steep staircases. You can either choose a group trip or splash the cash for a private trip you’re looking for a romantic trip.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, Kaputas Beach is a true natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe. Accessed through a narrow and winding staircase that descends from the cliffs, the beach welcomes you with mesmerizing turquoise waters and breathtaking beauty. The Cappadocia region of Turkey is known for its “fairy chimney” cave dwellings, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, the canyon offers various levels of difficulty, making it suitable for all skill levels.
This way you save time that would otherwise be spent arranging each aspect of your trip. Traveling via a vacation package enables you to focus on the experience of wandering through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Cappadoccia’s Cave Valleys, or Antalya’s Mediterranean coastline. In the village of Demircidere, you’ll meet inspiring women who work alongside men in vineyards and olive groves, shaping Turkey’s most equal society. At this Be My Guest experience, make traditional bread, enjoy homemade jams and wines, and gain understanding of the livelihoods of this remarkable community. Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.…