Planning a trip to Turkey? You're in for a treat! This country has so much to offer, from stunning natural scenery to rich historical and cultural heritage. And of course, let's not forget the delicious food! To help you plan your trip, we've put together a list of the 10 best places to visit in Turkey. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of the Turkish Riviera, there's something for everyone. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to visit in Turkey!
Istanbul
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
Top attractions in Istanbul include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Visitors can also enjoy views of the city from atop the Galata Tower or take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.
For those looking for a more active vacation, Istanbul offers a variety of activities such as hiking and biking in Belgrade Forest, visiting one of the city's many parks, or kayaking on the Golden Horn.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. The area is full of unique rock formations, underground cities, and cave churches. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, horseback riding, or hot air ballooning. There are also a number of tour operators who offer guided tours of the area.
Ephesus
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city located on the coast of Ionia in Anatolia. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, it was for a time the second largest city of the Roman Empire; ranking behind Rome, after Alexandria in Egypt.
Today, the site of Ephesus is located near Selçuk in Turkey's İzmir Province. The ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, receiving millions of visitors each year.
Fethiye
Fethiye is a beautiful town located in southwestern Turkey. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and unique landscape.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities in Fethiye such as swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, sailing, and exploring the ancient city of Oludeniz. There are also many interesting places to visit nearby such as the Lycian Way, the Saklikent National Park, and the Ghost Town of Kayakoy.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, Fethiye is the perfect place to visit.
Antalya
If you're looking for beautiful beaches, Antalya is the place to go. This Turkish city is famous for its stunning coastline, which features long stretches of sand and clear turquoise waters. Antalya is also a great city for history lovers, as it's home to a number of well-preserved ancient Roman ruins.
Other popular attractions in Antalya include the Kaleici old town district, the Perge archaeological site, and the Düden Waterfalls. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The site is famous for its hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Pamukkale's thermal springs have been used as a spa since the Roman Empire and it is still a popular tourist destination today.
The travertine terraces at Pamukkale are made up of calcium carbonate deposits that have been left behind by the flow of hot spring water. The waterfalls of Pamukkale are truly a sight to behold, and you can even swim in some of the pools!
Konya
Konya is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and was once the capital of the Seljuk Empire. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the poet and Sufi mystic Rumi. Other notable attractions include the Alaeddin Mosque, the Karatay Medrese and the Sultanhan Caravanserai. Konya is also a renowned centre of Turkish culture and cuisine. Visitors can try traditional dishes such as kofta (meatballs) and pilaf (rice), or enjoy a glass of çay (tea) in one of the city's many outdoor cafes.
Canakkale
The city of Canakkale is located in northwestern Turkey, on the Dardanelles Strait. It is best known as the site of the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. Canakkale is also home to the ancient city of Troy. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination, with many archaeological sites and museums to visit.
Goreme National Park
Goreme National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The park is home to a variety of historical and natural attractions, making it a perfect place to visit for anyone interested in learning more about the country's rich culture and history.
Some of the most popular attractions within Goreme National Park include the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Uchisar Castle, and the Derinkuyu Underground City. The Goreme Open Air Museum is a collection of ancient cave churches and monasteries that have been carved into the cliffside. The Uchisar Castle is a well-preserved fortification that was once used to protect against invaders. And the Derinkuyu Underground City is an enormous complex of tunnels and rooms that was used as a refuge during times of war.
Visitors to Goreme National Park will also enjoy hiking through the stunning landscape or taking a hot air balloon ride over the valley. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Goreme National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Turkey!
Isparta
Isparta is a city in southwestern Turkey and the capital of Isparta Province. The city has a population of about 200,000 people. It is located in the upper valley of the River Eğirdir, at an elevation of 1,207 meters (3,963 ft).
Isparta is known for its rose production. The city grows over 50% of Turkey's roses and supplies 80% of the world's cut roses. Every May, the city holds a Rose Festival. Isparta is also home to Süleyman Demirel University, which was established in 1992.
The city has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is common in winter. Isparta is accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport is Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport, about 15 kilometers from the city center.