The Best Places to Visit in Turkey

“There’s no way you can see everything on one holiday to Turkey, and we don’t suggest you try! With so much to do in the country, it’s difficult to narrow down a list of the best places to visit… but we can make an attempt. From historic sites to beautiful beaches, here are just a few of the best places to visit in Turkey.

The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
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_Photo by Chundy Tanz on_ Unsplash

### 1. Cappadocia

The region of Cappadocia is absolutely filled with incredible things to see. As one of the top hot-air ballooning destinations in the world, soaring above the ground to see Cappadocia’s famous “fairy chimneys” is a magical experience you won’t soon forget. Also worthy of visiting are the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Devrent Valley, the underground city of Derinkuyu, Uchisar Castle, and so much more. A holiday to Cappadocia is definitely recommended if you’re headed to Turkey.

### 2. Ancient Ephesus

Built in the 10th century BC, the ancient city of Ephesus was once one of the most important cities in the world. At one point the biggest trading hub on the Mediterranean Coast, today it’s a hotbed of historical and archaeological wonders. Anyone interested in the history of Turkey and its global significance should make their way to Ephesus.

_Photo by Dilek Durgun on Unsplash_

### 3. Dalaman

The region of Dalaman, found on the southwest coast of Turkey, is home to many incredible things to do and see. Most notable is the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, where you can swim in sparkling turquoise waters and lounge on the relaxing beach. Also of note is the ghost town of Kayaköy, now preserved as a museum, which is an excellent (albeit slightly eerie) way to spend a morning’s wander. Also make sure to hit up İztuzu Beach to hopefully spot some of the rare loggerhead turtles that call the beach home. The city of Fethiye is a great place to base yourself while exploring the area of Dalaman.

### 4. Mardin

Mardin is unlike many cities in Turkey due to its unique architecture. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plains of southeastern Turkey, Mardin has an impressive Old City filled with historical gems. Its sandstone buildings are unbelievably photogenic, and many often consider the entire city to be its own open-air museum. Mardin is definitely worth a spot on the list of the best places to visit in Turkey.

_Photo by Umut Hocaoglu on Unsplash_

### 5. The North Aegean Coast

If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded beach holiday in Turkey than the south provides, head to the North Aegean Coast. Family-friendly and with numerous low-key resorts, there are many small fishing villages that offer a lovely atmosphere and a taste of Turkish coastal life. Izmir offers a large city vibe with a lot of history – it’s the third largest city in Turkey – but if you’re interested in smaller towns, head to Cesme, Foca, Assos, or Ayvalik.

### 6. The Kaçkar Mountains

### 7. Ankara

While many people head directly to Istanbul, Turkey’s second largest city also definitely deserves a visit! As Turkey’s capital city, there are plenty of things to do and see here, many of which are within walking distance of your Ankara hotel. Check out Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, who was the founder of the Turkish Republic. You also can’t miss the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses hundreds of thousands of pieces of art and artefacts that help tell the story of Turkey’s history.

### 8. Pergamom

The ancient city of Pergamom, found near the Aegean Sea and close to the city of Bergama, is significant due to its incredible Acropolis. One of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological spots, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in Turkey’s past. Definitely make sure to spend a day or two wandering the site in order to take in the Temple of Trajan, the Hellenistic theatre, and the unbelievable array of floor mosaics in Building Z.

### 9. Konya

The city of Konya, found in Turkey’s Central Anatolian Plateau, is often overlooked as a tourist spot, but it shouldn’t be. This beautiful city has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. This is the place to visit if you’d like to see a display of Turkey’s whirling dervishes, as Konya was the home of the Sufi mystic and founder of the Mevlevi Order, Rumi.

_Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash_

### 10. Istanbul

You didn’t think we were going to forget about Istanbul, did you?! Arguably Turkey’s most dynamic place to visit, this bustling city has something for everyone. Make sure to visit its main tourist spots (Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque) but take some time to get to know the city’s hidden gems, too, including shopping like a local or spending half a day in a traditional hamam.

As we said in the beginning, it’s impossible to list every single place worthy of a visit in Turkey, but we’ve tried to highlight a few. What are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday to Turkey today! We’ve even put together some of the best one-week and two-week Turkey itineraries for you.”