There are times when we feel like getting away from the humdrum of urban life and refresh ourselves amidst pristine beaches, cultural hubs, shopping arcades, and scenic cruises. Well, if this is your idea of a trip then here’s a quick go-through of all the best places to visit in Turkey.
So, if you are looking to avoid the constant buzz of your mobiles, social media, and heavy traffic, Turkey is a hot favourite tourist destination that you can choose. With a plethora of places to choose from, Turkey wages a battle between your mind and heart about the tourist spots to choose from.
Turkey has an inviting, colourful aura to itself. It is adorned with a scenic coastline, rustic villages, and an enriching cultural legacy. So, if you are looking forward to planning an itinerary for Turkey, here’s a quick peek into some well-known tourist spots in the country.
1. Kabak Bay
Kabak Bay is blissfully located along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. It enchants tourists with its mesmerizing beauty with lush mountains and the scenic Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors can explore white beaches, go hiking, and even indulge in yoga retreats. Kabak Bay has a bohemian feel, comfy accommodations, and crystal-clear waters. No doubt, it’s a tranquil escape for tourists.
Things To Do: Hiking, Water Adventure Sports, Nature Photography
Best Time To Visit: Spring or Autumn
Best Places To Stay: Numerous Tree Houses, Sea Valley Bungalows
2. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley in Turkey is nestled between scenic cliffs. It’s a natural wonder and boasts secluded sandy beach and tranquil surroundings.
There are diverse butterfly species to look for but the tourist spot is accessible only by boat or a challenging hike. It offers a respite from the humdrum of everyday life with its raw beauty.
Things To Do: Camping, Snorkeling, Mountain climbing, Parasailing, Paragliding
Best Time To Visit: Summer Season
Best Places To Stay: Nautical Hotel, Seaview Faralya Butik Hotel
3. Patara
Patara is located on Turkey’s southwest coast. It has a history attached to it but is also a natural marvel. Patara has an enchanting 18-kilometer-long sandy beach which is one of the longest in the Mediterranean region.
Tourists can explore the well-kept ruins of the ancient Lycian city which has a grand theatre and the monumental arch. The area is also a nesting ground for Caretta sea turtles.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, Horseback riding, Exploring Patara Ruins, and Water sports.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, October and November
Best Places To Stay: Hotel Patara Sun Club, Patara Prince Hotel & Resort,
4. Princes’ Island
Princes’ Islands are located off Istanbul’s coast. It is an archipelago. The best part of visiting this place is that these car-free islands, which include Büyükada and Heybeliada, are dotted with Victorian-style houses, pine forests, and horse carriages.
Undoubtedly, it is a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. There are colourful streets and historic monasteries to visit. The exotic views of the Sea of Marmara are a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Things To Do: Hiking, Ferry rides, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October
Best Places To Stay: Ada Palas Boutique Hotel, Kösk Orman Hotel
5. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is well-known for its rock formations and caves. It is also well-known among tourists for its hot air balloon-filled skies at sunrise. You can explore well-preserved ancient underground cities and rock-cut churches at the Göreme National Park.
The proud history, geological locations, and magical atmosphere make Cappadocia a must-visit place.
Things To Do: Visit Goreme National Park, Devrent Valley, Love Valley, Visit Pasabag
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September and October.
Best Places To Stay: Evi Cave Hotel, Natureland Cave Hotel
6. Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia is an architectural wonder and has immense cultural significance. At first, it was a Byzantine cathedral, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum.
It’s known for its enchanting dome and intricate mosaics that depict religious scenes. The structure reflects a blend of Christian and Islamic influences. It showcases the city’s historic past and growth over the years.
Things to do: Explore the nearby places and learn about the history of the place
Entry Fee: 60 Turkish Lira per person. Free for children below the age of 12 years.
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
7. Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut, is situated in southeastern Turkey. It is home to one of the most well-known archaeological sites which has been built by King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. He built a monumental tomb in the 1st century BC, surrounded by massive statues.
Mount Nemrut offers scenic views of the sunrise and sunset. This gives a mystical aura to the place. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do: Visit Cendere Bridge, Karakus
Best Time To Visit: May and September
Best Places To Stay: Gunes Motel Nemrut, Zeus Otel
8. The City of Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient Greek city in contemporary Turkey. It is well-preserved and gives a peek into an illustrious bygone era.
Also, remarkable here are the grand Library of Celsus, the magnificent Theater, and the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Things To Do: Souvenir shopping, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to mid-June
Best Places To Stay: Ayasoluk Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Celsus Boutique Hotel
9. Istanbul
Istanbul is the capital city where East meets West. It is a mesmerizing blend of history and modernity. Located amongst Europe and Asia, the city boasts iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
The hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar offers a delightful escape into material luxury. The Bosphorus Strait provides a picturesque backdrop to the city. The city’s colorful culture, delectable cuisine, and architectural marvels make it a must-visit on your itinerary.
Things To Do: Visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September and November
Best Places To Stay, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottoman
10. Izmir
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and lies on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It has a rich history and combines ancient ruins like the Agora Open Air Museum with modern amenities.
The vibrant Kemeraltı bazaar, colorful street art, and seaside promenades are enchanting for most tourists. Please contribute to its dynamic atmosphere.
Things To Do: Shop at Kemeralti Market, Visit the Izmir Wild Life Park, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: Autumn or Spring season
Best Places To Stay: Hilton Izmir, Wyndham Grand Izmir Ozdilek
11. Aladağlar National Park
Aladaglar National Park is a sprawling national park with over 55 hectares of land.
Known as the Alps of Turkey, this mountainous Park was established in 1995. It is ideal and famous for its trekking, hiking, and mountaineering sports in Turkey. This is one of the best Turkey tourist places.
Things to do: Hiking, trekking
Best Time To Visit: February to April
Best Places To Stay: Basturk Dinlenmi Tesisi, Ucar Pansiyon, Aladaglar Bungalow Camping
12. Ankara
Ankara is well-known as Turkey’s Beating Heart. It is the capital of and the second-largest city in Turkey. Ankara is located in the very heart of the Eastern Edge of the High Anatolian Plateau.
The city is known for its beautiful yellow wheat fields, volcanoes, and a huge number of the Steppe. From the top of the Ankara Citadel, you can get a panoramic view of the city.
Things To Do: Souvenir Shopping, Visit the Anitkabir, Explore the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Best Places To Stay: Convention Center, Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheraton Ankara Hotel
Wrapping Up
Turkey as a tourist destination is full of rich insights into a glorious historical past as well as geographical sites. As you keep revising and ticking your itinerary when visiting the best places in Turkey, remember to walk through the ancient ruins; the natural scenery; and the scrumptious local cuisine. Do not forget to bask in the warmth at the beaches. So, pack your bags and book your trip to Turkey now! Now, is the moment!
Tourists can fly from different Indian airports such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, and many others. The most popular airlines that fly between India and Turkey include Turkish Airlines, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, among others. There are both direct flights and stopover flights available.
Tourists must explore Ankara, Patara, Antalya and the Temple of Hadrian as they are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey.
Yes, a visa is important for traveling to Turkey. However, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and at least 3 months before leaving the country.
There are no restrictions on wearing anything that you like in Turkey. Make sure you are in full clothes while visiting religious places in Turkey.
Turkey is popular for its beautiful mosques, natural wonders, food, textiles, and culture which is a fusion of European and Asian continents.
