Top 10 places to visit in Turkey

Cosmopolitan cities, beautiful beaches and ancient cities, are all a part of Turkey’s vast landscape where history, nature and culture all show its beauty individually. Check out some of the best places that everyone should visit in Turkey.

Istanbul

As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul is one of the first places that comes to mind when thought of important historical capital cities. With its world-famous historical sites, exquisite art, gastronomy and culture areas, as well as its massive cosmopolitan existence. Istanbul is a city like no other in the world and one that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Ankara

Turkey’s capital may not be as high-energy as Istanbul, but the bureaucratic city of Ankara has amazing architecture with its historic state and taste for opera and ballet. Atatürk mausoleum, Anıtkabir and its historic quarter with its famous castle.

Mardin

One of the most visually spectacular cities in Turkey, Mardin impresses everyone with its old city composed of beautifully hand carved stone houses, mosques and churches belonging to the Artuqid period.

Cappadocia

Certainly, one of Turkey’s most well-known destinations, the image of hot air balloons gliding over the magical landscape of the fairy chimneys has become an icon in Cappadocia. Underground cities, cave churches with beautiful frescoes and the earthenware pottery of Avanos.

Antalya

The coast of Turkey has been a dream for many summer vacationers and Antalya’s beautiful landscape. Where you can find the Old town (Kaleiçi) with its humble small streets and bars. While exploring you can find yourselves close to the old harbour.

Muğla

Speaking of secluded bays and beaches, the municipality of Muğla (which includes the major summer resort towns of Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye) has its fair share of exceptional spots to truly enjoy the confluence of the sea. From the beaches of Mazi, near Bodrum to the Kabak Bay and Butterfly Valley near Fethiye to Dalyan near Marmaris, there’s plenty to explore.

Mersin

Often not noticed by travellers and also known as a port city, Mersin is actually an exceptional destination for historic sights that are outside of the usual tourist destinations. From the Mamure Castle to the ancient city of Soli-Pompeiopolis, Mersin is a dream for history enthusiasts.

Black Sea Coast

Most comparable to the Swiss terrain, the Black Sea region is a fantastic conglomeration of mountains and alpine pastures where villagers still live in nature’s simplicity. From the Kaçkar Mountains to Artvin to the Sumela Monastery, Turkey’s Black Sea region is exceptional!

Bursa

The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa has a long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include its many social complexes, mosques and bazaars, as well as the beautifully preserved village of Cumalikizik from the early Ottoman period.

Alanya

Alanya has a significant share in the country's tourism industry. Each year more than five million holidaymakers spend their summer holiday in Alanya. It has a big reputation as one of the most famous holidays resorts not only in European countries but also American and Asians. According to the latest census, about fifteen thousands Europeans are living in Alanya in recent years. The location of the town, the living conditions, the climate and the transport made Alanya worth visiting first and living later.