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If you are looking for a beautiful place to visit, you might be thinking about going to Turkey. The ancient land of Anatolia will provide amazing views of the Mediterranean, delicious food to eat, and all the history you could ever imagine. You can learn about the ancient city of Ankara, go shopping in Istanbul, and discover the ancient history of Eastern Europe and Asia.
You will also be treated to some amazing blue waters, thanks to the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Filled with a tremendous amount of Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman history, it is easy to see why Turkey is such a popular destination. At the same time, what are some of the most beautiful places to explore in Turkey?
Take a look at some of the top places you may want to visit as part of a day trip or an extended stay.
1. Istanbul
Of course, if you are planning a trip to Turkey, you will probably start in Istanbul. It’s an impressive city that has a tremendous amount of Western and Eastern architecture. The Bosphorus Strait goes right through the city, separating it into two separate parts and two separate continents.
In essence, Istanbul is a part of Europe and Asia. It is an incredible city with a lot of ancient ruins, modern architecture, and bustling cafes. It is more than 2500 years old, making it a cultural Melting Pot of the world.
Istanbul has served as the capital of four different empires, and it has taken a piece of each empire with it. Even though these empires have risen and fallen, Istanbul remains. If you are looking for the best place to visit in Istanbul, you will definitely want to swing by the Hagia Sophia.
This is an ancient Byzantine structure that used to serve as a Christian Church. It was built by the emperor Justinian I, who was the ruler of the Byzantine empire. The church was eventually converted into a mosque, then back to a church, then back to a mosque again. You will see a lot of Christian and Islamic inscriptions on the inside of the church.
You may also want to visit the Blue Mosque, which was built in the 17th century. It was one of the most important buildings produced during the Ottoman Empire, and there are still a lot of prayer services that go on inside the mosque. Even if you are not a follower of the Muslim religion, you may want to check out the inside of the mosque.
There are plenty of other things to see in Istanbul outside of these amazing religious structures. You may want to go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, you can swing by the Topkapi Palace, and you can climb to the top of the Galata Tower. There is a lot to do and see in Istanbul.
2. Ephesus
If you are interested in learning more about history, this is arguably the best place to visit in the area.. Ephesus, and the surrounding area, was at one point situated in ancient Greece. It is a major archaeological site, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated just outside of Selcuk, and it was once a major trading center in the region.
It is difficult to find landmarks that are as intact as this beautiful city. It has been thousands of years since it was part of the Greek Empire, but it is still a gorgeous place to visit. You will want to visit the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis, and the Basilica of St. John while you are here. It only costs a few dollars to get in.
3. Ankara
There are a lot of people who say that Ankara is the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey. It is in the center of Anatolia itself, and it is filled with a lot of traditional and modern Turkish architecture. During your time in Ankara, you will definitely want to check out the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, who was the first President of Turkey.
The mausoleum is called Anitkabir, and the president declared Ankara to be the capital of Turkey in 1923. You may want to attend a symphony, catch a ballet, or visit the State Opera. There is a lot to do in Ankara, so you will certainly be kept busy.
In the center of the city, you will find some of the best restaurants. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat, poke around shops, and grab a drink at one of the local bars. You may also want to talk to some of the locals to see if there is anything interesting going on during your visit.
If you branch outside of the city, you will find some interesting hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. You might even want to sign up for a tour of the city if you want to learn more about the history. This is a city that has played a major role in multiple ancient empires, so you might want to spend a few days in the area.
4. Bursa
Another beautiful place you may want to explore in Turkey is Bursa. It sits at the base of the Uludag Mountains, and the village is more than 700 years old. There are plenty of narrow streets, cobblestone paths, and interesting shops to explore. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is one of the best places to visit if you want to see what traditional Turkey looks like.
The village is popular because the residents are incredibly friendly. If you want to find a spot to grab a bite to eat, the residents should be able to help you. You can learn more about what traditional life in Bursa is like.
During your visit, you may also want to swing by Cumalikizik, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is one of the best places to learn more about the Turkish way of life, so it is well worth your time to visit.
5. Gelemis and the White Beach of Patara
During your visit to Turkey, you should also swing by Gelemis. This is a small village that is rarely visited by tourists, so it is a great opportunity for you to see what life is like outside of the popular tourist destinations. It sits on the edge of the coastline, situated at the base of the Taurus Mountains.
It is a popular destination among local artists who are looking for a bit of inspiration. Agriculture is the way of life in this town, and in particular, people tend to focus on beekeeping. There are lots of vegetables and fruits that grow in the area, and there are beehives in between them.
During your visit, you will definitely want to visit the beach of Patara. It is unspoiled by man, and it is well worth your time to visit. If you walk along the beach at night, you will want to turn off any sources of light, as the beach is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, which are endangered.
It is a popular swimming and camping destination, and the beach itself used to be frequented by the Lycians during the age of the Roman Empire. It is also considered to be a major part of the Turkish Riviera.
6. Trabzon
For something that is a bit off the beaten path, you may want to visit the Sumela Monastery. You can find it in Trabzon, which is an ancient Turkish province situated on the coast of the Black Sea. Supposedly, the Monastery is more than a thousand years old. It is situated approximately 3600 feet off the ground, and you will be treated to some amazing views.
There is a tremendous amount of cultural and historical significance, making it a prominent tourist attraction. The monastery was built as a dedication to the Virgin Mary, and it is believed that the area has some miraculous properties.
There is a narrow stairway you can follow up to the top. The monastery is designed to have everything you need. There are rooms for people to study, kitchens for people to eat, and chapels for people to worship.
There is also a holy water fountain inside the monastery. There are intricate frescoes that all depict different scenes from The Bible, with many of them containing images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
Several years ago, many of the frescoes had to be restored. The monastery has since reopened to visitors, and it is definitely worth visiting. Outside of the monastery, you will be treated to some views of the Pontic Mountains, which are known for their rolling green hills and deafening silence.
7. Pamukkale
If you are interested in some unique scenery, then you should definitely spend some time at Pamukkale. There are lots of terraced warm pools to explore, plenty of waterfalls, and some mineral white forests that contain petrified water. There Is nothing quite like it on Earth, so you will definitely want to explore. It is located in southwestern Turkey, and the terraces have been made from multiple layers of travertine. This is a white sediment that was deposited in the hot springs over time.
A lot of people refer to this as the cotton castle. It does look like a giant white castle from the base of the hills. It is definitely off the beaten path, but it is well worth the visit. The water is very hot, so be sure to ask about the temperature before you jump in.
People have been visiting this area for thousands of years, and it is even rumored that Cleopatra bathed in the waters at one point. It should come as no surprise that this is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Be sure to add it to your list when you swing by turkey.
8. Olympos
Olympos is one of the most beautiful places in all of Turkey to visit, so be sure to add it to your list. It has some beautiful pine forests, a gorgeous coastline, and is a gem of the Antalya province. There are Lycian ruins situated in the middle of the province, and they have since been reclaimed by nature. If you are looking for some peace and tranquility on your vacation, this is the place to go.
This is not a place you are going to find any luxury hotels. But, it is a place where you can explore some tree houses and wooden shacks. It is the perfect place to be one with nature, but you should also be mindful of the animals in the area. In particular, there are a lot of loggerhead sea turtles, so be sure to leave them be. You will need to turn off your lights at night to avoid attracting the sea turtles or scaring them away. This area is a popular nesting site.
9. Konya
Are you interested in getting your fill of Turkish culture? If so, you should pay a visit to Konya. This is a location that is known for its ancient mosques, its delicious food, and its tremendous amount of history. It is widely considered to be the Islamic capital of Turkey, but you certainly do not need to be a follower of the Muslim religion to visit! This is also the home of one of the most famous poets in Turkish history, Rumi. You can find his tomb located in the Mevlana Museum.
The museum is absolutely huge, and there are lots of exhibits that rotate regularly. Therefore, you may want to come back in the future to see if there is anything new on display. The museum is also lit up with a variety of colors at night, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
The followers of the Sufi saint are known as the whirling dervishes. Essentially, followers of the religion listen to music, focus on God, and spin in repetitive circles. The idea is to mimic the planets orbiting the sun. They are taking a journey to enlightenment.
10. Myra and Demre
You may also want to swing by Myra, which is an ancient town from the Lycian era. Today, it is known as Demre, but people know it by both of its names. Most of the ancient city has since disappeared, but there are still some amazing ruins that stand to this day. It was constructed during the time of the Roman Empire, and there are lots of Roman baths, Roman homes, and Roman theaters. Many of the buildings have been carved right into the vertical rock cliffs, which makes for some interesting scenery.
The tomb of Saint Nicholas is also housed in the center of the town, so there is a lot of history to explore as well. There are some interesting wall frescoes you may want to check out. Much of the city was carved out of the rock by a stream that used to flow through the area, but it has since changed direction. If you do not remember, Saint Nicholas is also known as Santa Claus. You can find this ancient town located halfway between Patara and Antalya.
11. The Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz
If you are looking for a UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit, you should swing by the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. The blue waters of this area are simply unparalleled. The turquoise water, lagoon boats, and sandy beaches are absolutely gorgeous.
The sand is incredibly soft, there is a beautiful mountain in the background, and the residents are extremely friendly. It is important to note that this area can get very busy with visitors, so you’ll need to plan your day carefully.
There are plenty of activities you can try. If you are looking for a way to get away from the crowds, you may want to go paragliding. You will have an absolutely gorgeous view of the area from the air. It is relatively easy to get to this area from Antalya, and there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes to try. Of course, you will want to go swimming in the water during your stay! The sandy beaches can get crowded, so if you want a place to relax, you will need to show up early.
12. Cappadocia
If you decide to make the trip up the Anatolian Plateau, you will eventually reach Cappadocia. This is a gorgeous landscape that will make it feel like you are spending time in a fantasy world. There are lots of expansive plains, rugged mountains, and countless valleys to explore.
There are also a handful of volcanoes that erupt from time to time, so you should use caution during your visit. Earthquakes and erosion have created the unique landscape you will see in front of you, and you will feel like you are in a fairy tale surrounded by the famous fairy chimneys.
There are rocks that have slowly been eroded into some amazing sculptures that you simply cannot find anywhere else. There are even rumors that mythical creatures live in this area. The history is also incredibly rich.
Ancient, prehistoric humans lived in this area. Cave dwellers, troglodytes, and other prehistoric groups of people lived in this area during the stone age. Then, churches and monasteries were built in this area a bit later.
You can easily spend many days exploring this area. They are ancient cave houses that were used by Christians who were fleeing persecution by the Romans. Now, there are a lot of locals who live in this area, and they are always open to receiving visitors. If you are truly looking for something spectacular during your visit, you might want to consider taking a hot air balloon ride.
13. Artvin
If you head out to the Black Sea, you will eventually reach Artvin, which is situated on the border of Georgia. It is an absolutely gorgeous place that is surrounded by mountains. Some of them are 12,500 feet high. The landscape looks like something out of a dream.
There are lots of interesting rock formations and steep valleys that have been carved out by the Coruh river over the years. You will want to check out the beautiful pine trees, breathtaking skies, and interesting architecture. This area is home to the Laz people, and they speak their own language. The language has actually been classified as endangered by UNESCO.
This is a part of Turkey with its own culture and traditions. You might feel like you are in a slightly different country. You can try some unique food, engage in some ritual dancing, and learn some ancient poems.
Even though it is a bit out of the way, it is not that far away from Istanbul. Furthermore, the drive to this area from Istanbul is very scenic. Make sure you bring your camera, as it is a visit you will not want to forget.
Plan Your Visit To Turkey
Clearly, there is a lot to see in Turkey. It was once a center of the ancient world, and it remains a mesmerizing part of the Mediterranean Coast. It is filled with a lot of minarets, mosaics, natural wonders, and nightlife. During your visit, don’t forget to gaze at the natural beauty of old town Turkey, and you might even want to check out a national park.
Even though there is a lot to add to your bucket list, you can use this Turkey travel guide to make sure you catch all of the best sightseeing. You can take a tour of some underground cities, visit an open-air museum and let yourself get lost in the largest city in Turkey.
Do not forget to head out to the coast if you want to enjoy the white sand as well! Turkey is truly a country that straddles both Asia and Europe, so allow yourself to get lost in the culture, get ready for a visit you will never forget, and plan your visit to this amazing country accordingly.
