best places to visit in north east turkey

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Best Places To Visit In Northern Turkey (2024)

• Last Updated: May 10, 2024
• Destinations , Middle East , Turkey

Turkey is a seriously beautiful country and one that I keep returning to.  There’s just so much to see and experience in this amazing place.

Northern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast, is possibly my favourite part of the country. The Black Sea region (called “ Karadeniz “, in Turkish ) is green, lush, and stunning.

Here you’ll find misty, forested mountains, temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and more fascinating historic sights than you could ever hope to visit.

From the breathtaking Sumela Monastery to the epic coastal road between Amasra and Sinop, this region is a paradise for anyone looking to get off the beaten path and discover some of Turkey’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In Northern Turkey

There are too many beautiful places in Karadeniz to include all in this post.  The following are some of my favourites.

I’ve set these out in a rough order that makes sense to follow, travelling from west to east.

1. Istanbul

Okay, Istanbul isn’t technically in the Karadeniz region of Turkey, but it’s close enough.  Plus, you’ll probably be starting and/or ending your trip through northern Turkey here.

This huge city in north-west Turkey is also one of the most incredible metropolises on the planet.

Saying that Istanbul is a place “ where East meets West ” is super cliché.  But it’s also totally true.  

The largest city in Turkey (and Europe, depending on the definition) spreads (literally) over two continents.  It’s the crossroads between Europe and Asia, both physically and culturally.

Istanbul has been one of the world’s most important cities for more than 2,500 years. 

The ancient Greeks and Romans treasured its strategic location, and it later became the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Today, more than 15 million people call this amazing place home.  It’s the cultural and economic capital of modern Turkey and one of the world’s truly global megacities.

There’s so much to see and do in Istanbul.  You could spend weeks here , exploring somewhere new each day.

For those with less time, I’d suggest basing yourself in Sultanahmet, the centre of the Fatih district of old Istanbul.  Many of the city’s most famous sights are located in or close to here.

Top sights close to Sultanahmet:

Make sure you check out the Haghia Sophia (“ Aya Sofya “, in Turkish ) and the Blue Mosque (or “ Sultan Ahmet Camii “).

These are two of the most incredible buildings and places of worship that I have ever seen.

Another highlight is the maze-like Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar in the world (with more than 4,000 shops).

Additionally, Topkapı Palace , the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, now contains a museum.

One of the best ways to experience Istanbul is just to wander and get lost in its winding backstreets.

A  boat trip on the Bosphorus is another great thing to do.  This will give you a sense of the scale and layout of the city.  I recommend doing it at sunset when Istanbul is at its most atmospheric.

With the domes and minarets of hundreds of mosques silhouetted against the sky, and the call to prayer echoing across the water, this place will take your breath away.

Istanbul is, overall, a very safe city to visit (just keep an eye out for pickpockets), and is easy to explore independently.

However, if you would prefer a guided tour to see the highlights, there are many excellent companies to choose from.

Click here for more information.

Amasra is one of the prettiest towns in Northern Turkey and probably my favourite city in Turkey.  

Located on the Turkish Black Sea coast, it’s a popular holiday destination for Istanbulites and others from the surrounding regions.

Driving the 450 kilometres from  Istanbul to Amasra is fairly straightforward and takes about 6 hours.

The tiny old town is located on a narrow peninsula, connected by a Byzantine-era stone bridge.  

Amasra castle was built by the Romans, and its citadel has walls and other fortifications that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries.

There are enough things to do in Amasra to justify spending at least a couple of days here.  It’s a beautiful place to wander, exploring the maze of narrow winding streets.  

Amasra has an idyllic natural harbour.  In summer, it’s a popular place for swimming and catching the sun.  From here, you can also take boat trips along the rugged coastline.

The whole place oozes with rich history and is very atmospheric, especially in the evenings.  

There are several little restaurants with outside terraces, where you can feast on freshly caught fish, whilst watching the sun go down.  

Amasra is one of my favourite towns in Turkey.  As well as being a really pretty place, people here are super friendly. 

It’s easy to make friends with strangers, who are often keen to strike up a conversation with you over tea.

3. Amasra to Sinop: Coastal Drive

The coastal road between Amasra and Sinop is one seriously epic drive .

In parts single-track and poorly paved, this road will probably amaze and terrify you in equal measure.  

The views are stunning, as the road snakes around jagged cliffs, passing through emerald-green forests, above the impossibly blue, glistening sea.

The 320-kilometre coastal route from Amasra to Sinop takes about 8 hours to drive.  

I’d strongly recommend spreading the journey out over a few days though.  You want to take your time here.  There are loads of beautiful places to stop along the way, and friendly people to meet. 

Having your own car is strongly recommended, so you can take as long as you want and stop wherever you fancy.

Some of the best places to stop along the coastal highway include:

• Kurucaşile:  has a famous shipbuilding yard where you can see traditional wooden boats being built by hand.
• Kapısuyu and/or  Çakraz:  both fantastic spots for beach camping , lunch, chilling, etc.
• Cide (pronounced “Chide”): has a great beach and decent, cheap accommodation.
• Gideros Bay:  a beautiful spot for a picnic.

However, fear not if you don’t have a car.  

It is possible to do the journey by taking several  dolmuş (pronounced “dol-mush”) – i.e. shared minibus taxis, similar to  matatus  or  dala-dalas  in Africa, which run on set routes along the way.  

Not the most comfortable way to travel (and the driving is often pretty aggressive), but fun all the same.  

(Make sure you grab a window seat on the left side of the bus, for the best views!)

Sinop is an ancient walled city built on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea.

Historically important since the time of the ancient Greeks, today Sinop is said to be the happiest city in Turkey .  It’s also one of the best cities to visit in Turkey.

Sinop is a peaceful, pleasant place with an attractive seafront and lots of good places to eat and drink. 

Take a wander along the harbour, where you’ll find many cafes and stalls selling amazingly fresh grilled fish .

Sinop Castle was originally built in the 7th century BC and is one of the main sights in town.  This amazing fortress housed an infamous jail up until 1997 when it was converted into an open-air museum.  

Starting at the castle, you can walk along the tops of the old city walls .  Climb up the main tower for panoramic views over the old city, its harbour, and out to sea.

Trabzon is the largest city in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region and is a convenient hub for exploring the area.  It’s also one of the cheapest places to stay in northern Turkey.

This is another place steeped in thousands of years of history, dating back to the 8th century BC.  It was an important port on the route linking Persia to the Mediterranean.

Trabzon’s ancient walled city was built into the side of a hill, with steep flights of stairs connecting several neighbourhoods.

There are many ancient churches, monasteries and mosques in and around Trabzon.  The most famous of these is the Hagia Sophia ( /Aya Sofya ).  

This smaller cousin of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the best-preserved Byzantine buildings in the world.

Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered in intricate frescoes depicting stories from the Bible.

The Ottomans converted this amazing building into a mosque.  Since then, it has served as both a hospital and a museum and is now again a mosque.  

6. Sumela Monastery

At an altitude of 1,200 metres, perched on a ledge halfway up a vertical cliff, Sumela Monastery has the most incredible setting imaginable.

Getting to this unbelievable place is part of the experience.  You have to follow a winding road up through a misty valley, past raging streams and gushing waterfalls.

Looking up into the thickly forested mountains, you might catch a glimpse of the monastery, suspended impossibly on the cliff edge.

This Greek Orthodox monastery was founded in the 4th century and is built, literally, out of the side of the mountain.  

Looking out of the narrow windows into thin air, all the way down to the valley floor below, it’s hard not to be amazed that this was built  1,700 years ago .

The complex has several chapels, including a rock church decorated with beautifully intricate frescoes depicting Biblical scenes.  

There are several other buildings around the main courtyard, including kitchens, a bakery, living quarters, a library, and a natural spring said to contain holy water.

It’s certainly one of the most touristy sites in Northern Turkey, but is an incredible place nonetheless.  Definitely worth a visit.

I’d try to go early or late in the day (ideally midweek) to avoid the worst of the crowds.

The attractive village of Uzungöl is situated on the shores of a lake, 90 kilometres south-east of Trabzon, in a valley surrounded by towering mountains.

It’s a popular rural retreat with people from Trabzon and surrounding cities, who come here for long weekends to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Uzungöl has a definite Alpine feel, with several smart wooden lodges boasting comfortable rooms and a range of facilities. 

Inan Kardeşler Hotel  is a popular one, and has a fantastic restaurant specialising in local dishes. 

Hiking is a popular activity in the area, and there are several trails starting from the village.  

Depending on how far you want to go, you can either take a leisurely stroll around the lake or hike further up through the thick forests into the surrounding mountains. 

The  Culture Routes Society has some great information on the various long-distance hiking trails and biking routes in Turkey.

Rize is another town on the Turkish Black Sea coast, 80 kilometres east of Trabzon.  

There’s a decent range of places to stay here, and it makes a good base for exploring the surrounding area.

Rize is an important centre of tea production .  People in Turkey drink a lot of tea, and Rize tea (“ Rize çayı “) is said to be the highest quality.  (If you haven’t tried Turkish tea, do – it’s delicious!)

The fertile green hills of Rize province are home to several large tea plantations, some of which you can visit. 

One of the most accessible is the Ziraat Tea Garden , a short walk up into the hills from the centre of town.  

Here you can sample the local produce at its freshest, whilst enjoying the views over Rize and the surrounding hills.

Rize also has a medieval castle , built in the 6th century, plus a small ethnographic museum .

9. Ayder Yaylası

Turkey’s Black Sea region has many  yayla  (summertime mountain pastures).  Ayder is one of the most famous of these.

Located in a lush green valley in the Kaçkar Mountains , about 84 kilometres from Rize, the village itself has beautiful surroundings.

People come here to enjoy the fresh air, fantastic mountain scenery, and the famous  hot springs , which are said to have healing properties.  

Ayder is surrounded by densely forested mountains, sparkling streams and waterfalls.  It’s a beautiful spot and a perfect place to connect with your inner calm .  

And if that’s too hippie-dippy for you, there are many hikes and mountain biking trails in the hills around the area.

Keep an eye out for the many beehives which are hung on trees.  Rhododendron honey is a speciality of this region.

10. Karagöl Sahara Milli Parkı

In the far corner of north-eastern Turkey, near the border with Georgia, you will find the Karagöl Sahara National Park ( Milli Parkı ).

This 8,000-acre park has a beautifully wild feel, whilst still being fairly accessible.  It’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and campers.

There’s a lodge located inside the park where you can stay, if you’d prefer not to camp.

This is one of the best places to visit in Turkey in September, especially if you are a keen hiker.  At this time, the weather is likely to be warm and dry, though you should always be prepared for rain.

11. Ani Ruins

130 kilometres southeast of Karagöl Sahara, on the (closed) border with Armenia, is the ruined city of Ani .

Ani is sometimes called the City of 1,001 Churches and is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site .  

Strategically located on a triangular plateau between three gorges, Ani was the capital of the medieval Armenian kingdom in the 10th and 11th centuries. 

At this time, it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world.

Ani was later an important trading post on the Silk Road , which linked China to Europe and the Middle East, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of cultures.

However, the Mongols captured and sacked the city in the 1200s, which marked the start of its gradual decline.

Damaged by earthquakes, harsh weather and repeated Mongol invasions, the beautiful buildings were later abandoned and forgotten .

Today, this amazing, otherworldly place feels like a mythical ghost city.  The whole area is eerily silent.  I didn’t see any other tourists there at all, which is amazing given how spectacular and unique it is.

Exploring the crumbling ruins, with no other soul in sight, it’s easy to imagine you are discovering for the first time the remains of a long-lost civilisation.

Ani is one of the most surreal, memorable places I’ve ever visited.  It’s definitely one of the most underrated locations in Turkey.  I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Why Visit Turkey’s Black Sea Region?

Unlike the west and southwest of the country, Turkey’s Black Sea Region is relatively undiscovered .  

Pulling into a picturesque seaside village, it often feels like you’re the only foreign tourist in town.  Sometimes you are!

Turkish culture is known for its  hospitality .  But in Karadeniz, this is taken to a whole new level.

The first time a total stranger buys you a coffee, or lunch, or invites you to stay at their place, it can be disarming.  “ Why are they doing this?? “, you wonder. 

However, acts of kindness like this towards visitors are totally normal here.  

I lost track of the number of times local people bought me lunch, took me on free boat trips, invited me to stay at their house, and dropped everything to show me around. 

It’s really amazing, and something that took me totally off guard.

I think this is partly due to the lack of mass tourism here.  People stop you in the street.  They are genuinely interested to meet you and hear your story.  They want to chat and to show you their world.

It’s a fantastic place, full of fantastic people.

** If you need a visa to visit Turkey, I recommend using iVisa.com .  Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use. **

Practical Info & Tips

Here’s some additional practical information and tips to help you plan your trip to Karadeniz.

How To Get To Northern Turkey

Istanbul Airport is Turkey’s main port of entry.  It’s a global aviation hub, and most major international airlines fly here. 

Alternatively, you could fly to Ankara (Turkey’s capital city), and then head north to the Black Sea.

There are a few international flights to Turkey’s Black Sea cities (such as Trabzon and Samsun), but not many.  Either way, it’ll probably be cheaper to fly to Istanbul.

I use – and recommend – Aviasales to find the best flight deals.   Their search engine is easy to use and picks up promotions and discounted fares that other comparison sites often miss.  

Istanbul is a major port , and it’s also possible to arrive here by ship.

I’ve also crossed into (and out of) Turkey through the land borders with both Greece and Georgia , both of which are fairly straightforward.  

If you’re bringing a car with you, make sure you have its registration documents to hand, in case customs officers want to see them.  

International driving permits are not strictly necessary, though I think it’s always a good idea to have one, to avoid any potential issues at the border.

Transport Around Karadeniz

Sightseeing in Turkey is a breeze, and the country has an excellent public transport network.

Cheap and comfortable  long-distance coaches connect most major towns and cities.  

Dolmuş minibus taxis ply the routes between the smaller towns and villages, both on the coast and in the mountains.

However, if your budget can stretch to hiring a car , I’d strongly recommend it.  

Turkey’s Black Sea region is an amazing place for a road trip .  Having your own car enables you to travel at your own pace and stop wherever you want.  Finding free parking usually isn’t difficult either.

It’s much easier to get to more remote places (e.g. lakes, forests, and the surrounding countryside) if you have your own wheels.  

For those who are into camping, this also helps to keep your costs way down. 🙂

Cheap car hire in Turkey

The best deals on car hire in Turkey are usually found on localrent.com .  They compare the prices of local car rental companies, which tend to be significantly cheaper than the big international hire companies.

Click here for the latest prices.

Alternatively, why not drive your own car there…

And if you have even more time, see my guide to travelling from Tbilisi to Mestia , in neighbouring Georgia.  This would make an excellent extension to your  Karadeniz road trip.

** Love road trips?  Me too.  Check out some of my other road trip-related posts, including:

• Romania Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know
• Oman Road Trip: An Epic Arabian Adventure
• The Perfect Albania Road Trip
• Ethiopia: A Road Trip Like No Other  **

Where To Stay In Northern Turkey

With the notable exception of Istanbul, accommodation in Karadeniz is generally much cheaper than in the more touristy parts of the country (e.g. the Mediterranean southwest coast, Cappadocia, etc.).

House of one of the many kind strangers who invited me to stay in Northern Turkey

In most places, you’ll find a range of different accommodations, ranging from simple pansiyons (guesthouses) to luxury hotels.  Most offer free WiFi and free parking.

It’s usually a good idea to book in advance, especially during   Turkish public holidays .

Booking.com is a great place to look to compare the lowest prices.

If you have camping gear, there are many great campsites , often in picturesque locations.  

For those keen to do a spot of wild camping , this is generally fine, provided you are considerate of your surroundings.  

Don’t pitch up too close to where people live/work, don’t be stupid with fire, and take all of your rubbish with you.

Check out this article where I review the  best tents for wild camping .

In short… One of the best tents that money can buy is the  MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent .

Best Time To Visit Northern Turkey

Northern Turkey has a milder, wetter climate than the rest of the country.  Humidity is fairly high, and you should be prepared for rainfall year-round, due to the mountains and the Black Sea north of Turkey.

The best time to visit the north coast of Turkey is between June and September when the region receives the least rain and the weather is pleasantly warm.  

However, accommodation is typically more expensive during the summer months.

Due to its unique mild climate, north Turkey is also one of the best places to visit in Turkey in July, when the rest of the country is baking in the midsummer heat.

The mountains can be cold and misty even in the summer though, so warm clothing and waterproofs are essential if you’re planning to hike.

Winters in the Black Sea region are cool and damp.  Though this is when accommodation is usually cheapest.

Tours Of The Turkish Black Sea Coast Region

If you want to visit northern Turkey and the Black Sea coast region, but don’t want to have to bother with the hassle and logistics of organising your trip independently, you could always join a guided tour.

There are many different tours to choose from. Some are short day trips with guides, others are multi-day (or even multi-week) trips where all of your transport and accommodation is taken care of. 

It’s up to you what style of trip appeals to you most.

You can browse through and book some of the most high-rated North Turkey tours on Viator .

FAQs About Visiting Karadeniz

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about planning a trip to the Karadeniz region of Turkey.

What is the North Coast of Turkey like?

The North Coast of Turkey, also known as the Black Sea region, or Karadeniz , is known for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastline, and traditional villages. This region contrasts sharply with the arid parts of central Turkey, offering dense forests, tea plantations, and high rainfall.

Where is less touristy in Turkey?

Less touristy areas in Turkey often include the Eastern Anatolia region, the Black Sea coast, and parts of Central Anatolia. These regions offer a more authentic Turkish experience with fewer crowds, rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and unique historical sites.

What is Karadeniz famous for?

Karadeniz, or the Black Sea region of Turkey, is famous for its lush green landscapes, dense forests, rolling hills, unique culture, and distinct cuisine. The region’s coast features charming towns and historic sites, while its cuisine is known for dishes like hamsi (anchovies) and cornbread.

Is Turkey’s Black Sea region worth visiting?

Turkey’s Black Sea region is definitely worth visiting. It offers a unique experience with its lush greenery, distinctive culture, and less-trodden paths compared to Turkey’s more famous tourist destinations. The region’s natural beauty, from its rugged coastline to forest-covered mountains, is exceptional.

Is Turkey safe to visit?

Most parts of Turkey are pretty safe to visit, as long as you take the usual precautions you would anywhere. That said, the safety situation can vary regionally , especially in parts of southeast Turkey. Karadeniz is overall a very safe region. Check up-to-date government advice about the areas you plan to visit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this guide to Northern Turkey helpful.  

Karadeniz is one of the most beautiful, unexplored places in Turkey.  If you’ve never visited before, I’d really recommend it.

Have I missed any of your favourite destinations?  Which do you think are the most beautiful towns in Turkey?  Let me know in the comments below.

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You can see all tours and activities in Fethiye with Fethiye Tours

I am so intrigued to travel in N. Turkey. We went to Turkey many years ago but only for 12 days. We would also really like to visit Georgia. I’ve heard it is beautiful. Can one take a rental car across the border to Georgia?

Both are amazing places!

Re taking a Turkish rental car across the border to Georgia: yes, it’s generally possible, as long as your rental company allows it (check this – not all do) and you have the necessary paperwork.

Get a letter/written permission from the rental company authorising you to take the car across the border (this is sometimes called a “no objection certificate”). The border officials will probably ask to see this.

Also, make sure your insurance covers you for driving in Georgia as well as Turkey. Again, speak with the rental company to check this and ask them to give you a “green card” (i.e. an international insurance card proving that the vehicle is insured).

Finally, make sure you have the vehicle registration documents and a copy of your rental agreement, in case you’re asked to show these too.

Hope you have a great time!

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• Secrets Of The Steppe Exploring...

Secrets Of The Steppe: Exploring Northeast Turkey

Bordering Georgia and Armenia, Northeast Turkey is where the Anatolian steppe and the Caucasus meet, with romantic ruins and alpine meadows. Here’s how to explore the area, including Ani, an amazing medieval Armenian capital and Silk Road hub, and nearby Kars that was once part of Russia and has the architecture to prove it.

Hiding amid the Anatolian steppe, the southern reaches of the Caucasus and the Black Sea hinterland is one of Turkey’s most rugged and mysterious areas. Against a backdrop of snowy mountains and windswept plains, explorers can discover the eerie ruins of Ani, Kars’s elegantly decaying Russian architecture, the Kaçkars’ alpine pastures, relics of medieval kingdoms and rumours of Noah’s Ark.

Erzurum is the best gateway to the region, with AnadoluJet, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress and Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Bursa; daily trains from Ankara; and long-distance buses from across Turkey. Car hire is available here through operators such as Economy Car Rentals .

In a windblown corner of the Anatolian steppe, hard against the gorge defining the closed Armenian border, lies one of Turkey’s most atmospheric ruined cities. Long grass sways around the earthquake-shattered husks of this medieval Armenian capital and Silk Road trading hub. Once home to around 100,000 people, the wind whistles through the millennium-old Armenian Orthodox cathedral and churches. The pervasive historical mystery begins on entering through the Aslan Kapısı (Lion Gate), named after either its aslan (lion) relief or the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan, who conquered Ani in 1064. Beyond, visitors can take the walking trails to explore the scattered remnants of churches, mosques, a convent, hammam, fortress and palace – traces of Ani’s Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk, Georgian and Mongol rulers. There’s a lightning-cleaved Armenian rotunda church, the riverside remains of a Silk Road bridge and the columns of a Zoroastrian fire temple. Evoking the deserted planets, lost civilisations and ghost towns of the silver screen, Ani’s visceral impact makes it one of the region’s most romantic ancient sites.

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Get there from Kars, 50 kilometres (31 miles) west, with English-speaking guide Celil Ersözoğlu (0532-226 3966; [email protected]). He can either drive you or guide you around the site as well.

The wintery setting of Orhan Pamuk’s 2002 novel Kar (Snow), Kars was occupied by Russia from 1878 to 1920 and has a Russian flavour to its Baltic architecture. Overlooked by the imposing 12th-century castle, an architectural walking tour of the centre highlights grand stone edifices dating to the occupation. The yellow and white Old Governor’s Mansion, the Health Directorate Building’s columns and floral motifs, the L-shaped Revenue Office and the Azerbaijani Consulate are all on Ordu Caddesi. Continuing the Russian theme, the boutique Kar’s Otel occupies a 19th-century mansion, while Hotel Cheltikov and Hotel Katerina Sarayı are both former hospitals, and the samovar-decorated Pushkin Restaurant namechecks the Romantic poet who visited Kars in 1829.

AnadoluJet, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress and Turkish Airlines fly to Kars from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, and there are daily trains from Ankara via Erzurum. The train line from Baku, Azerbaijan via Tbilisi, Georgia is set to start carrying passengers in 2020, while regular buses serve Kars from Erzurum and beyond. Kars car rental agencies are unreliable, so it’s best to hire a driver such as Celil Ersözoğlu.

Around Kars

The mountains around Kars are dotted with Armenian and Georgian churches; many are used as barns or just left to decay in remote Kurdish villages. Spending a day or two finding these relics of medieval kingdoms is an unusual excursion, with Bagnair Monastery, Oğuzlu Church and Kızıl Church located en route to Ani. Others are found south of town in mountaintop villages Keçivan and Çengilli. The D060 west to the Kaçkar Mountains take visitors past a string of ruins, such as Öşkvank Cathedral and Dörtkilise Church, which date back to the area’s days under Georgian Bagratid rule.

To experience how the locals make the most of Kars’s extreme winter temperatures (the mercury plummeted to -35C (-31F) in 2015), take a day trip 60km (37mi) north to frozen Çıldır Lake for sleigh rides and ice fishing in February and March. Serene Çıldır is Turkey’s largest natural lake after Van, with summer activities including birdwatching on a causeway-connected island and eating lake carp in village restaurants on the eastern shore. There’s also winter fun between December and March in Sarıkamış, 55km (34mil) southwest of Kars, which has a ski resort and a few hotels catering to skiers. Sarıkamış has a background of rugged mountains, lonely steppe and historical dramas; the area is home to Czar Nicholas II’s ruined hunting lodge, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox church (now a mosque) and a memorial to the Ottoman troops who died fighting Russia in World War I.

Kaçkar Mountains

The Kaçkars are a 30-kilometre-long (18.6-mile-long) chunk of alpine scenery in the Black Sea hinterland, with pristine yaylalar (mountain pastures), ramshackle wooden villages and rushing rivers beneath the range’s 3000 metre (9842 foot)-plus peaks. During the hiking season (May to September), ascending the likes of Mt Kaçkar and Altıparmak, or just ambling around the lower forests and valleys, is one of Turkey’s most underrated activities.

The best bases include Yusufeli on the eastern side, from where serpentine roads (and dolmuş minibuses) climb to the increasingly remote mountain villages of Barhal, Yaylalar and, finally, Olgunlar at 2130m (6988ft), where the woodsy Kaçkar Pansiyon is an excellent hiking base. Yusufeli is set to be flooded by a dam by 2025, but for now hotels such as Almatur are good gateways to the mountains.

On the Kaçkars’ western side, in the area inhabited by the Hemşin minority, whose culinary speciality is the fondue-like muhlama , the postcard-perfect town of Ayder is enough to make you yodel with its emerald meadows, wood-clad hotels and thermal kaplıca (spa). Serious hikers and white-water rafters also make treks to neighbouring Camlıhemşin, where options including the schoolhouse-set Tașmektep Otel are ideal bases to explore the Fırtına Valley’s Ottoman bridges, ruined castles, tiny villages and high-altitude pastures. It is possible to mount multi-day traverses of the range or its main peaks, but it’s best to enlist the help of a local guide through a company such as Türkü Tourism .

Dolmuşes (shared taxis) run to Ayder via Camlıhemşin from Pazar and Rize, and buses serve Yusufeli from Erzurum, as well as from Trabzon and Hopa on the Black Sea coast.

Turkey’s highest mountain at 5,137m (16,853ft) is Mt Ararat. This picture-book perfect white cone has been the subject of all manner of myths and conspiracy theories – most significantly as the possible resting place of Noah’s Ark. British novelist Rose Macaulay wrote, “Mount Ararat, where planks of the ark still, it seems, lie scattered” in The Towers of Trebizond (1956). The nearest Turkish town, Doğubayazıt, still teems with claims about various ark sites.

The top of the mountain has been out of bounds for several years, although there are hopes it will reopen; either way, it’s best to attempt the arcane permit-application process and the challenging ascent with a local guide, such as Zafer Onay (0551-111 8998; [email protected]). For most visitors, it’s satisfying enough to take in views of Ararat’s cloud-wreathed flanks, which are also a dominant feature of Yerevan, Armenia, from far below.

Doğubayazıt

While in Doğubayazıt (known as ‘doggy biscuit’ in the hippy days), climb the ridge to the romantic towers, domes and courtyards of İshak Paşa Palace, built by the 18th-century Kurdish chieftain of the same name. A mix of Middle Eastern architectural styles fit for Aladdin and Ali Baba, visitors can gaze across the hazy Anatolian plains at Mt Ararat. About 20km (12.4mi) east of Doğubayazıt, there’s another possible ark site, a clearly defined boat shape on a mountainside. This Nu’hun Gemisi (Noah’s Ark) site is near Üzengili village, a few kilometres south of the E80 toward the Iranian border.

Buses connect Erzurum to Doğubayazıt and dolmuşes scoot around the region. Tehran Boutique Hotel is the best place to stay.

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

The Ultimate Eastern Turkey Itinerary

Eastern Turkey is an incredibly beautiful, diverse, vibrant and fascinating place to explore. Most people who travel to Turkey tend to stick to the western half of the country. However, those who venture further east are undoubtedly rewarded. Although if you’re reading this Eastern Turkey itinerary, then I’m assuming that you already know that.

Turkey is a huge country. It spans across two continents and has an incredibly diverse cultural and historical landscape. Yet, tourists tend to hang around the western part of the country which is home to the beautiful city of Istanbul, the Mediterranean coastline and famous sights like Cappadocia and Ephesus. On a map, the vast area that stretches further east from Cappadocia may just seem like a void between Europe and Asia. Whereas, in fact, there’s so much to see there.

I have put together this Eastern Turkey itinerary for anyone planning a trip based on my own experience in the region. Whether you have a couple of weeks of vacation or you’re planning on heading to Turkey as part of some longer overland adventure, this blog post will help you cover the best of Eastern Turkey in two weeks. 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

Why You Should Go to Eastern Turkey

If I haven’t already convinced you, then you might be wondering why go to Eastern Turkey at all.

Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Antalya, Fethiye… most of the places you’ve probably heard about or seen photos of are confined to the western half of the country. For many people, Cappadocia is as far east as they go, but this also means that you miss out on so much more.

If you  prefer less visited places  or obscure destinations that are “off the beaten track”, then Eastern Turkey is definitely for you. This doesn’t mean that it’s difficult to travel around though, with a very similar efficient bus network that you find in the more popular western region. 

Eastern Turkey is also incredibly  rich in culture and history . All of Turkey is littered with archaeological sites and fascinating stories from various bygone empires. However, many of Turkey’s best historical sites are actually found in the east, but these are far less visited than places like Ephesus and Pamukkale in the west. 

You’ll also find a vastly different  cultural and ethnic mix  of people in the east. Southeastern Turkey has a  Kurdish majority  and, although this has meant a complicated and often violent history, it makes for a really interesting experience. Kurds are incredibly hospitable and friendly people. 

Eastern Turkey certainly has a more Middle Eastern vibe with golden baked plains, rugged terrain and pretty, stone villages. At the same time, if you head up to the northern area around the Black Sea coast, you’ll find lush green hills and attractive summer vacation towns. So, no matter what you’re after, there’s  something to interest everyone .

Read next: Everything You Need to Know About Eastern Turkey

Where to Start This Eastern Turkey itinerary

There are two cities which are perfectly placed to start your Eastern Turkey itinerary;  Adana  in southern Turkey and  Erzurum  in eastern Turkey. They are great cities to anchor your Eastern Turkey trip and this itinerary has you starting from one and ending in the other.

These cities operate as  transport hubs  with well-connected airports and bus stations. For example, you can get flights from as little as $30 one way from Istanbul to either city.

If you want to avoid flying for a more environmentally conscious trip , then there are also long-haul buses running from most major cities in Turkey to Adana and Erzurum. Adana is closer to popular western Turkey destinations and might be easier to reach to start your trip. If you find yourself in Cappadocia or even near Antalya on the coast, it’s quite easy to get a bus to Adana.

Turkey has one of the greatest bus networks I’ve ever used, so there’s no problem in preferring to take the road. You can get some really comfortable VIP coaches, as well as, local minivans known as dolmuses. They are all relatively organised with schedules and set prices.

How to Use This Eastern Turkey itinerary

This itinerary is really designed for  independent travellers . If you like to travel by bus and public transport and organise your own day trips and sight seeing along the way, then this itinerary is for you.

I’m recommending this route and these stops based on the  reliable bus and minivan (or locally known as dolmuses) network  between the towns and cities. If you follow these stops in order then you won’t have too much problem working out how to get from A to B as there are frequent bus services. 

You can find some of the major bus services and routes with tickets prices and times on CheckMyBus  here . However, it’s still best to just physcially go to the bus station (“otogar” in Turkish) and buy your ticket there.

Alternatively, you can always arrange private transport if you prefer. Depending on the hotels you decide to stay in, they may be able to organise day trips and private transfers between places but this will obviously cost a lot more.

Two Week Itinerary for Eastern Turkey

This itinerary can be done in either direction. I have it starting from Adana and ending in Erzurum, but it can easily be done vice versa. 

Fly or take a bus to Adana to begin your Eastern Turkey trip. The city is not a huge tourist spot, but you can easily spend the night and use the spare time to see some of the old architecture and beautiful mosques. 

Where to stay in Adana: Hosta Otel (budget) or Hotel Senbayrak City (mid-range)

Top Adana sights include:

• Stone Roman Bridge
• Sabanci Merkez Mosque
• Buyuk Saat or Clock Tower from the 19th century
• Grand Mosque 

Then, you’ll want to get your bus ticket for Sanliurfa organised, which is your first stop on this itinerary.

Optional extra night:  You can also stop in Gaziantep for the night in between Adana and Sanliurfa. The buses run through Gaziantep anyway, so it’s easy to jump off. It’s an underrated city that has a state-of-the-art Archaeological Museum worth seeing, as well as, an incredible covered bazaar, considered one of the best in Turkey. 

Take a bus from Adana to Sanliurfa, or sometimes referred to as just Urfa, for a one-night stay. It’s known as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham and is a city visited by pilgrims all year round. It’s a pretty place with a few sights to keep you busy for the day. 

The main highlight is Abraham’s Cave, which is in the  Dergah Mosque Complex . There’s also a pretty park and old bazaar around the complex. Urfa is easily walkable so you don’t need to travel far to see the main highlights.

However, if you have time, take a half day trip out to  Gobekli Tepe  from Urfa. This archaeological site is still under excavation and ongoing research but it’s open to visitors. It’s considered the oldest temple ever found in the world and it has altered many historians’ beliefs about the origins of humans and faith/religion.

Where to stay in Sanliurfa: Hasbahan Konukevi Boutique Hotel (budget) or Kaliruha Boutique Hotel (mid-range)

Kahta and Mount Nemrut

From Urfa, your next destination is the incredible  Nemrut Dagi or Mount Nemrut . The easiest place to base yourself for a visit to this standout sight of Eastern Turkey is a town called Kahta. From Urfa, you might have to first get a dolmus to Adiyaman, and then change for another dolmus to Kahta, but you can still easily do this in a day.

It’s relatively easy to organise a trip to Mount Nemrut from any of the hotels in Kahta. The trip is usually a sunset or sunrise visit, with the night spent in Kahta. The mountain is difficult to reach otherwise, with no public transport to the mountain, so an organised tour is best.

Read more: How to Explore Mt Nemrut and Sanliurfa

Take a bus east from Kahta to the  capital of Kurdish-majority southeastern Turkey , Diyarbakir. This lively city is often considered extremely dangerous, but I found it to be a great insight into the Kurdish culture and worth a stop for a night or two. 

There’s not a whole lot to do in the city but the  bazaar  area and  old city walls  are a great place to explore and do some shopping. It’s only considered danergous because there have been clashes between Turkish forces and Kurdish groups around the city. However, in the city centre things are pretty peaceful and it’s a bustling cosmopolitan place.

Where to stay in Diyarbakir: Hotel Birkent (budget) or Amida Boutique Hotel (mid-range)

It’s easy to get one of the frequent buses down to Mardin from Diyarbakir. This honey coloured town perched on the top of a plateau and overlooking the Mesopotamia Plain is a charming place to spend time. You can easily spend two nights here, or even three if you want to really relax. It’s quite tourist-oriented with plenty of Turkish tourists heading there for holiday, but I still found it enjoyable with incredibly  dreamy architecture and nice restaurants .

Don’t forget to take a  day trip out to Midyat  from Mardin. The old town in Midyat is similar to Mardin but I found it much quieter and a different look at this unique part of Turkey.

Option:  From Mardin, you can hop over the border to Iraqi Kurdistan for a quick visit. There are buses heading to Duhok and Erbil in Northern Iraq that pass through Mardin. You can read my Iraqi Kurdistan-Turkey border report  here .

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do In Mardin

From Mardin, it’s best to head back to Diyarbakir to get a bus onwards to Van. You should be able to make this trip in one long day. However, if you reach Diyarbakir late, you might have to spend the night there and take a bus to Van the following day (which is what I did). 

Van is a youthful Kurdish-majority city on the shores of  Lake Van . It’s worth spending two nights here to see the sights in and around the city. 

The  top sights around Van  include:

• Akdamar Island on Lake Van
• Van Fortress
• Hosap Castle

Read more: A Guide to Lake Van and Dogubayazit

Dogubayazit

From Van, it’s logical to head to Dogubayazit for a night. The main highlight here is  Ishak Pasa Palace , which is an impressive Ottoman-era palace complex with commanding views. However, a visit out to see  Mount Ararat  in its full glory is also a popular detour. 

Ishak Pasa Palace is easily accessible from the town itself with a local shuttle bus or taxi. If you want to head out to Mount Ararat and where Noah’s Ark apparently came to rest then you’ll have to hire a local taxi for a couple of hours. 

I actually visited Dogubayazit in one long day trip from Van which is also possible. However, for a more relaxing visit, I recommend spending the night in Dogubayazit and then travelling onwards from there to Kars.

Kars and Ani

From either Van or Dogubayazit, you can take a bus to Kars, a city in the far eastern side of Turkey. It’s best known as the gateway for visiting the  ruined Armenian city of Ani . 

You’ll probably need two nights in Kars. The bus trip from Dogubayazit to Kars will take most of the day and then you need a full day to get out to see Ani and back.

Option:  From Kars, you can hop over to Georgia if you want to extend your trip. There’s a bus that runs a few times a week from Kars to Tbilisi. You can read more about the border crossing here .

Read more: How to Visit Ani Ruins

The last stop on this Eastern Turkey itinerary is Erzurum. You can easily get a bus from Kars to Erzurum. It’s the  largest city  in Eastern Turkey and a huge transport hub for the region. It’s not overly touristy but if you have time to spare, the  historic part  of the city has some fantastic old buildings worth checking out.

From Erzurum you have a few options. You can head up to Trabzon and the Black Sea for an extra couple of days or take a long haul bus back towards western Turkey or fly out to another destination. 

Where to stay in Erzurum: Otel Cinar (budget) or Hotel Zade (mid-range)

Add on option: Trabzon

If you have a little longer than two weeks, consider adding a trip up to Trabzon from Erzurum. This  resort city  on the Black Sea coast is a popular holiday destination for Turks. It has incredibly lush surroundings which is a striking difference from most of eastern Turkey which is filled with sun-baked, golden hills. You can easily take one of the frequent bus services from Erzurum to Trabzon. 

From here, the real attraction is heading out to  Sumela Monastery  built into the rock face of the mountains, 45km south of Trabzon. The only downside is that the actual monastery itself is closed for renovations. It’s been this way for a few years now and projections put it at another two years (at least) before it will open again to visitors. You can still get to the monastery, just not inside, but some people say that it’s still worth a trip if you’re heading to Trabzon. I didn’t personally go out to see it, but when it opens again it will undoubtedly be a must-see in Eastern Turkey.

Option:  From Trabzon, you can take a bus across the border to Batumi in Georgia. This is the most popular crossing between Turkey and Georgia and is often used by many travellers.

Where to stay in Trabzon: Sulduz Hotel (budget) or Marvell City Otel (mid-range)

Some Essential Reading for Eastern Turkey

• Everything You Need to Know About Travelling in Eastern Turkey

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How to Visit Ani Ruins in Eastern Turkey

How to Explore Mt Nemrut and Sanliurfa in Turkey

A Guide to Lake Van and Dogubayazit in Eastern Turkey

10 Best Things to Do in Mardin, Turkey

14 comments.

[…] The Ultimate Eastern Turkey Itinerary […]

Exactly what I was searching for. Many thanks for sharing your travel experience in Eastern Turkey

Elisha! Thank you for this fabulous blog, It helped me a lot.

I need assistance regarding traveling between and within cities. I would really be grateful if you could help me in any/all of the following.

I am planning to visit following places, Could you please tell me what is the best way to travel between these cities and how to go for site seeing within these cities?

Diyarbakir (Do I need private ride within the city?) Egil, Çayönü, Hasankeyf (Can they be done in one day from Diyarbakir? ) Mardin, Dara (Google search is showing that Train+Taxi is the only option from Diyarbakir, is that true?) Urfa, Göbeklitepe(understood this from your blog) Harran (this is near Urfa so could be done in one day but how to get there and how to get around within this town) Nemrut (got it from your blog that it should be done from Urfa via some tour operator) Hatay

Thanks and regards.

Thank you, I’m so glad my blog was helpful.

1. There is a good public bus network within Diyarbakir, but you may need a local to point you to the right one. 2. Probably not in one day trip, but if you have private transport like a taxi then it would be easier. 3. No there are frequent buses and minibuses/dolmus running between Diyarbakir and Mardin, you can check my Mardin blog for more info on that. 4. Glad my Urfa blog was helpful! 5. A taxi would be quicker to get to Harran, but it’s likely that you’ll find shared minibuses/dolmus running to Harran as well. You’ll have to ask a local for departure place. 6. Yes, Nemrut is easier by tour, but I would recommend from Kahta instead as it’s closer, but it’s possible from Urfa too. 7. I can’t really comment on Hatay as I haven’t been there, sorry!

Hope that’s helpful and enjoy your time!

Elisha, Thank you again for your detailed response, I really appreciate it.

Could you please recommend Good places of stay in these areas?

The only places I can recommend are the ones mentioned in my individual blog posts, so you can check my Nemrut, Mardin, and Urfa blogs and they will include a section with accommodation. Thanks!

Elisha! What a fab idea thank you. I’m going to get the ferry from Cyprus to Tasucu and then bus it to Cappadocia. I thought I may fly/bus Cappadocia- Erzum and go backwards to Adana. What do you think? Also can I ask if you think the political situation is still conducive to Diyarbakir?(I’m nit sure when you wrote this) I’m intending on arriving late September.

Thanks so much for such a good piece!

Hi there! This would definitely work, you can easily travel from Erzurum and do what I have suggested backwards. The transport would work the same, just in reverse. I haven’t been back to Eastern Turkey for a couple of years now, so I’m unsure of the current situation. You could easily skip Diyarbakir if you don’t feel safe there, but the best thing to do would be to ask local people when you arrive because it can be hard to find up to date information online about the political situation there. The local people are extremely nice and friendly! Hope you enjoy your travels – it’s a unique part of the world!

https://flyforholidays.com/visa/turkey-visa/

This route is roughly what I plan to travel. Your info is really helpful. It gives me a peace of mind in taking buses and dolmuses in Eastern Turkey. (I had been to Western Turkey about 10 years ago.)

I will go beyond from Trabzon to Samsun and Boğazkale/Huttasa.

Planeo viajar en familia a Eastern Turkey el próximo año. Me recomendarían la mejor estación para ello y me recomendarían compañías de Turismo que hagan esta ruta?

Great article, thank you for sharing. https://flyforholidays.com/visa/turkey-visa/

¿Cuanto tiempo requiero para este tour (Partida y regreso a Estambul)?. ¿Cual es el costo por persona?. Fechas y ¿Que incluye?

This isn’t a tour, it’s a suggested itinerary for you to follow yourself.

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• The Best of Northern Turkey: What to Visit?
• Destinations

Northern Turkey has received a ray of sunshine, bringing natural beauty to all of its cities. This sentence can be used to describe the various tourist attractions in Turkey’s north, which include green hills, natural lakes, quiet forests, farms, waterfalls, and breathtaking parks and gardens, making it a popular destination for tourists who prefer to spend their nights away from the stress and bustle of cities.

The Best Tourist Destination in Northern Turkey

Exploring the best of Northern Turkey, we’re going to enlist the top tourist attractions you can find here. Let’s get started!

Tourists prefer Trabzon for its historical sites, mountains, and natural beauty, particularly Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations. Uzungol combines the splendour of mountain greenery with the blueness of water to create a gorgeous nature painting. The lush hills of Rize are among the most popular tourist destinations, where visitors can relax in the arms of nature in one of the wooden cabins. They also flock to Buztepe, one of Rize’s highest peaks and a popular site for enjoying the cold breeze and views of the Black Sea in the summer, which is accessible by cable car.

♦ 4 Days Trabzon Tour From Istanbul

Artvin, often known as the “ hidden heaven ,” is a popular tourist destination in north-eastern Turkey. It is noted for its lovely natural beauty, which provides tranquilly and peace of mind. Tourists flock to Artvin to see the waterfalls, Karagoler Lakes, national parks, woodlands, and lakes where boat trips are available. Artvin, one of the best spots in Northern Turkey, is notable for its plant diversity, which includes 2727 species, making it one of Turkey’s most plant-rich locations. Hatila Park, Borcka Karagol Lake, Hell Canyon, Altiparmak Park, Gunesli Waterfalls, and Tavsan Tepe Park are popular tourist attractions in Artvin.

Rize, Turkey’s green city, is situated on a ridge with views of the Black Sea. There is exquisite natural beauty everywhere; it is even known as the city of green gold, because to the large green spaces that cover all sections, particularly Camlihemsin, which has a long river running across the road connecting it to Ardesen. Rize is also known for its tea production.

Rize is a popular tourist location, including canyons, springs, huge open landscapes, lakes, and plains to explore. Rize’s weather is hot and humid in the summer, attracting a large number of visitors, while it is cold and rainy in the winter, with considerable precipitation.

Uzungol, located south of Trabzon, is a must-see for any traveller who adds it to his itinerary. Visitors gather there to walk and snap photos because of the outstanding natural beauty of the area, where the green of the mountains blends with the blue of the lake to create a charming vista, especially on foggy days. Tourists can stop for a drink at one of the many cafes scattered across the area, where they can relax and take in the scenery of Northern Turkey.

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Tourism in Northern Turkey and its Features

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Weather in Northern Turkey

8. sultan murad heights, 10. haider nabi hill, faq about northern turkey, tourism features in northern turkey.

A piece of heaven has fallen on northern Turkey to spread natural beauty across all its cities. Such a sentence can explain the various tourist features in the north of Turkey where you can find green hills, natural lakes, quiet forests, farms, waterfalls, and breath-taking parks and gardens, making it a destination for tourists who prefer spending nights at cool summer, away from stress and bustle of cities.

Northern Turkey features mild weather, mainly in summer, spring, and autumn from May to October, making it the best time for tourism and enjoying the natural beauty.

Winter is cold, with snowfalls and heavy rain, mainly December, January, and February, providing a chance for winter sports lovers to enjoy their time there.

Top 10 Tourist Destinations of Northern Turkey

Artvin, known as the hidden heaven, is located in north-eastern Turkey , one of the most attractive spots, thanks to its charming natural beauty, offering tranquillity and ease of mind.

Tourists visit Artvin to enjoy its waterfalls, Karagoler Lakes, the national parks, forests, and lakes where they can go on boat rides.

Artvin is known for its plant diversity, with 2727 species, making it one of Turkey’s richest areas in plants.

Tourists flock to Artvin to enjoy Hatila Park, Borcka Karagol Lake, Hell Canyon, Altiparmak Park, Gunesli Waterfalls, and Tavsan Tepe Park.

Not to mention, Artvin has a wide variety of historical places such as Ardanuc Castle, Savsat Castle, Ishan Church, Arhavi Bridge, and Ermit Mosque.

Rize, the green city of Turkey, is located on a mountain slope with views of the Black Sea. Wherever you look, you find the charming natural beauty; it is even known as the city of green gold, thanks to the vast green spaces spreading over all areas, mainly Camlihemsin that features a long river flowing alongside the road linking it with Ardesen. Rize is also famous for tea farming.

Rize is a destination for tourists who flock there to enjoy its canyons, springs, vast green spaces, lakes, and plains.

The weather in Rize is mild and humid in summer, making it an attraction for many visitors, while it is cold in winter with many rainfalls and some snowfalls.  

Anzer District is one of Rize’s most attractive spots , known for its wooden houses, built on mountain slopes; some date 500 years ago. Rize also has some thermal hot water baths, which are packed with tourists most time. Not to mention, Agaran Waterfalls in Rize, located amongst trees, are some of the attractions that every visitor would visit.

Like all Turkish cities, Rize has a wide variety of local bazaars and hotels.

Trabzon is the new rising star of tourism in Turkey , thanks to its charming natural beauty that spreads along vast areas, making it a piece of heaven.

Tourists prefer visiting Trabzon to enjoy its historical places, mountains, and natural beauty, mainly Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most-visited spots. Uzungol features the beauty of mountain greenness mixed with water blueness, forming a stunning natural painting.

Rize’s green hills are some of the most-visited spots by tourists where they can enjoy tranquillity among the arms of nature in one of the wooden cottages. They also flock to Buztepe, one of Rize’s highest peaks and a spot for enjoying the cool breeze in summer and views of the Black Sea, which can be reached by cable car.

Tourists will also have the opportunity to visit Trabzon Castle, located on Trabzon’s highest mountain peak. The castle was built to fend off potential attacks from the sea; nowadays, it has many cafes serving local drinks, where visitors can enjoy seeing the vast green spaces and the coast.

Uzungol is located south Trabzon, a destination for every tourist who includes it on top of his tours plan. Visitors flock there to wander and take photo ops, thanks to its striking natural beauty, where the greenness of mountains mixes with the lake’s blueness, making a charming view, especially on foggy days.

Tourists can enjoy some drinks in one f the many cafes spreading there, where they will have the opportunity to take a rest and enjoy the natural beauty. 

Ayder is a village in Rize, 1350 metres above sea level, one of the most favourite tourist destinations, thanks to its charming beauty, Turkish baths, hot water springs used for healing rheumatism and other skin illnesses.

Tourists will have the chance to spend a lovely time in the arms of nature, buy Turkish honey, and taste the famous pastries and delight of Ayder.

Samsun is located on the Turkish coast of the Black Sea, a destination for tourists who flock there to enjoy its natural beauty and mild climate. It features many natural beauties such as forests, plains, and lovely sea.

Samsun holds various tourist attractions, including Samsun Museum of History and Ethnography, giving tourists the chance to explore the remains of the ancient civilisations that lived there hundreds of years ago.

The Birds’ Heaven field is another spot tourists can visit and enjoy seeing more than 150 species of birds. The field is the second-biggest one in Turkey and third worldwide, with 21.000 m² and 15 km long, home to migrant birds from Siberia.

Located in Ilkadim, Samsun Zoo, one of the most prominent zoos in the Black Sea region, is a destination for tourists to enjoy seeing more than 200 tame and rare animals.

It is worth noting that Tekkekoy Caves in Samsun, which used to be homes for people who lived thousands of years ago, are a tangible witness of life since the stone age. 

Thanks to its charming mountains and pleasant green meadows that provide ease of mind, Tranquillity lovers would find Ordu the best destination. Wherever you go in Ordu, you will see snatching views and capturing heart sceneries.

What makes tourism pleasant and lovely in Ordu is the number of facilities found in Ordu; it has various hotels, tourist amenities, restaurants, and shopping malls. Here is a list of Ordu’s most prominent tourist places:

Kurul Castle , 13 km from Ordu’s city centre, is an ancient castle with stunning views of the city, 571 meters above sea level.

Unye Castle , 14 km from Unye city centre, one of Ordu’s most prominent monuments, has a strategic location in the heart of a volcanic hill, 200 metres above sea level.

Ordu Waterfalls are some of Ordu’s most attractive spots, with 35 metres average height and 105 metres long, the most important of which are Ciseli, Kadincik, and Ohtamis. Tourists flock there to enjoy their cool water.

Aybasti Forest is one of Ordu’s attractive spots, with striking natural beauty, mainly Menderes River. Tourists visiting Ordu are recommended to include the forest in their tourist list as they will have the chance to enjoy tranquillity and ease of mind.

Ulugol Lake , 1000 metres above sea level, is a charming place amidst peaceful green mountains, 17 km from the city centre, and is surrounded by oak and platanus trees from all sides. The lake is a tourist destination for thousands of visitors who come to enjoy peaceful ambiences. 

Persembe Heights: If you like seeing clouds dancing over green plains, making a breath-taking view, you can visit Persembe Heights, 1500 metres above sea level, where you can also do many activities, including horse-riding and having stagecoach tours.

Located in western Trabzon, 2200 metres above sea level, Sultan Murat Heights is a charming place, attracting many tourists every year. It got its name after Sultan Murad IV visited the area and settled there with his army.

The heights are now a destination for tourists worldwide; they flock there to enjoy heart-capturing views from above. They enjoy seeing clouds and tame animals such as gazelles and squirrels.

It is highly recommended to visit Sultan Murad Heights in summer, but winter tourism lovers can also enjoy seeing snow covering the heights and forming a beautiful, charming natural painting.

Known as the princes’ city, Amasya is located in north-central Turkey, and it was a centre for training the Ottoman Princes by the most prominent scientist, artists, and thinkers of that age.

It was established 8.500 years ago, holding a wide variety of archaeological and historical remains that date back to 14 different civilisations.

Thanks to its ancient and rich history, Amasya is now one of the most tourist and cultural places, attracting tourists and locals who like serene tours amidst historical spots, mainly Seljuk and Ottoman ones. They can also enjoy its wooden houses.

According to official data, 720 tourists visited Amasya in 2019. They must have enjoyed Second Beyazid Complex, the Maidens Palace, wooden houses, and charming nature.

Haider Nabi Hill, 1600 metres high, is one of Trabzon’s most beautiful tourist places , a destination for tourists who enjoy its charming, serene nature that combines green meadows, springs, and lakes.

The experience of climbing the hill give visitors the chance to hug clouds in a charming view amidst plants, trees, flowers, and wooden houses.

Camping lovers can also enjoy pleasant nights on the hill, watching the breath-taking views and having the most delicious food in one of the restaurants spreading there.

Read more on Safaraq:

Comprehensive Guide to Most Famous Tourist Places in Istanbul

Honeymoon Destinations in Turkey

Edited by Safaraq Tourism

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A tour of Eastern Turkey

Eastern Turkey is a wild and rugged region with a long, tempestuous history and a rich cultural heritage. The region boasts some of Turkey’s most spectacular nature and treasured historical monuments, as well as some of the most friendly and hospitable people. My two-week tour of eastern Turkey turned out to be one of the most extraordinary trips I’ve ever experienced!

About Eastern Turkey

Eastern Turkey is the region in Eastern Anatolia (Asia Minor) that borders Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria. It is a fascinating part of Turkey with an impressive history. The southeastern corner of this region, where the mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow, is where Mesopotamia rose and is now known as the cradle of modern civilisation . Eastern Turkey also has some of the country’s most outstanding scenery, with its impressive snow-capped mountains, massive lakes, gushing rivers and immense fields of wildflowers (the Dutch would be interested to know that tulips originated from the mountains of eastern Turkey – you can find them growing wild in many places).

Update February 2023: Some of the places in the second half of this route such as Diyarbakir and Gaziantep suffered great devastation during the massive earthquake that occurred on 6th February 2023.

Places and towns to visit in Eastern Turkey

Erzurum: the start of this Eastern Turkey road trip

This suggested road trip itinerary through Eastern Turkey starts in Erzurum, which can easily be reached by plane from Istanbul. Erzurum is located at the edge of a basin surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Though the city can trace its existence back to ancient times, little remains of its medieval past. The most prominent historical landmarks are the citadel and the beautiful Çifte Minareli Medrese (religious school) that dates back to the 13th century. I also recommend a visit to one of the most interesting cafés I’ve ever visited: the wonderfully quaint Erzurum Evleri , a traditional Erzurum house where visitors sit on heaps of carpets and cushions to enjoy a cup of strong Turkish tea or coffee and sweets. Search for hotels in Erzurum (Booking.com).

The ancient town of Ani

From Erzurum, head eastwards to Kars , a small town near the Armenian border. From here, continue to Ani , a magnificent historical site. Built on the edge of a dramatic gorge (which now forms the border between Turkey and Armenia), Ani was a major Armenian trading post that straddled the Silk Road. At its peak, it is estimated that there were 5,000 churches in the city. Today, the mighty walls as well as various churches (some of which have breathtaking frescoes), mosques and bridges can still be seen. Search for hotels in Kars (Booking.com).

The Eastern Turkey tour continues from Kars to Dogubeyazit . Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and rustic villages (notice how villagers have their beds on the roofs of their house!).

Dogubeyazit is a small provincial town with two of the major highlights of this trip: the awe-inspiring Mount Ararat and the equally breathtaking Ishak Pasha palace. The palace is built on the edge of a hill overlooking Dogubeyazit and an immense plain. The palace, built in the 17th century, is one of the most magnificent and lavish examples of Ottoman architecture. The elaborate stonecarvings on the portals and walls are exquisite.

Search for hotels in Dogubeyazit (Booking.com).

Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark

Mount Ararat, at 5,137 meters, is Turkey’s highest peak and a main attraction in Eastern Turkey. The snow-capped mountain is actually a dormant volcano and is best known as the Biblical place where Noah landed his ark after the great flood.

Experts from around the world continue to search for physical remains of the ark to this day. One of the most approachable sites is the Durupinar site, near the village of Uzengili (on the trunk road to the Iranian border, look for the Nuhun Gemisi exit). Discovered in the 1950’s, the site is located not on Mt. Ararat itself but on a mountainside opposite Mount Ararat and features a boat-like formation which may very well be a natural phenomenon. From Uzengili, a dirt road winds itself up to the site. Even if you doubt the authenticity of the remains, the views from the site of Mt. Ararat and Little Ararat (3,896 meters) are truly staggering, and are worth the effort of the trip.

Lake Van and Akdamar Island

From Dogubeyazit, head southwest towards Lake Van . On the way, you can make a short stop at the elegant cascades of the Muradiye waterfall. Lake Van is Turkey’s largest lake and is a stunning sight, with its soda-rich, turquoise-white water contrasting sharply with the majestic snow-capped mountains that surround it.

Van is a bustling town with a variety of industries, including a noteworthy carpet-making industry. Just outside the town is one of its biggest attractions: the Van Citadel. Believed to have been built in the 7th century AD, the citadel is situated on a steep cliff overlooking the lake. Another nearby attraction is Akdamar Island, in Lake Van. The boat trip to the island is the perfect way to enjoy the amazing vistas of the lake and the mountains. On the island itself is a revered Armenian monument, the Church of the Holy Cross. The church, built in the 10th century AD using pink sandstone, is most famous for the rich bas-reliefs (depicting biblical scenes) that adorn its façade.

Search for hotels in Van (Booking.com).

Hasankeyf – ancient city on the Tigris

Continue on the route from Van to Hasankeyf . The road winds itself around the shores of Lake Van, offering awe-inspiring panoramas of the lake, before heading inland through the mountains. Hasankeyf is an ancient city, on the banks of the mighty Tigris river, with a history that goes back more than a thousand years.

This city is indeed breathtaking. Seemingly carved out from the cliffs along the river, the city now lays in ruins but it isn’t difficult to imagine that this was once a place of great beauty and awe. There are plans to build a dam nearby which would submerge the remains of the city. As a consequence, the Hasankeyf has been placed on the World Monuments Fund’s Watchlist of 100 most endangered sites in the world.

The walled city of Diyarbakir

From Hasankeyf, head to the magnificent walled city of Diyarbakir . The drive to Diyarbakir takes you through the expansive fertile plains of what was once Mesopotamia. Diyarbakir, located on the shores of the Tigris, is another highlight of this trip. The city’s imposing basalt walls (built during the Roman times) and stunning towers are still largely intact and offer super-picturesque views of the ancient city centre, the Tigris and the surrounding plain.

The atmosphere in the city is extraordinary: the scent of spices fill the air while horse-drawn carts filled with hay, fruits and vegetables rumble down the streets. It is an atmosphere that is in many senses reminiscent of the Middle Ages. There is a bustling bazaar, centuries-old mosques (look for the beautiful Ulu Cami and Safa mosques) and churches (including the very first church built in the 1st century that was solely devoted to the Virgin Mary, and the atmospheric Mar Petyun and Surp Giragos churches) and the lovely caravanseray. Everywhere you go, you’ll notice exquisite stonecarvings on the city’s walls and buildings, rich inscriptions and graceful stone arches.

Search for hotels in Diyarbakir (Booking.com).

Mardin – the hilltop town near the border with Syria

After spending a few days in Diyarbakir, head southeast to Mardin . This beautiful town is perched on a mountaintop and commands magnificent views of the immense plain below which stretches deep into Syria. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian-only streets – in fact, the only form of transport in the town centre is by mules, which carry everything from groceries to garbage! Take some time for a leisurely stroll around the narrow, shady streets and stop for a chat and tea with some of the friendliest people around.

Sanli Urfa – the birthplace of Prophet Abraham

From Mardin, head in a westerly direction to Sanli Urfa (or just Urfa). Urfa is an important town and a major pilgrimage site as it was here that the prophet Abraham was born. The prophet’s birthplace (a sacred cave) is now surrounded by a beautiful complex of mosques, ornamental ponds and canals, and parks.

Apart from the cave, the biggest attraction in the complex are the sacred carps in the ponds. These are some huge fish! High above the complex is the magnificent citadel which is floodlit at night. Urfa is also famous for its giant bazaar, a massive maze of narrow streets and lively squares. A walk through the bazaar is indeed a memorable experience.

Search for hotels in Sanli Urfa (Booking.com).

Harran – beehive houses and the Bible

South of Urfa, close to the border with Syria, is the extraordinary village of Harran . Harran is an ancient site that has earned many mentions in the Bible. One of them is that this is where Adam and Eve came to after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Nowadays, Harran is most famous for its ruins and for its beehive houses.

The statues of Nemrud Dagi National Park

From Urfa, proceed north back into the mountains towards the Nemrud Dagi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route takes you past the massive Ataturk Dam, the town of Adiyaman and through the mountains, past some picturesque valleys and a spectacular gorge to Karadut.

From here, continue up to Nemrud Dagi. This site is probably the highlight of the trip. In the 1st century BC, King Antiochus built a tomb-like monument for himself atop the 2,134 meter high Mount Nemrud. He actually added a further 50 meters to the height of the mountain by constructing a mound or tumulus on the peak!

Flanking this tumulus are giant statues of himself (in their original upright state, they would have been eight to nine meters tall), lions, eagles and various gods. Visiting this site involves a rather strenuous climb of a few hundred meters so be prepared. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the giant statues and the breathtaking panorama of the adjacent mountains, valleys and the Ataturk dam-lake.

Gaziantep – the city of baklava

From Nemrud Dagi, the journey continues to Gaziantep , the largest city in the southeastern Anatolian region. Gaziantep is an important agricultural and industrial centre, and is famous for its copperware, pistachio nuts and baklava (a rich, sugary Turkish pastry). In the city centre, you’ll find the Gaziantep Fortress and the Ravanda citadel. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum which houses a series of impressive Roman mosaics.

Search for hotels in Gaziantep (Booking.com).

This tour of eastern Turkey ends in Adana, which lies west of Gaziantep. From here, you can opt to fly to Istanbul or to other parts of Turkey. After this trip, you might want to spend a few days simply lounging on one of Turkey’s stunning beaches!

How to explore Eastern Turkey

The ideal way to explore Eastern Turkey is by means of an organised tour . However, it is possible to explore the region individually by means of public transport or with a rental car . Please ensure you’re well informed about the security situation in the region, especially in the areas near the border with Syria. The suggested itinerary above starts in Erzurum and ends in Adana. There are frequent flight connections between these two cities with Istanbul . I strongly recommend making this trip in spring or early-summer when temperatures are more comfortable. Eastern Turkey has a continental climate and often experiences temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius in the winter.

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30 Responses

I travelled with a small group + guide in a van.

Cheers, Keith

Hi! Amazing article. Did you travel by car or bus public transport?

[…] Mount Nemrut is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage in eastern Turkey. In the 1st century BC, King Antiochus built a tomb-like monument for himself atop the 2,150 meter-high mountain. He actually added a further 50 meters to the height of the mountain by constructing a mound or tumulus on the peak! From afar, this artificial peak is unmistakable – an incredible engineering marvel. Flanking this tumulus are giant statues of himself (in their original upright state, they would have been eight to nine meters tall), lions, eagles and various gods. The parts of the statues and the busts are now scattered throughout the site but they are nonetheless impressive. Read about a tour of Eastern Turkey. […]

[…] The incredible statues of Mount Nemrud or Nemrut (Nemrud Dagi in Turkish) are located at the top of the 2,134 meter peak of Mount Nemrud (map), near the city of Adiyaman in Southeastern Turkey. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the highlights of a trip to Eastern Turkey. […]

[…] A tour of Eastern Turkey […]

Hello Gail, Thanks for getting in touch. I’m afraid I can’t be of any help as I do not have any contacts there. Good luck with your search and have a safe trip!

Hi A small group ( possibly 6???) of us wish to visit East Turkey…say a 7-10 days…could you recommend a company for us please….ideas etc, Will be either pre or post Egypt, Jordan and Isreal tour with a larger group…..many thanks. I personally have done West Turkey last year, was okay but looking to do less touristy and a unique tour….around August 2020/Many thanks for help….and suggested company.

This is a great itinerary for those looking to explore Turkey beyond the obvious destinations. Even these days, when people are hesitant to discover that part of the country, it is worth looking into the options of visiting the area.

Hello Anita, It’s hard for me to advise as I was there some years ago and the route you described is only partially familiar to me. I would contact the Turkey Tourism Board for their recommendations: http://www.goturkey.com/

Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Best regards, Keith

hi, velvet,

thank you for sharing such an amazing experience. i am going to visit van on may 13. i do have a question for you if you can help me. distance wise, i think it is more efficient to visit hasankeyf first, then go to mardin, from mardin to diyarbakif. then from diyarbakir to siverek and take the ferry to kahta.

please advice if you think this route is doable.

much appreciated.

Thanks for the itinerary. Its very useful getting an idea of where to start. I am going to Turkey in August and will be following your itinerary.

beautiful pics and very interesting articles Keith. thanx! Didn’t know Turkey so much… such a rich history!! Rob

Thanks for your comment. I really enjoyed my trip through Eastern Turkey. It’s such a unique region, steeped in history and with the most stunning scenery.

Incredible blog on eastern Turkey! Makes me want to return after touring north, western & central parts of the country. It was magnificent & enchanting. How/why on earth did I manage to miss all of the splendor of the east? Must return… Many thanks for sharing an amazing post! It’s an inspiring piece not only on Turkey but on traveling, too.

Hi Peter, The roads are fine. The trip I did took about 2 weeks and that was sufficient to see the region and enjoy its beauty.

Hello, I’ve been fascinated by your blog as I’m due to travel through Eastern Turkey in November. But can I ask, how long did your trip take you? A friend and I are driving from Van to Cappodoccia over 2 weeks. How are the roads/driving there? Is two weeks too short a time? Thanks in advance for your advice, and good luck with all your future trips Peter x

Eastern Turkey is an often overlooked part of the world, but its got some of the most incredible history and landscapes. Thanks for sharing, the list just keeps on growing! 😉

[…] https://velvetescape.com/blog/2010/11/a-tour-of-eastern-turkey/ This entry was posted in Turkey. Bookmark the permalink. […]

Velvet, Thanks for sharing. Turkey is home to many historical monuments, statues, pyramids and much more. There are many interesting places to explore in Turkey.

Thank you for sharing.Turkey is an amazing country. Thank you for sharing, there is a really useful info in here. I travel a lot from England to Turkey work related. I’ve only been to Istanbul so far but I’m planning to go on a vacation soon enough. It’s a very diverse and interesting city.Speaking of travel tips- the only thing I don’t like about it is that I often have last minute online bookings problems.Therefore now I call to confirm my reservation beforehand. So if you need to call Turkey I’d recommend using a call service because skype doesn’t always work and international calls are too pricey. And be careful for the ‘nazar boncuk’ or ‘evil eye’ 🙂 Lisa

Bookmarked as I want to visit Eastern Turkey one day. Thanks for this list. Eastern Turkey is definitely off the beaten track. Don’t know whether this is a good thing or bad. 1 – It has not succumbed to the tourism madness like other places in Turkey 2 – Many people are missing out on true Turkey. They see resorts like Marmaris and bodrum and assume this is proper Turkey, it is not.

Astounding…! I always like the historical monuments; these are one of the best and a rich cultural heritage & the pictures are amazing thanks to introduce such an enormous place.

There is just so much to explore in Turkey! When I was there last summer, I went to Istanbul and Cappodocia, but I wish I could have seen more…

My gosh it looks insanely amazing!!!

Thank you Adam for your kind comment. Eastern Turkey is absolutely Turkey-off-the-beaten-path and I highly recommend it. Thrilled that I managed to inspire someone to maybe visit Turkey one day! 🙂

Wow, unbelievable post. Turkey is at or near the very top of our list of places we want to go, SOON, and this post just proves why. I am learning more and more about this country, and I don’t see how it’s going to be possible to only stay in Turkey for a short period of time. Great job getting someone who has never been very excited to one day go!

Thanks for your comment David. I can absolutely recommend Turkey. Istanbul will totally bowl you over but wait till you see Anatolia. Like… WOW!

Wow, simply amazing Keith. It has always been my dream destination to visit Turkey as they have so much history and culture to offer. Thanks for sharing this and I hope to make a visit to Turkey within the next few years.

Haha! I know what you mean! I visited the place in the middle of a thunderstorm. We rushed for cover in a nearby shed and when I ventured out while it was still raining, there was no one there. I was soaked but the dramatic effect of the rain, hailstones and thunder was unforgettable!

Oh gosh, those giant statues are amazing… and these are ruins; imagine the original statues in their full splendour and glory! Wow-ness.

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Eastern Turkey travel guide

Vast and unknown to most travellers, the grandeur and stirring history of Turkey’s eastern reaches excite and inspire visitors and devotees of historical legend. Two of the world’s noblest rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, rise in Eastern Anatolia, and this region has been variously known as the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’, the ‘Fertile Crescent’ and the location of the legendary Mesopotamian plain. 

The vast expanse that is eastern Turkey is better divided into two regions. The Near East is dominated by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, which are excessively dominated by a series of giant dams, tunnels and irrigation canals engineered to turn barren flatlands into prime agricultural land.

One of the highlights of the East is Nemrut Dagi , said by some to be a greater feat of engineering than the Pyramids. Even today, the peak is a dominating landmark and the question of how King Antiochus of the Commagene managed to build this impressive and monumental cult site continues to mystify.

The region has several important cities. Gaziantep , a regional hub known for producing pistachio nuts and textiles, also boasts a dazzling mosaic museum. Ancient Sanliurfa is the city of prophets and is claimed as the birthplace of Abraham.

The Far East begins with the southern lowlands, rising through the rugged southeastern corner and intercepted by plateau pastures where nomadic tribesmen graze their animals. There are dizzying and snow-covered mountain passes as well as the upper Anatolian plateau. Mount Ararat, on the Armenian border, dominates the northeast corner of the country.

The urban centres of the east are fascinatingly diverse. Erzurum is the biggest city in the northeast, and, in the far south, near the Syrian border, lie the cities of Diyarbakir and Mardin. In the east, Van hugs the southeast corner of emerald-green Lake Van , and Kars is an interesting city in its own right, while also being a jump-off point for the fascinating ruins of Ani . 

Places to visit in Eastern Turkey

Nemrut dagi.

The Upper Euphrates region is dominated, physically and emotionally, by Mount Nimrod, or Nemrut Dagi. The outline of the Commagene King Antiochus’s tumulus can be seen from nearly 150km (100 miles) in every direction. This is a star sight of the eastern region; time is required to access the steep ascent and absorb the enormity of the huge basalt figures. Late evenings allow a superlative viewing of the most spectacular sunsets in Turkey. 

The Commagene kingdom was a buffer state on the Upper Euphrates, pinched between the fleet cavalry of ancient Parthia and the inexorable legions of Rome. It flourished briefly during the Roman civil wars but was crushed and absorbed into the Roman Empire, disappearing from history as Christianity took hold.

Commagene carved its place in history from the living rock. Visitors make the trek, or perhaps pilgrimage, to view the colossal tumulus and statues of the major gods arranged on terraces built by Antiochus to glorify himself in perpetuity. They have a similar mystical and haunting glory to the Pyramids. There was once a horoscope here attracting many people. It has now been moved to a museum for safety. 

Gaziantep is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Today, it is the eastern region’s economic powerhouse, a bustling modern city brimming with history and civic pride; it has also been the recipient of much European Union ‘revival’ finance. 

Its shining star is the Archaeological Museum. The Zeugma mosaics excavated from the nearby dig at Nizip are unbelievable, and many visitors come specifically to see these. They are breathtaking in their whimsical artistry and their beautifully labelled displays. This is a world-class museum that you won’t want to bypass. 

Squarely in the middle of town are the citadel and several fine 15th-century mosques, caravanserais and Turkish baths. The Covered Bazaar is one of the best in Turkey. Try to locate the shoemaker (yemenici) here who made Harry Potter’s shoes for the film series. It is easy to do, as everybody knows him; you will probably end up coming away with a pair too. 

About 75km (50 miles) south of the lake formed by damming the Euphrates River lies lovely Sanliurfa. Known as the birthplace of Abraham, visitors can explore the mosque complex surrounding Abraham’s Cave (Ibrahim Halilullah Dergâhi) and visit the pools of holy carp. 

The city was once known as Edessa, and it remained an important garrison town well into Roman times. The city has over 200 historic houses and mansions in beautiful golden sandstone. There is a lively bazaar (bedesten) where haggling continues as it has always done.

The skeleton of the medieval metropolis of Ani, an 11th-century Armenian city sprawled across the meadows of the plateau, is one of the most impressive sights of the eastern region. At the height of its fortunes, it was a city of 100,000 inhabitants and 1,000 churches. The remains include Ani Cathedral, the collapsed Church of the Holy Redeemer (Prkitch), the Church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents (Tigran Honents), a mosque and the city walls. This is one of the most haunting sights anywhere, with bare remnants of the skilled architecture at which Armenians excelled. 

Lake Van (Van Gölü) is Turkey’s largest inland body of water, a saline and soda lake, 1,650m (5,450ft) above sea level. It is an endorheic lake with no outlet, topped up with the run-off from mountain streams. Tatvan is the easiest place from which to reach some of the smaller towns on the north shore of the lake, such as Ahlat, which is well worth a visit. 

The primary reason for any visit to Lake Van is to see the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (Akdamar Kilisesi) on Akdamar Island. Much money was spent in 2006 to renovate this historical treasure, but Turkish authorities insisted it be a museum, not a church. Akdamar Island is reached by a 5km (3 mile) boat ride from the town of Gevas, some 40km (24 miles) southwest of Van.

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23 of the Best Places To Visit in Turkey

When choosing the best places to visit in Turkey, get ready for an avalanche of choices. Repeatedly called the bridge between East and West, I often say the country of Turkey is the world’s most beautiful place. However, I admit to being biased because I do not travel anywhere else. Turkey’s ability to amaze is unlimited, though. The proof is in visitor stats that make Turkey one of the world’s most popular touristic destinations.

Whether you want a unique experience or to explore beautiful scenery, Turkey is the best at tourism attractions. In this article, we look at popular places like Ephesus, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir. But also suggest off beat places like Gaziantep, Mardin, and little-known villages that delight everyone who discovers their secret. So, let us look at where to go in Turkey.

23 Places to Visit in Turkey

1: breath-taking uzungol.

In Turkey’s Northeast Black Sea region, Uzungol is relatively unknown to Westerners but is popular with Arabic tourists, who can’t help but be amazed. Traditionally, village locals collect wood from nearby forests to build hotels and houses around the large and peaceful lake. Visit during winter, and landscapes change to a blanket of white snow. Sitting in Turkey’s Kackar mountain range, the lakeside mosque is the focal point of any good photo.

2: Sumela Monastery in North East Turkey

Clinging to a mountain edge, reaching Sumela monastery is not easy, but it is worth going to this open-air museum to see how monks lived here. Also, in Turkey’s Black Sea region, book your tourist hotel in nearby Trabzon and go on a day trip to see the church carving, monks’ kitchens, and monastery bedrooms. A stone path leads into the main quarters built into the mountainside, and they are nothing short of incredible. On your way down, do stop by a traditional restaurant to taste traditional Black Sea food.

3: Visit Charming Simena Village

You will not find luxury in quiet Simena (Kalekoy), but this famous Mediterranean village of Turkey is well known for homemade ice cream flavours. Another reason to visit is views of Kekova Bay from the ancient Byzantine castle. This destination in Turkey stands out for people sailing the Turkish riviera. So, while there, take a slight detour via boat to see the nearby Kekova Island sunken ruins. More about Simena tourist attraction .

4: Attractions in Colourful Cappadocia

Ancient Greek Cave churches, dipping valleys and weird rock formations form Cappadocia’s surreal landscape . As one of Turkey’s best destinations and notoriously featured in the film Ghost Rider, its importance stems from its history as a hub for early Christianity. In addition, the best attraction is an early morning hot air balloon trip over the fairy chimneys. Many visitors to Turkey often twin a visit with Cappadocia to historical Ephesus. A must-see in Cappadocia is Goreme Open-air Museum and the biblical carving, and during winter, the landscape full of snow.

5: Admire the Pool of Abraham

Also known as Balikli Gol, the beauty of the Pool of Abraham is not its size or visual appearance but the destination in Turkey where Nimrod supposedly threw Abraham into the fire. Situated in old Sanliurfa city, a 2-day stay is a perfect insight into conservative Turkey. After visiting the site, walk a few streets to see the nearby city castle, mosque, and cave of Abraham. More about why you should put Sanliurfa city on your list during a visit to Turkey.

6: Butterfly Valley Beach in Mediterranean Turkey

This beautiful place in Turkey was unheard of a while ago, but the secret is now out. Reach this rustic destination in the Mediterranean Mugla region by taxi boat from popular Oludeniz. The short beach , backed by a green valley between a mountain range, becomes a breeding ground for butterflies in late summer. Walk the valley to reach hidden waterfalls or soak up beachfront bar vibes.

7: Historical Places: Celsius Library at Ephesus

The ruins of Ephesus in Aegean Turkey, highlight the Roman Empire’s second-largest city, including a sizeable Hellenistic theatre, temple, and ancient terraced houses with intact, ancient frescoes. One much-admired building of Ephesus city is the Celsius library , the ancient world’s third-largest, holding 12,000 scrolls and the ancient sarcophagus of Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. Without a doubt, Ephesus city is the best place to understand the Greek history of Turkey. Interesting fact – Had Ephesus city survived, it would have rivalled the importance of Rome.

8: Roman Terrace Houses of Ephesus

To see the museum houses of Ephesus city, you must pay an extra entrance fee, but it is worth it. Years of excavations have revealed historical mosaics and everyday household items that portray how wealthy citizens of Ephesus city used to live. The museum site is covered and open year-round. You walk specific pathways over the houses but keep an eye out for the amazing view over Marble Street. Did you know Ephesus city was also home to the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Read this list about Ephesus city in Turkey.

9: Visit the Virgin Mary House

Many people visit Ephesus and then leave, but head into the Selcuk hill to see the Virgin Mary House. Many people worldwide believe the house to be where she ascended, so it is now a fully practising place of Worship and pilgrimage run by the Catholic Church. Mary was said to have spent time in Ephesus, with Saint John and Saint Paul, hence the close location. Interesting fact – Did you also know Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Revelation?

10: Enjoy Inozu Vadesi in Beypazari

Varied bird species, including the majestic hawk and bald eagle, have turned Inozu Valley into a unique bird-watching haven and government-protected area. Located one hour from Turkey’s capital Ankara, the nearby Beypazari town was built by architects from Ottoman Safranbolu hence a similar appearance in Turkish architecture. Make sure you book into an authentic Ottoman hotel for the ultimate experience. Read about why Beypazari is the best place to go for a nature break in Turkey.

11: Attractions in the Seaside Village of Kas

Remaining faithful to old fishing village roots, the popular seaside town of Kas in Mediterranean Turkey promotes a slow-paced lifestyle. Cobbled streets are filled with whitewashed houses lined with wooden shutters and immense amounts of pink bougainvillaea. Also, walk the main street uphill to see the famous Lycian sarcophagus. Do keep an eye out for amazing sunset views in Kas.

12: Visit Picturesque Olu Deniz Beach

Popular Olu Deniz in Turkey’s Mugla region has sold its heritage to accommodate mass amounts of British tourists who frequent the area, but its amazing beach remains perfectly stunning. White sand, fronted with a crystal blue sea, eventually leads to Turkey’s most famous beach, the Blue Lagoon. Here you can rent a pedalo or lay back and enjoy sunshine rays. Reaching Oludeniz is accessible from many other popular places in Fethiye .

13: Explore Savsat Sahara National Park

Savsat National Park in East Turkey surprises everyone with its natural green valleys and beautiful landscapes. However, this site is home to Turkish yayla houses and off the beaten track, receiving little promotion or tourism. Hence, this destination in Turkey has few hotels, but most Turkish people drive through the park on a day trip. Without a doubt, Savsat is a great place to visit in Turkey.

14: Beaches and Ancient Ruins at Phaselis

Devastated by past pirate attacks and the Persian invasions in 540 BC, Phaselis ancient ruins sit between sandy and beautiful beaches that feature the majestic Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey in the background. Old Phaselis sits within a protected park of the Antalya region in Turkey. There is an entrance fee, but the cost pays for itself. The best ruins include the ancient water aqueduct. Phaselis is a perfect day trip from many places in Antalya, and Summer is the best time to visit.

15: Places in Spectacular Mesopotamian Mardin

Mardin old town in southeast Turkey is waiting to join the UNESCO World Heritage collection. From the old rooftop terrace houses, visitors find themselves in front of a beautiful landscape view of the ancient Mesopotamia plains. Another place to visit within an hours drive is Midyat that also displays old Ottoman architecture. When visiting Mardin , you will discover a different cultural identity from the rest of Turkey. One of the best places to see the Ulu Cami Grand Mosque.

16: Baklava in Gaziantep City

After Mardin, fantastic Gaziantep city should be on your list. The old city part of Gaziantep is where to explore. See Tarihi Yenihan, Gaziantep city war museum, old mosque, the Coppersmith bazaar, Gaziantep Mevlevi Museum, and of course, the castle with its fantastic sight over the city. However, a must-do is to head to a traditional restaurant to taste baklava. Turks say the best recipe in Turkey originally came from Gaziantep city. Handy tip – Many people combine Mardin, Gaziantep city and Sanliurfa city over a week’s trip, and the best way to get there is a connecting flight from Istanbul.

17: Adventure at Beautiful Pamukkale

Famous as a spa centre during Roman times, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aegean Pamukkale , and nearby Hierapolis ancient city ruins, became Turkey’s most visited tourism destination in 2014. Swim in Cleopatra’s pool water, paddle in terraced pools, explore the preserved ancient city ruins and don’t miss the on-site museum. After visiting Pamukkale in the Denizli region of Turkey, many tours head to Kusadasi to spend the night before visiting Ephesus the next day. Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. The best time to visit is during summer.

18: Istanbul Places: The Hagia Sophia

Once the capital of Turkey, old, nostalgic Istanbul city steeped in Ottoman and Byzantine vibes is now a top travel destination in the world for city breaks. Within it, a must-see is an old church and former museum of Hagia Sophia . Ancient Christian frescoes combined with Islamic calligraphy and renowned architecture make this landmark building a top visited attraction in Istanbul. Also, see the nearby Blue Mosque, one of the best landmark buildings to visit in Turkey.

19: The Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace

Many people in Istanbul city visit Topkapi Palace, the former Ottoman Empire’s ruling centre. Yet, in my opinion, Dolmabahce palace is better. As their command centre, when the empire disbanded, the palace screams of luxury and shows the Ottoman sultans’ fantastic lifestyle. Sitting in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, also sign up for a guided harem tour.

20: Visit The Basilica Cistern

Put Basilica on your list to visit. This is an Istanbul city museum with a quirky ambience because it is underground. The cistern supplied the palace with water but was forgotten and lay in disrepair before being rediscovered in the 16th century. On a visit, wooden platforms lead through the cistern, to the back, where the famous Medusa heads sit. This site is nearby the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul city.

21: Galata Bridge and Tower in Istanbul

After visiting Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, head into the Eminonu district and take a stroll across Galata bridge, or visit a restaurant underneath to sample fresh fish. The place to end, though, is the great Galata tower of Istanbul. If you have a head for heights, the top viewing platform displays Istanbul in all its glory. Additionally, at night, Galata tower restaurant sells tickets for a Turkish night show, a common theme that tourists in Istanbul like. (List of places in Istanbul to visit all year round.)

22: Historical Sites of Bursa

Sitting in North-west Turkey, Bursa is a popular year-round city to visit to see UNESCO landmarks, the local bazaar and go skiing at the great Mount Uludag. Bursa city was the Ottoman Empire’s former capital before they conquered Istanbul, hence the historical importance of old Ottoman buildings. Bursa city is also famous for its local dish, Iskender kebab. Aside from being a tourist attraction, Bursa is the most popular place for middle-eastern nationalities because they like similarities in food, culture, and traditions. Bursa can be visited on a day trip from Istanbul.

23: Be a Tourist in Izmir City

Great Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and a year-round destination if you want an alternative to Istanbul. The old city part, Konak point, is where to start your tour of attractions. Take in the clock tower, Konak mosque, Agora, and Kemeralti bazaar. Also, head uphill to Kadifikale tourist attraction for a fantastic sight over the Peninsula. If time allows, take a day trip to Alacati town on the outskirts of Izmir. This resort is famous for its old stone cottages and being the top windsurfing spot in Turkey. Do stop by a traditional restaurant to taste the regional cuisine.

More About Turkey

To discover more about the best places to visit in Turkey, browse through the rest of the blog . Articles highlight the best of places, including Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Gaziantep, and Ephesus. I also recommend lesser-known destinations to put on your bucket list and the culture, traditions, and food of Turkey.

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Invaded and settled from every direction since the start of recorded history, Turkey combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Central Asia. Find out more history in our feature on facts about Turkey . In the meantime, enjoy these highlights of the best things to do in Turkey.

1. Hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia - one of the best things to do in Turkey

2. explore i̇shak pasa sarayı, 3. visit the monastery of sumela, 4. enjoy the spectacle of the whirling dervishes, 5. discover ancient ephesus, 6. explore nemrut dağı, 7. go shopping in a bazaar, 8. attend roman theatre at aspendos, 9. visit mardin for a great stopping-off point, 10. marvel at the beauty of hagia sophia, istanbul, 12. climb in kaçkar dağları, 13. take a look at zeugma mosaic museum, gazıantep, 14. relax in a hamam, 15. take a break in the sunshine of the patara beach, 16. visit kariye museum, istanbul, 17. try baklava, 18. cruise the southwest coast, 19. explore acropolis of ancient pergamon, 20. hike in the lycian way, 21. be overwhelmed by the greatness of the byzantine frescoes, cappadocia, 22. have a history lesson at the museum of anatolian civilizations, ankara, 23. explore ani ruins, 24. take a trip around the churches of the georgian valleys, 25. experience tranquillity of the lake van, 26. visit the blue mosque, istanbul, 27. take a walk in göreme national park, 28. explore the topkapi palace, istanbul, 29. hike through the pigeon valley, 30. behold the beauty of pamukkale, 31. paragliding in ölüdeniz - one of the things to do in turkey for adrenaline junkies.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget , your essential guide for visiting Europe.

Travel ideas for Turkey, created by local experts

4 days  / from 1050 USD

Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

5 days  / from 1100 USD

City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia

Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

9 days  / from 2500 USD

Magical Turkey

Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

A lighter-than-air float gives an unrivalled perspective on the “fairy chimneys” and other features of the landscape and is one of the best things to do in Turkey for the views.

You can get airborne on a paraglider above Ölüdeniz and kaş, or more passively (and expensively) in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia – champagne breakfast usually included.

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? This tailor-made tour to Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

Where to stay in Cappadocia:

• Best for beautiful surroundings: Yunak Evleri . Set in Cappadocia’s landscape of fairy chimneys, Yunak Evleri is a unique cave hotel carved into a mountain cliff.
• Best for peaceful stays: Narcissos Cave Hotel . Featuring a garden, Narcissos Cave Hotel is set in Urgup in the Central Anatolia Region region, 8.4 km from Uchisar Castle and 11 km from Nikolos Monastery.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Cappadocia

Cappadocia - Turkey © Shutterstock

Strategically set astride the Silk Route, this architecturally eclectic seventeenth-century palace is one of eastern Turkey’s most emblematic sites.

The exotic İshak Paşa Sarayı was built in the 18th century. A delightful architectural mishmash of Georgian, Armenian and Seljuk styles, its lavishly relief-carved walls, domes and minarets make it an architecture lover's dream. Looking out from this building is spectacular, with grand views down across the plain that this Kurdish chieftain once controlled.

İshak Pasa Sarayı, Turkish semi ruined administrative, Turkey © YoncaEvren/Shutterstock

Dramatically built into the side of the Pontic mountains, this Byzantine monastery is adorned with beautiful frescoes.

The Monastery of Sumela, or the Virgin of the Black Rock ranks as one of the Black Sea’s biggest attractions. You'll find here an ancient monastery built into the side of a cliff on the Black Sea coastline. Climb up to an observation point, soak up epic views of the region, and wander through fascinating caves to learn about the area's geology.

The present buildings probably date from the 12th century and contain many subsequent layers of frescoes, the best being from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Discover the wonders of Sumela with a guided tour.

Visitind Sumela monastery is amongst things to do in Turkey for beautiful frescoes, Turkey © MehmetO/Shutterstock

Members of a sect founded by the Konya-based Sufi mystic Celaleddin Rumi conduct “turning” ceremonies to effect union with God.

The Mevlâna Festival of the Whirling Dervishes is held in a specially designed stadium every December, and the piety of most of the audience makes it clear that the sema (whirling ceremony) has not lost its religious significance. Performances for tourists are given daily in summer.

See the stunning Mevlevei Sema ceremony in Istanbul . Enjoy a complex musical repertoire with whirling dervishes and go on a mystical dance journey representing man’s spiritual ascent through mind, love, and perfection.

The Whirling Dervishes © Shutterstock

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This ancient city, addressed by Saint Paul in one of his epistles, is the best preserved of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Unmatched by any other Mediterranean archaeological site aside from Pompeii, Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) appeals to visitors ranging from serious scholars to those with a more casual interest. Most of the surviving ruins of Ephesus belong to the Roman imperial period.

This tailor-made trip to Delightful Turkey is for those who want to discover as much as of Turkey as possible in under one week. Highlights include the Old Town of Istanbul, the valleys of Cappadocia, the birth of Sufism and the historical city of Ephesus.

Where to stay near Ephesus ruins:

• Best for location: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel offers great-value accommodation, only 50 m from the beach in the heart of the Kusadasi. It offers views overlooking a beach, the Aegean Sea and Kuşadası Marina. Kusadasi Castle can be reached in 5-minute drive from the property.
• Best for views: Nisanyan Hotel offers views of the historical village of Sirince, near Selçuk and the archaeological treasures of Ephesus. It features a marble swimming pool with water from Nisanyan’s own spring.

Find more accommodation options to stay near Ephesus ruins

Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey © muratart/Shutterstock

Thousands of visitors make the trek to see these fabulous remains atop towering Nemrut Dağı. You'll find here an extraordinary mountain-top temple-tomb complex that’s the outlandish legacy of an obscure, ancient kingdom. Commagene, a tiny buffer state on the Upper Euphrates, flourished for the briefest instant during the Roman civil wars.

Unlike other forgotten states of late antiquity, though, Commagene sealed its place in history thanks to the incredible stone carvings created by its uniquely self-obsessed ruler —Antiochus I. A visit to Nemrut Dağı is one of the best things to do in Turkey.

Enjoy a 3-day, 2-night tour of Mt. Nemrut, Sanliurfa, and Harran and discover some of Turkey's most fascinating hightlights.

Nemrut Dagi in Turkey © Waj/Shutterstock

Among the essential things to do in Turkey is of course browsing the Turkish bazaars. You may not get a bargain, but you can’t beat the banter, especially at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar .

Heading west towards the city walls, Divan Yolu, once the avenue of state trodden by viziers and pashas (high officials of the Ottoman Empire), is now lined with tourist shops. Several blocks west, is the entrance to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), a favourite tourist haunt. The size of a city street block, this market is where you can find everything from carpets to leather jackets, antiques, silver, icons and gold.

The Rough Guides to Turkey and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Discover traditional Istanbul’s life and colour with this half-day guided shopping tour . A trip to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without exploring Istanbul’s ancient and famous bazaars. Shop for the best in Turkish carpets and leathers.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul © Berke/Shutterstock

Anatolia’s largest and best preserved Classical theatre hosts an opera and ballet festival in summer. Some 45km (25 miles) east of Antalya and 5km (3 miles) off the main road, imposing Aspendos is graced by one of the finest surviving Roman theatres in the world.

Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD161–80) and seating 15,000 people, the elaborate structure is almost intact, the exception being part of the upper cornice. It is still used for concerts today.

Where to stay near Aspendos:

• Best for family honeymoon: Megasaray Club Belek . Located on the seafront, Megasaray Club Belek offers a private sandy beach with a jetty, 5 outdoor pools, 3 water slides and spa facilities.
• Best for family holiday: The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel . Featuring a 5D Cinema which offers guests a unique experience, crazy river, wave pool and coasters — The Land of Legends Theme Park offers a multi-sensory experience concept in Antalya.

Find more accommodation options to stay near Aspendos

Ancient amphitheater Aspendos in Antalya, Turkey © Ryzhkov Oleksandr/Shutterstock

Medieval houses, historic mosques and churches, and boutique hotels mingle in this hilltop eyrie, high above the Mesopotamian plain.

Perched majestically on a bluff above the chequerboard expanse of the Mesopotamian plain, Mardin is the most beautiful and visitor-friendly town in southeast Turkey. It is just a few kilometres north of the Syrian border, with the land hereabouts the closest Turkey gets to a true desert: be prepared for summer temperatures in excess of 40°C (104°F).

It is also the launching point for visits to the ancient Roman outpost of Dara.

Where to stay in Mardin:

• Best for traditional architecture: Maridin Hotel . This marvelous stone-made mansion featuring traditional architecture offers a terrace with panoramic Mesopotamia and Mardin views. A Turkish bath, sauna and a cold water pool in a cave are available.
• Best for authentic experience: Mirsoum Hotels . Set in Mardin, 5.1 km from Eskikale, Mirsoum Hotels provides air-conditioned rooms and a garden.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Mardin

Old city Mardin, Turkey © akimov konstantin/Shutterstock

The seemingly unsupported dome of Hagia Sophia is one of the architectural marvels of the world and visiting this landmark should be on everyone's list of things to do in Turkey.

At the eastern end of the Hippodrome, across Sultanahmet Park, is magnificent Aya Sofya otherwise known by its Greek name, Hagia Sophia or the Church of Holy Wisdom. It’s the principal Byzantine building still standing in Istanbul and one of the finest architectural creations in the world, not least because of its stunning and hugely innovative dome.

Explore two absolute highlights on the tailor-made trip to City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia . Visit Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

Where to stay in Istanbul:

• Best for views: Hotel Poem . Situated in the centre of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, this special class category hotel offers a cheerful atmosphere and great-value accommodation overlooking the Bosphorus.
• Best for B&B: Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci . Well located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci is located 1.2 km from Basilica Cistern, less than 1 km from Column of Constantine and a 19-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
• Best for location: Boutique Saint Sophia . Set in a 19th-century building and totally renovated in 2013, Boutique Saint Sophia has views over Hagia Sophia courtyard and offers luxurious rooms decorated with marble and teak wood. Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern are just a few steps from the hotel.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia interior at Istanbul Turkey © Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock

Lying just inland from the Black Sea, this glacially sculpted granite mountain range, spangled with dozens of lakes, is Turkey’s premier trekking venue.

The glaciated Kaçkar mountains are the highest (3,932m/12,190ft) and most spectacular of the various massifs in Turkey’s eastern Black Sea region. The name is derived from the Armenian khatchkar (votive relief cross). Its non-porous granite has resulted in hundreds of midnight-blue lakes and burbling streams.

Wildflower displays are second to none. Best of all is the opportunity to sample life at the various yaylas (pastoral communities), inhabited to varying degrees from late June to early September.

Kaçkar mountains. Turkey © UBC Stock/Shutterstock

A fabulous collection of mosaics from ancient Zeugma, a Hellenistic/Roman frontier city now under the waters of a reservoir on the nearby Euphrates .

The jewel in Gaziantep’s crown is the remarkable Zeugma Mosaic Museum which houses a collection of mosaics as impressive as any found anywhere in the Roman world. Some are displayed wall-mounted, others as they would have been in situ, in the reconstructed peristyle courtyards of villas, surrounded by pillars and backed by frescoes.

The mosaics, frescoes and other finds, notably a superb bronze statue of Hermes, were all salvaged from the Hellenistic/Roman city of Zeugma.

Experience an exclusive romantic tour with your partner as a local guide shows you the most romantic places in Gaziantep. Hear interesting stories and get mesmerized by the ambiance of Gaziantep.

Find accommodation options to stay in Gazıantep

Roman Floor Mosaic from Zeugma, Turkey © bumihills/Shutterstock

If you are thinking about the best things to do in Turkey, one of the first things that comes to mind is of course visiting hamam. The traditional sensual comforts of Turkey, hamams (Turkish baths) make a wonderfully relaxing (and cleansing) way to round off a day’s sightseeing. The soapy pleasures of a trip to the hamam are revitalising, and an authentic Turkish experience.

The sexes are usually segregated either in different baths or by different hours. nudity is not the norm, so wear underpants beneath the tea-towel-like peştamal (sarong) that you will be given. In the better baths you will also be given a towel and wooden clogs (takunya), although in more rural areas it’s best to bring your own towel.

Enhance your stay in Turkey with an amazing 3-hour traditional Turkish bath experience . Relax in the sauna and steam room, and be indulged with a body scrub, foam massage, and oil massage, all part of this rejuvenating Turkish tradition.

Interior of Turkish sauna, classic Turkish hammam © Mr. Tempter/Shutterstock

This unspoiled beach, one of the longest in the Mediterranean, is the perfect coda to a visit of the nearby, eponymous ancient city.

Patara was powerful Lycian city. Today it is better known for its 12km (7.5-mile) white-sand beach, the longest in Turkey, often with a considerable summer surf. This giant sandpit is as popular with breeding turtles as it is with lounging tourists, and the swamp behind the dunes is a vast archaeological site – thus it is all strictly protected, with most tourist facilities confined to the village of Gelemiş.

Discover more beautiful beaches with our guide to the best beaches in Turkey .

Where to stay near Patara beach:

• Best for comfort stays: Flower Hotel Patara is situated in a charming grass garden full of various trees such as palms, fruit trees and olives. Profit from the shuttle service to the beach.
• Best for relaxing times: St. Nicholas Pension . This family-run hotel features air-conditioned rooms and a terrace restaurant serving Mediterranean delicacies. Located 3 km from Patara beach, it offers a daily shuttle service to the beach.

Find more accommodation options to stay near the Patara beach

Aerial view of an untouched Patara Beach in Antalya, Turkey © proslgn/Shutterstock

The finest collection of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in Turkey, adorning an attractive church near the city’s land walls.

Around five kilometres (3 miles) west of the heart of the Istanbul around the Aya Sofya is the Kariye Museum. Take a taxi or the tram to the Pazartekke stop, from where it is a fascinating twentyminute walk north along the line of the Land Walls. Today it is a museum, the walls restored to relate the stories of Christianity according to Greek Orthodoxy.

Enjoy a stunning look at the center of Byzantine Constantinople on an extraordinary walking tour of the greatest Byzantine sights . Visit monasteries, homes, and ruins with an expert guide to help you gain a deep and rich understanding of Turkey's history.

Chora church, Istanbul, Turkey © Teo Stuivenberg/Shutterstock

The list of things to do in Turkey will not be complete without tasting of local delicacies. Those with a particularly sweet tooth should seek out a traditional pastane (patisserie). In earlier days, before fast-food restaurants and cafés provided an alternative, young courting couples or families would make the pastane a Sunday ritual.

The favourite dessert of the sweet-toothed Turks, rich, buttery baklava , in which thin layers of filo pastry are stuffed with pistachio or walnuts, is best enjoyed with a strong, black Turkish coffee.

Explore more of Turkish cuisine with our guide to the best traditional Turkish food .

On this guided walking food tour you will travel around Eminonu, its intricate alleyways and hidden corners and go off the beaten paths while eating and enjoying most of delicious food tastings.

Baklava © korkut kazcin/Shutterstock

The deeply indented coastline between Bodrum and Finike is the venue for multi-day cruises on a gulet , or traditional wooden motor-schooner.

All the major southwest coast resorts have well-equipped yacht marinas, with the convoluted shoreline between Bodrum and Finike especially rewarding. Scuba diving is most worthwhile out of Bodrum, kalkan, kaş and Adrasan. Expect to see corals, rock formations and submerged wrecks rather than huge shoals of fish.

Spend your day on a boat tour visiting Bodrum's hidden bays. Swim in the turquoise waters surrounding Black Island and relax with lunch at Aquarius Bay.

Gokova gulf, Bodrum, Turkey © nexus 7/Shutterstock

Pergamon was one of the chief Roman cities of Anatolia, and extensive ruins remain; shown here is the sanctuary of the restored Trajan temple.

For the energetic, there is a path up to the fabled Acropolis from Bergama, though it’s probably best to use it downhill on your return. Most people will arrive by cable-car or private car to the car park and ticket booth at the top.

As you pass the scant remains of a monumental gate, you enter one of the greatest centres of Hellenistic civilisation, excavated between 1878 and 1886 by Carl Humann, a railway engineer employed by the Ottoman government.

Enjoy a day tour of Pergamon and the Asklepion with convenient hotel pick-up from Kusadasi or Selcuk. Customize your itinerary and take advantage of skip-the-line tickets.

Temple of Trajan at Acropolis of Pergamon or Pergamum in Turkey © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock

This well-marked path, suited to all abilities, follows some of the most scenic portions of the Turquoise Coast . Hiking in this region is one of the best things to do in Turkey for walkers and nature lovers.

This coastal route, ideal for spring or autumn, notionally takes five weeks to complete, but the wildest, most popular sections are near Fethiye between Kabak and Gavurağili, and between Kaş and Üçağız.

Five kilometres (3 miles) before Kumluca, where Highway 400 swings northward, continue east along the coastal road for another 20km (12.5 miles) to reach a scenic stretch of the Lycian Way, from Karaöz down to the French-built lighthouse at Gelidonya Burnu, with the Beş Adalar (Five Islands) as a backdrop.

Discover Kekova's top landmarks on this guided sea kayak tour . See sights including the Sunken City of Kekova, Tersane Bay, and Theimussa, visit Simena Castle, swim, and enjoy lunch in Üçağiz.

Gelidonya lighthouse, Lycian way, Turkey © Quinn Martin/Shutterstock

Cappadocia's many rock-hewn churches contain superb early Christian frescoes.

One of the finest local churches for Byzantine frescoes is the monastery at Eski Gümüşler in the village of Gümüşler, 8km (5 miles) northeast of Niğde. Restored by British archaeologists in the 1960s, the monastery church has a completely preserved courtyard (the only one to survive in its entirety).

A room upstairs springs a surprise: a smoky wall covered with non-religious pictures of animals and birds. Outside, a winepress and baths have been discovered.

Frescos cave, church Goreme, Cappadocia © Jan Miko/Shutterstock

Home to native cultures from the Stone Age onwards, this superb museum is the capital’s one must-see attraction.

Today, travellers to the region pay homage to Atatürk, buried in state in the country’s bustling modern capital, Ankara, and visit the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, covering 10,000 years of history.

You'll want to visit Konya to admire the religious monuments associated with the world-famous whirling dervishes. Visit Cappadocia to delight in its extraordinary landscape of conical fairy chimneys, underground cities, anthill-like monasteries and rock-cut churches.

Explore Ankara with a friendly and passionate local who will help you discover the city like a real Ankara resident.

Where to stay in Ankara:

• Best for modern stays: Bugday Hotel . Located in Ankara’s centre, this hotel features panoramic city views from the rooftop restaurant. It has a fitness centre, sauna and a steam bath. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are available.
• Best for comfort: Hotel Cinnah . Located in the heart of Ankara, Hotel Cinnah is 100 m from Kugulu Park. It is also within walking distance to many shops are shopping area. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Guests can benefit free private parking on site.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Ankara

Museum of Anatolian civilizations, Ankara, Turkey © zebra0209/Shutterstock

Medieval Armenian capital in a superb setting at the Turkish border, scattered with fine churches. The former capital of Bagratid Armenia, which flourished from the 10th to the 13th centuries, contains several of the finest Armenian churches in this region, amid dramatic scenery.

Allow at least half a day to make the most of Ani, plus an hour each way for the drive from/to Kars. Entry to the city is through the impressive Aslan Kapısı (Lion Gate), from where a signed path meanders its way from church to church. Most obvious is the Church of the Redeemer, striking because only half of its bulk survives, the rest having fallen victim to a lightning bolt.

Clinging to a cliff face above the Arpa Çayı is the exquisite Church of St Gregory and its lovely frescoes.

Church of the Redeemer in Ani, Turkey © Fat Jackey/Shutterstock

The medieval churches northeast of Erzurum is among northeastern Anatolia’s most striking monuments.

Getting around the Georgian valleys with their marvellous Georgian churches is considerably difficult without your own transport. There are few tour agents and infrequent dolmuşes to the villages by the churches.

The five most impressive churches lie south of Artvin, in the valleys of the Çoruh and Tortum rivers. İşhan is the first, with its huge, mind-blowing church. Work was begun during the 8th century and was only completed 300 years later. The dome rests on four massive columns, while delicate stone carvings adorn the outer walls.

Osvang church Tortum Erzurum, Turkey © zaferkizilkaya/Shutterstock

The cobalt-blue expanse of Turkey's largest lake is at its most scenic in late spring or early summer.

Turkey’s largest inland body of water, Van Gölü (Lake Van) stands some 1,650 metres (5,500ft) above sea level. Flushed with the run-off from innumerable small streams in the surrounding mountains, it has no visible outlet save for evaporation, which accounts for the lake’s high salinity.

Last light at The Armenian Church, Van, Turkey © B Studio/Shutterstock

The most famous mosque in the old city in Istanbul is the Blue Mosque facing Aya Sofya across Sultanahmet Square, and deriving its architectural style from the earlier church. It has blue stained-glass windows, and exquisite İznik tiles decorate its interior.

It was built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Ağa, a student of the great architect Sinan, as a means of showing the world that he had outstripped his master – and the architects of Aya Sofya – and as a tribute to the superiority of Islam.

Join a guided tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul : the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Enjoy an introduction to Sultanahmet and the Hippodrome as you witness local life with a guide.

Blue mosque, Instanbul © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock

The village of Göreme, just 3km northeast of Uçhisar, is one of few remaining Cappadocian settlements whose rock-cut houses and fairy chimneys are still inhabited. These, along with the village’s celebrated open-air museum, make it a hugely popular tourist destination. The honeycomb of cave dwellings etched into the landscape not only provides visual intrigue, but is well equipped to provide for everyone from budget backpackers to luxury holiday-makers. and there are carpet shops, pansiyons, tour companies and restaurants everywhere.

In and around the Göreme valley, in a spectacular scenery entirely made by erosion, there are shrines cut into the rock, which are a unique record of Byzantine art. There are also troglodyte dwellings, villages and underground cities - the remains of a former traditional human habitation that dates back to the 4th century.

This Cappadocia Red Tour will depart from your hotel. Along with a professional tour guide and driver, you will visit historic sites in Cappadocia such as Devrent Valley, Pasabagi Valley, Avanos, Göreme Open Air Museum, Esentepe and more.

Where to stay in Göreme:

• Best for views: Milat Cave Hotel . Boasting a garden and a restaurant, Milat Cave Hotel is set in Goreme. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a terrace. A tour desk can provide information on the area.
• Best for ambience and comfort: Carus Cappadocia . Featuring a bar, garden and views of city, Carus Cappadocia is set in Goreme, 3.9 km from Uchisar Castle. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Göreme

Goreme in Turkey © AdobeStock

Located to the northeast of Aya Sofya is the Topkapı Palace. The complex is considerably smaller than the original, which used to extend down to the Sea of Marmara and include the area covered today by Sirkeci railway station and Gülhane Park, but the grounds are still enormous. You need half a day to appreciate it properly.

The Topkapı was the nerve centre of the extensive Ottoman Empire after Mehmet the Conqueror’s great grandson, Süleyman the Magnificent, made the decision to make it the seat of the Ottoman Empire and his royal residence.

Skip the ticket lines and discover Topkapi Palace in Istanbul on an informative tour with an audio guide . Explore at your own pace and take a break for coffee.

Harem in Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey © AdobeStock

If you are looking for what to do in Turkey for hiking don't miss the beautiful Pigeon Valley. It's a spectacular valley near the town of Uchisar, which is named because of the thousands of pigeon lodges carved into the soft tuff since ancient times, and provides another breathtaking view of Cappadocia together with fascinating views of the pigeon lodges.

The valley got its name from the pigeons and ranks first amongst the most popular, most well-known and striking valleys of Cappadocia.

See the best of Cappadocia with a private day trip from Goreme . Enter the Pigeon Valley and delve into Derinkuyu Underground City before traveling to Cavusin and admiring the Fairy Chimneys.

Uchhisar fortress and colourful hot air balloons flying over Pigeon valley in Cappadocia, Turkey © Shutterstock

The solidified mineral-rich “waterfalls” of the pale travertine terraces are a cliché of Turkish tourism, but is one of the best things to do in Turkey nonetheless. The extensive remains of Roman Hierapolis up top are an added bonus.

Magical Pamukkale the “Cotton Castle”, lies 19km (12 miles) north of Denizli, off the main highway from Aydin. It’s actually a solidified cascade of travertine, formed by calcium bicarbonate-laden hot springs just uphill that have left stalactite-festooned terraces and scallop-shaped pools as they drain over the escarpment here and cool.

Experience Pamukkale with its dreamlike landscapes and waters, long prized for their healing properties on Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch . Then visit the settlement of Hierapolis and discover its ancient history.

Vibrant Pamukkale in Turkey © Suksamran1985/Shutterstock

Fethiye itself has no beaches; the nearest is at Çalış, 4km (2.5 miles), a mosquito-friendly, déclassé resort slowly being converted to holiday homes. The area’s premier beach, featuring on every second tourist-office poster of Turkey, lies across the peninsula at Ölüdeniz, the “Dead Sea”, 25km (15 miles) away.

Until the late 1980s, this was one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful hideaways, a cobalt lagoon encircled by platinum sand, with Aleppo pines leaning over the water. But the overlanders’ obligatory halt of yore has since become a standard mass-market resort. The entire valley behind less scenic, adjacent Belceğiz beach is crammed to capacity with restaurants and hotels, most of the latter dominated by package companies.

You can get airborne on a paraglider above Ölüdeniz and kaş, or more passively (and expensively) in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia.

Glide high above sandy beaches and turquoise waters on a paragliding flight . Take in views of majestic mountains on the horizon. Start with a briefing by your instructor and then experience a tandem paraglide, choosing the time of day that suits you best.

Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Turkey © AdobeStock

Turkey is one of the best places to travel with kids. Check our guide to the best places to go with kids and find some more inspirational ideas for the family holidays.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to the Turkey without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Visiting Turkey is a trully unforgetable expirience. For more inspirational travel tips check our Rough Guide books . If you travel further in Turkey , read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Turkey. For inspiration use the itineraries and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Turkey

Written by Jess Lee Updated May 11, 2023

Author Jess Lee lives in Turkey and has been writing about traveling in Turkey for over a decade. She has authored several travel guidebooks to the country .

Packed to the brim with ancient monuments left over from a parade of empires, and endowed with showcase scenery that never fails to impress, Turkey is a dazzling destination that straddles Asia and Europe.

Its vibrant culture, famous food, and vast history wow all who venture here, while its glorious landscapes, from the sun-soaked Mediterranean to the mighty mountains and arid steppe, are tourist attractions in themselves.

Whether you want to lap up the Byzantine and Ottoman glories of Istanbul on a city break, laze on the beach, delve into history wandering through ruins such as Ephesus, or see some of the world's most surreal panoramas in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, this country offers visitors a wide range of things to do.

For ideas on the best places to visit read our list of the top tourist attractions in Turkey.

1. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

3. cappadocia, 4. topkapı palace, 5. pamukkale, 7. cruising the mediterranean, 8. mount nemrut, 9. ölüdeniz, 10. aspendos, 12. pergamum, 13. the blue mosque, 16. safranbolu, 17. the bosphorus, 18. gaziantep zeugma mosaic museum, 19. göbeklitepe, 20. sumela monastery, best time to visit turkey.

Highlight: Take in the majestic interior of one of Istanbul's most iconic buildings

Renowned as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the spellbinding Byzantine glory of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya) is not only one of the top things to do in Istanbul, but also in Turkey.

Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 CE, it is renowned as the Byzantine Empire's greatest architectural achievement and has remained the world's largest church for 1,000 years.

The staggering bulk of its exterior is rimmed by the delicate minarets added after the Ottoman conquest, while the sumptuous and cavernous frescoed interior is a grand reminder of old Constantinople's might and power.

This famed monument is a must-do for every tourist visiting the country.

• Read More: Exploring Hagia Sophia Mosque: A Visitor's Guide

Highlights: Crane your neck at the Library of Celsus, hike up the cavea of the Great Theater, and stroll amid the ruins of this ancient city

Not to be missed, the mighty ruin of Ephesus is a city of colossal monuments and marble-columned roads.

One of the most complete, still-standing famed cities of antiquity in the Mediterranean region, this is the place to experience what life must have been like during the golden age of the Roman Empire.

The city's history dates back to the 10th century BCE, but the major monuments you see today all date from its Roman era when it was a thriving commercial center.

In particular, the Library of Celsus, the complex of frescoed terraced houses, and the Great Theater all point to the wealth and importance of Ephesus during the Roman period.

A sightseeing trip here will take at least half a day to cover the major highlights and longer, if you really want to explore, so make sure you plan your visit so you don't feel rushed.

• Read More: Visiting Ephesus: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Highlights: Take in panoramic views from a hot-air balloon, hike within valleys of volcanic rock, and marvel at cave-chapel Byzantine art

The surreal, swooping rock valleys of Cappadocia are every photographer's dream.

Cliff ridges and hill crests are home to rippling panoramas of wave-like rock or wacky-shaped pinnacles that have been formed by millennia of wind and water action.

And if you don't feel like hiking for the views, this is one of the world's top destinations to take a hot-air balloon ride .

Nestled in this unique lunar-like landscape are the frescoed rock-cut churches and cave-cut architecture of the Byzantine Era, when this area was home to monastic Christian communities.

In particular, the multiple cave-churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and Ihlara Valley are home to some of the best examples of surviving mid-Byzantine-era religious art in the world.

Cappadocia's villages, half hewn into the hillsides, where travelers base themselves to explore the surrounding countryside, are also an attraction in themselves, with their boutique hotels that allow you to bed down in a cave with full contemporary comforts.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cappadocia
• Top-Rated Things to Do in Turkey

Highlights: Soak up the Ottoman finery amid the salons of the sultans

Sumptuous beyond belief, Istanbul's Topkapı Palace takes you into the fantastical, opulent world of the Sultans.

It was from here, during the 15th and 16th centuries, that the sultans of the Ottoman era carved out an empire that would extend up into Europe and down through the Middle East and into Africa.

The interiors, with their decadently exuberant tiling and lavish jeweled decor, are an unforgettable peek into the Ottoman's power base.

In particular, don't miss the Imperial Council building, where the empire's business was conducted by the Grand Vizier; the arms collection displayed in the Imperial Treasury; the world-class collection of miniature paintings; and the dazzling Harem rooms, which were designed by the famed Ottoman architect Sinan.

The surrounding public gardens were once the sole domain of the Royal Court but are now open to the public and provide a tranquil, green respite from the city streets.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Highlights : Hike up the famed white terraces, swim in the antique pool, then take in the views from the top tier of the theater's cavea

One of Turkey's most famous natural wonders, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in English) cascade down the slope looking like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape.

Although the travertines are themselves a highlight of a Turkey trip, the vast and rambling ruins of Greco-Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town, lie scattered across the summit of this calcite hill.

After exploring the ancient theater, with its views across the countryside, and the remnants of the city's agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and grand gates, you can swim in the mineral-rich waters which made this ancient spa town famous, in the antique pool.

Afterward, walk down the travertine hill, wading through the pools of water in the upper terraces, to the small modern village of Pamukkale below.

For the best photographs, come at dusk when the travertines glow as the sun sinks below the horizon.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pamukkale

Highlights: Stroll the twisty lanes of the old town, sloth on the beach, or launch yourself out on history-filled trips amid the hilltop ruins of the hinterland

This bustling Mediterranean hub has something for everyone.

The two main beaches outside of town are sun-sloth heaven in summer and attract holidaymakers from across Europe. While the old town area, snug right in the center of town, with its cobblestone alleyways rimmed by creaky Ottoman-era mansions, is a wonderful place to explore.

The Antalya Museum is renowned as one of the country's best, with an astonishing collection of Hellenistic and Roman marble statuary, and there are bags of attractions outside of town for travelers who want to use Antalya as a base.

In particular, Antalya is an easy base for day trips to some of Turkey's most famous Greco-Roman ruins, including Aspendos and Perge, which are just outside the city, and the town of Side, with its glut of ruins.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Antalya

Highlight: Experience Turkey's dramatic coastline from the sea on a scenic slow-travel adventure

Turkey's Mediterranean coastline has ruins galore and many things to do, but for many people, it's all about soaking up the sun while enjoying the gorgeous coastal views.

Cruising on a yacht is the number one activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye for good reason. The steep forest-clad slopes, hidden coves sporting tiny white-sand beaches, and hundreds of scattered islands are the perfect place for exploring by sea. Even diehard landlubbers will be impressed.

One of the most famous trips is known as the Blue Cruise and travels from Fethiye south down the coast until disembarking near Olympos , home to the famous natural phenomenon of the Chimaera.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bodrum

Highlight: Hike up to the summit to see the sun rise over the mountaintop ruins

The top sightseeing drawcard for eastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut's summit funerary mound is scattered with the broken remnants of once mammoth statues, which guarded it.

This weird and lonely place has to be one of Turkey's most peculiar archaeological sites. The giant stone heads of long-forgotten gods stare out from the summit, casting an eerie atmosphere over the barren mountaintop.

The summit's building works are the work of Antiochus I, ruler of the Commagene Kingdom, which lay here in the buffer region between the Roman and Parthian empires.

Antiochus I dedicated this grand funerary mound to himself as a showcase of his importance, raising a 50-meter-high artificial peak on Mount Nemrut's summit and then decorating it with statues of himself and various gods.

The most popular time to visit is at sunrise, so you can watch the statues as they loom out of the dark.

• Read More: Exploring Mount Nemrut: A Visitor's Guide

Highlights: Turkey's tandem paragliding hub, resort living, and lazy beach life

Impossibly turquoise-blue water. Check. Lush green forest tumbling down a cliff to a white-sand beach. Check. The sheltered inlet of Ölüdeniz, just a short journey from Fethiye, is Turkey's most famous beach, and with scenery that might as well have fallen off a perfect postcard, it's easy to see why its popularity hasn't waned.

If the beach gets too crowded, it's time to take to the skies and experience the stunning aerial views on a tandem paragliding dive off the summit of mighty Babadağ (Mount Baba), which rises up behind the shore.

Oh, did we mention that Ölüdeniz is one of the world's top paragliding destinations? Check.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fethiye

Highlight: Admire this monumental relic of Roman rule

Just south of the resort city of Antalya, the jaw-dropping mammoth bulk of the Roman Theater of Aspendos celebrates the pomp and ceremony of Marcus Aurelius' rule.

Considered the finest surviving example of a classical age theater still standing in the world, the highly restored, 15,000-seat theater is one of antiquity's star attractions.

Although the theater is the main reason for a visit here (and for most visitors on a half-day trip from nearby Antalya or Side, the theater is all they see) the Aspendos site offers plenty more ruins to explore.

There are remnants of an aqueduct, agora, stadium, and a Byzantine-era basilica, all scattered over the vast hillside area here surrounding the theater.

Read More: Aspendos: A Visitor's Guide

Highlights: Hike amid the Lycian ruins then relax on Turkey's longest beach

With such a long Mediterranean coastline, there's a beach for every type of sun worshipper in Turkey, but Patara is among its most famous swathes of sand.

Trailing for 18 kilometers along the shoreline, the beach offers plenty of space, so even in the height of summer, you can still find a quiet spot far away from the crowds.

Adding to the experience, just behind the sand, are the vast ruins of Ancient Patara , which include a colonnaded street, restored bouleuterion (the parliament of the city), and a theater that sat 5,000 people.

Once you've had your fill of sun, sand, and swimming, wander behind the sand dunes and explore the crumbling remnants of this once-prosperous Lycian city.

Patara is easily reached from both Kas and Fethiye.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Fethiye

Highlights: Panoramic vistas across the ruins and surrounding hills from the Acropolis and theater

Turkey has an abundance of Greco-Roman ruins, but none can be so romantically placed as ancient Pergamum in modern-day Bergama.

Once home to one of the ancient world's most important libraries (which rivaled Alexandria's library in prominence) and home to the famed medical school run by Galen, Pergamum's remaining temple remnants now preside dramatically across a hilltop.

It's an incredibly atmospheric place to explore. The Acropolis area with its theater cut into the hillside holds the most remains and offers sweeping panoramic views across the countryside.

Below, the Asklepion area is home to the ruins of the city's renowned medical center.

This is a great place to visit if you want to get a real feel for life in the Classical era.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pergamum and the North Aegean

Highlight: An opulent interior with the Ottoman era's delicately detailed blue-and-white tiles

This famous mosque (officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque), facing the Hagia Sophia Mosque across Sultanahmet Park in Istanbul, is one of Turkey's most visited monuments.

Built by Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque was designed to mimic the Hagia Sophia by the architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, a disciple of the Ottoman era's most renowned architect, Sinan.

With six slender minarets and a sprawling courtyard complex, everything about the Blue Mosque is on a grand scale but it's best known for its prayer hall interior covered in tens of thousands of blue Iznik tiles (for which the mosque gained its moniker), lit by shards of light from 260 windows.

Non-worshipping visitors are welcome to visit outside of prayer times. Everyone must have knees and shoulders covered, and females must wear a headscarf.

Highlight: Strolling amid the ruins of one of the Classical world's most famous mythical cities

One of Turkey's most well-known ancient ruins, this site is thought by many to be the Troy of Homer's Iliad .

Whether it is, or not, the Troy of the Trojan War myths, the multi-layered, rambling ruins here expose a vast history of occupation, abandonment, and reoccupation that stretches right back to the early Bronze Age.

The ruins include well-preserved city walls and fortifications, the remnants of a palace, megarons (Mycenean hall complexes) and houses, along with later Roman-era sanctuary and Odeon monuments.

Just down the road from the Troy site is the new Troy Museum , one of Turkey's best museums.

The vast and thoughtfully collated collection inside tells the tale of Troy, from its earliest occupation right through to the modern era, including the mythology that surrounds the site; the controversial and damaging excavations of early archaeological work here; and the story of the missing cache of gold, silver, and copper artifacts (known as Prium's Treasure) currently held at Moscow's Pushkin Museum, which were unearthed at the site and illegally smuggled out of Turkey by Heinrich Schliemann.

Read More: Visiting Troy from Istanbul

Highlight: Rambling this vast site of shattered churches set high on the steppe

The ruins of the powerful Silk Road city of Ani sit abandoned on the plains rubbing up against Turkey's modern border with Armenia.

Once capital of the Armenian Kingdom, Ani's golden age came to an end in the 14th century after Mongol raids, earthquake destruction, and trade route tussling all played their part in the city's decline.

The beautiful red-brick buildings still crumbling away amid the steppe grass have a mesmerizing effect on all who visit.

Don't miss the Church of the Redeemer and the Church of Saint Gregory, with their elaborate stone masonry and fresco remnants still visible; the bulky Ani Cathedral building; and the Manuçehr Mosque, built by the Seljuk Turks when they captured the city in the 11th century and thought to be the first mosque built in what would become Turkey.

Highlight: Idly wandering cobblestone streets amid the old town of wood-beamed mansions

Turkey's best-preserved Ottoman town is a fabulously photogenic place of skinny winding alleys crammed with finely restored wooden mansions which were once the home of wealthy merchants and now have been transformed into boutique hotels and restaurants.

There's little to actually do in town. Instead, this is a place to simply stroll the streets and admire the old-world atmosphere.

It's also known for its traditional sweets and crafts and there are plenty of cute shops where you can pick up a unique souvenir.

If you're road-tripping inland from Istanbul, this is a fantastic place to stop-off for the night and experience the historic ambience.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Safranbolu

Highlight: Take a scenic sightseeing trip on Istanbul's famed continent-dividing strait

One of the world's great waterways, the Bosphorus Strait separates Europe from Asia and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara (and hence, out to the Mediterranean).

Cruising along the Bosphorus, whether by hopping local ferries, on a tourist ferry cruise, or a private boat, is one of the great tourist attractions of an Istanbul stay. This is the most relaxing sightseeing opportunity in Istanbul.

Onboard, it's all about soaking up the scenery from the water, with the shorefront lined with Ottoman palaces; villas; and wooden mansions out to Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror; and (farther north along the strait), the Byzantine-era ramparts of Anadolu Fortress.

Highlight: A dazzling collection of Greco-Roman mosaic artistry

Due to the ongoing aid response in the aftermath of Turkey's February 2023 earthquake, the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum has been temporarily closed. For information on reopening, check the official museum website .

The city of Gaziantep is one of southeastern Turkey's great highlights for a few days of guzzling Gaziantep's renowned baklava and strolling the alleys of its old city district, but its most famous attraction is the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

The museum contains both one of the largest and most important mosaic collections in the world.

Nearly all the Hellenistic and Roman-era floor mosaics displayed here are originally from the Greco-Roman ruins of the town of Zeugma, which is now half-submerged due to the construction of the Bericik Dam. The mosaics, cleverly curated and displayed so that they can be viewed from their best angles, provide visitors with a sense of the artistry of the Greco-Roman era.

Despite the many huge mosaics here, the most famous mosaic in the collection, known as the Gypsy Girl , is one of the smallest pieces. It is displayed dramatically in its own darkened room, so that the intricate artistry of the piece can be better appreciated.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Gaziantep

Highlight: Soaking up the atmosphere of standing amid the world's earliest religious monument

One of Turkey's most important ancient ruins, the hilltop site of Göbeklitepe , near Şanlıurfa, has generated hundreds of headlines worldwide, been anointed with UNESCO World Heritage status, (and provided the inspiration for the Netflix series The Gift ) since it was opened to the public.

This small site of towering T-shaped pillars, inscribed with animal figures and anthropomorphic details, dates from the pre-pottery Neolithic era and is thought by archaeologists to be the world's earliest religious sanctuary.

Although it may not have the wow-factor of Turkey's many, much later Bronze Age and Greco-Roman ancient sites, Göbeklitepe's importance in our understanding of early human history has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey's southeast.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Şanlıurfa

Highlight: Exploring this stunning Byzantine religious center that clings to the cliff-side

With its stunning, lonely setting, built into a cliff face, Sumela Monastery (Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is the star attraction for visitors along the Black Sea Coast.

Wandering around this abandoned religious complex, with its church interiors crammed with dazzling and vibrant frescoes, is a must for anyone who makes the long journey to Turkey's northeast region.

The monastery first opened during the Byzantine era and only ceased operation as a working religious center in 1923, when the monks were forced to leave as part of the Greek-Turkish Population Exchange.

Today, wandering its empty cells, it's easy to imagine the isolated lives of the monks who once lived here.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Black Sea Coast

Overall, depending on what you plan to do, Turkey can be visited year-round, but for the most dependable weather, the best times to visit are the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October.

May, June, September, and October are the prime time for Turkey travels, with plenty of blue skies and sunshine and softer light for photography, but fewer crowds. Just remember to pack a warmer layer for after dark and a jacket in case of rain.

Spring wildflowers bloom across the countryside in May, while the displays of colorful fall foliage during October make these two months the best for keen photographers.

July and August are the most popular months to visit, with temperatures regularly peaking over 30 degrees Celsius and little chance of rain disrupting your plans. If you're here specifically for the beach and activities on the water, this is peak season.

More on Turkey

The 8 most amazing road trips in Turkey for history and adventure

Jan 27, 2022 • 8 min read

Road tripping through Cappadocia means dramatic scenes around every turn © Asia-Pacific Images Studio / Getty Images

With nearly 8000km (5000 miles) of coastline and endless expanses of countryside, from rugged mountains to rolling deserts, Turkey is prime road trip territory.

From the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, the country is crisscrossed by well-maintained highways, but you'll want to detour onto smaller roads to reach Turkey's wealth of archeological sites and scenic landscapes and to enjoy the local hospitality.

Turkey has many small regional airports, so most road trips can be driven point-to-point by rental car, connecting back to Istanbul by air when you're ready for your flight home.

Here are eight great road trips in Turkey to whet your appetite for adventure.

Thrace and the North Aegean: best road trip for wining and dining

Start – Istanbul; End – İzmir; Distance – 880km (547 miles)

You could barrel through this drive in a few days to hit its historic highlights: the battlefields of Gallipoli , the ruins of Troy and its impressive museum , the ancient acropolis of Bergama (Pergamum) and the grand classical city of Ephesus . But it’s better to take your time, savoring relaxed seaside towns, Aegean cuisine and local wineries along the way.

Break the long drive out of Istanbul with an overnight stop at the Barbare winery near Tekirdağ, which offers boutique accommodations amidst sprawling vineyards. Continuing west, most of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a national park, with lush forests and secluded beaches to explore, while Çanakkale across the water is a pleasantly vibrant city and the gateway to Troy.

South of Troy, board the car ferry to the idyllic island of Bozcaada, with its old Greek houses, gourmet restaurants, beaches and wineries. Heading on to Bergama, stop in the pretty towns of Foça or Ayvalık , then make for İzmir . As well as being the closest hub to Ephesus, Turkey’s third-largest city is a worthy destination in its own right, with a layered, Greek-influenced culture and cuisine.

The Lycian Coast: best road trip for stunning sea views

Start – Dalaman; End – Antalya; Distance – 337km (209 miles)

Despite the short distances, this Mediterranean journey is meant to be taken slowly, and the winding coastal road between Patara and Antalya will see to it that you don't rush past the sights. If the pretty beaches and coves along the route don’t tempt you into frequent stops and detours, the area’s many fascinating archeological ruins certainly will. 

Leaving Dalaman, take a lunch stop by the harbor in Göcek , then it’s onward to Fethiye , where you can book a day cruise on the sparkling bay, visit the ancient rock tombs towering above the city or hike to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy . Moving southeast, the drive to the long sandy beach at Patara is dotted with ancient sites, including hilltop Tlos , the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos , the temples of Letoon and the isolated mountain splendor of tomb-studded Pinara .

Moving east, laidback Kaş is the kind of place you may never want to leave, with its sublime sea views and hip cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars. The rock tombs of Myra , the dramatic ruins and beach at Olympos, and romantic Phaselis are just a few of the reasons to linger en route to lively Antalya.

Historic Anatolia: best road trip for ancient history

Start – Ankara; End – Konya; Distance – 692km (430 miles)

A visit to the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara will set the stage for this journey into the past. After stops at the Turkish capital’s old citadel and the mausoleum of the country’s revered founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it’s time to head out to Hattuşa , the capital of the ancient Hittite kingdom.

You could spend a few days or a week exploring the Cappadocia region to the south, famous for its fairy chimney rock formations, cave churches and underground cities, and the colorful hot-air balloons that take visitors soaring above it all. The towns of Göreme and Ürgüp both make for good bases, with plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Before reaching Konya , known for its Seljuk-era relics and Sufi heritage, stop at Çatalhöyük – excavations at this globally significant Neolithic settlement are providing insights into Turkey's earliest civilizations.

Southeastern Anatolia: best road trip for bazaars and museums

Start – Gaziantep; End – Gaziantep; Distance – 832km (517 miles)

The historic southeast of Anatolia is tangibly different from other parts of Turkey, with its culture and cuisine influenced by the region’s Kurdish and Arab populations. Start your explorations in famous Gaziantep , known for its kebabs and baklava, and for the beautifully displayed collection of Roman mosaics in the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum .

Rolling east, Şanlıurfa has its own fine archaeology museum and mosaics , as well as a colorful bazaar district and the nearby ruins of Göbeklitepe , one of the world’s most important Neolithic sites. Further east, by the Syrian border, picturesque Mardin has a museum-like old town, an atmospheric bazaar, and ancient Roman ruins and a Syrian Orthodox monastery .

Turning north, fascinating and sometimes troubled Diyarbakır is the most important Kurdish city in Turkey. From here, take the more northern route back to Gaziantep so you can overnight at one of the simple pansiyons (guesthouses) near the summit of Nemrut Dağı , topped by giant statues of ancient gods and heroes.

The Eastern Mountains: best road trip for wild nature

Start – Trabzon; End – Kars; Distance – 640km (398 miles)

This rugged drive requires good mountain-driving skills and shouldn’t be attempted in winter, but it rewards the adventurous traveler with dramatic landscapes, isolated villages and some truly unique sights. Starting from the vibrant coastal city of Trabzon , head into the mountains to reach the 4th-century Sumela Monastery , a reminder of the region’s rich Greek Orthodox heritage.

Old Armenian churches can be found around Gümüşhane, and farther on in Bayburt is the remote, one-of-a-kind Baksi Museum , devoted to contemporary and traditional arts. From underrated Erzurum , you can continue by car to Kars , a former Russian outpost with distinctive architecture. The nearby ruins of Ani , an ancient capital of Armenia before modern borders were drawn, have one of the most picturesque settings in Turkey.

As an interesting alternative to driving this last leg, return your hire car in Erzurum and buy a train ticket on the famous Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) train to Kars, one of Turkey's most rewarding rail journeys. 

Three Peninsulas: best road trip for leisurely seaside meandering

Start – Bodrum; End – Dalaman; Distance – 655km (407 miles)

The winding roads, scenic views and relaxed vibe of the three peninsulas that jut out from the Turkish coast where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea – Bodrum, Datça, and Bozburun – encourage leisurely dawdling. The Bodrum peninsula is the most popular destination, with resort towns ranging from the glamorous to the bohemian.

Datça and Bozburun (near Marmaris ) are quieter, but both are drawing ever-larger numbers of city-weary Istanbulites. You may find that you fall in love with one peninsula and want to spend all of your time exploring its many coves and villages instead of making the full tour of all three. Riverfront Dalyan , which boasts one of the best beaches in Turkey, makes for a pleasant stopover before heading to the airport in Dalaman.

Phrygia and the Lake District: best road trip for off-the-beaten-path sights

Start – Eskişehir; End – Antalya; Distance – 556km (345 miles)

You could start this drive from Istanbul, but it’s more pleasant to take the fast train to Eskişehir , a pleasantly green riverfront city with many interesting things to do – be sure to visit the city's notable modern art museum before you hit the road. 

The ancient Phrygian civilization spread southwest from here through rock-carved valleys that you can explore today via the Phrygian Way trekking route. Continue through Kütahya, known for its Ottoman ceramics, to reach the stark hilltop castle for which the town of Afyonkarahisar is named.

South of the town of Afyon is Turkey’s forested Lake District , where you can eat fish by the water in Eğirdir or take a hike in the green surroundings of Lake Kovada National Park . After visiting the spectacular ruins of ancient Sagalassos , see some of the artifacts found at the site in the museum in Burdur, then cap off your trip with some beach time in Antalya.

Western Black Sea: best road trip for quaint Ottoman villages

Start – Istanbul; End – Samsun; Distance – 1516km (942 miles)

This long journey will give you a taste of the rugged western Black Sea coastline as well as the green, rural areas inland. Start by stretching your legs with a walk around Lake Sapanca and then tour through the charming small villages of Taraklı, Göynük and Mudurnu. Each has historic Ottoman homes in various states of repair, and Mudurnu has the best options for an overnight stay.

Lake Abant and the Yenice Forest are two beautiful natural spots en route to the pretty coastal resort of Amasra and its historic citadel . The lovingly restored Ottoman mansions of Safranbolu are another top attraction in this region, and the mighty rock fortress of Kastamonu is worth a stop on the way to the port town of Sinop. From here, dip back inland to mosque-studded Amasya and Tokat before ending your trip in coastal Samsun.

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17 of the Best Places to Visit in Turkey for Culture & Adventure Lovers

Wondering where to go on vacation in Turkey? We asked seventeen professional travel writers for their recommendations for the best places to visit in Turkey. There’s everything from big cities to charming villages to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural wonders. 

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Turkey

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Travel Writers Tell Us Their Favorite Places in Turkey

In no particular order…

When I hear the word Istanbul, I’m immediately taken back to the images that first inspired my fascination with this city.

Its was these stunning aerial shots above the city with beautiful mosques like the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) sitting on the horizon, reaching for the heavens.

It was this gripping chase scene involving a motorcycle on the roof and inside of the historic Grand Bazaar as James Bond was in hot pursuit of a villain in possession of top secret information.

The movie was Skyfall and after watching that explosive opening scene, I knew I wanted to visit this beautiful city.

Istanbul sits on two continents (Europe and Asia) divided by the Bosporus Strait. It holds a strategic position along the historic Silk Road between Europe and the Middle East as well being the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Aside from Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and shopping at the Grand Bazaar you can get a taste of what it was like to live like a Sultan at Topkapi Palace or explore the cultural wonders of the Whirling Dervishes. From Taksim Square to Galata Tower, Turkish Coffee to Turkish Tea and romantic daytime and nighttime river cruises along the Bosporus. Be sure to head over to Galata Bridge which not only crosses the Bosphorus strait, on the top you’ll find men and boys fishing while beneath you’ll find some of the best fresh fish restaurants selling the fish freshly caught. Delicious.

My cousin married a Turkish woman and together with their son as well as a good friend of mine (Istanbul local) helped me put together a fantastic post called 48 Hours in Istanbul, Turkey . Check it out if you want to see more of this gorgeous city! 

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul

Dreamy photos of hot-air balloons over Cappadocia convinced me to add it to my Turkey itinerary – and boy was I glad when I reached there.  

The sheer joy of getting up in the air and admiring the Mars-like landscape of Cappadocia while gliding over its weird rock formations put a smile on my face that refused to go. Once that was done, there was Goreme’s open-air museum to explore. A curious place with past monastic enclaves, strange drawings, and rock-cut churches, this is a museum worth spending time at.

The next couple of days were spent exploring the rest of Cappadocia with stops in Nevsehir – the region’s main province, Uchisar – the highest point of the region, hiking through Pigeon Valley and exploring the underground city of Derinkunyu. The region is blessed with extraordinary beauty and taking it slow will give you enough time to explore the richness of this beautiful part of Turkey. While here, don’t miss an opportunity to stay in a cave hotel. It’s one of the most unique things you can do in Cappadocia. 

Having spent almost four days here, I can say with certainty that it was time well spent. All in all, it’s fair to say that Cappadocia is as beautiful on the ground as it is from up above.

Contributed by Priyanko from Constant Traveller

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Cappadocia

Bodrum is located in the Aegean region of turkey and has a little bit of everything. It’s a popular holiday destination due to its crystal clear water and lovely sand beaches, but there are plenty of other things to do in Bodrum too. Allow a week to see the sights and enjoy a little relaxation time.

Bodrum is a port city and has an impressive selection of historical sites including the Bodrum castle. Built from 1402 onwards by the Knights of St John, the Castle is now home to the Museum of Underwater Archeology – definitely worth a visit for some impressive shipwrecks!

Bodrum was once known as the ancient walled city of Halicarnassus, and the remains of one of the city’s gates can still be seen, as well as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. This tomb was built around 353 B.C. for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife.

Treat yourself to some Turkish Delight direct from the producers and don’t miss Gümüslük, an area of restaurants lining the water’s edge, lit with lanterns – it has to be one of the most romantic spots in Turkey! And finally – hit the beach – or book a trip on a sailing boat and enjoy the beauty of Bodrum from the Aegean.

Contributed by Hayley from A Lovely Planet

Fethiye is a coastal city located on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise coast and is known for its natural harbor, incredibly beautiful (blue) water and some ancient places nearby. In my opinion, Fethiye is one of the best places in Turkey to spend beach holidays.

To get there, the easiest way is to catch a flight to Dalaman Airport, from where you can take one of the many buses for tourists.

While Turkey has many beautiful places to spend beach holidays, Fethiye has something special about it. I highly recommend taking a boat from one of the main beaches (mainly Oludeniz Beach), which will allow you to explore some of the most incredible beaches of Turkey.

During these trips, you will explore “hidden beaches” (hidden because you can’t reach them without the boat), the incredible Butterfly Valley (which is a designated nature reserve) and much more. Food and drinks are usually included.

If you have the budget, it would be a good idea to get a private boat, as you could avoid other tourists and enjoy the beautiful places on your own.

One of the highlights is paragliding in Fethiye – which I also did, as the price was unbeatable (I paid around 70$ in 2017). The pilots are experienced and you will be able to enjoy the stunning views from above – if you’re lucky you can even spot some big turtles that are swimming around the bay of Fethiye.

As there are some interesting ancient sites around the area (like the ancient city of Tlos) I would recommend to spend at least 3 days in Fethiye – if you plan to do some relaxing beach holidays probably a bit more!

Contributed by Michael from mscgerber

Read:  15 Perfect Turkish Souvenirs

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus

If you’re visiting Turkey, one of the highlights that you should see is the Library of Celsus in Ephesus. It was built in 135 AD by Gaius Julius Aquila in honor of his father Celsus, who was the governor of Asia at the time. His tomb was also located in a sarcophagus under the main floor.

At its peak, it held up to 12,000 scrolls, which meant it was the third largest library of ancient times. A single hall faces east so the morning sun can shine in. The library was also decorated with many colorful paintings, carvings, and statues.  

The actual Library of Celsus was destroyed over time with invading armies, fires, and earthquakes. But it has been faithfully rebuilt to what all the records show it looked like.

If you want to have the Library to yourself, it’s best to go early in the morning at open or visit during low season in November. In the summer, it does get quite hot and crowded, so remember to bring sunscreen and water.

After seeing the Library, you should walk around the UNESCO listed city of Ephesus and see the other highlights such as the Amphitheater, terraced houses, and main harbor street. Some other places nearby include Isa Bey Mosque, Ayasoluk Castle, Ephesus Archaeological Museum and Temple of Artemis.

Contributed by Henry from This Life of Travel

Ruins of Myra

Myra is an ancient city founded on the river Myros and nowadays located 3 km away from the city of Demre.

It is not known exactly when Myra was founded, but the ruins and rock tombs located around Demre are dated back to the fifth century BC.

By the 3rd century BC, Myra became the most important city and a religious center of Lycia. The prosperity continued for many centuries until a huge flood in the 7th century. After that, the city began to lose its strength, but remained a place of pilgrimage, as the Church of St. Nicholas was located there.

The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the fourth century by Byzantine architects on the site of the ancient temple of Artemis. Throughout the centuries, the church suffered from war destructions and later from a major flood. A lot of time passed before the church was accidentally re-discovered in 1850.

At present, there is little left of Myra. There is an open-air museum where you can see some remains of the past such as an amphitheater, sarcophagi, tomb rocks. Lycian rock-cut tombs in the cliffs of Myra are especially spectacular.

Opening hours are: daily from 9:00 to 19:00 (April – October), from 8: 00-17:00 (November – March). You can choose to visit Myra along with the Church of St. Nicholas as a day trip.

Contributed by Inna from the Executive Thrillseeker

Pamukkale 

Pamukkale in Turkey is the beautiful spot known for the unreal pictures of perfect blue pools of water in what appears to be snowy surroundings. This unreal spot is actually mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertines (terraces) on a nearby hillside.

The gleaming white calcite terraces look like snowy slopes on photos and the warm mineral-rich waters form gleaming blue pools that is nice to swim in and a spot not to miss when you travel in Turkey.

Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish and the name is self-explanatory if you look at photos.

The terraces neighbors Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. This Unesco World Heritage site gets thousands of daily visitors arriving on tour buses that start arriving at about 9 in the morning.

The gates open early at 6 am. If you arrive when the gates open you can have this entire amazing site to yourselves for about 2 hours until hundreds of tourist buses start swarming the place. My advice would be to arrive early and walk around as much of the site as you can for the first 2 hours taking beautiful photos in the soft light with few tourists, then go and enjoy swimming in the pools when the masses arrive.

Contributed by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads

On a hillside above the town of Pamukkale, white terraces stretch up towards the top. These terraces – called travertines – are one of the natural wonders of Turkey and have been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

They’ve been formed over many years by calcium that has washed down in the water and gradually hardened. They are solid to touch but in many of them are pools of water.

There’s a path you can take up through the travertines but you need to take your shoes off so you don’t damage them. It’s worth going to the top because, up here, you can look down and get the best view of the cascading terraces.

Up the top, you can also see the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. Well before today’s tourists started visiting, people were coming here to bathe in the waters in the travertines. It’s thought that they had special health benefits. These days you’re not allowed to go in them, though.

You only need a couple of hours to see the travertines at Pamukkale . I think the best time to go is at sunset because you get beautiful colors reflecting off the water.

But Pamukkale is also a good base to do a day trip to the nearby ruins of Aphrodisias, which are also a World Heritage Site.

Contributed by Michael from Time Travel Turtle

Saklikent Gorge

Saklikent Gorge  is the longest canyon in Turkey and the second longest in Europe. However, it’s not the length that makes it one of the best destinations to visit, but the fact that you can walk through it. The experience is very enjoyable, as the freezing cold water, the impressive scenery, and the hot air temperature keep walkers alert and focused on the present moment. This walk is mindfulness meditation at its best.

Saklikent Gorge is at 40 minutes of driving from Fethiye. As it is one of the most popular attractions in the area, there are lots of organized tours from Fethiye, Kalkan, Oludeniz or Patara, so you don’t really need to drive if you don’t want to. The area is organized as a national park, with bars, restaurants and cool activities such as rafting and kayaking.

If you want to make the most out of your experience, it’s best to make it a full day trip. The walk itself may take anywhere from one hour to three or even four hours, but you’ll surely want to enjoy a nice lunch or some refreshments in one of those restaurants built above the river, just by the entrance to the canyon.

As you’ll walk through the river, you should wear water shoes. The bottom is rocky and slippery and the rapids can easily take away flip-flops and crocs. You’ll see such footwear floating along. If you’re fast enough, you may even catch some in your photos.  As there’s not much shadow along the way, you’ll need to wear a hat and a generous layer of sunscreen. You’ll also need to carry drinking water.

Contributed by Violeta from Violeta Matei

If you’re looking to escape the crowds that fill the beach towns along Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, consider making a day trip to Kayaköy. 

Only a few kilometers south of Fethiye, Kayaköy was once a bustling community full of Greek residents.  However, in the 1920s the government of Turkey struck a deal with the government of Greece, in which all Greek Orthodox residents of Turkey would be exiled to Greece and, in return, all Muslims in Greece would be exiled to Turkey.  The town was abandoned within weeks, and further efforts to repopulate it were hindered by the dry, rugged environment and a huge earthquake in the 1950s.

Today, when you arrive in Kayakoy from Fethiye (either by car, minibus or foot, if you’re a skilled hiker) you might think you’ve stumbled upon Ancient Greek ruins.  There are crumbling churches, hundreds of windowless houses and uneven stairs connecting the remaining structures that line the hillside. 

It’s amazing to think that less than one hundred years ago, this was a self-sufficient town in its own right, as you feel like you’re looking at a thousand years of destruction.  You’ll want at least two or three hours to explore the entire ghost town of Kayakoy, and it’s preferable to visit in the early morning or the late afternoon as there is little shade during the hot mid-day hours. 

Although there are not many tourist services available in Kayaköy, there are a few family-owned restaurants around the entrances that serve delicious, home-cooked meals based on local, seasonal ingredients (often grown right in their own gardens).  Consider stopping for a meal before or after your ghost town tour. 

Contributed by Carly from Fearless Female Travels

The Dogu Express

It is not a specific place, rather you get to see most of Turkey. One of the best things to do in Turkey is the Dogu Express . The longest train journey from Ankara to Kars in the most Northeastern part of Turkey. It takes 24 hours through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country. Getting tickets for this train is not easy and they are often sold out in days.

This train is rightly popular. 24 hours might sound long, but with the beautiful scenery outside of your window, you will not be bored for one second.

The friendly people you meet along the way in the train are part of the experience. Not many tourists travel on this train and you will receive a warm welcome and some genuine curiosity what brings you to these parts of Turkey.  

The Dogu express is one of the cheapest ways to cross through the country and reach the isolated region of Northeastern Anatolia. The train stops at Kars and this could be the end of your journey or the start of a new adventure exploring one of Turkey’s more off the beaten path regions. Kars is a nice city in itself with the Kars castle. From here it is easy to visit the nearby Ani ruins or travel further to Dogubayezit for the Ishak Pasa Palace and famous Mount Ararat.  

Contributed by Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures

Trabzon & Rize

Trabzon and Rize are on the Black Sea in northeastern Turkey and offer great places to base yourself for explorations of this part of Turkey. 

One of my favorite trips from Rize was to the Ayder Valley where you are surrounded by the lush green slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains. It seems there is a waterfall around every turn in this valley and some of the most picturesque stone bridges I have ever seen. Kaçkar Dağı is the highest peak in the Kaçkars at an elevation of 12.917 feet (3,937 meters).  The craggy peak presents a formidable challenge for climbers but offers hikers spectacular views.

The village of Ayder is a higgledy-piggledy array of houses, lodges, and businesses on the hillsides that rise up from the Kavran Dere /Kavran Creek.  I can recommend the Ayder Doga Resort Hotel. The walk up the steep hill is well worth it for the views across the valley.  They use a rope/pulley system to haul your luggage up from the road that runs through the center of town along the creek.

A visit to Ayder isn’t complete without a stop at the steam baths for a soak and coffee with the locals at one of the street-side cafes. The only thing I found more interesting than the mountains were the amazing faces of the citizens of Ayder.

Other things to see in the area are: 

• Zilkale, a medieval castle built in the 14th or 15th century.  It is located in the nearby Fırtına Valley which translates to Stormy Valley.  The castle is built of the edge of a high cliff some 1,250 feet above the Fırtına Creek.
• The amazing craftsmanship of the stone bridges over the Kavran Dere River. You can ride a Zipline under one of these beautiful bridges.
• The Tar Şelalesi / Tar River Waterfall is accessed by a trail just off the Ayder Yaylasi Yolu / Ayder Yaylasi Road.
• Nearer to Rize you can visit a tea plantation to see how this favorite beverage is grown in the terraced fields of the valleys.

Contributed by Jerome from Travel Boldly

Antalya & Upper Duden Falls

Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Gateway to Turkey’s turquoise coast, Antalya is a modern city famous for its stunning beaches and wonderfully preserved old-city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous holiday, Antalya has everything you need .

With its many buildings from Roman times, lovely hotels and restaurants, Antalya’s historic center is the place you don’t want to miss. In Kaleiçi, you can admire the beautiful Hadrian’s gate, enjoy a stroll along shop-filled streets, or eat an ice cream near the harbor. Don’t forget to visit Antalya’s museum, you will be amazed by its incredible archeological collection.

If you’re looking for natural beauties, head to the Duden waterfalls. The Lower Duden Falls are unique, as they drop off directly into the mediterranean sea. The Upper Duden Falls is located 15km outside the city, and are totally worth a visit.

Antalya is also a great place to relax. Konyaalti beach is stunning, tucked between the cliffs and the Beydağları mountains. It stretches out for miles and is surrounded with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Your second option would be Lara beach, where you’ll also find the amazing open-air museum Sandland.

Antalya is a fantastic city that really deserves at least 3 to 4 days to be enjoyed. But there’s always something new to discover, so staying longer would be even better.

Contributed by Camille from Crafty Explorer

Antalya & Lara Beach

With 300 sunny days a year, Antalya is a paradise for beaches, water sports, gastronomy, and shopping. Recognized as the most popular holiday destination for the Turks, Antalya is the right choice for both a family holiday and an escape with friends.

The city has plenty of attractions to see. The oldest building in the old city is the Gate of Hadrian, built in AD 130, on the occasion of the arrival of the Roman Emperor in the city. Another important attraction is the famous Lara Beach, one of the longest beaches in Turkey.

To the east of the Antalya rocky slope, almost next to the Duden Falls, is Lara Beach, a strip of land with an exit to the Gulf of Antalya. Antalya is an attractive and picturesque city with palm-lined boulevards, narrow streets, luxurious hotels, and impeccable service. Definitely one of the best places to spend a few days in Turkey!

Şirince Village

Şirince is an ancient village in Izmir Province, located about 11 kilometers from Ephesus and 8 kilometers from Selçuk town.  The 15-minute ride from Selçuk to this hilltop village is winding and scenic with lush roadside mountain views.  The small village was once a Greek Orthodox settlement, where early Christians from Ephesus fled to evade persecution.  It was later populated with Turks after the governments of Turkey and Greece agreed to exchange Greeks living in Turkey with Turks living in Greece.

Today, Şirince Village is a living representation of the cultural fusion between Turks and Greeks.  Its narrow cobblestoned streets are rimmed with a red-tiled roof and old-fashioned stone houses typical of ancient Greek architecture.  Parts of the village had admittedly been touristy, lined with souvenir shops, fruit stands, restaurants and old Greek houses turned into guesthouses. 

After spending half a day in Şirince , I believe that this quaint village has nonetheless retained its authentic and rural charm.  You can see local women in traditional Turkish clothes pleasantly chatting around or selling handicrafts and homemade products.  Likewise, villagers remain engaged in farming, having olive oil and fruits as their major produce. 

Wine production from grapes, black mulberry, and other fruits is a popular cottage industry, as well.  Several wine houses around the village serve as attractions, where the locals will happily offer you a taste of their sweet wines.  Also unique in Şirince Village is the harmonious presence of a Greek Orthodox Church and a Muslim mosque within a small area of 700 inhabitants. 

A day in Şirince would be good enough for a relaxed exploration of the village.  On the other hand, an overnight stay is also recommended to witness the daily village life during the early morning and evening time while most day tourists are away.    

Dancing with the Laz People of the Black Sea in Rize

Start talking about Turkey and most travelers will immediately conjure up images of ancient Roman ruins, blue azure Mediterranean beaches, towering minarets, and massive domed mosques. Of course, that is Turkey, but there’s so much more to this amazing country once you leave the shores of the coast and wonders of Istanbul.

In fact, in the northeast of the country, travelers might be excused for feeling they’ve stepped off the bus and wandered into an Alpine paradise replete with rich green carpeted mountain meadows and craggy mountain peaks.

This is the Kackar mountains and the home of the Laz people. These ancient wandering folk are said to be the descendants of Jason and have been trying to maintain their old customs, traditions, and language as the world changes around them. Most Sundays in spring and summer, if the weather is fine, impromptu gatherings will come out to the mountain pastures to share food and gossip and meet new friends.

As the gathering starts to grow and grow, a small traditional music group, replete with a curious sounding bagpipe, will launch into a merry tune and soon everyone is up and dancing in one large circle of 50-60 people or more. A trip to Turkey and the Black Sea would not be complete without a journey into the mountains around Rize to dance with the famous Laz people.

Contributed by Jim and Corinne of Reflections Enroute

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu Underground City sits about 40 km from Goreme in Cappadocia, central Turkey. From above ground, you’d never know that beneath your feet is a subterranean network of caves and tunnels going down 85 meters and 11 floors deep.

The vast city was discovered in the 1960s when a man dismantled a wall in his cellar to find a room behind it. The room led to another room and another and eventually to a whole city which once gave shelter to thousands of people in times of siege. In key tunnels, massive millstones can be rolled across the entrances and locked in place and only operated from the inside.

This kept invaders out and the people inside safe. An underground river at the bottom of the city and air vents dropping down through the floors meant the occupants could survive inside for months on end. Food storage chambers and evidence of cooking fires can also be seen.

Many types of chambers are found in the city with a myriad of tunnels leading to churches, family units, large halls, animal pens, and even a wine press. One particularly small and eerie tunnel leads to a temporary burial chamber. Some of the tunnels are so low that you’ll need to bend double to get through them.

The tours last around an hour and take in the key sites of Derinkuyu. You probably wouldn’t want to be underground any more than that and obviously, it’s not for the claustrophobic. Around 10% of the underground city is accessible to the public.

Tours can be booked to explore the cave network of Derinkuyu and other nearby attractions from tourist offices and hotels.

Contributed by Suzanne Jones from The Travelbunny

Don’t Leave for Turkey without Travel Insurance!

Finally, make sure you always travel to Turkey or anywhere in Europe with a valid  travel insurance  policy. Istanbul is a very safe place to travel, but accidents or theft can easily ruin your trip if you don’t have the travel insurance coverage to recover the losses. Recently my aunt fell on a train in France and needed surgery, but luckily her travel insurance covered the costs in full. Thank goodness!

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin This for Your Trip to Turkey

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

Very nice content. I liked the way you explained. I have not been there. But after reading this I want to visit turkey. Thanks for sharing your exploring things with us. I can see Turkey boasts some incredible sites that I should not be missed. I wants to tell you, there are so many more things to do in Turkey. So make content on them also.

We will be adding more content on Turkey soon!

Very nice site,thank you. We are going to turkey next year…hence my checking websites.

You’re welcome Kay! Hope we helped!

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The 13 best places to visit in Turkey

Where should I travel to in Turkey? Where are the best places to visit in Turkey? We have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Turkey to help ensure that you have the most incredible trip.

We have also included some extra information regarding the best activities to try whilst in Turkey, as well as listing some of the best places to stay in Turkey to help you plan your time in this unique country a little bit easier, see it as your very own Turkey travel guide and let us help you create the trip of a lifetime!

From sun-drenched beaches to lush, forest-covered mountains, vibrant and bustling cities to ancient ruins, Turkey is a country with an incredible amount to offer.

The country boasts a startling 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with so many more historical places and sites set to blow your socks off in absolute awe and wonder. A country dripping in history and culture, Turkey has a complete array of stunningly beautiful places awaiting you.

We spent nine months in Turkey so we had plenty of time to visit various locations.

Some of them were mentioned in tourist guides, others were recommended by locals or we discovered them during one of our hitchhiking trips . They all marked us in a very special way and we would love to share those places with you.

Reading Tip: How much does it cost to travel to Turkey?

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping me run this website and writing more informative and awesome guides like this. I only recommend products and services that I like and trust. Thank you!

Turkey Travel Essentials & Resources

• Turkey Travel Guide: 10 useful things to know before you go
• Where to go: 13 Beautiful Places to visit in Turkey
• Travel Costs : Turkey Budget Guide
• Tours & Experiences: City tours, guided day trips, multiple-day tours
• Visa: Visa-free or e-visa for most passports – Check the required Turkey travel documents!
• Getting there: Search for flights to Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Izmir in Turkey
• Where to stay : Find a room in hotels, hostels or guesthouses
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Turkey
• Getting around : Rent a car in Turkey or travel by bus, train or taxi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where should I travel to in Turkey – The 13 best places to visit in Turkey

1. Istanbul

It’s most likely that you’ll begin your trip in the city of Istanbul , a city that straddles east and west, divided by the Bosphorus Strait that splits the city into two separate parts.

The only city in the world that can lay claim to residence on two different continents (Asia and Europe), Istanbul really is one of the most unique cities in the world. With over 2500 years of traditions, history and incredible landmarks, this city is a complete cultural melting pot.

Istanbul has been the capital of four empires and the remains of each of these empires can still be seen today. Many buildings and landmarks from Istanbul’s opulent past remain intact today and the cultural heritage of the city is highly impressive.

Go and marvel at the beautiful Hagia Sophia , a Byzantine structure that was originally built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. In later centuries it then became a mosque, a museum, and then a mosque once more.

This building reflects the religious changes that have happened over the centuries, boasting both inscriptions of Islam as well as lavish mosaics of Christianity.

The Blue Mosque is another of the city’s world-renowned landmarks, named famously after the blue tiles that surround its walls. Built between 1609 and 1616, this building still holds high importance to the history of the Ottoman Empire.

Daily prayer services still occur in the mosque so why not go and spend some time there, say a prayer and embrace the architectural beauty.

Other top tourist attractions are the Grand Bazaar , the largest covered market in the world, the Topkapi Palace and museum where you can view the imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire and then head up the Galata Tower to take in the view of the cityscape.

Whether it’s the only destination on your list, Istanbul really is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey.

Reading Tip: Top 17 Things to do in Istanbul – Complete Istanbul City Guide

How to get to Istanbul

The easiest way to get to Istanbul is by plane. Turkish Airlines along with other major airlines have regular daily flights to this remarkable city.

Places to stay in Istanbul

There are hundreds of lovely, well-priced places to stay when visiting Istanbul. We have included a few hotels and guesthouses for less than €50/night below:

• Atlantis Royal Hotel ( check price and availability here )
• Sirkeci Ersu Hotel & SPA ( check price and availability here )
• Ahmet Efendi Konağı ( check price and availability here )

Things to do in Istanbul

We would highly recommend going on a walking tour and you can take one for FREE through Old Istanbul.

You’ll learn all about the incredible history of Istanbul and also be guided to a number of the city’s beautiful landmarks, including the ones we have mentioned above.

Read: T o p 1 7 Things to do in Istanbul

2. Bursa / Cumalikizik

Cumalikizik is a UNESCO World Heritage town, 20 minutes from Bursa.

Perched in the hills on the foot of the Uludag Mountain, the cobblestoned and narrow streets of this 700-year-old village remain largely untouched and have been well preserved.

This little village is another one of the many well-visited tourist places in Turkey, with streets lined with traditional houses, the higher you walk up, the less crowded it becomes.

The friendly reputation of the local villagers, some of who have turned their homes into family-run eateries, precedes them and draws you into this charming Ottoman hamlet, offering you a peek into the traditional Turkish way of life.

Bursa, known as ‘Yeşil Bursa’ (Green Bursa) due to the high number of parks and mountains surrounding it, was also once the capital of the Ottoman state.

How to get to Bursa

From Istanbul- A bus will take you 3 1/2-hours and cost you 15TL, just over €1.(Nilüfer Turizm/bus company) (tel. 0224/444-0099)

Things to do around Bursa

On the west side of Bursa, in the village of Çekirge are natural thermal spring baths whose fame has spread throughout the East and the source of all of them is from Mt. Olympus.

Reading Tip: 10 Useful Things to Know before Visiting Turkey

History lovers gather round, you do not want to miss out on visiting the ruins of Ephesus and the surrounding area, which was once an ancient Greek city. It’s not only the biggest area of excavation in the world but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located just outside of Selçuk, it was once considered to be the most important Greek city and trading center in the Mediterranean region.

Few ancient landmarks stand quite as impressive as the ruins of this ancient city. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of this place, although thousands of years have gone by, it is nearly impossible not to be impressed by the history and remains of this once bustling city.

It’s also worth visiting the Temple of Artemis, Temple of Hadrian, and the Basilica of St John whilst in the area.

Ephesus is open to visitors every day of the week, and visiting hours may vary depending on the summer and winter seasons. The cost to enter the ruins is 60 TL (Turkish Lira) or about $10.

How to get to Ephesus

You can get to Ephesus from Selçuk by dolmuş (minibus) or taxi. They run every half hour between Selçuk bus station and the lower entrance of Ephesus archaeological site and the journey will take about 5-10 mins.

4. Pamukkale

The mineral white forests of petrified water, series of terraced warm pools of water and the numerous waterfalls that connect all these pools together make for a pretty dream-like landscape in Southwestern Turkey.

The terraces have been created from layers of travertine, white sediment that has been deposited by the hot springs that over time have solidified and become solid.

Platforms, cliffs, and terraces have been formed, entirely made up of this sediment, and you can understand why this place is called ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, as they appear together as some kind of giant, white castle.

The temperature of the water that flows from the springs is roughly between 35 °C (95° F) to 100 °C (212° F) and you can bathe in mostly all of the 17 springs. They have been drawing visitors since the second century BC and it’s been said that Cleopatra herself bathed in these very pools.

Another one of Turkey’s impressive World Heritage Sites, this open-air spa makes for a completely unique and ancient UNESCO experience.

Reading Tip: Things to do in Pamukkale – The Complete Traveler’s Guide to Pamukkale

How to get to Pamukkale

From Istanbul: There are direct flights from Istanbul to Denizli Çardak, the nearest airport to Pamukkale. The cheapest option is then to go by shuttle bus from the airport to Denizli city’s bus station and catch a dolmuş that departs every 15-20 minutes to Pamukkale.

From Selçuk: Take a train to Denizli Çardak and then from there, take a dolmuş the same as mentioned above.

From Cappadocia: Take an overnight bus. They usually depart around 8PM and arrive the next day at 6AM.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

Read The Complete Guide to Pamukkale for our selection of best places to stay whilst visiting Pamukkale.

5. Gelemis /Patara

Gelemis is a small village completely off the beaten path and untouched by mass tourism. It’s set right at the edge of the coastline in the foothills of the gorgeous Taurus mountains and it’s the perfect place for expat artists in need of some inspiration.

Life here is organized around agriculture and apiculture (beekeeping). People grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables and the landscape is filled with small clusters of beehives.

Next to the village of Gelemis lies an 18km long stretch of beach that can be described not only as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in all of the Mediterranean but is also the second most important nesting site in Turkey for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

Known as Patara, this beach and the surrounding area provide you with an ideal swimming and camping destination, founded by the Lycians during the Roman Empire, it also used to be one of the most important cities and seaports on the Turkish Riviera.

Patara happens to also be the birthplace of Saint Nicholas who was also known as Nikolaos of Myra, a 4th-century Christian saint who would later give rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus. You read that right, the infamous Mr Claus.

There are no tour companies that operate in Patara and everything is local or independent from the pensions where you can stay to the eateries that are run by local families, the only cafe on the beach is run by the local authority with the profits being put back in to support the local area.

The beach remains largely untouched by commercial development due to the city’s few surviving buildings, temples, bathhouses, colonnaded streets and theatre which are incredibly interesting to explore.

Patara is also the stage for a unique cultural event that we would recommend to everyone to attend; the annual Nomadic Walk.

Every year, the people of Patara organize a 10 km walk from Delikemer to Patara where the hikers follow the old Roman aqueducts which were used to bring water from Islamlar, a small town in the mountains, to Patara.

This walk also forms part of a 509 km footpath known as the Lycian Way. If you would like to know more about this event and maybe participate, have a look at our article In the Footsteps of the Nomadic Tribes .

How to get to Patara

Patara is 230 km South-West of Antalya, the easiest way to get there is to follow the coastal highway (highway D4000) through Kaş and Kalkan.

If you’re not in the mood to see the coast and rather see gorgeous mountain landscapes, there is an alternate route that follows highway 3500.

If you’re coming from Fethiye, follow the highway D4000 south for 73 km.

Where to stay in Patara

Hotels and pensions for less than €50/night:

• St. Nicholas Pension ( check price and availability here )
• Flower Hotel Patara ( check price and availability here )

6. Myra (Demre)

Myra was an ancient Lycian town that is now known as Demre.  Most of this ancient city has disappeared and all that remains today are its incredible ruins – an enormous Roman theatre, ancient Roman baths, and two huge necropolises that are carved in the vertical rock cliffs.

If you want to experience one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey, Myra ticks that box. 

The tomb of Saint Nicholas is also housed in the center of Demren at St. Nicholas Church, an ancient East Roman basilica church, built in 520 AD. I

t is noted for its remarkable wall frescos, architectural and religious significance and after a nearby river changed its course, the church was filled with silt and was buried but the frescoes remained intact which is why it remains to be one of many great places in Turkey to visit today.

If you like to see more of this area, check out our video Santa’s Tomb .

How to get to Myra

Demre is located almost halfway between Patara and Antalya. To visit this city just follow the coastal highway (D4000) east of Patara for 87 km.

The bohemian dream of Olympos is nestled amongst lush, pine forests and is the backdrop of Antalya province’s Mediterranean coast.

This is a truly spectacular place, where overgrown Lycian ruins sit within the surrounding forests, this is the place to come if you’re seeking some peaceful tranquility.

This ancient area is under protection which means no luxury hotel or resorts have permission to build, instead you have the opportunity to strip things back to nature and spend a night staying in one of the many Kadir Tree Houses and little wooden shacks.

Olympos is also one of the nesting sites for Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles along Turkey’s Southern coast and it’s important to be respectful and follow the guidelines so as to not disturb their ancient nesting cycle during your stay. 

How to get to Olympos

Olympos is located 77 km north of Demre following the coastal highway (D4000).

As you will approach Olympos the highway will start going through a very high mountain pass. If you have time we would definitely recommend stopping to enjoy the view before continuing to the ruins, it’s totally worth it.

Where to stay in Olympos

The most famous way to spend your night here is in one of the many different tree houses scattered throughout the area. Below we have listed a few other accommodation options for you to choose from:

• Kadir’s Tree Houses (Kadir’in Yeri) are the most famous in Olympos and these were built by the founder of this place Kadir Kaya, 31 years ago. Check here for availability .
• Bayrams Tree Houses sit much closer to the beach in a quieter location. Nestled next to orange and pomegranate trees, there is also a lounge and bar area, the ideal place to sit around an open fire in the evening with a cold beer. Check here for availability .

Things to do in Olympos

If you’re up for a small mountain climb, Mount Chimaera is worth visiting whilst you are in Olympus.

It’s about a one-hour walk to see Yanartaş or alternatively, you can hop on a service bus or organize a car from your accommodation.

The climb will take you another half an hour approx to reach the top of this small mountain but it’s so worth it to make it to the top where you’ll witness a very unusual sight.

Yanartaş are flames that burn on their own and never go out made from a combination of natural gases that emerge like flames from the rock, burning day and night as they enter into contact with the air.

If you head to the top, just before sunset, you’ll see the flames at their most spectacular.

There are many areas around Olympos that are great for rock climbing. One of the most well-known areas for climbing is at Kadir’s Tree Houses where you will be able to find all the necessary supplies and gear for your level.

8. The Blue LAgoon / Ölüdeniz

The Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz is on the list of Turkey’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The gorgeously vibrant, turquoise water within the lagoon boasts a tremendous array of different shades of blue great with a thin finger of beautiful white sand that curves around the water.

Add in a gorgeous mountainous backdrop and you’ll understand why this beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Turkey and is one of the most photographed too.

For this reason, it’s important to note that it can be extremely busy with visitors.

If you’re after a more spacious way to view this site, why not consider taking to the skies and trying your hand at paragliding, soaking up the spectacular views from the air.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon

You can catch a bus from nearby Antalya, a resort town on the south coast that will take about 3.5 hours and cost you around €6.

9. The Lycian way / Fethiye to Antalya

Located on Turkey’s Tekke Peninsula, known historically as Lycia, the Lycian Way is a footpath that spans across 540 km of mountains, coastline, and valleys from Fethiye to Antalya.

A well-marked-out path takes you past many major archaeological sites, stretches of beautiful coastline and gorgeously lush pine forests and hiking the entire way would take you around a month to complete.

If you decide to walk this path, the route will take you past historical sites from the Greek culture and Roman Empires that date back to 8 BC, passing through traditional villages that seem untouched by tourism where you can find food and other supplies.

Your accommodation options whilst on this path are guest houses, village homes and basic B&Bs although, we might suggest camping as a fantastic option and depending on your location, it can be the easiest option whilst walking the Way.

It is possible to walk only parts of the way and depending on your hiking experience, you could choose the eastern part for the tougher hike especially close to Fethiye are particularly tricky.

The western part would be more suitable if you are not as experienced as this is the easier section of the way.

The best time to go would be either in the Spring March-May or in the Autumn months of September/October, that way you’re not walking in the sizzling summer heat and avoid the larger crowds of tourists.

Experiencing walking along the Lycian Way is a really special way to take in so many of the sights to see in Turkey.

Reading Tip: Cycling in Turkey – 3 Cycling Routes

How to get to the Lycian Way

The Lycian way starts in Olu Deniz, about 2 hours from the Dalaman airport and finishes in Antalya but you can find numerous access points to this path along the coast.

Since it connects the archaeological sites of Myra and Olympos, it is also very easy to access the path from these two locations.

Where to stay on the Lycian Way

We have included a link to a great website that lists a whole heap of places to stay whilst walking the Lycian Way. Find it here .

From incredible architecture, great food and some of the oldest mosques in Turkey, this is a brilliant city for you to load up on culture.

Konya is the Islamic capital of Turkey and home of the world-famous spiritual poet Rumi, known to the Turkish people as ‘Melvana’ – (the sainted one), and his tomb is kept within The Mevlana museum.

This mystic and Sufi saint loved all religions and followed his own religion which was love and his followers are known as the Whirling Dervishes.

The whirling is a form of Sama, a physically active meditation and is also called ‘Sufi spinning’. The Dervishes listen to music, whilst focusing on God and spin their body in repetitive circles, which is a symbolic imitation of the planets orbiting the sun.

This spinning dance represents a spiritual journey to enlightenment in which the Dervishes aim to reach the source of all ‘perfection’.

They seek through abandoning their egos and personal desires to find truth and cultivate inner peace so in turn, they can foster peace and world harmony.

Known as the heart and soul city, no trip would be complete without a visit to Konya, one of Turkey’s best cities.

How to get to Konya

From Istanbul or Ankara, it’s faster, more comfortable, and not much more expensive to take the high-speed train. Two trains leave daily between Istanbul and Konya, stopping at Eskişehir where you will have to change trains, taking in total about 4.5 hours.

If traveling by plane, Turkish Airlines has several flights each day between Istanbul and Konya.

Driving or hitchhiking – If you are coming from Antalya, follow the highway D4000 until you are in Kizilagac. From there take the D695 north and follow it until it becomes the highway D696. Continue following this road and you will arrive in Konya. The total distance from Antalya to Konya is 304 km.

Where to stay in Konya

Below, we’ve listed a few choices for accommodation whilst visiting Konya. Hotels and guesthouses for less than €50/night:

• Araf Hotel: see here for availability
• Rumi Hotel: check here for availability
• Bera Konya Hotel: see here for availability and prices

Things to do in Konya

If you want to truly experience the essence of Konya, take yourself to see an authentic Sema ceremony and watch the Whirling Dervishes perform.

The ceremony is a free event that takes place every Saturday night at 7 pm at the Mevlana Cultural Center and we would advise that you head there early to get yourself a seat with a great view.

Each show lasts about two hours and it’s a wonder to see.

11. Cappadocia

High on the Anatolian plateau, Cappadocia’s curious landscape resembles that of a fantasy world.

The rugged mountains, vast plains, and the formation of its valleys and landscape have been shaped by the frequent eruption of three volcanoes and created from layers of deposits of lava, volcanic ash and basalt.

Earthquakes and effects of erosion have contributed to the creation of Cappadocia’s famous ‘fairy chimneys, tall cone-shaped honey-colored rocks that have been slowly eroded into stunning sculptural forms that resemble minarets.

The history of Cappadocia is as rich and remarkable as its landscape. The first dwellers in this region were troglodytes or cave dwellers during the Bronze Age who carved out cave houses, churches and monasteries from this soft volcanic rock, creating settlements underground.

The cave houses were then used later on in history by Christians fleeing Roman persecution. Nowadays, locals in Cappadocia now inhabit many of these cave houses and treat them as their permanent homes.

Cappadocia is one of the best places in Turkey for families to meet in a unique tourist environment, a place for you to make some memories of a lifetime.

If you thought that the views were spectacular from the ground, imagine the mesmerizing view from 3200 feet above the ground in a hot air balloon?

Watch more about Konya and Cappadocia in the video Dancing Dervishes and Hot Air Balloons .

How to get to Cappadocia

Turkish Airlines has daily flights from Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir to the Nevşehir airport. From there, there is a bus that leaves from the airport at the top of every hour called the Tüzköy minibus.

This bus will take you to Gülşehir and from there you can catch a local city bus into the main city center of Cappadocia.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

• BUDGET: Old Town Stone House ( see availability here )
• MID RANGE: Lunar Cappadocia Hotel ( check prices here )
• LUXURY: Sultan Cave Suites ( find more info here )

What to do in Cappadocia

Voted as one of the best destinations in the world for hot air ballooning, Cappadocia attracts people from all over the world who want to set sail up into the clouds and take in the wonder of its incredible landscape from the sky.

If you choose a sunrise trip, you will be taken up for one hour over the fairy chimneys, orchards, and vineyards.

It’s wise to reserve your ticket ahead of time during the high season and the cheapest tickets for a standard flight are sold for about €90.

12. Sumela Monastery, Trabzon

Nestled in a cliff, 1200 meters above sea level is where you’ll find the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon province on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, which is said to be more than a thousand years old.

This Greek Orthodox Ministry, built in the year 346 AD holds both cultural and historical significance and is a prominent tourist attraction.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built to house an icon of her that was believed to possess miraculous properties. Built high into a cliff, access to the building is via a steep path through the forest and then via a narrow stairway.

The principal areas of the Monastery are the Rock Church, kitchens, students’ rooms, a library, several chapels as well as a holy water fountain.

Both the inside and outside walls of the church have been covered in intricate and detailed frescoes that depict biblical scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

The murals of the chapel were painted in three different periods, on three different levels with most of those that are visible today dating back to the 18th century.

In 2000 the Monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and has been closed to the public since 2015 for safety reasons, however, the site was partially reopened in July 2020 after the completion of major restoration works.

This part of North-Eastern Turkey is quite unique with nearby Trabzon not only lying close to the Black Sea but also the epic Pontic Mountains passing through it, it’s an area of Turkey that has been sprinkled with bouts of silence and a lot of beauty.

How to get to the SUmela Monastery in Trabzon

From Trabzon, you should be able to get a dolmuş (pronounced dol-moosh) direct from the east-bound dolmus station located along the highway.

They leave twice a day at 11 AM and 2 PM in the summer.

Reading Tip: 10 Best Non-Touristy Cities to visit in Turkey

Artvin sits by the Black Sea, on the border of Georgia, and is yet another one of the beautiful places to visit in Turkey.

Surrounded by mountains, some reaching 4,000 metres, it’s dreamlike landscape carved by the Çoruh River (one of the longest-running in Turkey) is full of rock formations, steep valleys and forests of tall pine trees that will completely mesmerize all who visit.

This is a truly breathtaking place and among the wonders that everyone should see at least once.

This part of Turkey is also the area where you can find the Laz people. It’s a culture that has its very own language, called Laz that has been classified by UNESCO as an endangered language.

The Laz people have their own traditions, one of them involves the Tulum, a form of Turkish bagpipe that people dance the Horon to.

I visited this gorgeous place and met Evrim, the owner of a hostel there (see below) who is a descendant of the Laz people of Turkey.

I also had the honor of meeting Evrim’s father who told me all about the history and culture of the Laz people, recited some beautiful Laz poems and taught me some Laz words too.

How to get to Artvin

The fastest and easiest way to get there from Istanbul is to follow the highways E80 and E70 east. The road is long (1219 km) but you will see some of the most scenic landscapes that we have seen in Turkey.

You can fly from Istanbul to Erzurum (1hr 45 flight) and then from there you can take a bus (3h 36m bus) from Erzurum Otogar that leaves 5 times a day.

Where to stay in Artvin

Bageni Pansiyon is the perfect place to spend some time day gazing at the green valley below and the ocean in the distance.

Things to do in Artvin

The most popular reason for visiting and exploring this area is for its natural beauty and the various trekking and hiking opportunities on offer.

Mount Kaçkar is one of the highest mountains in Turkey and is the most popular trekking route.

The Trans-Kaçkar route that takes you through Yusufeli Yaylalar Village to Rize – Çamlıhemşin Ayder Highlands is another option for avid trekkers and mountaineering groups.

Visitors also travel here to try out some of the more adventurous activities to do in Turkey such as skiing, rafting and canoeing.

We really hope this article has helped you plan for your trip and that you’re no longer asking the question of, ‘where should I travel to in Turkey?’.

We have tried our very hardest to cover what we believe to be the best places to visit in Turkey and the top things to do whilst you are there. Wishing you the most magical of trips!

Don’t forget to check out the articles below, in which we tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful destination!

MORE TURKEY TRAVEL POSTS

• The 13 beautiful and unique places to visit in Turkey
• 10 best non-touristy cities to visit in Turkey
• 10 useful things to know to visit Turkey
• The complete guide to the miraculous pools of Pamukkale
• Top 17 things to do in Istanbul
• Backpacking in Turkey on a budget – How much does it cost to travel in Turkey
• Is Turkey dangerous? This is what we’ve learned so far!
• In the Footsteps of the Nomadic Tribes
• 25 photos that will trigger your wanderlust for Turkey
• What happens when you overstay your visa in Turkey
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25 thoughts on “the 13 best places to visit in turkey”.

Thanks ! Was a great Post !

Thank you Kevin!

Hey! Loved the post and Im planning my trip. Whats the name and place of the hostel in Rize/Artvin?

Hi Hibbe, thank you so much! The name of this hostel is Bageni Pansiyon and it’s located in the mountains near the village of Findikli. You can find more info and the exact address of this hostel here: https://www.facebook.com/bagenipansiyon/

I came here as an aupair in 2017 and it is totally different than I thought. Turkey is a lovely country and thanks aupairinturkey, the agency in Turkey I had a chance to discover this country. You sohuld all visit here and people are so friendly

Thank you! We are visiting Turkey next week and want to avoid all of the conflict. We have based our trip on your itinerary and are looking forward to it (not hitting everything).

Hi Laura, very happy to hear you used this post as inspiration for your trip! Which places are you going to visit? Have a great trip and enjoy!!

Living in Turkey, this post put a big smile on my face. You’ve visited a diverse range of places and had some great experiences. We have a lot of dots to visit on our map of Turkey. The list keeps getting longer, regardless of how many places we visit. So when I read your post about overstaying on your visa, I could easily relate how that happened. Wishing you happy travels to come!

Hi Pascale! Your comment puts a smile on my face 🙂 Turkey has so many beautiful places and has so many varied experiences to offer! We still want to return to visit some places and regions that we had to skip last time. I can imagine that your list is only growing 😀 Where in Turkey are you based? Wishing you a great time exploring the country and ticking of your list 😀 Warm wishes!

Hi Cynthia, thank you for your kind wishes. We’re currently based in Faralya, which is near Fethiye. We do have plans to move around though!

thanks for the advice. what is effes?

Effes is a Turkish beer, I like it (and I’m from Belgium… 😉 )

Turkey has been on my radar after seeing so many beautiful pictures on Instagram. I would love to go on a hot air balloon in Cappadoci one day! And Pamukkale looks absolutely stunning!

You’ve discovered so many beautiful gems!! What’s your favorite??? I’m bookmarking this for when I take a trip to Turkey! I’d love to go to Pamukkale and Cappadocia most especially! And maybe ride on a hot air balloon! What a dream!

Woow! That’s one hell of an article. I loved every bit of it! I really like Turky, but i’ve been only to Istanbul so far. I really want to see each and every place you wrote about here and hopefully even more. Good luck on your trip! I admire u deeply! 🙂

Thank you Nastja 🙂 Turkey is a surprisingly varied ranging from fantastic beaches to stunning archaeological sites. Hope you go back there one day to explore more of this beautiful country!! 🙂

I was completely hooked to your post right from your first picture of Myra (and I ended up researching a lot about it later on). I have spent such little time in Turkey and I think it’s a shame. Bookmarking this post for planning my adventures there 🙂

Thanks!! Myra is definitely worth a visit! Where did you stay when you visited Turkey?

Turkey is a wonderland and all of these places that you have listed look breathtaking. Turkey has been in my bucket list since a long time and now I can’t wait to add these places in my bucket list. Amazing!

Pack your bags and go there NOW 🙂 We were very pleasant surprised when we discovered all these beautiful places that Turkey has to offer!!

All of these places look simply incredible, most of which I’d never heard of before! Patara and Myra remind me a lot of different archaeological sites in Jordan. I suppose given their geographical proximity they must share a little bit of history right? Also, I’ve never actually seen a photo of Cappadocia without balloons in it so haven’t ever fully appreciated the landscape. It definitely looks absolutely breathtaking!

Yes, Patara and Myra have definitely a similar look to the sites in Jordan. Cappadocia might be famous for its hot air balloon rides but we didn’t think that was the highlight of our visit there. That landscape is so outworldy and is beautiful to see with and without balloons 😉

Great post Nicholas, You posted covered almost all the must see sites Turkey. Love it. I must say that I had thought of visiting Turkey one day but the pictures from Myra, Pamukkale and Cappadocia are simply stunning. More interesting than the capital Istanbul, which everyone talks about.

Thanks man! We first had the idea to visit Istanbul but eventually never made it there. Instead we ventured through other parts of the country and we’re happy we did or we might have missed out on these beauties!

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20 Best Beach Towns and Coastal Cities in Turkey

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Are you looking for the best beach towns and coastal cities in Turkey? You are in luck.

Turkey is blessed with thousands of miles of stunning shorelines catering to every type of traveler. Nestled between the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, Turkey’s coastline is a treasure trove of pristine beaches, charming towns, and vibrant cities waiting to be explored.

From the azure waters of Antalya to the golden sands of Bodrum, each destination offers a unique blend of sun-soaked relaxation, mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine. And let’s not forget about the seaside towns by Turkey’s Black Sea in the North!

After having the luck to visit these beachside destinations, we are here to share 20 of our favorite coastal cities and beach towns in Turkey. Ready to soak up the sun, sea, and sand? Let’s go!

What Are The Best Beach Towns in Turkey?

1. ölüdeniz.

Ölüdeniz is without a doubt one of the most stunning and beautiful coastal towns in Turkey. Famed for its breathtaking Blue Lagoon , Ölüdeniz offers its visitors genuinely crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches, all with the incredible contrast of the diamond-green colored, pine tree-laden mountains in the background.

Blue Lagoon isn’t the only famous attraction in Ölüdeniz . Thrill-seekers will be glad to know that there’s the option of paragliding off of the side of Babadag Mountain which rewards those brave enough with spectacular views of the rugged, mountainous coastline.

For those that want to stay on two feet, the Lycian Way Trail ends in the hills of Ölüdeniz and near Butterfly Valley, and after a long and strenuous hike through waterfalls, jagged clifftops and ancient ruins, you’ll have the best views of Ölüdeniz and Fethiye in the distance.

Perched on a small peninsula extending out into the Black Sea is the beautiful Turkish coastal town of Amasra. Full of charm and tranquillity, Amasra is a perfect destination for a summer holiday that’s properly off the beaten track.

Amasra has a rich history with the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines all settling in the town leaving behind remnants of the empires that once were. The town is also home to well-preserved ancient ruins, bridges, and even a Roman castle.

There are also two picturesque bays, one on either side of the main peninsula, with beautiful soft sand and equally beautiful water. On an evening, the promenades come alive with the many bars and restaurants all vying for custom, serving cocktails, and freshly caught seafood.

Read More: Can You Swim In The Black Sea?

Named after the many Ottoman fountains found spread throughout the city, Cesme is a lovely little seaside town in Turkey, just one hour’s drive from Izmir, that is becoming more and more popular with tourists and locals looking for a relaxing, yet lively beachside escape.

Hotels have largely taken over the beaches in the immediate area but there’s still ample space for those wanting to just relax for free and take in the beautiful Aegean Sea.

Several luxury hotels and mega beach resorts line the beach giving you a misconception that Cesme is a busy resort town.

But among the all inclusive resorts, beach clubs, and snazzy bars, you’ll find traditional narrow streets lined with quaint cafes, local restaurants, boutique hotels, and markets of a weekend giving you an amazing blend of vibrancy and all-important Mediterranean vibes.

Alacati is a small beach town on the south Aegean coast, a little less than an hour’s drive from the popular coastal city of Izmir.

This Turkish seaside town is known for its picturesque charm, with rustic stone houses smothered in the almost luminous pink of Bougainvillea and snaking cobbled streets of the Ottoman Empire filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes combine to create an incredibly unique bustling but laid-back Turkish coast atmosphere.

Once you’re done exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the old town, head down to the bay and test yourself with some windsurfing. Alacati is one of the best places in Turkey to windsurf due to the strong winds coming off of the open ocean.

5. Kusadasi

Kusadasi, nestled within its own bay, is an attractive beach town in Turkey often referred to as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, which is just a 20-minute drive away. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the remarkable archaeological site as well as for a relaxed, beachside holiday perhaps with the children in tow.

Ladies Beach is one of the most popular spots to catch some Mediterranean sun, and its intriguing name is due to the fact only females were allowed to swim here during the Ottoman Empire’s reign of the region.

Elsewhere, the palm tree-laden promenade is a peaceful evening walk along the beachfront leading into the multitude of bars and restaurants catering to hungry locals and tourists alike.

Moving further down south, Kaş is an unspoiled Turkish beach town in the province of Antalya, and a firm favorite of historians and archaeologists due to being built on the site of the ancient port of Antiphellus . Ruins that can be seen today include various hillside tombs and a perfectly preserved amphitheater dating back over 2000 years.

Aside from these fascinating relics of Turkey’s past, Kaş is also home to some of the best beaches in Turkey. Kaputas Beach , nestled in the middle of towering cliffs, is one of the beaches in Turkey that’s most dramatic, and Big Pebble Beach in the heart of Kas is another that’s always a popular choice for swimming and sunbathing.

Don’t forget to grab a snorkel or go out on scuba diving boat trips. Kaş is one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the entire Mediterranean Sea with shipwrecks and plane wrecks to explore and various rare marine life to swim with.

Much like the small seaside village of Oludeniz, Icmeler is a charming town completely surrounded on all three sides by pine forests in the mountains. With this in mind, Icmeler is a stunning little beach town for those that like to stay active through hikes and other activities.

The turquoise waters and white sand of Icmeler Beach are beautifully maintained, offering visitors hundreds of sun loungers and umbrellas. Along the beachfront, you’ll also find plenty of bars, restaurants boutique hotels, and shops to keep you busy.

Being only a 15-minute drive away from the incredibly popular beach resort town of Marmaris, Icmeler offers a more laid-back atmosphere than its loud and busy neighbor but is still within close proximity to enjoy everything it has to offer.

What Are The Best Coastal Cities In Turkey?

1. istanbul.

Istanbul is one of Turkey’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A melting pot of East meets West, where Europe becomes Asia. Now, many might not immediately think of Istanbul being a coastal city, but it’s certainly right on the Turkish coast, two in fact. The Black Sea to the north, and the Sea of Marmara to the south, with the Bosphorus Strait flowing in between.

Exploring the best of what Istanbul has to offer will lead you to some incredible places, like the Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old church turned mosque following the invasion of the Ottoman Empire, and The Blue Mosque, standing tall in Sultanahmet Square since the early 1600s with its famous blue-tiled interior.

A stroll down Istiklal Street will see you pass hundreds of shops, cafes, and restaurants with Turkish street food sellers on the side, and how can you forget a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former headquarters-turned-museum of the Ottoman Empire before retiring back to one of the many boutique hotels in the city.

Read More: Suggested Istanbul Itineraries: 3 to 7-Day Options

With a population of almost 3 million, Turkey’s third-largest city happens to sit on the southern coast of the Aegean Sea, bathing in the gorgeous Mediterranean sun year-round. This makes it a perfect destination for any time of year. Even in January, the thick of the Turkish winter, temperatures still rarely drop below 12-13 degrees Celsius.

There are many things to do in Izmir . The myriad of mazy alleys and streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants all emanating some amazing smells just keep you wanting to explore deeper and deeper. If you fancy catching some fresh sea air, head down to Izmir’s promenade which extends pretty much the entirety of the bay along the Aegean.

Finally, what’s a visit to Izmir without seeing the famous Clock Tower? Built in 1901 in the city’s Konak Square, it’s become a symbol of the city and even featured on Turkey’s 500 Lira banknotes.

Read More: Best Time To Visit Izmir

Antalya is Turkey’s second most popular tourist destination thanks to its gorgeous soft sandy beaches of Kaputas, Kleopatra, Lara, and Konyaalti.

Part of the Turkish Riviera, many private beach resorts have set themselves up to cater to the mass influx of domestic and international tourists here in the summer months, but even beyond the golden sands and deep blue of the Mediterranean, there’s still plenty to see and do in this incredible city and province.

Starting with Aspendos Theatre , this remarkably well-preserved ancient amphitheater is unmissable on a trip to Antalya, and just 25 miles from the center, it’s the perfect day trip from Antalya for any history buff.

Duden Waterfalls is an amazing waterfall in Antalya and a popular option for holidaymakers wanting some adventure, and speaking of adventure, hikers will love the famous Lycian Way, which begins in Antalya and stretches over 500 kilometers of pristine Mediterranean coastline.

Don’t miss Antalya’s historic center, otherwise known as “ Kaleiçi ” or Old Town. It’s a beautiful area that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the city. This district is where you can truly feel the historical and spiritual influences that have shaped Antalya over centuries.

And of course, we have to mention Lara Beach (again). It is perhaps the most famous beach in Turkey, a blue flag beach with long stretches of soft sand, beach clubs, water sports centers, and a stunning hotel zone.

Read More: When Is The Best Time To Visit Antalya?

Heading an hour’s drive east of Antalya city center sits the quaint town of Side (pronounced ‘see day’) on the famed Turquoise Coast . Mostly overshadowed by its much larger and more popular neighbor, Side often flies well under the radar of those wanting a typical Turkish beach holiday.

It’s a beautiful blend of the typical Mediterranean natural beauty, with ancient history that makes one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey . Two beautiful beaches, appropriately named East & West Beach, effectively surround the historic town itself, and just a short 10-minute drive out of town, you’ll find the jaw-dropping natural wonder of Manavgat Waterfall .

It’s one of the most visited waterfalls in Turkey, with locals and tourists bringing picnics and spending the day at this stunning site.

Not to be confused with the very similar-sounding city of Antalya, Alanya is a much smaller coastal city nestled away in between the imposing Taurus Mountains and the Meditteranean Coast, offering travelers a unique natural landscape.

Alanya has a deep history which is on show at historic sites even today, with the iconic Alanya Castle being the number one thing to do. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it was built on the remnants of an ancient Byzantine fortress.

Other than visiting the most beautiful beach towns and white sandy beaches in the area like Cleopatra Beach , why not head out on an adventurous jeep safari where you’ll traverse the mountainous terrain stopping off at canyons, waterfalls, and mud baths along the way? There are so many things to do in Alanya , despite being relatively small in size.

6. Marmaris

Marmaris is one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast and is evidenced by its heaving nature pretty much year-round. In recent times, it’s become a little bit more party-oriented than catering to just families, but that’s not to say it’s all beers, cocktail buckets, and thumping music until the early hours.

Peaceful boat trips are one of the best things to do in Marmaris, making full use of the stunning blue seas and panoramic vistas at your disposal.

Marmaris Marina is also a pleasant place to spend the evening, with the lights from the boats and the many bars and restaurants along the waterfront, having some cocktails and a candlelit dinner is a great way to end the day. For the kids, Marmaris is home to some of the best waterparks in the country such as Atlantis and AquaDream.

Situated on the South Aegean Coast is the beautiful coastal city of Bodrum, one of the most popular beach destinations in Turkey. Bodrum really comes alive in the evenings, when the sun goes down and everyone comes to enjoy the bars, restaurants, and boutique shops in the charming streets of the city’s Old Town.

Nightlife in Bodrum is definitely catered to the tourist crowds here, with ‘Bar Street’ a bustling favorite, and when the night gets a little too heavy, the beautiful sandy beaches to recover on aren’t far away. Gumbet Beach is a popular choice, as is Turgutreis, which is a 25-minute drive away, and hosts a wonderful local market on Saturdays.

Bodrum is also home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in Turkey . So if you want to splurge on your vacation and be by the beach, then make sure you check out Bodrum!

Fethiye is a picturesque port city on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and offers picture-perfect landscapes that are hard to beat anywhere on the planet. Fethiye is worth visiting if you’re a nature lover.

The city itself is built upon an old ancient town, some of which you can still see today like the Lycian Rock Tombs (Amyntas Rock Tombs) that are carved into the mountainside. If you’re up for it, you can actually hike up to these tombs and go inside. Turn around and you’ll get incredible panoramic views of Fethiye and its bay, though there’s not much inside of them.

Saklikent National Park is also a great day out, where you can hike through imposing narrow canyons and cool off the fast-flowing, ice-cold water. If you need some rest and relaxation, Oludeniz is not far away, and it’s postcard-worthy Blue Lagoon. Oh – and don’t forget a sunset dinner on top of Babadag Mountain. The views across the coastline are unmissable.

Fethiye is also a good base to explore the Butterfly Valley , a dense pine forest valley that leads to a secluded beach with turquoise waters and beautiful views!

An old seaport dating back to the 7th century, Kemer is nothing short of a hidden gem when it comes to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

One must-visit place is Tahtalı Dağı , also known as Mount Olympos. Whether you hike or take the Olympos Cable Car, reaching the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

Explore the ancient city of Phaselis , where you can wander through its well-preserved ruins and marvel at the ancient Greek & Roman way of life. It is believed that the ruins date back to 700 BC!

For a beach destination that features historic sites, stunning beaches, and beautiful mountains, Kemer is the place to go!

10. Trabzon

Leaving the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean behind, we find ourselves on Turkey’s northern coastline with the Black Sea city of Trabzon. It’s a far cry from any of the other sun-bleached, sand-filled coastal cities we’ve mentioned, instead focusing on the luscious hillsides and valleys of this often-forgotten region of Turkey.

The most famous attraction in Trabzon is the phenomenal Sumela Monastery . Built into a steep cliff 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) above ground in the Altındere valley, this ancient Orthodox monastery is one of the most stunning landmarks in Turkey .

Don’t miss Uzungol , a natural lake and a picturesque village approximately 1.5 hours from the seaside city of Trabzon. The lake is situated on the foothills of the Soganli Mountains and is surrounded by lush greenery and high mountains, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

The Mediterranean City of Mersin is one of the best hidden gems in Turkey. The city is most famous for being built on the ruins of an ancient settlement, perhaps as old as more than 6000 years ago.

Mersin’s geographical location, right on the cusp of the Middle East, brought together several empires, notably the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines.

Mersin’s beaches are beautiful and relatively untouched, with Maiden Beach being the best along with Susanoglu near Silifke. In Mersin city center, Mersin Marina is one of Turkey’s largest and features a huge variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars for you to enjoy, and whilst you’re in the area, Saint Antuan Latin Catholic Church is a must.

Situated along the Black Sea, Samsun is the largest city on the Turkish Black Sea coast, lying between the deltas of the Kızıl and Yeşil rivers.

The city is also known for being called Amisos, which is the name of the city under the Byzantines. It was only renamed Samsun after the Seljuq Turk took over in the latter half of the 12 century. The city is recognized as the place that inspired the Turkish War of Independence.

For beach lovers, make sure you check out Atakum Beach , a sandy beach that stretches a good portion of the city. It has a beautiful promenade with a cycling path, and it’s lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine.

Because it is believed that the start of Turkish War Independence was started here, there are many museums dedicated to that event. Don’t miss out on the Bandirma Vapuru Museum, a replica of the steamboat that carried Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from Istanbul to Samsun at the start of the Turkish War of Independence.

13. Çanakkale

Tucked in the north Aegean Coast, The coastal city of Çanakkale is one of the most overlooked seaside destinations in Turkey. While there aren’t stunning beaches like those destinations on the southern Turkish coast, Çanakkale has a beautiful waterfront with charming cafes and restaurants.

The landscape in Çanakkale is gorgeous, as visitors can admire the beauty of the extremely narrow Dardanelles Strait that decides Europe and Asia. The nearby Gallipoli Peninsula is best known for its significant role in World War I during the Gallipoli Campaign, or the Battle of Gallipoli. Here you can visit the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial, a powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I.

Çanakkale is also known for the ancient ruins of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Bronze Age civilization. The site gained worldwide fame through Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad,” which recounts the story of the Trojan War.

Map of The Best Turkish Beach Towns And Coastal Cities

Beach Towns And Coastal Cities In Turkey FAQs

What are the best places to visit on the turkish riviera.

The best places to visit on the Turkish Riviera are Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Kas, Kusadasi, Side, and Alanya. These destinations are home to some of the best beaches in Turkey and are filled with history and gorgeous landscapes.

Where Are The Best Beaches In Turkey?

The best beaches in Turkey are near the country’s Southern Mediterranean Coast. It is also nicknamed the Turquoise Coast thanks to the high concentration of blue flag beaches and crystal clear water!

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing coastal cities and beach towns in Turkey! Whether you are looking for a destination with pristine beaches, a historic seaside city, or a lively port city with restaurants bars, and a lively nightlife, hopefully you found it in this article!

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

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Where to go in 2024: The best places to visit

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter . Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.

So many places to see in the world. So many people eager to see them.

International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and the United States issued a record number of  passports . And if you visited any popular destination over the summer, you’d probably argue it was more crowded than ever.

So maybe it’s time to look at places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors. Maybe it’s time to head to places that are making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that’s sustainable.

With those things in mind, CNN Travel chose 24 places to consider as you make your 2024 plans:

Sumba, Indonesia

For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community consciousness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba delivers.

With its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals and world-class surf breaks, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali, which is just an hour’s flight away. It might not be internationally famous yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s small. Sumba is more than 4,000 square miles in size (more than 10,000 square kilometers) – twice the size of Bali.

It was the  Nihi Sumba  resort that brought this island into luxury seekers’ sights when it first opened in 2012. More than a decade on, Sumba has welcomed several new luxury eco-resorts. These include  The Sanubari,  a series of beachfront villas that opened in 2022, and  Cap Karoso , located on the island’s southwest.  —Karla Cripps

Turkey’s Black Sea coast

Far less known than the Mediterranean yacht-magnet resorts of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the  Black Sea region, also known as Karadeniz,  offers a very different side of the country. Less touristed and with a cooler, damper climate that produces verdant scenery and  delicious black tea , the region has historic towns and villages as well as beaches and adrenaline-producing activities.

In summer, it’s a refreshing escape from Turkey’s more sweltering regions. Visitors can explore ancient streets that still echo to the clang of blacksmith hammers in Safranbolu, soak up beach life in Amasra and climb to where one of the world’s oldest monasteries clings to a cliff at Sumela.

For thrill-seekers, there’s white water rafting, and when winter brings heavy snowfalls, the region’s eastern Kaçkar Mountains transform into a  heli-skiing paradise .  —Barry Neild

Tartu, Estonia

Pucker up. Tartu, in southern Estonia, has been named a European Capital of Culture for 2024 — with  special attention paid to kissing . One of this university city’s most celebrated sights is its statue of two students locked in a passionate embrace, but here in the “City of Good Thoughts,” the love-in is more high-minded than carnal.

Tartu is renowned as Estonia’s intellectual center, home to its oldest university as well as the must-visit Estonian National Museum and the impressive Science Centre AHHAA, the largest science museum in the Baltics.

The Old Town is the perfect place to base yourself, but just north of the city center on the banks of the Emajõgi River, Supilinn (“Soup Town”) is also worth a visit. This historic neighborhood filled with pretty, wooden houses was formerly a slum but is now becoming one of the city’s most desirable addresses.  —Maureen O’Hare

Tainan, Taiwan

Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2024, Tainan has become a Taiwan hotspot on the international stage. This southern city has surpassed the capital, Taipei, to boast the highest overall hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan in the past two years.

What makes it so special? Tainan is considered the street food capital of Taiwan and is loved for its beef soups and oyster omelets, otherworldly natural landscapes (check out Tsao Shan Moon World), scenic sunsets over salt farms, colorful old temples and cool new museums.

It was also listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.  —Maggie Hiufu Wong

Northwest Michigan

Refreshing, unsalty Lake Michigan lures boatloads of tourists in summer, but the shoreline, quaint towns and rolling countryside of Northwest Michigan have plenty to offer year-round.

On Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City makes a great home base for exploring wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas or picking cherries or apples in season. Then fall’s foliage is ripe for peeping, followed by winter’s inviting blankets of snow.

From Traverse City, the scenic M-22 highway winds up the Leelanau Peninsula and hooks back down through Leland, home to a  historic fishing village  and a collection of interesting  shops and galleries .

Glen Arbor is another town worth perusing on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , where off M-109 an all-sand, 3.5-mile hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back preps hardy hikers for a delicious dinner.

Farm Club , a farm-restaurant hybrid seven miles from downtown Traverse City, serves beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the region’s ingredients — many grown on site — in a minimalist, barnlike space that spills outdoors.  —Marnie Hunter

Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans

Launching in 2024, the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route will be the first and only bike route to link all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The 100-stage trail is designed for cyclists of all abilities and its 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) is made up of quiet asphalt roads, forest trails and bike paths.

Riders can enjoy Albania and Croatia’s spectacular coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains and lush woodland and sparkling rivers throughout Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Riders can get more information and sign up for news of route updates, maps, accommodation and services at  transdinarica.com .   —MO

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is large and makes for a great island escape. But what if you want an escape from your great island escape? That’s where little Culebra comes in. It’s about 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and world away from  San Juan’s noisy, rum-soaked nightlife .

The emphasis here is on outdoor activities and unwinding. Be sure to check out  Flamenco Beach , curving for about a mile around a sheltered bay. It has little in the way of waves, making it a superb spot for snorkeling and swimming. And a graffitied tank — a US military relic — offers a striking photo op.

Much of the island is  a natural refuge , and you can also go hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Take  a day trip  or  stay over  and make it your main destination.  —Forrest Brown

This southern African nation is trying hard to make a break on the tourism scene, having recently introduced a  quick-approval tourism e-visa . While major tourism infrastructure might not be up to speed yet, it’s a chance to explore a country still off the travel radar.

The capital of Luanda has a reputation as a pricey party city, but out in the wide-open spaces beyond, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats. Second city  Lubango  offers Portuguese colonial architecture, an impressive Rio-style Christ the King hilltop statue and access to the Tundavala Gap, a giddying plunge from cool tablelands into shimmering dusty plains.

Also worth a look: the dramatic 1,300-foot-wide (396 meters) Calendula Falls and Atlantic coastline surfing paradises such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo.  —BN

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Not to be confused with St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, Saint John is located in New Brunswick — also on Canada’s east coast. This charming little city is an excellent base from which to enjoy the nearby  Bay of Fundy , famed for having the world’s highest tides.

The city itself is filled with historic architecture, including the  Saint John City Market , a National Historic Site of Canada. Built from 1874 to 1876, it’s filled with shops and food venues. A five-minute walk away is the  Saint John Arts Centre . Set in the city’s historic Carnegie Building, it’s the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.

In terms of accommodation, there are seaside cottages, hotels, motels, campgrounds, historic inns and B&Bs. Food here is as excellent as you’d expect from a maritime city in Canada, with a broad range from cheap eats to fine dining.  —KC

South Korea

With word that “Squid Game” — still the most-watched show on Netflix — is set to return with a new season in 2024, it’s time once again to embrace the K-wave.

Thankfully, travel to the country is easier than ever before. The government is waiving its K-ETA requirement — the electronic travel visa for South Korea — for travelers from  22 countries  till the end of 2024 as part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.

This is a country that truly has it all. After exploring futuristic cities such as Seoul and Busan, the cultural and historic side of old Korea awaits at Andong, dubbed the “Spirit of South Korea,” or the seven cemeteries of the ancient  Gaya Tumuli , newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.  —MHW

Sandwiched on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, it’s astonishing that Albania wasn’t more popular as a beach destination before. But its wallet-friendly prices have seen tourism boom here over the past few years — so much so that in 2023, record numbers of Italians flocked across the Adriatic for their bargain summer breaks.

2024 sees the opening of a new airport at Vlorë, on the coast, which will make those beach trips easier. But there’s far more to Albania than its coast. The country has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historical centers in towns such as Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as jaw-dropping mountain landscapes (Theth is the most popular).

In 2023, Albania got Europe’s first wild river national park, around the 168-mile (270-kilometer)  Vjosa River  — or to go really off the beaten track book a self-drive tour with  Drive Albania .  —Julia Buckley

Stretching about 2,700 miles from top to toe, long and slim Chile offers a little something for everyone.  In the north, spectacular landscapes simulate  Mars on Earth  in the Atacama Desert, where the 51-room  Our Habitas Atacama  emphasizes sustainability.  The new hotel is a good fit for the “world’s leading green destination,” a title Chile just picked up at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.

The natural world puts its best foot forward all over the country: Thousands of miles of Pacific coastline to the west, the towering Andes in the east and lakes, volcanoes and wild Patagonia in the south.

World-class skiing in July and August — a welcome break from the sweltering Northern Hemisphere — is two hours or less from the capital, Santiago. And the new high-altitude Parque Nacional Glaciares near the city protects land in the country’s most populous and  historically little-protected  area.  —MH

Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia

Every year there’s another installment in the soap opera surrounding the Great Barrier Reef — will it be de-listed by UNESCO? Has the coral regrowth gone well this season?

For tourists who’d rather not wade into the situation, there’s another way to experience some of Australia’s gorgeous underwater bounty. About 37 miles (60 kilometers) off the coast of Western Australia, the lesser-known  Abrolhos Islands  are home to some of the most beautiful scenery of the country’s Coral Coast, above and below the water.

Humpback whales pass through in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, and lucky travelers may catch a glimpse of Australian Sea Lions. There are no hotels on the islands, so intrepid visitors can either overnight in the town of Geraldton or splash out for a liveaboard boat, which provides opportunities to watch brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean and scuba dive in the early hours when the fish are at their most active.  —Lilit Marcus

Macedonia, Greece

Athens and the islands get more crowded every year, but in northern Greece, the region of Macedonia is relatively free from overtourism. Yet it has everything visitors flock elsewhere in Greece to see: archaeological sites, history-rich towns and beaches galore.

This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedon, is buried at Vergina, where his tomb has been turned into a world-class  subterranean museum  displaying the finds. Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop city Veria, and superb wineries such as  Kir-Yianni  in the rolling hills around Naousa.

Thessaloniki — the region’s capital and Greece’s second city — is a gastro hub as well as a mishmash of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki; toward the border with Thrace are archaeological spots like ancient Philippi, and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past shows in every building . —JB

It may be most famous for the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, but this Central American country is so much more than a transit destination.

Not only does Panama have a vibrant capital city with a historic old quarter that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the country also holds over a dozen national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.

Panama City is also the only world capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. Visitors keen to delve further into Panama’s cultural landscape in a sustainable way can book community-based tourist adventures through a digital portal called  SOSTUR Network , which connects travelers with rural communities and tourism businesses.  —Tamara Hardingham-Gill

Galicia, Spain

Empty beaches bordered by the wild Atlantic Ocean and framed by the rugged landscape of the  Islas Atlánticas National Park . Mouth-watering seafood. And a historic city forever entwined with the famed  Camino de Santiago.  Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous region in the northwest tip of Spain.

Galicia’s regional capital city,  Santiago de Compostela , has long been on the tourist map thanks to its striking 12 th -century cathedral, which is the endpoint for the hundreds of thousands of walkers who  embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage  each year. But even if you weren’t planning on packing your walking boots, bustling Santiago should be on your radar.

And for spectacular views, head to  Cabo Fisterra , a rocky peninsula home to the picturesque Finisterre lighthouse. The former lighthouse residence is the  Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra . Lighthouses are a bit of a theme in Galicia — there are 19 in total, including the UNESCO-protected 1st-century  Tower of Hercules , believed to be the world’s oldest surviving Roman lighthouse.  —Francesca Street

Singapore’s offshore islands

The city-state of Singapore shows urbanism at its finest: biophilic skyscrapers, neon-lit supertrees and six-star hotels all outdoing each other to redefine “luxury.” But venturing off the peninsula is quickly becoming a more interesting option.

Singapore is developing some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by, well, not developing them. Just a ferry ride away from the mainland, Lazarus Island is now home to a few rentable tiny houses made with reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters’ Island will open the country’s first marine park — including a sea turtle hatchery and coral protection area — in 2024.

Already open for exploring is St. John’s Island, where a 1.7-mile trail highlights native plants and flowers while shining a light on the island’s colorful history, which included a period as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. It’s a fitting place to think about life after a pandemic.  —LM

Mérida, Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland, and you’re in for an unexpected urban treat.

“Mérida’s uniqueness comes from a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage,” said David Casanova, who has a  real estate YouTube channel  on Yucatán state’s capital city with his wife, Megan Sequeira Casanova. “The city’s excitement starts with its diverse cuisine and friendly locals and expands to its year-long favorable weather.”

In town, Paseo de Montejo is lined with historic mansions, museums, art galleries and local vendors. The Casanovas tout the city’s boutique hotels, including  Kuka y Naranjo . For nearby getaways, there’s Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), fascinating Mayan ruins and underground water caves called cenotes.

If you’re concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the  US State Department  rates Yucatán and Campache states as the two safest as of December.  —FB

A longtime travel favorite thanks to its diverse landscape and spectacular architecture, Morocco has bounced back determinedly after a devastating earthquake this past September.

While visitors tend to congregate in popular cities such as Marrakech, Rabat and Fes, the country certainly isn’t short of less crowded spots that are arguably just as alluring. Standouts include Tétouan, the city near the first  Regis Hotels and Resorts Morocco property , and the historic Meknes, which is among the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Morocco is proving to be a world leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with the launch of various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation. The country is also home to a number of significant eco-friendly hotels, including the Berber-run  Kasbah du Toubkal , located at the base of the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.  —THG

Florida’s freshwater springs

How would you like to immerse in water clear as gin any day of the year? You can do that in some of the 1,000 or more recognized  fresh-water springs  scattered around northern and central Florida.

These  pristine natural pools  provide stable temps and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more. Here are a few of the best:

Wakulla Springs  has a swimming area in 70 F (21 C) degree water, and the state park offers a boat ride tour. The  depth at the vent  is about 185 feet (56 meters).  Rainbow Springs  is considered one of the most beautiful in the state.  Ginnie Springs , a privately owned site, is renowned for its diving and cavern.  —FB

Texas Hill Country

In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot,  Krause Springs  in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the  Blue Bonnet Cafe  — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls .

Meanderers will also find rolling hills and hiking trails, winding rivers,  wineries , barbecue, music and dance halls, plus an explosion of wildflowers in March and April. And in 2024, April also brings a celestial spectacle to Hill Country — the total solar eclipse on April 8.

Gruene Hall  in New Braunfels is legendary among Texas’  historic dance halls , and Luckenbach, a tiny hamlet outside the larger German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, has a dance hall and regular pickers’ circles under the oak trees.  —MH

One of the smaller and lesser-known emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is as mellow as it is beautiful. Filled with spectacular mountain ranges and pristine beaches, it’s significantly less developed than the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering an authentic and tranquil vibe that’s hard to beat.

Fujairah has a cooler climate compared with the other emirates because of its mountainous setting, but the winter months are definitely the most pleasant time to visit.

Snoopy Island, a snorkeling spot that looks like the famous cartoon dog lying on his back, is a top draw thanks to its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, while the cascading waterfalls of the Wadi Wurayah National Park are another must-see.  —THG

The jaw-dropping landscapes of Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark situated northeast of Canada — are set to get a little more accessible for international travelers this year.

New international airports are opening in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and the coastal city of Ilulissat. These aviation hubs promise longer runways that will be able to handle larger commercial aircraft. The climate crisis is a visible, real threat in Greenland, and investment in the tourism sphere is increasing as changing climates  pose roadblocks to traditional industries.

Learn more about how Greeenland is adapting, and the stories of the Inuit people who’ve lived in the region for thousands of years at the  Icefjord Centre  in Ilulissat on the West Coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which offers the staggering sight of a bay filled with floating icebergs. In general, nature is the main event in Greenland, with other highlights including whale watching, dog sledding and Aurora Borealis sightings.   —FS

Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was poised to be the  next big thing  in travel thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.

Now, its time has finally come.

Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan’s untouched landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to awe visitors.

For greater insights into Uzbekistan’s position at the heart of the fabled Silk Road, a historic trade route that ran from China and India to the Mediterranean, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva await. Meanwhile, the mountainous Uzbek village of Sentob — about 3.5 hours from Samarkand — was added to UNESCO’s list of “ Best Tourism Villages ” in 2023. It’s been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on nature, organic food and eco and mountain tourism.

Getting around the country is easy thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob Express train, connecting capital Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara.  —KC

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• Alternative sights
• Where to stay

Western Turkey

Explore western Turkey: things to see and where to stay

From istanbul and the mediterranean coast to whirling dervishes and unesco world heritage, turkish delights abound in this compelling region., why go to western turkey.

With Istanbul captivating city-goers and Mediterranean resorts like Antalya equally popular for a sunshine break, Turkey’s western side is rivalled only by Cappadocia when it comes to luring travellers. Also featuring a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from ancient Greek cities such as Ephesus to natural wonders like Pamukkale, it’s home to the country’s most famous landmarks.

Yet there’s plenty to experience beyond the headline sights. Sipping homemade fruit wine in the seductive Aegean town of Şirince, discovering unspoilt enclaves along the Turkish Riviera, tucking into ridiculously good cheesy halva before exploring the legends of Troy… these are just three alternative pleasures to savour in western Turkey, where rugged mountains give way to caramel scoops of sandy beach and dervishes whirl mesmerically in billowing white robes.

From centuries-old traditions to continent-spanning cities and landscapes that often beggar belief, here are some of western Turkey’s unmissable highlights.

Five must-see sights in western Turkey

1. istanbul.

Lapped by sea on three sides and straddling two continents, Istanbul is a geographical marvel – little wonder it’s played capital to three mighty empires. From arts and archaeological museums to vast Ottoman palaces, multiple attractions tell the city’s eventful tale, with many clustered around the old quarter of Sultanahmet and handily grouped under a museum pass .

Also sporting fine Byzantine mosques like Hagia Sophia, atmospheric bazaars and a raft of major new openings – including cultural complexes like Atatürk and Müze Gazhane , plus the £1.3 billion ($1.6bn) shopping and arts destination Galataport – Istanbul serves up contemporary innovation with over 1,600 years of history.

2. Hierapolis-Pamukkale

Combining an ancient Greek city with a natural phenomenon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers two must-see sights in one. Pamukkale is a terraced cascade of travertine thermal pools, which inspired its Cotton Castle nickname. Visitors can paddle in the pools and, while the limestone is quite tough to walk on (you must be barefoot to protect the structures), it’s worth it for the fairy-tale vistas of white petrified waterfalls and milky blue waters as you descend.

Hierapolis, meanwhile, was founded in the 2nd century BC to take advantage of the area’s springs – nowadays tourists can glimpse evocative traces of this once-thriving ancient Greek spa-city, including decorative temples and a necropolis. 

Even older than Hierapolis and yet perhaps even better preserved, Ephesus was built in the 10th century BC by the ancient Greeks. It later became part of the Roman Republic and ultimately one of the Mediterranean’s most important commercial hubs. This heritage is reflected in monuments like the imposing Library of Celsus and a theatre which could seat 24,000 spectators.

With more intriguing details, such as a carving of a footprint and heart (signalling a nearby brothel) and some stunningly preserved mosaics, even those who aren’t archaeological buffs would struggle to feel bored at Ephesus – although a guide is recommended to understand the context.

Love cats? As with many places in Turkey, you’ll find plenty of feline friends here too.

This seaside town (meaning ‘eyebrow’ due to its shape) is a Mediterranean vision of bougainvillea-clad balconies, timber shutters and terracotta roofs. Arty stores and hostels line the cobblestoned streets, while the scenic harbour and mountainous backdrop demonstrate just why this area is nicknamed the Turkish Riviera. Activities abound, from diving to gület (local wooden boat) tours and you can even ferry to the Greek island of Meis.

Kaş is also on the Lycian Way , a long-distance coastal route once central to the Lycian civilisation, founded around the 15th century BC, which is scattered with relics like rock-cut tombs. You don’t have to tackle it all –  shorter sections from Kaş include the popular hike to Limanağzı beach (around 1.5 hours) where it’s often possible to catch a boat back. If you’ve worked up an appetite, fill up at Bunbun , which serves lip-smacking bao buns with a Turkish slant (the meatball is hard to beat).    

The province of Antalya  may be full of lesser-known treasures, Kaş and Kekova being notable examples, but its capital city is something of a tourist trap. Nonetheless, it merits a visit, just try to go off-season and avoid staying in the old town of Kaleiçi, where the nightlife is particularly noisy at weekends.

Kaleiçi can be crowded by day and overpriced shops proliferate, but stray off the main drag and there’s much to charm you, from characterful Ottoman houses to views of the sparkling marina below. Antalya city is additionally renowned for its sandy beaches – pair with a seafood dinner come sunset for the ultimate Med experience.

READ MORE: Discover little-known Roman ruins around the world

Five alternative highlights in western Turkey

1. mevlâna museum.

It’s not the best-known mausoleum in western Turkey – that would be the austerely handsome tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , founder of the Turkish Republic – but this enchanting site shouldn’t be missed.

Mevlâna (meaning 'our master') Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic who founded the famed whirling dervishes. His tomb is now part of a museum dedicated to this fascinating order in which followers, wearing voluminous white dresses, seek karma through meditative spinning. Sublime jewel colours and gold calligraphy characterise Rumi’s resting place, which is topped with a traditional turban and housed in an exquisite former tekke (dervish lodge).

Whitewashed facades with shady squares and pops of turquoise, sweeping valley vistas and a profusion of Ottoman Christian architecture – these are just some of the charms you’ll find in Şirince . Add in a bustling market replete with handmade products, from aromatic soaps to quirky leather bags, and it’s unsurprising that visitors flock to this old Greek hilltop town. Perhaps the most emblematic product is wine. Many shops offer samples, with delectable varieties including damson plum and mulberry. Just watch yourself on those cobbled streets after enjoying a few snifters.

Şirince isn’t far from Ephesus and, while not especially notable itself, the town of Selçuk makes a handy base for exploring both destinations.

Made famous by Homer’s Iliad , Troy was regarded as a mythical city until its ruins were discovered in the 19th century. Little survives at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose remains span the early bronze age to Byzantium, but the legends give it a unique character – and there’s an impressive Trojan Horse too.

You’ll find another recreation of the iconic wooden beast, this one from the 2004 Troy movie starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom, in nearby Çanakkale: a lively harbour city on the Dardanelles Strait. Planning to visit? Don’t miss the local cheese halva. Often served baked with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the stuff of dreams.

This UNESCO-designated region of islands, bays and ethereal Lycian ruins is best seen by boat. Trips start from towns like Demre (reputedly the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus) and often entail a meal of freshly caught fish, the chance to swim in Kekova’s aquamarine waters and stops at regional highlights like Kaleköy, whose castle commands views across sarcophagi-dotted hillsides and the underwater city beyond.

You’ll also have ample opportunity to admire the spectacular Turquoise Coast scenery from onboard and maybe even spot some native critters; mountain goats are commonly seen, with turtles and dolphins sometimes making an appearance too.   

5. Gallipoli battlefields

Back in Europe, across the Dardanelles Strait from Çanakkale, is Gallipoli . Here, over 100,000 soldiers lost their lives during the First World War, when Turks fought off the bigger but badly managed Allied force. Nowadays, this sombrely beautiful peninsula is a commemorative national park.

Landmarks comprise the notorious landing site of ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine battleground – another significant location for the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) – and various war cemeteries, along with other poignant memorials that sprinkle the windswept beaches and forested interior.

READ MORE: These are the cheapest (and most expensive) family holiday destinations

Where to stay in western Turkey

You’ll likely want several days in Istanbul and the Mediterranean coast, for which we’ve given some suggestions below. Due to distances, however, those who want to see sights across western Turkey may need to consider a tour. G Adventures is a great operator, whose Absolute Turkey itinerary takes in all the places in this guide, plus Cappadocia (accommodation is included).

No trip to western Turkey is complete without spending a few nights in Istanbul. The Stay operates four design-led sites across the city, all of which exude character, and was recently awarded carbon-neutral status by sustainability specialist Bureau Veritas.

Mediterranean

For some fun in the sun without the crowds, Kaş is just the ticket. Boutique hotel Olea Nova is a short walk from town and has enviable views across to the Greek island of Meis, plus its own seafront lido. Or try Olympus Lodge , a collection of luxurious bungalows in lush surrounds, further along the coast towards Antalya.

READ MORE: Discover 12 Mediterranean islands where you can escape the crowds

How to get to western Turkey

Turkish Airlines , British Airways and Pegasus have direct flights from the UK, major airports include Istanbul and Antalya. Trying to fly less and have an extra four or so nights to spare? You could also try the train , by Eurostar to Paris and onward via Belgrade and Sofia or Bucharest and Budapest.

Map of western Turkey

Discover all of our favourite places in western Turkey with this handy map:

For further information and inspiration, visit GoTürkiye .

Lead image: Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock

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How to score a great campsite near L.A. without booking ahead

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It’s Thursday night, and you’re dying to get out of the city.

You can no longer take the cacophony of leaf blowers, police helicopters and honking horns. The forecast for the weekend is, in typical Southern California fashion, clear, temperate and sunny. And you feel the human need to go off the grid. To touch grass. To wake up with the birds and the bees and the trees.

In other words, you want to go camping. But there’s one catch: You did not plan six months in advance to secure a camping spot in one of California’s highly sought-after parks. Lucky for procrastinators like yourself, L.A. County has an abundance of first-come, first-served campsites that offer a range of experiences for every level of camper. That’s because unlike many of our state and federal parks, Angeles National Forest doesn’t use a reservation system for most of its campgrounds.

That means if you leave from the city early Friday afternoon you can likely score a weekend campsite, regardless of whether you want to drive, hike or bike in. (That is, unless it’s a crowded holiday weekend. Then your fate lies with Mother Nature and your friend who has never worked a 9 to 5.) It just takes a little bit of strategizing.

Below is a comprehensive guide for how and where you can escape to the mountains around L.A., including my recommendations for the best campsites to visit, organized by skill level. Choose your fighter and let’s go.

What to bring | Getting there | Things you should know | Beginner campsites | Intermediate campsites | Advanced campsites

What to bring

Even though Los Angeles’ first-come, first-served campsites don’t require an online reservation, they still cost money. You will need cash — generally $12 per site per night in Angeles National Forest and $5 per extra car — to pay for most of the campsites on this list. In some cases, like if you’re leaving your car in an area while you backpack, you will need either an annual Adventure Pass ($5 for one day, $30 annual) or America the Beautiful pass ($80 annual) for your vehicle. Only a rare few of these campgrounds allow you to stay overnight at no cost.

To set yourself up for success, peruse a camping packing list or backpacking list , and determine what best fits your needs. Remember that temperatures can vary widely in the mountains, especially as nighttime temperatures dip. Extra wool socks are your friend.

Most campgrounds are far from grocery or convenience stores. In your ice chest, remember to secure food in containers that will keep bread and other items from getting soggy as ice melts. Reusable plates, mugs and utensils will save you a lot of headache and trash.

If camping at a site that doesn’t have piped water, bring at least two liters per day per person for drinking, and then however much you think your group will need for cleaning dishes, washing hands and dousing your campfire. (I always pack water, regardless of whether the campground’s website lists it, just in case!)

Make sure you’ve packed a solid first aid kit. I’ve added to my store-bought one by adding blister treatment, instant cold packs and emergency items for my dog.

Think about what you need to sleep. Do you use white noise that you’ll need to download from your streaming app? Do you want to bring earplugs? What pillow situation will make you feel coziest in your tent? And don’t forget anyone’s favorite stuffed sleeping companion — including the dog’s! — at home.

Additionally, both for your sanity and safety, it’s good to keep your phone charged, regardless of whether you have service. While recreating, I generally leave a solar-charged light and charger sitting in my car window. In Yellowstone, my then 5-year-old niece used it as a night light, in the car, when she felt it was just much too dark outside. It’s multipurpose.

Before planning to build a campfire, you’ll need to check local regulations . You won’t be allowed to build one if the fire danger level is too high. If fire is allowed, register and then print a free permit from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. If you’ve never built a campfire, consider watching some YouTube videos before leaving.

If you are traveling to Angeles National Forest and have more questions, you can call their offices or visitor centers for more information.

Travel & Experiences

Tried and tested camping tips for first timers

June 26, 2017

Getting there

Before heading out, check the weather and for road closures . Some of the campsites on this list are seasonal and will be closed if it has snowed.

As of mid-May, a portion of Highway 2, or Angeles Crest Highway, is temporarily closed as workers repair the roadway from major storm damage . For a few of these campsites, you’ll need to take a detour .

Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank or battery is full before heading out. Double check your tire pressure and car’s fluid levels.

Share with a friend or family member where you’re going, any day hikes you plan to take, and when you plan to be back.

Assume you will not have cellphone reception. Consider downloading maps on your phone’s GPS app to use offline. If you plan to hike, download trail maps on your outdoors app, or print or buy maps of the trail.

What you should know

Some of the campgrounds on this list are popular. Others are not. Arriving at any of them on a Thursday afternoon should generally allow you to find a good spot. If you arrive a Friday afternoon, you still should be able to find a spot at most places, but bear in mind that some of the smaller campgrounds fill up quickly.

I’ve experienced both disappointment and delight in last-minute camping here.

On my birthday weekend, my wife and I headed to a very popular campground (not on this list, as it had been closed until quite recently) in Angeles National Forest. It was full. Panicked, we rushed to a larger nearby campground — Chilao Campground (listed below) — on a Friday evening, and found a spot. Did we set up our tent using our car’s headlights? Yes. Did we have a great time at our totally random spot? Very much so!

Per federal regulations, you can stay overnight up to 14 consecutive days per campground in a national forest, and are limited to a total of 30 days overnight per year per national forest.

Leashed dogs are allowed at every campsite on this list but one. (Dogs are generally allowed at Angeles National Forest, but banned from many trails, buildings and historic sites at state parks .)

Lastly, before you scroll onto this curated list of magical places, please raise your right hand and repeat after me:

I, (your name), will be respectful of these campgrounds. I will not litter. I won’t let my friends or children burn random things in the fire ring. I will not poke snakes. I will be kind to my fellow campers. I will not drive erratically on the curvy roads that lead to this campground. I will not use fireworks. I will not blast Nickelback’s 2001 hit “How You Remind Me” at 10 p.m. In sum, I will respect the woods.

OK. Let’s get to those campsites!

For the citydweller who just wants to fall asleep under the stars (beginner)

At each of these beginner-level campgrounds, you will find potable (drinkable) water and vault toilets. Upon arrival, you can park directly at your site — no walking needed. There are picnic tables and a designated spot to build a campfire. And, although you should plan to be self-sustainable, each of these sites are close-ish to a fire station, nature center, or cafe — if you just can’t silence that voice inside that wants you to track down a breakfast burrito.

Monte Cristo Campground Are you a parent who just wants your child to touch some grass? Monte Cristo Campground is for you.

It has 19 individual drive-in sites , including some with large shady sycamore trees. A small creek runs through the middle of the campground and has small pools to splash in. Drive 2.5 miles south to the nearby Hidden Springs Picnic Area for more swimming.

Monte Cristo Campground

Coordinates: 34.34154934080732, -118.10945202272315

Bathrooms: Vault toilets.

Water: Piped drinking water.

Open: Year round.

For emergencies, the Monte Cristo Fire Station is nearby, and the Clear Creek Fire Station is a 10-mile drive.

The relatively short drive in is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can get there quick. On the other, your campground is next to Angeles Forest Highway, meaning you will hear the whoosh of passing vehicles. And the campground is at a low enough elevation, 3,600 feet, that it can get hot in the late spring and summer.

Getting there: Driving north from L.A. on Highway 2, you will turn left, or northwest, next to the Clear Creek Fire Station, onto Angeles Forest Highway. You will follow that road for 10 miles. Enjoy driving through the tunnel. From La Cañada Flintridge, your last chance for last-minute snacks (and batteries), it’s about a 35-minute drive. Because of the site’s popularity, it’s best to leave early on a Friday to snag a spot and avoid Highway 2 traffic.

Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground Up, up, up along Highway 39, north of Azusa sits Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, which has five open loops with 50 total campsites.

The campground’s name is a bit of a misnomer, as you do not camp at the lake or nearby its shore. Instead, the campground sits about a mile northeast of the lake. You can either hike or drive there, although neither path is wheelchair accessible. You’re not allowed to swim in the clear blue waters of Crystal Lake, but you can fish or walk around it, and, of course, admire it. On a recent visit, I appreciated the shade of nearby oak and cedar trees as I watched a small fish, likely a small trout, swim about.

Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

Coordinates: 34.32474672965506, -117.8321051

Cost: $12 per night per site, $5 for extra vehicle.

Water: Drinking water available on site.

Open: Campsite access is walk-in only in winter, drive-in during summer.

The Crystal Lake Cafe is in the campground area and is generally open every day but Tuesday from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its menu includes breakfast burritos, burgers and, for the vegans, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Lots of snack options inside. Cafe owner Adam Samrah lives nearby and told me that he keeps the cafe open longer if he has a steady stream of customers. (He also has fun videos on his phone of bears who visit the campground, including one named Chili. )

And, if you arrive and are having second thoughts about sleeping outside, Adam has three cabins near the cafe that he’ll happily rent to you for $350 a night.

Getting there: Take Highway 39 north of Azusa to the Crystal Lake Recreation Area. This drive offers incredible views of nearby mountains, and the valley below is full of wildflowers in the spring — though it’s not for the faint of heart! Highway 39 is curvier (read: more dangerous) than Angeles Crest Highway. Drive with caution and care.

Chilao Campground At 5,300-feet elevation, Chilao Campground provides both a high desert and forest vibe. It comes with a soundtrack of the wind breezing through nearby valleys — a peaceful whisper through this serene landscape.

Chilao Campground

Coordinates: 34.321240787966055, -118.01370900927176

Cost: $12 per night, $5 for an extra vehicle.

Water: Drinking water on site.

Open: Little Pines is open year-round as weather allows while Manzanita closes in the winter, unless needed for overflow.

The campground has 84 drive-in sites and is divided into two loops: Manzanita and Little Pines.

Manzanita Loop is more desert-like. It has large rocks and boulders that are fun to climb on, as long as kiddos and kids at heart remain snake-aware. You’ll spot wildflowers, chipmunks and other ground friends, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding forest. Because of how this loop is laid out, campsite’s either come with shade or a great view. A few lucky campers might snag one with both.

Little Pines is more forest-like, and aptly named for all the small and medium pine trees that fill its campsites. It offers more shade and hammock hanging opportunities than Manzanita, and is a great spot to kick back, read a book and forget about your phone .

A giant pinecone at Chilao campground.

Chilao campground. (Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The Chilao Visitor’s Center is nearby and open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It has a self-guided trail with exhibits and is a great spot for bird watching.

A word of caution: Watch your head, especially on a windy day. The Coulter pine trees in the area produce heavy, prickly pine cones, nicknamed “widow-makers.” They weigh about five pounds (or more) each , and could cause serious injury when falling from a tree.

Getting there: Because part of Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) remains closed, you will need to take a detour to arrive at Chilao . Please be mindful that Google Maps might suggest a route that sends you on a closed, dirt or generally rough road. That is not recommended.

Instead, from Los Angeles , take Highway 2 north until you reach the Clear Creek Visitor Information Center and fire station. Turn left (or northwest) onto Angeles Forest Highway. Drive about 8.5 miles, and just past the Monte Cristo Fire Station, you will turn right (or south-ish) onto Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road. You will drive about nine miles before reaching Highway 2 again. Turn left (or east) onto Highway 2. You will reach Chilao Campground in about seven miles.

For the REI co-op member who wants some quality dirt time (intermediate)

An interior designer might call these intermediate-level campgrounds “rustic.” They’re primitive, with only the bare essentials available. You’ll either have to bring your own water or filter it from a nearby creek. But thankfully each site does has toilets, so no need to pack your poop shovel .

These three sites are remote. The drive to two of them requires navigating mountain roads. They should provide the serenity you’re seeking, without requiring you to pack in and hike to your final destination. You’ll also get a sense of satisfaction for roughing it. Or at least that’s what you’ll say to your coworkers at your Monday morning meeting.

Oak Flat Campground Oak Flat Campground has 20 sites situated around a nice small meadow shaded by several oak trees.

Oak Flat Campground

Coordinates: 34.60075334640415, -118.72206764232976

Cost: $0, but an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required.

Water: None. Bring all the water you’ll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning and drowning your campfire each night.

This is an ideal spot for hanging out with friends or swaying in a hammock. It has enough space for an impromptu ultimate Frisbee tournament or a game of tag. On a recent trip, I noticed one camper meditating in his tent as woodpeckers fluttered about. Unless some turkey with a boombox is next to you, the vibe here is peaceful. Just beware of rattlesnakes.

Insect repellent is a must. When I visited, a swarm of small flies descended on my face as soon as I got out of my car. The 5 Freeway is nearby, so you may hear some traffic. (Although one camper told me she didn’t notice it in the evening.)

Getting there: It’s a straight-forward drive to this campground. Grab your last-minute snacks in Castaic because there aren’t any convenience stores in proximity to the campground.

Sawmill Campground Sawmill Campground is a bare bones spot where you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere — because you kind of are! Situated at 5,200-feet elevation, you can sit at your site’s picnic table, waiting for your food to cook at your campfire ring, and appreciate wide views of the Antelope Valley below. And maybe, without Wi-Fi or cell service, you can finally finish that novel you’ve been working on for the last few years. Or at least the latest book you’ve been reading.

This eight-site campground is close to the Pacific Crest Trail, meaning you have a great option for a day hike, and you’ll likely meet thru-hikers from all over the world in the spring and summer.

Sawmill Campground

Coordinates: 34.70121772647964, -118.57204484786688

Cost: $0; Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass required.

Bathrooms: Vault toilet.

Water: None. Bring all the water you’ll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and drowning your campfire each night.

Open: Year round as long as weather and road conditions allow.

Getting there: Navigating to this site is a little tricky, and Google Maps might suggest a route that’s closed. From the small community of Lake Hughes, your last stop for snacks, you will take Pine Canyon Road about five miles northwest to Forest Route 7N23, a dirt road. If Google Maps takes you to a horse ranch, you’ve missed your turn. Once on Forest Route 7N23, you will drive up, up, up around sharp corners and at times steep hills before reaching a sign for the campground. Going with a group? Let your most responsible friend (who isn’t afraid of heights) drive.

The Forest Service recommends high-clearance vehicles, but as of this writing, the road was nicely graded and was doable in a car with six inches of ground clearance. That said, use your best judgment when recreating.

Coldbrook Campground Coldbrook Campground sits on the north fork of the San Gabriel River, where visitors can splash around its cool waters. Its 22 campsites offer shade and the relaxing sound of the river flowing nearby. At some of them, you can easily hang a hammock next to the river for a satisfying nap or meditation.

Coldbrook Campground

Coordinates: 34.292322885720694, -117.8404349153404

Cost: $12 per night; $5 per night for an extra vehicle; make checks payable to “USDA Forest Service.”

Water: Stream only; will need to boil or bring filter.

If this popular campground is full, you can drive about eight miles north on Highway 39 to the Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground and try to snag a spot in that 50-site campground.

Getting there: Take Highway 39 north of Azusa to this site at mile marker 32.18. This drive offers incredible views of nearby mountains and the valley below, is full of wildflowers in the spring and — is not for the faint of heart. Highway 39 is curvier (read: more dangerous) than Angeles Crest Highway. Drive with caution and care.

For the consummate peak bagger searching for new bragging rights (advanced)

Alright, folks. This is where things get interesting. These advanced-level campsites require you to either hike or, in one case, bike in. You will need to pack in and out everything you need. At two of the sites, you will either need to bring your own water or filter water if streams are still flowing.

If you’re a hiker who is backpacking curious, this list is for you. If you’re a backpacker who needs a quick trip to the wilderness or you will vomit rage at the next person to say “Can you guys hear me?” on a work Zoom, this list is also for you.

Glenn Camp Campground

Coordinates: 34.241412972574786, -117.95275506136159

Cost: $0, but you will need to display an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass in your car.

Open: Only on weekends until Dec. 1.

Glenn Camp Campground The Glenn Camp Campground would be a great practice run for those who’ve been flirting with the idea of bike-packing. To reach this 10-site campground, you can either hike or bike about seven miles from the West Fork trailhead and parking lot. This mostly paved path runs alongside the West Fork of the San Gabriel River.

After a nice rainfall, waterfalls stream down the hillsides, providing a great place to cool off. Deer, squirrels and other animals are easy to spot.

Each site has a picnic table, grill and campfire grate. Make sure to bring a bear-proof canister, as the campground doesn’t provide bear boxes.

This area is popular among fishers and those wanting to swim in the river, so have clear expectations of when you’ll be able to find a parking spot. There are two parking lots when you arrive, one smaller lot that will lead you right to the paved path, and another larger lot with 45 spots. You’ll need to carry your bike down a short set of stairs from this lot to the path.

Getting there: Take Highway 39 north from Azusa and park at one of the West Fork lots or elsewhere where permitted.

Cooper Canyon Trail Camp The Cooper Canyon Trail Camp is a hike-in campground in the heart of the forest. It has five sites and sits next to a stream with multiple pools to take a dip in. It has old-school camp stoves, campfire grates and family-style picnic tables.

To reach the campground, you can park at the trailhead of the Cloudburst Summit , which is open, and hike 2.5 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail to the campground. For a slight shortcut, you can take the fire road, 3N02, either starting at the trailhead or about a mile in, when the trail forks.

Although there are other options, such as the Burkhart Trail , to reach this campground, this route is downhill, providing a nice reprieve if your pack is heavy. Along the way, you’ll likely spot wildflowers, like lupine. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a snow plant .

Cooper Canyon Trail Camp

Coordinates: 34.36112397565864, -117.92115758835098

Cost: $0; Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass required for your vehicle.

Water: Stream only; will need to boil what you collect or bring a filter.

Because this campground is on the PCT, you will meet thru-hikers from all over the world. In spring and summer months, people stream from Mexico and Canada into Southern California to complete this 2,650-mile journey.

Planes do fly overhead, so you won’t have complete silence ( a rare thing in our world!) . Be cautious hiking this area on a windy day. There are several trees that were burned in the 2020 Bobcat fire that could get knocked down with an especially strong gust.

If you’re lucky, you might see a snow plant at Cooper Canyon Trail Camp.

Cooper Canyon Trail Camp provides some good hammock-hanging trees. (Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Getting there: Because part of Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) remains closed, you will need to take a detour to arrive at the trailhead . Please be mindful that Google Maps might suggest a route that sends you on a closed, dirt or unmaintained road. That is not recommended. Instead, from Los Angeles , take Highway 2 north until you reach the Clear Creek Visitor Information Center and fire station. Turn left (or northwest) onto Angeles Forest Highway. Drive about 8.5 miles, and just past the Monte Cristo Fire Station, you will turn right (or south-ish) onto Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road. You will drive about nine miles before reaching Highway 2 again. Turn left (or east) onto Highway 2. You will reach Cloudburst Summit in about 14.5 miles.

Musch Trail Camp When I arrived at Musch Trail Camp I was surprised to discover flushing toilets, a water fountain, spigot and sinks. Consider this backglamping.

Musch Trail Camp

Coordinates: 34.10316831370493, -118.58386902514373

Cost: $7 per person per night, along with a $10 day-use /overnight parking fee in the parking lot. You can either pay cash at the campground, or by credit or debit card using the machine in the parking lot, and then place your parking receipt in the window of your car.

Bathrooms: Flush toilets.

To reach the campground, you’ll hike a mile of the moderate Musch Trail from the Trippet Ranch parking lot of Topanga State Park. There are at least eight signs along the way telling you that dogs are not allowed on the trail, so do not bring one!

Along the way, you might spot wild blooms like the sticky monkey flower, canyon sunflower or golden yarrow. Watch where you step, as western fence lizards — and likely rattlesnakes — live here too. Lucky hikers might even spot a Pacific tree frog, especially near the small pond at the start of the trail.

The campsite itself has room for eight tents . Once you arrive, sit quietly at the picnic table and you’ll start to feel like Snow White as various critters emerge. Rabbits shuffle out of the brush to nibble on grass. Quails flutter by, in a hurry to somewhere . Hummingbirds buzz overhead. A mole eyes you suspiciously.

This is the only spot on this list where campfires are never allowed. Plan accordingly, as it can get chilly this close to the ocean.

This place is a slice of heaven. Please treat it as such.

Getting there: After parking your vehicle at Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park, take the Musch Trail about a mile to the campground.

We’re lucky to live in a place so close to nature. And now you have all the resources you need to find a last-minute spot to pitch a tent. Go forth, ease your feet into the dirt and unwind in the woods. You’ll be sure to return to the city with a perspective shift.

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Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government. In 2022, they managed For Your Mind, a yearlong mental health project. Cosgrove is originally from rural Oklahoma and is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate. They fell in love with the Southern California landscape when they moved here in 2017. They are always looking for the next adventure and welcome your ideas. If their phone goes straight to voicemail when you call, it probably means they’re in the mountains with their beloved dog, Maggie May.

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