Discover the top ten destinations in Turkey

Introduction

Turkey is a country where East and West come together. It offers a captivating blend of colourful culture and a rich history. It is known for its stunning scenery. Turkey’s many attractions always entice tourists worldwide. Let us explore the top ten Turkish travel spots that are highly recommended. Each spot promises an unforgettable experience that will be with you forever.

Istanbul

This is ideal for contemporary communities and historic places. Istanbul is one of the world’s best cities and should be on everyone’s itinerary. Highlights like the opulent Topkapı Palace of the Ottoman sultans and the magnificent Byzantine church Aya Sofya, sometimes known as Hagia Sophia in English, witness the city’s lengthy history as the centre of mighty empires.

However, make time to see Istanbul as it is right now. Explore the trendy Kadıköy neighbourhood’s cafes and bars, meander through the more traditional Fatih neighbourhood’s back streets, or browse Beyoğlu’s modern art collection. Remember the simple joy of sipping çay (tea) while admiring the city’s breathtaking sights from the ferry.

Istanbul is a great place to spend your whole holiday, but it is worthwhile to explore other Turkish delicacies outside of the city if you have the opportunity.

Turquoise Coast

This is a place for beach lovers and history buffs. The Mediterranean coast of Turkey, which stretches from Fethiye to Antalya, is home to many lovely locations for beach, sun, and sea holidays. Still, it’s also dotted with traces of the prehistoric cultures that previously called the region home. 

Cappadocia

This place is well known for its distinctive topography. In the middle of Turkey sits an attractive place called Cappadocia. At the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the numerous cave churches and underground communities dotting the valley, the narrative of the early Christians in Anatolia comes to life. 

Cosy restaurants and cave hotels in the vicinity are great places to find romance. Sunrise balloon rides with champagne toasts are another highlight. 

Türkiye’s Far East

The vast, untamed landscapes of Turkey’s Far East are unlike any other in the nation. The border city of Kars is probably best known to visitors as the starting point of the Doğu Ekpresi (Eastern Express), a well-liked and picturesque overnight train journey from Ankara. Its impressive architecture dates back to the 1800s when it was a Russian outpost. The vast and spectacular UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani, the ancient capital of Armenia, are located nearby.

You may reach the secluded İshak Paşa Palace by taking a three-hour trip south, which will pass by the renowned Mt Ararat (Ağrı Dağı). Proceed to Van, where you may refuel with one of the renownedly lavish breakfast spreads in the city before touring the excellent museum in the town and going on a day trip to Akdamar Kilisesi.

Eastern Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains

This place is ideal for customs from the countryside. The Black Sea’s choppy, chilly waves may not seem enticing but look inland to witness the region’s allure as verdant valleys cascade down from towering peaks. 

Most of Türkiye’s hazelnut and tea production occurs in the lower elevations. In contrast, high plateaus (yaylalar) such as Pokut, formerly cattle pastures in the summer, increasingly attract travellers looking for picturesque scenery and a taste of traditional Black Sea culture and cuisine. 

South-eastern Anatolia

This is best for cuisine and culture. One of Turkey’s cultural and gastronomic highlights is the sometimes disregarded southeast Anatolia region. Not only are the cities of Gaziantep and Antakya (Hatay) known for their cuisine, but they also have impressive collections of Roman mosaics in their museums. 

The charming, beautifully preserved old town of Mardin is a fantastic starting point for visiting the nearby monasteries and Roman remains. Göbeklitepe, the oldest holy site in the world, is located not far from \anlıurfa, which boasts a first-rate archaeology museum and bazaar.

Datça and Bozburun peninsulas

Relaxing and returning to nature is the norm on the isolated Datça and Bozburun peninsulas in the south Aegean. The vibrant nightlife of neighbouring Bodrum and Marmaris is replaced by kilometres of breathtaking rocky coastline, picturesque rural villages, and sleepy little beach resorts and seaside towns. This place is ideal for relaxation.

A helpful planning idea is to hike the entire length of the Carian Trail, which circles both peninsulas. Due to wildfire damage in the summer of 2021, parts of the road were unavailable, so make sure before you go.

Gallipoli and the North Aegean

Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills are cemeteries honouring the tens of thousands of troops who lost their lives in brutal battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I. Their calm beauty enhances their poignancy. This is a great place to discover about WWI and ancient Troy. 

The region serves as the entry point to the North Aegean coast of Turkey, which offers a more laid-back option than the Mediterranean. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely tour of charming coastal towns like Ayvalık and Foça, the island wineries of Bozcaada, the iconic museum of Troy, the ancient city of Troy, and the magnificently situated hilltop acropolis of Bergama.

Pamukkale

One of Turkey’s most photographed locations is undoubtedly Pamukkale’s snow-white terraces, which oddly shimmer above the small village like new snowfall. The ancient spa city of Hierapolis, whose vast remnants stretch out along the hilltop next to the well-known travertines, was founded on the warm mineral water that runs through them.

The stunning ruins of Afrodisias, home to a remarkable collection of Roman marble sculptures, are a great place to start exploring other neighbouring ancient sites, such as Laodicea, Tripolis, and others.

Safranbolu

Safranbolu, so named because saffron was cultivated and traded here for centuries, is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its authentically Ottoman ambience. Numerous old wood-framed mansions in the town have been beautifully restored and transformed into boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

If everything seems too corny, the canyons, waterfalls, and forests of the neighbouring Yenice Forest are a natural remedy.

Documentation Required

A tourist visa is necessary for those who wish to enter the nation. We refer to this as a short-stay visa. With this visa, you are allowed a 30-day tourist stay in Turkey. During your visit, you are not permitted to partake in any activities that require payment. There is an e-visa option to obtain this visa.

Qualifications for Obtaining a Tourist Visa:

Have genuine plans of visiting the country

Having the resources to support your stay 

Fulfill the prerequisites for character and health

Proper plan or proof of wanting to return to home country

Documents Required for the Visa Application:

An active passport that has a validity of six months longer than the period of the visa you are applying for

Passport-size photos

A copy of your duly filled-out and signed application

Details regarding your schedule

Proof of reservations for hotels and flights

Proof that you have enough money to cover your journey and stay in the nation

A cover letter including all the information needed for your itinerary 

A recent bank statement and a letter from the applicant’s place of employment

Statements of income taxes

Major injury or accident coverage provided by your travel insurance policy

Conclusion

Turkey offers many attractions, ranging from ancient ruins to attractive beaches. It has something to offer every traveller, so pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey.

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