Turkey's Most Beautiful Destinations

Nine places worth planning a trip around, with the attractions, food, and logistics for each.

Cultural Heritage

Istanbul

Where Two Continents Meet

Turkey's largest city spans two continents. Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and one of the world's great food scenes sit within a few tram stops of each other.

Istanbul, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-May and September-November

Recommended Duration

3-5 days

Category

Cultural Heritage

Top Things to Do in Istanbul

1

Hagia Sophia - Marvel at this architectural masterpiece that served as both church and mosque

2

Blue Mosque - See the blue Iznik tiles and six minarets of Sultan Ahmed Mosque

3

Grand Bazaar - Navigate through 4,000 shops in one of the world's oldest covered markets

4

Bosphorus Cruise - Sail between continents and see the city's skyline from the water

5

Topkapi Palace - Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years

Beach & History

Antalya

The Turkish Riviera

The main city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Roman ruins, the old town of Kaleiçi, and long pebble beaches sit within the city itself, with resort towns on either side.

Antalya, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-October

Recommended Duration

4-7 days

Category

Beach & History

Top Things to Do in Antalya

1

Kaleiçi Old Town - Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman houses

2

Düden Waterfalls - Witness spectacular waterfalls cascading directly into the Mediterranean

3

Aspendos Theatre - Visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world

4

Konyaaltı Beach - Relax on the long pebble beach west of the city center

5

Perge Ancient City - Explore well-preserved ruins including stadium, theater, and Roman baths

Natural Wonder

Cappadocia

Land of Fairy Chimneys

A volcanic landscape carved into valleys, cave churches, and underground cities. Most visitors come for the sunrise hot air balloon flights.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-November

Recommended Duration

3-4 days

Category

Natural Wonder

Top Things to Do in Cappadocia

1

Hot Air Balloon Ride - Float above fairy chimneys at sunrise for views over the whole valley

2

Göreme Open Air Museum - Discover rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes dating to 4th century

3

Derinkuyu Underground City - Explore the deepest underground city reaching 8 levels below ground

4

Love Valley - Hike through unique phallic-shaped rock formations and fairy chimneys

5

Cave Hotels - Sleep in authentic cave rooms carved into volcanic rock

Adventure & Beach

Fethiye

Gateway to the Turquoise Coast

A harbor town on the Turquoise Coast, close to the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz. Paragliders launch from Babadağ above the beach, and Lycian rock tombs overlook the town center.

Fethiye, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

May-October

Recommended Duration

3-5 days

Category

Adventure & Beach

Top Things to Do in Fethiye

1

Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon - Swim in the famous turquoise waters of this protected nature reserve

2

Paragliding from Babadağ - Soar 1,969 meters above sea level for spectacular aerial views

3

Butterfly Valley - Hike to this secluded beach accessible only by boat or challenging trek

4

Lycian Rock Tombs - Marvel at ancient tombs carved into cliffsides dating to 4th century BC

5

12 Islands Boat Tour - Island-hop through pristine bays and hidden coves

Diving & Culture

Kaş

Small Harbor Town on the Lycian Coast

A small harbor town on the Mediterranean with Lycian sarcophagi standing in its streets. The diving is among the best in Turkey, and boat tours run to the sunken ruins at Kekova.

Kaş, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-October

Recommended Duration

2-4 days

Category

Diving & Culture

Top Things to Do in Kaş

1

Scuba Diving - Explore underwater caves, reefs, and the famous Blue Cave

2

Lycian Sarcophagi - Discover ancient stone tombs scattered throughout the town

3

Kaputaş Beach - Visit this small beach with turquoise water at the bottom of a gorge

4

Kekova Sunken City - Take a boat tour to see ancient ruins submerged underwater

5

Patara Beach - Relax on this 18km stretch of pristine sand and ancient ruins

Resort & Nightlife

Marmaris

Resort Town on a Big Bay

A resort town in a mountain-ringed bay, with a big marina, busy nightlife, and boat trips along the coast.

Marmaris, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

May-October

Recommended Duration

3-6 days

Category

Resort & Nightlife

Top Things to Do in Marmaris

1

Marmaris Marina - Stroll along the luxury yacht-filled harbor and waterfront promenade

2

Marmaris Castle - Explore this 16th-century Ottoman fortress with panoramic bay views

3

Dalyan River Cruise - Take a boat trip to see ancient Lycian rock tombs and Iztuzu Beach

4

Bar Street - The center of the town's nightlife, packed with clubs in summer

5

Cleopatra Island - Visit this day-trip destination with unique golden sand beaches

Luxury & History

Bodrum

Sophisticated Aegean Elegance

A peninsula resort town on the Aegean. Its 15th-century castle holds an underwater archaeology museum, and the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders, is a short walk away.

Bodrum, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

May-October

Recommended Duration

3-5 days

Category

Luxury & History

Top Things to Do in Bodrum

1

Bodrum Castle - Visit this impressive 15th-century Crusader castle housing the underwater archaeology museum

2

Bodrum Marina - Experience luxury shopping, dining, and yacht watching in this upscale harbor

3

Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus - Explore ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

4

Windmills of Bodrum - Photograph the white windmills on the ridge above the harbor

5

Beach Clubs - Enjoy sophisticated beach culture at venues like Nikki Beach and Xuma Beach

Urban & Ancient

İzmir

Modern Aegean Metropolis

Turkey's third-largest city, on the Aegean coast. The waterfront promenade and Kemeraltı bazaar fill a day, and Ephesus is about an hour south.

İzmir, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-November

Recommended Duration

2-4 days

Category

Urban & Ancient

Top Things to Do in İzmir

1

Ephesus Ancient City - Day trip to one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world

2

Kemeraltı Bazaar - Shop in this historic covered market dating back to the 17th century

3

Kordon Waterfront - Walk along the scenic Aegean coastline promenade

4

Alsancak District - Bars, cafes, and restaurants in the city's main going-out district

5

Izmir Clock Tower - Visit the Ottoman-era landmark at the center of Konak Square

Natural Wonder

Pamukkale

Cotton Castle Wonder

White travertine terraces formed by thermal springs, with the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis on the plateau above. Both are covered by a single UNESCO listing.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-November

Recommended Duration

1-2 days

Category

Natural Wonder

Top Things to Do in Pamukkale

1

Travertine Terraces - Walk barefoot on the famous white calcium carbonate formations

2

Hierapolis Ancient City - Explore well-preserved ruins including theater, necropolis, and Roman baths

3

Antique Pool - Swim in thermal waters among ancient marble columns (Cleopatra's Pool)

4

Pamukkale Museum - Learn about the area's geological formation and archaeological finds

5

Hot Air Balloon Ride - See the white terraces from above during sunrise flights

Ready to Explore Turkey?

Istanbul alone can fill a week. Add Cappadocia or the coast and you have a two-week route.