When kismet brings you to Turkey, it isn’t just about Turkish delights and the Grand Bazaar. Turkey is an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and romantics seeking beautiful landscapes away from the hubbub of most
When kismet brings you to Turkey, it isn’t just about Turkish delights and the Grand Bazaar. Turkey is an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and romantics seeking beautiful landscapes away from the hubbub of most tourist spots.
It won’t take you long to succumb to baklava and lokum, once you arrive in Istanbul. Stare long enough at the Sufi whirling dervishes without realizing you are getting carried away.
Istanbul
Turkey’s most popular city possesses a myriad of tourist attractions, and it is always savvy for any visitor to get the Istanbul Tourist Pass. The pass offers free access to over 30 attractions.
Büyükada and Erdek
Nestled in the Marmara Sea, Büyükada is the largest island of the Princes’ island and Erdek; both offer fantastic biking routes along with ancient ruins. Do not miss the ancient city of Kyzikos in Erdek, whose ruins witnessed about Emperor Hadrian’s rule during Roman times. Büyükada is a car-free island, ideal for those who wish to leave behind their daily traffic-jam ordeals.
Izmir
Izmir is Turkey’s third most populous city, located in the Aegean Sea. It is not surprising that the city possesses various historical sights since its Mediterranean location connects it to Greek antiquity.
The Agora
The stone ruins engraved with Greek alphabets witness of the Greek’s meeting place, where they would bargain and schmooze.
Pergamon
The theater, gymnasium, and city walls still stand as proof of the golden age of the Hellenistic Era in antiquity.
Ephesus
Visit the Temple of Artemis, where Arsinoe IV dwelled in before her execution. The Library of Celsus, built in honor of the Roman Senator Celsus, was the 3rd largest behind the Alexandria and Pergamon libraries.
Hisarlik
Hisralik, also known as the city of Troy, is located about one and a half-hour of car drive from Izmir. Although opinions are divided about Troy’s location, Hisarlik’s ruins still attract visitors.
The Kemeraltı Market
Dally in the market alleys and contemplate the Ottoman architectural style, which dates back to the 18th century.
Bozburun Peninsula, Marmaris
Located between the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Bozburun Peninsula is a popular cruising destination in Bodrum or Fethiye. It is also known for its quiet beaches and nightlife. The long sandy beaches are the main attraction for visitors to the Bozburun Peninsula.
Fethiye Peninsula
Turkey’s west coast has the most beautiful beaches in the country. It is recommended to head to Fethiye in June, September or October, to avoid the peak season’s heat waves and hordes of tourists. Make the most of your trip in October when Fethiye organizes a parasailing festival.
Antalya
Dare to foray inside the Taurus mountain range for those who seek escapes in remote villages along the Dim River. Savor the views and get to know about the traditions that still pertain to village life. Marvel at ancient Antalya, notably Apollo’s temple and the eternal flames of Mount Chimaera.
Cappadocia
“Altogether these rock formations and the multitude of excavated dwellings… appear to me now the most wonderful thing I have ever been permitted to rest my eyes upon in all my travels and among all the wonderfully interesting things it has been my good fortune to see in the land of wonders.” (John Henry Haynes, 1884). The hot air balloons are a must if you wish to admire the peculiar rock formations, or you might opt for a panoramic view from the Üçhisar citadel. The underground city of Derinkuyu offers a fascinating glimpse into a labyrinth carved out of soft stone by the Hittites civilization, nearly 4000 years ago. Further, the Hittite Path in Çorum is one of Turkey’s major archaeological sites.
Göbeklitepe
If you wish to dive deeper into history, beyond antiquity, you should definitively stop at Göbeklitepe. The stone pillars erected 12000 years ago are vestiges of the first temple of the world, with stunning animal figurines. Göbeklitepe is the epitome of architecture far beyond its time, bearing in mind it was built during the Neolithic Age.
Rize
The Turkish tea that accompanies your sweet treats comes from the lush green Rize Province. Constant rainfall over the mountainous Black Sea region creates a damp climate along with steep slopes ideal for cultivating the Çaykur tea.
Nature lovers will get smitten by the Firtina Valley. There are over 20 bridges from the Ottoman era, arched over the Firtina River.
Eco-travelers and avid shutterbugs will revel at the Kackar Mountains National park. The abundant wildlife ranges from bears to raptors and birds. Camping areas are also available to trekkers in Camlihemsin, on the Ayder Plateau.
Trabzon
Trabzon city is home to Byzantine monasteries dating from the 13th century, notably the Sümela Monastery. Built on a steep cliff-side, it overhangs on the forested landscape typical of the Black Sea region. Although visitors are not currently allowed inside, viewing the abbey from a distance is still breathtaking.
Turkey is at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. The ancient Greeks, Romans, the Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires consecutively shaped its history, offering any visitor a unique travel in time.