Top places to visit in Turkey
With its astounding ancient landmarks, vibrant cuisine, very sunny climate and dazzling Mediterranean coastline, it's no wonder Turkey is a favoured holiday destination for millions of people from all over the world. It is possible to book flights to Turkey from numerous major cities across the world, and some of the most popular travel destinations in the country include:
Antalya
Inhabited for more than 2,000 years, Antalya features many of Turkey's most pristine sandy beaches and deluxe hotels, and is home to the 2 nd -century Hadrian's Gate. See the enchanting Yivliminare Mosque, have a sunbathe on the sublime Konyaalti Beach, and observe the terrific Düden Waterfalls just 12 kilometres to the northeast.
The Dalaman area
Nicknamed the Turquoise Coast, Dalaman is perhaps best known for its terrific Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, which is a favoured spot for snorkelling and has numerous underwater caves. This area also has plenty of other delightful rocky caves and bright white sandy beaches, one of the most popular of which is that of Sarigerme, which comprises approximately 11 kilometres of almost uninterrupted sand.
Bodrum
Another lively holiday hotspot, Bodrum is the site of the iconic Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which has existed for more than 1,600 years and is one of the major tourist attractions of Turkey. This photogenic resort also has plenty of excellent nightlife venues, and contains the imposing medieval Bodrum Castle, built in the 15 th century.
Marmaris
Another stunning resort overlooking impeccably clean emerald waters, Marmaris is a sought-after destination for scuba diving and sailing. It also contains the well-preserved Marmaris Castle, which was built on a site that has been used as a defence for around five millennia.
Kusadasi
On the scenic Aegean coast, Kusadasi has been inhabited since at least 3,000 BC, and is the location of the 17 th -century Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai. It's very close to the remarkable ancient Library of Celsus , which is nearly 1,900 years old and was devastated during an earthquake in the 3rd century, although this was partly restored in the late 20 th century.
Istanbul
One of the most populous cities on the planet, Istanbul is revered for its majestic Ottoman- and Baroque-style Topkapi Palace and exquisite 17 th -century Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Explore the intriguing Grand Bazaar district, which has around 3,000 shops and is the ideal place to visit for all your holiday souvenirs. You could also see the grand Galata Tower, the beautifully decorated Dolmabahçe Palace, and the stupendous Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul's largest mosque.
Cappadocia
See the mesmerising moon-like landscape of Cappadocia, which is decorated with astonishing 'fairy chimneys' (rock formations shaped like cones) and is part of the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been inhabited since the 4 th century, and has various underground caves that are still used as homes and hotels that keep surprisingly cool in the hot summer months.
