Looking for a romantic destination for your next couples’ holiday? Turkey is hard to beat. The country has it all, with almost 1,000 miles of Mediterranean coastline, jaw-dropping natural wonders and perfectly preserved historical sites. It’s an incredibly tourist-friendly place, with a full complement of high-end hotels, fine dining and lively nightlife aimed squarely at holiday-makers. From the buzz of Istanbul to the tranquillity of Bolu, we’ve put together this handy list of the best places to go in Turkey for couples.
Whether you’re after sedate beach days, non-stop sightseeing or something in between, Turkey has something for you.
The province of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast is top of the list of the best places in Turkey for older couples. You’re sure to enjoy the picturesque architecture of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town, where mosque domes and minarets soar above narrow, cobbled streets. Tucked in among the Roman and Ottoman ruins is a smattering of boutique hotels and suites with on-site pools and restaurants, while the charming marina is home to seafood eateries and lively bars.
Centred around a quaint harbour, Kaş is another lovely town of winding streets and flower-laden balconies. There are plenty of boutiques for daytime shopping, and at night the venues spill out onto the squares and promenades, serving food, drinks and entertainment until late. There are several beaches within easy walking distance, while Kaputaş Beach (a 20-minute drive north) is world-famous – a little strip of paradise nestled at the foot of towering cliffs.
Halfway between Istanbul and Ankara, Bolu is the gateway to an untouched natural paradise that’s perfect for anyone looking for a slower pace of life on holiday. On your doorstep here are sights like the majestic Lake Abant, surrounded by forested hills. Also nearby is Yedigöller (or Seven Lakes) National Park, a dreamy spot for hiking and picnicking. What’s more, Bolu has a fascinating history and a proud culinary heritage for you to enjoy.
Cappadocia is Turkey’s romantic destination bar none, perfect for those visiting on their honeymoon or enjoying a couples’ getaway. The area is known for its spectacular natural rock formations, with rose-tinted valleys dotted with soaring “fairy chimneys”. Visitors can get an aerial perspective with a hot-air balloon ride or bed down in a cave hotel for a unique experience. Sights include Göreme Open-Air Museum and Derinkuyu, a vast underground city, and the region also has a history of winemaking dating back millennia.
With its combination of gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, cute harbours and fine dining, Bodrum is up there with the best places to stay in Turkey for young couples. There’s buzzing nightlife on Bar Street, with open-air clubs and live music venues open till the early hours. The next day, you can recover with a coffee by the pretty marina, hit the bazaars for some local treasures, or chill on sandy shores including the famous Bitez Beach.
Skiing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of holidays to Turkey, but Uludağ makes a fantastic destination for active couples in search of adventure. Meaning “Great Mountain” in Turkish, the peak is home to resorts with plenty of powder where beginners and veterans alike can ski and snowboard. For something a little more sedate, take a stroll in the snow and marvel at the majestic views, or stay warm inside and enjoy the vibes of your cosy hotel.
Fethiye is famed for its beaches, which make a dreamy destination for couples in search of sea, sun and sand. Ölüdeniz Beach is world-renowned and impossibly romantic, a long spit of sand in the shadow of a lush mountain – make sure you head there early to avoid the crowds. For a little more seclusion on your couples’ getaway, try nearby Kabak Beach or Kidrak Beach. Both are beautiful and quiet, so bring your own supplies.
For a luxurious couples’ break, the resort of Lara Beach is the place to go. The beach itself is glorious: a 5-mile-long stretch of golden sand with sun loungers, umbrellas, and acres of space to spread out. You won’t get bored with the array of water sports on offer, from paddleboarding to parasailing. The beach is backed by a promenade offering access to the many beach bars that line the shore. As for the resort, it’s a glamorous place home to glitzy 5-star hotels with superb restaurants, spas and pools – the perfect spot for an all-inclusive holiday to Turkey.
No list of the best beaches in Turkey for couples would be complete without İçmeler Beach. This beautiful sandy crescent nestled among lushly wooded hills is perfect for a relaxing and romantic day out. There are plenty of sun loungers to go around, and the sea is shallow and almost impossibly clear, making it a great place to go snorkelling or scuba diving. Afterwards, grab a drink from one of the friendly beachside cafes as the sun sets.
No trip to Turkey is complete without a visit to Istanbul, the country’s bustling heart. With its unique location straddling Europe and Asia and its history under many different empires, the city today is a fascinating fusion. Enjoy romantic views of the Bosphorus as you sip on a Turkish coffee and watch the world go by, marvel at monumental places of worship like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and haggle for all sorts of souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar.
Pamukkale is a stunning spectacle and the ideal backdrop for a couples’ day trip. This UNESCO-listed site is known for its mineral-rich thermal pools among gleaming terraces of white rock, which make for an otherworldly vista. Just above lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, formerly a Roman and Byzantine spa resort, now home to evocative ruins and an interesting museum.
Although not as celebrated as Istanbul, Ankara is definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkey, especially for lovers of history and culture. The capital is home to Anıtkabir, an epic mausoleum complex dedicated to Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. There’s also a Roman baths, an imposing castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations to boot.
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