A visit to Turkey with its history-ridden cities, stunning beaches, and a beautiful countryside promises a delightful holiday. 10 best places to visit Turkey-Travel video
The most interesting visitors can find various attractions like the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the luxury resorts along the Aegean sea.
Istanbul, once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, has a prominent role to play in most plans of travel.
Here’s a review of Turkey’s best places to visit.
No. 10. Pamuchkale
Pamuckkale is a indefinite countryside in West Turkey, famous for its white terraces, which means’ cotton castle’ in Turkish.
The terraces are constructed of travertine, a sedimentary rock filled with water from the hot springs with a very strong mineral content. Thousands of years time fame people have bathed in terraces pools. On top of the hot springs was founded the ancient Greek town of Hierapolis by the Pergamonian rulers.
On the site are still visible the ruined baths and other Greek monuments.
No. 9. Mardin
Located on a strategic hilltop in the south-east of Turkey overlooking the Mesopotamia plains, Mardin was one of the oldest in this region.
Mardin’s old city with houses in sandstone cascading down the hill is best known.
The maze of meandering old city streets leads tourists through terraced houses, temples, churches and villas.
In the past few years several boutique hotels have opened together with some upmarket hotels, built from quaint old buildings.
No. 8. Konya
Konya, one of the world’s oldest cities, prospered in the 12th and 13th centuries as the capital of the Seljuk dynasty.
Buildings like the Aladin Mosque and the ruins of the Seljuk Palace can still now be admired from this era.
The Iranian theologian and the Sufi saint Rumi, also died in Konya.
His mausoleum in Konya is a must-see.
Thanks to its religious ceremonies, Rumi’s adherents formed an Order known as the Whirling Dervishes, where they turn around on the left leg and wear green, bowling robes.
No. 7. Antalya
Antalya is a lively tourist resort, with various beaches, bars and restaurants, nestles along the scenic Turkish Riviera along the Mediterranean coast.
The region is distinguished by spectacular scenery, including magnificent beaches and luscious green mountain ruins.
Antalya promises something for everyone, from diving and sailing to mountain climbing and sightseeing.
A stroll around the Old Quarter will take you back into the ancient past of the city, which overlooks old city walls, roman portals and labyrinthine roads.
No. 6. Edirne
Edirne’s great past, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, can be seen everywhere, with fantastic old imperial buildings, palaces and mosques scattered all around. For eg, in this beautiful town, the Selimiye Mosque is a must-see and the old district is lovely.
Edirne has a European look and a great choice of tasty cuisines thanks to its strategic location and its victoire to Greece and Bulgaria. The summer when the traditional petroleum festival is celebrated is a great time to visit.
No. 5. Side
Side today is a large port in ancient Greece, founded in the 4th cent. BC by Alexander the Great and overshadowed by the sandy white beaches.
Side offers excellent dining and nightlife on a small peninsula. It is the site of excavations of old ruins, including the reliquaries of a colossal amphitheater and temples.
The quaint town of Side provides various restaurants, varying from deles and pizza shops to luxury dining with various sauces, with its narrow streets and beautiful gardens.
No. 4. Bodrum
Bodrum once hosted the mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, situated in the southern Egean area of Turkey.
The ruins, beautiful beaches and top-cliff resorts draw people from around the world today. Without seeing Bodrum Castle, no visit to Bodrum would be complete.
Built in 1402 as a museum by the Knights of St John. Tourists will find a lovely beach overlooking the beautiful blue water on Bodrum’s eastern side. The marina, shops and restaurants are on the west side of the city.
No. 3. Ephesus
The oldest location in the Aegean Turkey, Ephesus is Europe’s most full classic metropolis. By the 1st century BC Ephesus, which had one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was one of the main towns in the Roman Empire.
Ephesus ‘ ruins have been well preserved and are among the tourist attractions in Turkey. Its attractions include the massive Theatre, Hadrian Temple and the splendid Bibliothèque which housing over 12,000 scrolls is a two story structure.
No. 2. Cappadocia
In Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is renowned for its fairytale scenery with odd forms, cones and peaks.
These odd formations have been sculpted over the ages by natural processes, such as ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion.
Mankind has applied a fascinating touch to the world thousands of years ago by digging out soft rock houses, temples and underground cities.
Today, hotels and caterers are some of the caves suites in the region.
No. 1. Istanbul
Formerly the Ottoman and Byzantine Empire Capital, Istanbul today is one of Turkey’s main cities and one of the world’s largest.
Istanbul extends over a narrow strip which connects Asia to Europe and becomes the only city on two continents in the world.
The main attractions include the Hagia Sophia, then the Imperial Mosque and now a museum; and today the Topkapi Palace, which is a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, and the 15th Century.
Get to the Grand Bazaar, which has been in existence since 1461, for a little shopping.
