From Bosphorus to Mount Ararat: 10 Turkish Destinations You’ll Love

With its modern cities and ancient sites, azure beaches and snow-capped mountains, Turkey has everything: a rich history and numerous sights to explore, as well as beaches and fancy resorts. 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a productive excursion-filled trip, our list of the top 10 places to visit in Turkey would certainly have some sights you can’t miss out on. 

Istanbul — a metropolis where centuries of history mix with the vitality and bustle of a contemporary city. Ranging across both Europe and Asia, lovely buildings, cathedrals, and mosques flank the Bosphorus Strait. 

Must-see sights include the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sitting just steps apart. Both offer an unforgettable view inside and out, filled with stories collected over centuries. 

The Grand Bazaar is another must-see: an enormous market filled with spices, lamps, and all types of handmade goods. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it is certainly worth a trip. 

The Kadıköy part of the Asian side will show you the local flavor of street art, bookstores, and cafés. Drawing you in with the aroma of grilled fish sandwiches, the Galata Bridge reveals a breathtaking view of the sunset over the water. A boat trip to observe the city lights along the shore would provide a beautiful end to the day.

Cappadocia’s landscape is decorated with rock formations called fairy chimneys. They’re best observed from above, and a morning hot air balloon trip is the perfect way to do that.

Once your feet hit the ground, explore the Göreme Open Air Museum to see old churches carved into the rocks and decorated with wall paintings. Entire cities, such as Kaymaklı, run deep underground. Make sure to stay in a cave hotel, with rooms built into stone. 

Pamukkale is made of white terraces created by mineral-rich hot springs. The terraces form little warm pools of spring water where you may stroll barefoot or take a quick dip (just mind all the people around). With the white cliffs sparkling gold and pink, the sunset view is amazing. 

A one-of-a-kind experience in Pamukkale, Hierapolis, lets you stroll around antique stone alleys, see a large theatre, and explore a vast necropolis abundant with ancient tombs. Sounds eerie, but it’s definitely worth seeing. 

Furthermore, the Cleopatra Pool is an incredible swim in warm, bubbly water among marble columns. Waterproof phones or cameras are definitely a must at this location because you’ll want to save these views for a long time. Many of the hotels around provide access to thermal spas to promote healing and wellness.

One of the best-preserved ancient cities, Ephesus, was once a bustling Roman city and a major port along the Aegean Sea. The main entrance, the Curetes Street, is a gorgeous stone road used by chariots centuries ago, with markings still visible. Once home to thousands of scrolls, the two-story structure known as the Library of Celsus is spectacular. Just down the block, the Great Theater still hosts many concerts and events with a maximum capacity of 25,000. 

In Ephesus, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the past — you are actually walking the same streets that people walked on 2,000 years ago. 

The Temple of Hadrian and the Trajan Fountain allow you to explore the Roman lifestyle. 

From museums and beaches to wildlife and amusement parks, Antalya offers a little bit of everything. The city is known for its practically year-round wonderful weather and sunlight, making it a great destination no matter the season. 

Many small, stone roads snaking past Ottoman homes and opening out to a breathtaking vista of the Mediterranean and the mountains define the Old Town, or Kaleiçi, the core of the city. A Roman arch still standing strong after 2,000 years, the Hadrian Gate marks the entrance to the old town.

Antalya has waterfalls galore, including the lower Düden Waterfalls, the Düden Waterfalls, and the Kurşunlu Waterfall, among many more. Children will enjoy the Antalya Aquarium, one of Europe's largest. Just a short drive away are ancient ruins to explore, such as Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos. 

The Konyaaltı Beach, with its renovated boardwalk, offers you the chance to catch a tan, enjoy a boat ride, and sip on a cocktail on the beach. Antalya is, without a doubt, among the premier places to visit in Turkey with family.

Two of the most fun things about vacations — lounging in the sun and splashing in the sea — are the best Bodrum has to offer. Its beautiful beaches and lovely white houses, all of which line the Aegean Sea shoreline, make it a favorite spot for both families and solo travelers. 

Built by the Knights of St. John, Bodrum Castle is among the most notable sights. And, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly sight, check out the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays shipwrecks and other underwater artifacts. 

Gümbet, Bitez, and Camel's beaches provide nice sand, lovely water, and a great variety of activities. The marina is great for travelers who like art, seafood, and trendy stores. 

Mount Ararat is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for adventure lovers. At 5,137 meters, it's the highest point in the country. The mountain is in the eastern part of the area near Doğubeyazıt. 

Most climbs take five days and can be quite intense, which is why it's wise to get travel insurance before you depart. For resting, there are several overnight stops at camps between 3,200 and 4,200 meters. The last climb starts before dawn, and as the sun rises over Armenia and Iran, hikers are rewarded with stunning views. 

It is well worth the trip to see Ishak Pasha Palace after the climb. Housed on a solitary hill, this 18th-century fortress is a mix of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles.

If you like the sea, wildlife, and sunshine, Fethiye is the right choice for you. This laid-back Turquoise Coast town has a lovely shoreline, a busy marina, and local markets selling anything from handmade goods to fresh fruit. 

Rising above the city, the ancient rock tombs of Amyntas, carved into the cliffs, provide an extraordinary recollection of its Lycian past. A short drive will take you to Ölüdeniz, famous for its blue lagoon, where families may swim in tranquil, shallow water. To make the most of the trip, we recommend renting a pedal boat to admire nature and watch paragliders on the Babadağ Mountain. 

Fethiye boat cruises can take you to the Twelve Islands for swimming and snorkeling. Or, if you prefer exploring on foot, the beautiful Lycian Way is a 760 km footpath going all the way through the region.

A little beach town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Kaş is perfect for those who desire a mix of peace and thrill, with what some call a “European flavor.” Tucked between the mountains and the sea, this location always provides magnificent views. 

You can walk along the beach in the morning, plan a boating trip to many other remote beaches, and make a stop at lovely flower-covered cafés. Later, kayak over the underwater remnants of the ancient city of Simena on Kekova Island.

Walk or boat up to Kaleköy Castle for some of the finest seaside vistas. Kaş boasts fantastic underwater locations with shipwrecks and marine life if you like diving. About 20 minutes from Kaş, Kaputaş Beach is the perfect little retreat to relax and kick your feet up. 

High on a cliff in Altındere Valley National Park, Sumela Monastery has one of the most stunning views in Turkey. Built in the fourth century, it seems like something out of a fairytale and looks out over dense pine woods. A little stroll through the woods will lead you there, enhancing the whole experience. 

When you arrive, you may explore a spring locals hold sacred, little churches, and ancient stone structures. While you're in the neighborhood, it's worth seeing out the neighboring city of Trabzon, renowned for its tea farms, Black Sea traditions, and the tranquil Uzungöl Lake.

And, if you want something unique, consider locations like Lake Van, the medieval town of Mardin, or Kayaköy, a peaceful abandoned hamlet close to Fethiye, accessible via a beaten path. If you are ready to search, Turkey holds many surprises!