Turkey is a place with stunning scenery and rich history. A place with everything from dome and minarets filled skyline to the beaches and the Roman ruins along the western and southern coasts to the misty mountains of the eastern Black Sea. Turkey is a place for everyone and the endeavor it offers is quite beguiling.
Picking places to cover all the famous and must-see places is a task and no one wants to miss out on anything especially after spending money.
No worries though! Tierra has made a list of must-see places in Turkey.
Famously is known for its picturesque scenery and panoramic views. The distinctive fairy chimneys & tall, cone-shaped rock formations are created due to eroding rains and wind which gives the place a magical charm.
Goreme Open Air Museum
One of the essential stops is the Goreme Open Air Museum which is in the center of the beautiful cave village. It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness. Hot Air Ballooning is the most sought after activity in Cappadocia. The experience is truly magical! Just make sure to keep a check on the weather while booking tickets.
Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymakli Underground City holds an underground network of tunnels which can be explored by tourist up to 4 levels. The levels consist of churches, wineries, storage spaces and also a kitchen. Christians lived underground for long periods to escape from Arab and Persian Invaders. It is the largest underground city in the region.
Uchisar Village, crowned with the Uchisar castle is a fortress with tunnels and caves. It provides scenic valley walks and trails through pigeon valley.
Also known as The Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, Antalya is classic but beautifully modern. Visit Kaleci Neighborhood which offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes. Wander around Old harbor which is home to whitewashed and red-roofed houses with cobblestone streets with old-world charm & ambiance. Have a great meal in one of the many restaurants around the harbor or go shopping.
Konyaalti Beach
Enjoy a relaxing day at the famous beach of Antalya. It has shade trees, snack stands, restaurants, cafes and bars, showers and other services, as well as beach chairs and sun umbrellas for rent.
Antalya is also known for its Karst springs. Limestone countryside around Antalya is rich in springs, waterfalls (Dubenbasi) and sinkholes (Pinarbasi).
Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus strait is the historic city of Istanbul. Being the country’s economic, cultural and historic center, there are many top drawer attractions to explore.
Taksim Square
Visit Taksim Square as this is a common meeting point for locals filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels, where you will truly experience modern Istanbul. Wander around the busiest street in Istanbul – Istiklal Street or Avenue. The long stretch boasts shops with every product imaginable, cafes and restaurants, live music, bars, cinemas and much more.
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace are an absolute visit in a Turkish itinerary. These architectural beauties display Islamic art and intricate work right alongside Bosphorus where the sultans rule.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower The Galata Tower, Galata Kulesi in Turkey, is one of the highest and oldest towers of Istanbul. The 63-meter high tower provides a panoramic view of the old town. Take the elevator or the stairs for great panoramic views over the city from the top balcony. Be aware, though, as it’s a popular sight, plan the day ahead accordingly.
Miniaturk
Miniaturk – The world’s largest miniature park is situated at the north-eastern shore of Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. Miniaturk consists of miniatures of the famous places in the form of an Amusement Park. Kids especially enjoy as the name suggests all Turkish monuments are displayed in miniatures.
Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and the largest covered market in the world having spread across 60 streets and 4000 shops. A wealth of goods is available for you to choose from. Turkish souvenirs, ceramics, jewelry, carpets & kilims, and of course Turkish tea & coffee. Spice Bazaar is a must for foodies to try Turkish delights, Baklava, and to buy spices.
It is one of the best places to get a taste of life in Ottoman-era Turkey. The Bazaar is closed on Sundays and the Turkish holidays.
Kusadası is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. A jumping-off point for visiting the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus (or Efes), it’s also a major cruise ship destination.
Ephesus is a major attraction for tourists in Kusadasi as it the beach place of Turkey. Relax on one of the numerous sandy beaches Kusadasi has to offer, which are host to sun-beds, umbrellas, and different water-sports.
Pamukkale, means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The area is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing water. It is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside.
Turkey is packed with ancient monuments leftover from a parade of conquerors and endowed with showcase scenery that will never fail to impress you.
