If you are planning a vacation to Turkey you have to note these tips that we separate for you!
Turkey is an independent nation located between Asia and Europe, which makes the country geostrategically important. Full of tourist attractions, it’s possible to have an amazing trip and visit world famous cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Smyrna, Bursa and others.
In addition, Turkey is home to Cappadocia, a historic and touristy region of Central Anatolia. There you can enjoy all the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the cave churches and the underground city!
Turkey’s must-see destinations:
1. Adana
Adana Archeology Museum and Misis Mosaic Museum reveal the magnificent art of the past. This structure, also known as the Varda Bridge German Bridge, was awarded this name because it was built by the Germans in the 1900s. It is an ideal place to have a picnic and enjoy the scenery in a natural environment in Adana.
- Stone Bridge: one of the most famous places of Adana. It is estimated that it was built by Hadrianus, one of the Roman Emperors. It has the title of oldest bridge in use. The bridge connects Adana Seyhan and Yüreğir regions on the Seyhan River.
- Big Clock: Turkey’s largest clock tower. It is located in Seyhan district. It has become one of the most important symbols of Adana. It was built during the Ziya Pasha period.
- Sabancı Mosque: A huge mosque with six minarets. This is the biggest mosque of both Turkey and the Middle East. The surroundings of Sabancı Mosque have also been turned into a beautiful park, you can choose to take a walk along the Seyhan River.
2. Ankara
When Ankara is mentioned, of course, Anıtkabir comes first in the mind among the places to visit. Ankara is located in the center of Turkey. You can use land and air to go to Ankara. The energetic structure and dynamic life of the city have made Ankara one of the cities that keep it alive 24 hours a day. Being the capital, it has been shaped as a giant metropolitan city.
You can visit Kızılay Square, Güvenpark, Ankara Castle, Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Botanical Park, Eymir Lake, Atatürk Forest Farm, Akköprü, Gordion Museum, Turkish Bath Museum, Mehmet Akif Ersoy House.
3. Antalya
The most important feature of Antalya, which is one of the most visited cities in summer, apart from its beaches and holiday resorts; It is home to the most ancient cities in Turkey. Therefore, It welcomes tourists not only for sea tourism but also to see historical structures and natural beauties.
We recommend you stop by Karain Cave, Aspendos Ancient City, Manavgat Waterfall to get to know the city and to see these natural and historical beauties. For a slightly more unusual and mysterious ancient city experience, be sure to see Termessos, just outside the city, and its magnificent theater overlooking a cliff.
If you want to get tired of the heat of Antalya and cool off during the trip, throwing yourself into the waters of the Mediterranean at Konyaaltı Beach or Mermerli Beach, which is a little more hidden in the city, will relieve all your tiredness. In the evening, you can get lost in the colorful streets of Kaleiçi and have a fun evening.
4. Belek
Belek, a holiday resort in the Serik district of Antalya, is located 43 kilometers east of Antalya city centre. Belek, which has become a popular tourism center in Turkey with its golf courses in recent years, is visited by thousands of tourists during the summer months. So much so that in Belek, which has a population of 6,500 under normal conditions, this rate doubles or even triples in the summer season. Besides being a sports center, Belek is a tourism paradise worth seeing with its nature and historical buildings!
You can complete your Belek tour in an average of 2 days. To enjoy the best of the area, you can rent a car and easily pick it up at the airport.
5. Bodrum
One of the most popular and touristic districts of Muğla, is a jewel of the Aegean Region with its beautiful beaches, historical ruins, colorful nightlife and holiday villages. Bodrum is one of the most preferred places by holidaymakers, tourists, and celebrities.
You will feel like you are in a completely different place as you wander through its streets decorated with flowers and painted with white and turquoise walls. With its cobblestones, magnificent restaurants, lush nature, and wonderful scenery… Bodrum is one of the places where everyone would like to go once.
6. Cappadocia
It would be much better to have a private car as it is a very wide geography. Although the districts are close to each other in Cappadocia, transportation is quite difficult.
The three fairy chimneys in the Pink Valley are indispensable for Cappadocia. In addition, there are two important tombs from the Ottoman period on Temenni Hill.
- Three Beauties: The Three Beauties, the symbol of Cappadocia, consists of two large and one small fairy chimneys. It was formed by natural conditions. It has become a popular destination for tourists.
- Kızılçukur Valley: It draws attention with its fairy chimneys in different sizes. The Üzümlü Church, where monks lived thousands of years ago, is the most important. It has a unique view at sunset.
- Uçhisar Castle: One of the most touristic areas of Cappadocia. There are many cisterns, cellars, rooms, shelters, warehouses and houses in Uçhisar Castle, whose height reaches 100 meters. They are connected by stairs, tunnels and corridors. It is also a particularly good option for watching scenery.
- Ortahisar: Ortahisar is one of the interesting towns of Cappadocia. The town is built inside the fairy chimneys. There are many structures such as the Ethnography Museum, Tavşanlı Church, Ortahisar Church and Hallaç Dere Monastery. Ortahisar Castle was used for both settlement and strategic purposes, and it is estimated that it was carved by the Hittites in 1500 BC.
Balloon tours are indispensable in Cappadocia. You can enjoy the moment by watching the entire Cappadocia from a height of 1,500 meters.
7. Cyprus
Although Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is a small country with a population of 1 million, it is a magnificent place with golden sands, secluded beaches, quiet villages and many other natural beauties. The Turkish Republic of Cyprus, whose independence is recognized only by Turkey, is one of the most preferred destinations for holidays, especially by Turks.
Cypriots from two great civilizations, Greeks and Turks, speak widely Greek, Turkish and English. The multilingual and educated people are also so warm and friendly that you can be sure that they will welcome you very well. In addition, Cyprus will fascinate you with its history and culture and will fascinate you with its hospitality.
8. Dalaman
It is an absolute holiday destination with the clean nature of the Aegean, unspoiled coves, calm nightlife, and alternatives that whet the appetite of nature athletes. You can visit Dalaman not only in summer, but also in spring and winter, where you can get away from the noise of the city.
9. Elazig
Elazig is one of the most developed and oldest cities of Eastern Anatolia!
- Harput Castle: One of the symbols of Elazig, dating back to the Urartu period, Harput Castle is a historical place that you should see during your trip. Harput Castle, also known as Milk Castle, is in the southern part of the city of Harput and on a hill overlooking the Elazig Plain.
- Elazig Archeology and Ethnography Museum: Elazig Archeology and Ethnography Museum, where you can find information about the archaeological history of Elazig and its region, and see the artifacts, is one of the must-see places in Elazig.
- Natural Beauties: Elazig, like many cities in Eastern Anatolia, has many natural beauties. Keban Dam Lake, which offers both uniquely beautiful landscapes and is frequently visited as a recreation area, Hazar Lake, Çırçır Waterfall, which is the youngest natural waterfall in the world, and Harput Buzluk Cave, which freezes only in summer and is one of the most important tourism centers of Elazığ, you should see.
- Hot Springs: In addition to culture and nature tourism, thermal tourism is also developing in Elazig. If you want to have a pleasant holiday accompanied by the healing hot spring waters, you can visit Ağın Thermal Spring and Karakoçan Kolan Thermal Spring.
10. Erzurum
Erzurum, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region, has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Although this beautiful city usually stands out with winter tourism in our country, it contains many historical artifacts and natural beauties.
11. Gaziantep
The mother of many civilizations since ancient times, Gaziantep is a city that has preserved its dynamism and vitality since ancient times. There is transportation to Gaziantep both by air and by road.
In the city, which has a dynamic and crowded population, the nights are as lively as the days. You can visit Şahinbey National Struggle Museum, Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Almacı Market, Historical Antep Houses, Zincirli Bedesten, Gaziantep Castle, Historical Naib Bath, Kaleoğlu Cave, Kurtuluş Mosque, Gaziantep Botanical Garden, Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
12. Göreme
Göreme is one of the most important settlements with historical sites in Nevşehir. The downtown is lively and crowded.
It would be much better to have a private car as it is a very wide geography. Although the districts are close to each other in Nevşehir, transportation is quite difficult. To enjoy the best of the area, you can rent a car and easily pick it up at the airport.
13. Hatay
Hatay is one of the cities that stand out with its cuisine as well as its thousands of years of history. It is also one of the oldest settlements within the borders of Turkey. The findings obtained in the research show that the history of the city dates back to 100000 BC.
Hatay is extremely rich in terms of historical and touristic places. You can choose the road or air route to go to Hatay, which is located in the southernmost part of Turkey.
14. Istambul
It is one of Turkey’s largest metropolitan cities. Istanbul, where both locals and visitors are fascinated with its magnificent buildings and countless places to visit. Transportation facilities such as infrastructure services are highly developed. Istanbul greets its visitors first at Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport. There are many transportation options that visitors can choose to reach downtown.
Operating on the Anatolian side, Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located at a close distance to important districts. It is possible to reach the metro by transferring from Metrobus and some stops. Public buses play a major role in Istanbul public transport. At airports, you can go to certain places with Havaş. If you want to travel comfortably, it is much more convenient to rent a car in Istanbul.
Although public transport is common, traffic is heavy. The population of Istanbul is increasing day by day and this is reflected in public transportation. You can easily go to the places you want with your private vehicle.
15. Izmir
The pearl of the Aegean, the city of tolerance, where people of all religions and nationalities live together, from the ancient Greek civilization to the present, with a modern way of life. The third metropolitan city of Turkey, right in the heart of the Aegean. When it comes to the ancient cities of Izmir, Selçuk Ephesus Ancient City and Pergamon Pergamon, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, come to mind first.
16. Kayseri
It is possible to come across many buildings and historical artifacts, especially from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, in Kayseri, which is a very old settlement. Spreading over the must-see places such as Cumhuriyet Square, Clock Tower, Atatürk Monument, Kayseri Castle, Ethnography Museum, Atatürk House, Kayseri Museum, Ulu Mosque, Kazancılar Bazaar and Virgin Mary Church, which are located within an area of almost 1,2 km in the city center.
17. Konya
It is one of the must-see cities in Turkey with its deep-rooted history and culture, which witnessed the life of Nasreddin Hodja, one of the most important names in history. Konya has a rich variety of places to visit. Thousands of local and foreign tourists visit this place every year not only for cultural tourism but also for faith tourism.
18. Malatya
Let’s start by saying that Malatya is a good alternative for gourmets looking for new flavor routes. Just like Hatay or Gaziantep, we should hop on a plane at the weekend just to eat. Moreover, both the flavors are remarkably successful, and the prices are affordable.
19. Marmaris
A city that stole the hearts of the Aegean and the Mediterranean at the same time, where blue and green meet, and which hosts beautiful coasts, forests, beaches, villages and many other natural wonders. The popular port city, shining in the heart of the lush nature, is one of the 13 districts of Muğla.
When you land at Dalaman Airport, it is possible to reach Marmaris with a one-and-a-half hour journey.
20. Nevşehir
The three fairy chimneys in the Pink Valley are indispensable for Nevşehir. In addition, there are two important tombs from the Ottoman period on Temenni Hill.
- Three Beauties: Three Beauties, the symbol of Nevşehir, consists of two large and one small fairy chimneys. It was formed by natural conditions. It has become a popular destination for tourists.
- Kızılçukur Valley: It draws attention with its fairy chimneys in different sizes. The Üzümlü Church, where monks lived thousands of years ago, is the most important. It has a unique view at sunset.
- Uçhisar Castle: One of the most touristic areas of Nevşehir. There are many cisterns, cellars, rooms, shelters, warehouses and houses in Uçhisar Castle, whose height reaches 100 meters. They are connected by stairs, tunnels and corridors. It is also a very good option for watching scenery.
- Ortahisar: Ortahisar is one of the interesting towns of Nevşehir. The town is built inside the fairy chimneys. There are many structures such as the Ethnography Museum, Tavşanlı Church, Ortahisar Church and Hallaç Dere Monastery. Ortahisar Castle was used for both settlement and strategic purposes and it is estimated that it was carved by the Hittites in 1500 BC.
Balloon tours are indispensable in Nevşehir. You can enjoy the moment by watching the entire Nevşehir from a height of 1,500 meters.
21. Sabiha
It is one of Turkey’s largest metropolitan cities. Istanbul, where both locals and visitors are fascinated with its magnificent buildings and countless places to visit. Transportation facilities such as infrastructure services are highly developed. Istanbul greets its visitors first at Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport. There are many transportation options that visitors can choose to reach downtown.
Operating on the Anatolian side, Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located at a close distance to important districts. It is possible to reach the metro by transferring from Metrobus and some stops. Public buses play a major role in Istanbul public transport. At airports, you can go to certain places with Havaş. If you want to travel comfortably, it is much more convenient to rent a car in Istanbul.
22. Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa is one of the most valuable cities in Anatolia, with cultural richness and deep-rooted history. It is also known as the city of prophets. It has many places to visit with its rich cultural heritage and finds obtained in archaeological excavations. The city, which has hosted countless civilizations and is one of the oldest settlements. Şanlıurfa has great potential for culture, belief and gastronomy tourism. Located in Mesopotamia, the city has a history of 7,000 years. Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple in the world, is located here.
There is an airport in Şanlıurfa: GAP Airport. When you arrive at the airport, the city center is 40 minutes away.
23. Trabzon
The city was the capital of the Trabzon Greek Empire, which lived for more than 200 years until 1461. It is an unbelievably valuable place in terms of history. Especially when you see the Sumela Monastery, you are left speechless. If people do not interrupt, nature is just as majestic. Passing through Zigana under the snow, your heart beats faster, autumn colors are enchanting. That is why Trabzon is our city of best memories.
When visiting Trabzon, you had better have a rental car, because there are many places to visit, but iconic places such as Atatürk Mansion and Sümela Monastery are far from each other. You should also consider the mountainous geography of the Black Sea Region. Therefore, if you are not going to come with your own vehicle, we recommend you rent a car from the airport.
24. Van
Van, one of the oldest cities in the world, has a historical past dating back to 5 thousand BC. In this way, it has hosted many different civilizations and included many ancient ruins in it. In addition to its historical beauties, it has managed to make a name for itself with its natural beauties.
Experience Turkey by car!
You can make an online reservation with Rentcars and Nissa Car Rental, a Turkish car rental company. This will make it easy to get to these beautiful and historical places in Turkey! Compare prices from over 200 car rental companies around the world and book a car with the best price and conditions.
