Turkey is a truly vast country with such a varied territory, ranging from the sea to mountains to beautiful cities, passing through valleys, rock formations, natural pools and much more.
Defining the most beautiful sights and cities is by no means easy and yet, granted that Turkey deserves several days, having only a few at your disposal, in a territory of over 780,000 square kilometres what would you choose to visit?
Here is a small guide on what to see in Turkey: cities, attractions and itineraries.
Main cities and attractions
1 - Istanbul
Always a mandatory stop for visitors to Turkey, Istanbul is distinctive and fascinating, with a long imperial history behind it. Its peculiarity is its position straddling two continents: the city is in fact defined as global as its territory belongs half to Europe and half to Asia, divided by the banks of the Bosphorus River.
Prominent in Istanbul's landscape are the towering columns of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sacred places of impressive Byzantine style. Also not to be missed are the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace, but the most popular attraction is certainly the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest oriental market where you can get lost among a thousand objects, colours and scents. In addition, Istanbul is very cheap, contrary to what you might think. For example, you can find accommodation for as little as €15.00, you can eat for only €5.00 and transport costs a few cents.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Istanbul
2 - Ankara
It has been surpassed by Istanbul when it comes to tourism, but the Turkish capital Ankara is not to be outdone and still worth a visit. It has different characteristics from the previous city and is the ideal destination if you are fascinated by ancient history and music.
Ankara is in fact the home of the State Opera, State Ballet and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Attractions not to be missed in the city are the Anitkabir Mausoleum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations displaying archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic period to the present day, the Roman Temple of Augustus, the Kocatepe Mosque and Ankara Castle inside which is a real Ottoman village with ancient alleys. In addition, Ankara is famous for the production of angora wool and a myriad of handicrafts can be found in the shops along the street called 'of the weavers'.
Ankara is also very cheap, for some things, such as food, even cheaper than Istanbul!
3 - Izmir
Also known as Izmir, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city in terms of population and tourist influx, right after Istanbul and Ankara. Izmir is mostly a place of industrial and commercial interest due to its port location on the Aegean Sea, but thanks to its historical centre represented by the Konak district and other places of interest, plenty of tourists come here every year.
Also not to be missed are the Alsancak quarter, a little Turkish Italy, the Agora of Marcus Aurelius, the Church of St. Polycarp, the Clock Tower, the Kemeralti covered market, and many museums, mosques, synagogues and parks.
Also interesting to visit are the surrounding villages such as Philadelphia, Sardis and Laodicea, which together with Izmir form the Seven Churches mentioned in the book of Revelation by St John.
In terms of prices, Izmir also respects the economic standard of the whole of Turkey and here prices are even lower than in the first two cities listed.
4 - Pamukkale
What words can be used to describe the wonderful landscape of Pamukkale? In the south west of Turkey lies a natural site that is a true paradise, with a shape resembling a staircase, white and blue colours, and with limestone rocks and warm thermal waters. After all, Pamukkale means'cotton castle'!
Visiting Pamukkale means indulging in a day of wellness between a visit to the site and a dutiful soak in the natural pools that can only benefit your health. The complex opens at 8 a.m. and entry costs just €10.00. The visit includes the limestone pools and waterfalls, the ruins of Hierapolis located in the park, and mud baths for those who wish to take them.
To reach Pamukkale, the nearest station is Denizli, which is only connected to Izmir but not to the other main cities. If you wish, you can opt to stay for a couple of days at an average cost of €15.00 per night in one of the many family-run accommodations nearby.
5 - Bodrum
Bodrum is one of Turkey's main seaside resorts in the south west. The highlight of this town are the long beaches spread over its two bays. On both bays there are many resorts where a night costs around €80.00 with breakfast and various services included. Prices for everything here are higher than the Turkish standard as it is now a very popular tourist resort.
Bodrum however is also a beautiful city to visit! The main attraction is Bodrum Castle, a medieval stone fortress listed among the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Next is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology inside the castle, where wrecks and historical artefacts are on display. But that's not all! Since Bodrum was built on top of the old city of Halicarnassus, it still retains the remains of many Greek buildings such as the Myndos Gate and the Amphitheatre currently in use for concerts. And what really makes Bodrum complete is the busy Cumhuriyet Street, also called Bar Street, on which there are numerous evening and nightclubs. Finally, Bodrum is the arrival and departure point of several cruise ships!
6 - Göreme and Cappadocia
In the famous Cappadocia region, considered to be the most beautiful in the whole of Turkey, Göreme is a small village of just 2,000 inhabitants but with an incomparable charm given by its lunar landscapes, marvellous to the point of being described as fairy-tale-like. It is no coincidence that the famous rock formations around Göreme are called the Fairy Chimneys! We are talking about the Göreme National Park, a World Heritage Site since 1985 and an open-air museum bearing witness to Byzantine life.
Although Göreme's main attraction is the park, which is also famous for the hot-air balloon flights seen in all the pictures of Cappadocia offered by every local agency, this village also has several churches and mosques such as the most characteristic Tokali Kilise carved into the rock. But what makes Göreme truly extraordinary is its tranquillity despite being a popular tourist destination. As for the cost of a stay, rooms start at €15.00 and a hot-air balloon tour costs no less than €180.00.
7 - Marmaris
From the rock formations we return to a seaside destination: Marmaris, on the Mediterranean coast! Also called the Turquoise Coast, this town boasts an enviable location in a valley between mountains and on a long pebble beach lapped by azure blue waters.
But Marmaris is also a beautiful place to visit! Its streets are mostly narrow, steep alleys that give a sense of antiquity to which historical buildings, inns and markets are added. The main attraction is the Marmaris Castle, a stone fortress inside which is the Archaeological Museum and a very impressive viewpoint.
In addition, from Marmaris it is possible to take boat trips to the inlets of the coast and the nearby islet of Sedir, or indulge in a day of fun at the numerous water parks in the area.
Finally, we would like to mention its energetic nightlife along Bar Street, a street full of venues of all kinds, from quiet pubs to discos to live music. How much does a stay in Marmaris cost? You have to take into account that prices here are higher than Turkey's standards!
8 - Konya
Konya is among the ancient Turkish cities, another of those places that hold history and culture. It is located on the central plateau, in the region of the same name that is now the largest in Turkey, but in Roman and Byzantine times it was situated along the road that connected Constantinople to Antioch. Extraordinary vestiges remain from that time, such as the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the Alâeddin Mosque and the Selimiye Mosque, built according to 16th century Ottoman architecture.
In addition, Konya is home to the largest tropical butterfly garden in Europe with many species of butterflies and tropical plants in their natural environment created especially for them.
Despite its characteristics, Konya maintains a fairly cheap price standard. In fact, you can stay for an average of €15.00 per night, eat with a few euros and move around with a few cents.
9 - Uçhisar
If you have visited Göreme and been fascinated by it, then you should also consider Uçhisar, just 5 kilometres away from Göreme, in the immediate vicinity of the National Park. It is a bizarre monument, a 60-metre-high rock fortress, which in ancient times housed a peculiar tufa citadel with defensive purposes, which has now become another important tourist attraction.
Inside, several churches and rooms carved into the rock have been discovered and it is possible to enter it and pass through an intricate system of tunnels and alleyways until you reach the top where a beautiful panorama awaits you , especially at sunset when Cappadocia lights up in warm colours.
To reach Uçhisar from Göreme and thus combine the visit of the two destinations, there are shuttles every half hour but some daredevils set out on foot and walk a path of about two hours admiring the beautiful surrounding scenery better. Uçhisar is also cheaper than Göreme and you can stay for as little as €12.00.
10 - Antalya
Last but not least is the city of Antalya, also known as Adalia in Italian, one of Turkey's best-known locations. Located on the southern coast, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is considered the pearl of the Turquoise Coast. A cross between East and West, between antiquity and modernity, this is Antalya. Besides the beautiful beaches, you will find mosques and interesting museums.
On your visit to the city, you should definitely not miss the beautiful old harbour, which during sunset offers a spectacular and evocative landscape. And just behind the harbour, you will find the picturesque Kaleiçi quarter. Of course, take a stroll through the Old Town and it will feel like stepping back in time. And finally, you will find several beaches ready to satisfy the needs of everyone, whether you are looking for relaxation, a family holiday or for those in search of nightlife.
Being the tourism capital of Turkey, the prices and costs you will face will be a little higher than the average for the rest of the country. For example, a room will cost you a minimum of €40.00 per night.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Antalya (Adalia)
11 - Manavgat
Photo by HALUK COMERTEL. Manavgat is another town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast from which it is only 4 kilometres away. It is a place where nature has given its best, in fact it stands on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains and stretches out on a plain surrounded by expanses of meadows and farmland where cotton is cultivated. It is criss-crossed by the river of the same name, which in places turns into beautiful waterfalls, and finally includes a long and bright sandy coastline. It is no coincidence that the name of the city means 'Temple of Mother Nature'!
The main places to visit in this wonderful place, apart from its beaches of course, are the Külliye Camii Mosque, the Manavgat Waterfalls and the Köprülü Canyon National Park, perhaps extending your visit to the nearby village of Side located a few kilometres away.
The beauty of Manavgat is that mass tourism has not yet arrived here, making it a place not for everyone! Nevertheless, average prices per night have already reached quite high figures by Turkish standards, such as €35.00 per room, while the cost of food and transport is still quite low.
The main itineraries in Turkey
11-day itinerary: Istanbul and gulet cruise on the Turkish Coast
Day 1: arrival in Istanbul, hotel accommodation and evening city tour
Day two: tour of downtown Istanbul to visit the old quarter of Sultanahmet, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar
Day three: visit the Spice Market, the Rustempasa Mosque and excursion of the Bosphorus by boat to admire Istanbul from the water and see the 'border line' between Asia and Europe
Day four: transfer to the airport flight to Bodrum and welcome aboard the gulet; possibility to visit the centre and get acquainted with the boat
Day five: start of navigation towards the island of Orak where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters; continue towards the port of Cokertme, a small fishing village where you moor for the night
Day six: departure at dawn towards the "Seven Islands", an area with several islets where you can go swimming, diving or go down to walk in the pine forests; before sunset you reach the English port where you moor for the night
Day 7: sailing to the island of Sedir with its famous Cleopatra beach with its clear sand and crystal-clear waters; then on to the village of Karacasogut, a delightful village not too far from Marmaris
Day eight: departure for the Bay of Longoz where you can swim or go down to the coast for a walk in the woods; afternoon and night in the Bay of Tuzla
Daynine: sailing first to Kargili Bay for a dip and then on to Kisebuku where we dock to visit the remains of Byzantine monasteries and spend the night
Day 10: Departure for Pabucburnu stop for a dip, then on to Yaliciftlik Bay for more swimming and in the evening return to Bodrum for the last night in the gulet
Day 11: Transfer to the airport and return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €1,100.00 per person
Price includes: transfers from and to the airports, internal flight Istanbul-Bodrum, 3 nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul, 2 group tours in Istanbul, 1 week gulet trip including food and accommodation in double cabin
Theprice does not include: flight from Italy to Istanbul, meals not indicated, drinks during the gulet week
9-day itinerary: Istanbul and Cappadocia
Day 1: arrival in Istanbul, transfer to hotel and free evening tour of the city
Day 2: Tour of ancient Istanbul, visit the old quarter of Sultanahmet, the cathedral of St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day three: visit the Spice Market, Rustempasa Mosque and Bosphorus excursion by boat to admire Istanbul from the water and see the 'borderline' between Asia and Europe
Day four: departure at dawn, transfer to the airport and internal flight to Cappadocia; visit the Vale of Devrent, the Pasabag Valley with its famous fairy chimneys, lunch in Kizilirmak and on to Goreme; last stop at Uchisar Castle and hotel accommodation
Day 5: Visit the Red Valley, the ancient Greek village of Cavusin, and then on to the Pigeon Valley with the underground city of Kaymakli; arrival in Ortahisr, accommodation and overnight
Day 6: A day dedicated to discovering the Ilhara region, a visit to the town of Deerinkuyu, a walk through the great canyon, and an afternoon at the Selime Monastery
DaySeven: Drive from Cappadocia to Hierapolis and then to Pamukkale, famous for its hot springs
Day eight: early morning departure for Aphrodisias, a visit to ancient Ephesus and finally Izmir
Day nine: after breakfast transfer to the airport and return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €1,300.00 per person
Price includes: transfers from and to airports, internal flight Istanbul-Cappadocia, 3 nights in Istanbul with breakfast, 5 nights in Cappadocia with breakfast, Istanbul tour and Cappadocia tour, car transfer to Izmir
Price does not include: flights from and to Italy, lunches and dinners, hot air balloon tour (optional), Dervishes show (optional)
Location
Turkey is a vast state between Europe and Asia whose territory partly belongs to both continents. Lying between the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey borders European states to the west and Asian states to the east.
When to go: climate and best time
In general, the best times are spring and autumn.
Each area has its own particular climate, but in general the months of May-June and September-October are perfect for visiting most of the country. These periods also correspond to the approach of the high season, but despite this it is possible to save money, especially by booking flights and hotels in advance and avoiding bridges and holidays.
For a sea-only holiday, the best time is summer: along the north and north-east coasts you should choose July and August, although this is an area often subject to westerly currents and rainfall throughout the year; along the west coast (Izmir, Bodrum) the best time is from June to September: along the south coast the summer is really too hot, the best months being June and September. Of course, this period also corresponds to the high season.
Best period: generally from May to October, with a preference for May-June and September-October.
Not recommended period: in general winter, with cold temperatures in areas such as Eastern Thrace and the Anatolian Plateau and rainfall throughout the country.
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 77,695,904
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish
Local currency: Turkish lira (TRY) / €1.00 = 6.40 TRY
Climate: mild on the coast, continental inland (average temperature: 13° / 22°)
Time zone: +1h compared to Italy during the summer period, +2h during the winter period
Distance from Italy: 1,721 km (2-5 flight hours) from Rome to the capital Ankara
Security, visa and document requirements
Entry requirements: passport or identity card valid for expatriation in perfect condition and with residual validity of at least 5 months; visa not necessary for tourist purposes for a maximum period of 90 days. An Italian driving licence is sufficient for driving
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Restrictions: for temporary visitors there are no particular restrictions except for the prohibition to buy corals, fossils and antiques outside the main and most common tourist and commercial circuits
Security: since 2018 Turkey is no longer in a state of emergency, however terrorist attacks sometimes occur; Turkish authorities however adopt high security measures, always monitoring the situation; the provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis and Sanliurfa have been declared"areas of special protection": the whole country also has a high seismic risk; before leaving, always consult the official Farnesina website in the Turkey section
Tours, excursions and balloon flights