10 Best Travel Routes in Turkey

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most historic city, bridging two continents. It offers magnificent structures such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, as well as modern neighborhoods, museums, restaurants and nightlife. You can explore the rich culture and history of Istanbul, enjoy the stunning views of the Bosphorus and taste the delicious cuisine of the city.

Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in the center of Turkey, famous for its fairy chimneys, which are peculiar rock formations. You can stay in cave hotels, take a balloon ride, visit underground cities and rock churches in this region. You can also admire the unique landscape of Cappadocia, which changes colors with the seasons and the sun.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis are two of the most stunning and fascinating places in Turkey. Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural wonder of white travertine terraces filled with thermal water. Hierapolis is an ancient city that was built on top of Pamukkale, and has a well-preserved theater, necropolis and thermal baths.

The Turquoise Coast stretches along the Mediterranean and Aegean shores of Turkey, offering clear sea, sunny beaches and ancient cities for nature and history lovers. You can discover amazing places such as Patara, Phaselis, Myra and more. You can also enjoy water sports, boat trips and hiking along the coast.

The Eastern Black Sea is Turkey’s greenest and most mountainous region, ideal for outdoor activities. You can hike, raft, camp in the Kackar Mountains, taste the local delicacies and experience the hospitality of the people. You can also visit the Sumela Monastery, which is carved into a cliff face, and the Uzungol Lake, which is surrounded by lush forests.

Gallipoli and the North Aegean are important places for Turkey’s history and culture. Gallipoli is the site of a fierce battle during World War I, where thousands of Turkish and Allied soldiers lost their lives. You can visit the memorials, cemeteries and museums that commemorate this event. The North Aegean is home to some of the most ancient and beautiful sites in Turkey, such as Troy, Pergamon, Assos and Ayvalik. You can marvel at the archaeological wonders and enjoy the charming seaside towns.

Southeastern Anatolia is a region that boasts rich cultural and culinary heritage, as well as impressive natural and historical attractions. You can visit the ancient city of Mardin, which is perched on a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plain, and admire its stone architecture and multicultural atmosphere. You can also see the majestic Mount Nemrut, which has colossal statues of gods and kings on its summit, and the Ataturk Dam, which is one of the largest dams in the world.

Eastern Anatolia is where you can experience the beauty and diversity of nature and culture. You can visit the city of Kars, which has striking architecture from its years as a Russian outpost in the 1800s, and the nearby Ani ruins, which are the remnants of a medieval Armenian capital. You can also see the Lake Van, which is Turkey’s largest lake and has a unique ecosystem and history, and the Ishak Pasha Palace, which is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture in a dramatic setting.

Antalya and the Mediterranean Coast are popular destinations for sun-seekers and beach-lovers, but they also have much more to offer. Antalya is a lively and modern city, where you can enjoy the old town of Kaleici, the harbor and the museums. The Mediterranean Coast has some of the best beaches in Turkey, such as Olympos, Cirali and Patara. You can also visit some of the most remarkable ancient sites in Turkey, such as Aspendos, Perge and Termessos.

Bursa, first Ottoman capital and one of its largest cities, is a region with rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as natural beauty. You can visit the mosques, mausoleums and markets that reflect the Ottoman legacy, such as Ulu Cami, Yeşil Cami and Yeşil Türbe. You can also see the Muradiye Complex and the Emir Sultan Cami, which are examples of early Ottoman architecture. Bursa is also famous for its cuisine, especially its İskender kebab and peach. You can enjoy the ski resort in Uludağ.