Turkey is a country that combines the mystique and allure of the East with the dynamism of Europe. Positioned at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, it is bordered by four seas: the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Seas.
Turkey’s natural beauty is remarkably diverse: shimmering rivers and endless blue seas, sun-drenched semi-deserts, shaded forests, and rugged mountains. And, of course, there are magnificent beaches, whether soft sandy ones or pebble shores that massage the feet. There are even cliffside beaches that always captivate fans of scenic landscapes.
Turkey's cultural heritage is equally diverse. It offers countless historical sites that immerse travelers in the depths of human civilization with the monuments from Ancient Greece and mighty Rome to relics of Assyria, Urartu, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey's main tourist areas are located along the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Sea coasts. The Mediterranean resorts, such as Antalya, Belek, Alanya, Kemer, Kiriş, and Side, are especially popular among travelers, offering ideal conditions for beach vacations and a wide range of sightseeing tours.
A significant number of tourists also visit Turkey's major cities, such as the capital, Ankara, and the largest metropolis, Istanbul. These cities offer a variety of hotels providing comfortable accommodations for all types of travelers, including MICE tourists who combine business trips with wellness activities and sightseeing.
Many people mistakenly consider Istanbul the capital of Turkey, which isn’t surprising. Istanbul is the country’s largest city, a vital economic and cultural hub, and one of the most populous cities in the world.
In the past, Istanbul was indeed the capital of great empires and went by different names: Byzantium, later Byzantine, and then Constantinople. It was once a key stop along the Great Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected East Asia with the Mediterranean in ancient and medieval times.
There’s so much to see and admire here. From numerous Byzantine churches, mosques, palaces, and ancient fortresses to the city’s famous bazaars, Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar), Arasta, and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Travelers should also take time to stroll through Istanbul’s enchanting parks and bridges, all steeped in centuries of history.
Bursa is a resort that offers fantastic vacation opportunities year-round. In spring, the city transforms into a blooming garden, with dozens of city parks. In summer, it’s easy to reach the coast of the Sea of Marmara, just 20 kilometers away, to enjoy beautiful beaches and sheltered bays.
Autumn is beautiful in Bursa, and even winter has its appeal with the spectacular Uludağ ski resort located just 35 kilometers from the city. Here, there are ski slopes of various difficulty levels, from green for beginners to the challenging black runs.
Bursa itself also offers many attractions. The city boasts stunning mosques and bridges with significant architectural value, a medieval fortress, and much more. For those who enjoy journeys back in time, Bursa promises an exciting experience.
Uludağ ski resort is a perfect destination for family winter vacations. Its peaks reach around 2,500 meters above sea level, and skiing here is possible from December to April. There are green and blue slopes for beginners, challenging red slopes, and even a professional-level black run for advanced skiers.
In the evenings, Uludağ comes alive with numerous bars, restaurants, and all-night discos. In case you’re interested not just in vibrant nightlife but going on excursions as well, it's worth noting that Uludağ is only 35 kilometers from the city of Bursa, home to some of the region's most significant historical attractions.
Uludağ is steeped in fascinating legends. In antiquity, it was known as the Mysian Mount Olympus, and mythology holds that the gods Zeus, Athena, Ares, and Aphrodite watched over the end of the Trojan War from here.
The capital of Turkey, Ankara is home to around 5 million people. Although it has a smaller population than Istanbul, Ankara covers a larger area. Founded in the 7th century BC, the city was originally called Angora by the Greeks. The famous Angora cats and Angora wool are directly associated with Ankara.
Ankara is rich in museums, the most renowned being the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which holds fascinating artifacts from Hittite, Phrygian, Assyrian, Urartian, and other ancient cultures. The city is also dotted with historical monuments, including ruins of Gordion, the ancient capital of Phrygia, offering tourists a range of intriguing routes to explore.
A visit to the 125-meter Atakule Tower is a must; it not only has observation decks but also charming restaurants where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Turkey's capital while savoring the delights of Turkish cuisine.
Located in western Turkey, Çeşme is surrounded by fig groves, anise, and sesame fields. To the east stretches Altınkum, one of the country’s finest beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing, diving, and beach relaxation.
Not only is a visit to Çeşme enjoyable, but it’s also beneficial for health. The peninsula boasts numerous mineral springs known to revitalize bodies drained by city stress. Medical experts agree that even a brief stay on the Çeşme Peninsula offers noticeable health improvements.
The town and its surroundings have a rich history, with fascinating landmarks like the 14th-century fortress, the caravanserai built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, and the 19th-century Ayios Haralambos Church, along with many other captivating sites.
Ancient Smyrna, one of the seven cities that claims to be the birthplace of Homer, curves around a wide bay on the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea. This resort area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches with gentle slopes and crystal-clear waters. While the city itself is a major port, nearby areas like Foça, Güzelbahçe, Alaçatı, and Özdere are ideal for beach holidays.
Izmir also offers plenty of attractions for tourists. For wellness seekers, there are hot and contrast baths with mineral waters, mud wraps, compresses, and specialized treatments designed to relieve stress, including massages, aromatherapy, meditation, and color therapy, among many other options.
One of Turkey's most beautiful and charming resorts, Kuşadası is located on the Aegean coast, about 80 kilometers from Izmir and 130 kilometers from Bodrum. Known as "Bird Island," it attracts visitors with its turquoise lagoons and lovely beaches, offering activities for both children and adults, and easy access to numerous nearby historical sites.
The swimming season here starts relatively late, in late May, and ends in September. Kuşadası has a pleasantly mild climate, free from the intense Turkish summer heat, making it perfect for taking walks. The sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and shallow, gradual entry into the sea are ideal for families with children.
Didim is a resort that’s perfect for family vacations. It offers well-maintained sandy beaches with fine sand, a gentle slope into the sea, and shallow waters near the shore. The well-developed beach infrastructure makes Didim a favorite destination for families from around the world.
Magnificent sandy beaches stretching along the Aegean coast are Didim’s main attraction. This is where you’ll find the famous Altınkum, or "Golden Sands" beach, whose crystal-clear waters have been awarded the Blue Flag.
Didim also has plenty to offer sightseeing enthusiasts. Visitors can explore several ancient structures that have been well-preserved to this day, including the famous Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 8th century BC.
Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most prestigious resorts. Resembling a small Greek town, it has turquoise waters and quiet streets lined with bougainvillea.
Bodrum also boasts wonderful sandy beaches, scenic bays, and an abundance of attractions. One of the highlights is the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the grand mausoleum built in 352 BC for the Carian king Mausolus. Another pride of Bodrum is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses valuable artifacts from different eras, including one of the oldest shipwrecks, dating back to the 14th century BC.
There is also another side to this charming resort. Known for its vibrant nightlife and abundance of yacht clubs with luxurious sailboats, Bodrum is often called the "Turkish Saint-Tropez".
Muğla Province is a southwestern area along Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and is a major center for the country’s tourism industry. The region has a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters. Its coastline stretches nearly 1,100 km and features numerous bays and small islands.
One of Muğla's districts, Akyarlar, was formerly the Greek village of Kefaluka and is now a charming resort town located on a picturesque peninsula with beautiful bays and luxurious beaches. The resort’s infrastructure includes many modern hotels, cafes, and restaurants, all maintaining the old fishing village ambiance. With ideal wind conditions, it’s perfect for surfing, and the clear waters and rich marine life attract diving enthusiasts.
Marmaris is a small resort town located in a sheltered bay, which ensures pleasant, wind-free weather. This makes Marmaris ideal for family vacations, and families often choose İçmeler, a nearby town known for its sandy beaches. Marmaris has a relatively dry climate and pristine air scented with the sea and pine trees.
While Marmaris is a family-friendly destination, it’s also a popular European youth resort, often called the “Turkish Ibiza.” Bar Street, filled with hookah lounges and restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine and seafood, becomes a hub of nightlife in the summer. During the day, visitors enjoy leisurely walks and sunbathing, while at night, Marmaris offers a diverse range of bars, clubs, and entertainment options. In contrast, İçmeler remains peaceful and family-oriented.
Cozy town surrounded by green hills and orange groves, Dalaman is also quite a new resort that attracts tourists with its stunning nature, opportunities for active recreation, and well-developed infrastructure.
Located on the Lycian Coast, Dalaman is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, offering nearly 160 kilometers of gorgeous sandy and pebbly beaches, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality beach experience.
In addition to its beaches, the resort draws guests to its thermal springs, which are known to help with joint and skin conditions. Some hotels in Dalaman and the nearby village of Sarıgerme even offer mud therapy services.
Fethiye is a lush, green peninsula and a magnificent Turkish resort. The coastline here boasts picturesque bays and islands, and Fethiye offers beautiful waters with underwater tufa caves, high mountains covered with dense pine forests, fresh air, and a mild, fairly dry climate. The sea here is exceptionally beautiful, blending all shades of blue and turquoise.
The beaches of Fethiye's hotels are sandy, pebbly, or platform-style. One of the local beaches, Ölüdeniz, is considered the most beautiful beach in Turkey, and it even ranks among the top beaches in the world.
Fethiye offers both large club hotels with extensive infrastructure, vast areas, high service levels, and a wide range of services, as well as numerous budget-friendly hotels within the city offering fewer entertainment options.
Ölüdeniz Bay, one of Fethiye's most beautiful spots, is just 15 kilometers from the resort center. It’s famous for its stunning beaches, breathtaking sea views, and the possibility to go paragliding. The name Ölüdeniz translates to Dead Sea in Turkish, though it has no connection to the actual Dead Sea, and the reason behind the name remains a mystery.
The beaches in Ölüdeniz are sandy, with three main beaches: Patara, Lagoon, and Kidrak.
Lagoon Beach is particularly popular with families, offering a gentle entry into the sea and soft sand. The Lagoon extends into a sandy spit known as Cleopatra Beach or Turtle Island. Lagoon Beach is always busy, so those seeking peace and quiet may prefer Kidrak Beach. Patara Beach is famous for the exceptional cleanliness of its sand and water and is an excellent spot for a great beach vacation.
Kaş is a resort located 150 kilometers from Dalaman and 185 kilometers from Antalya. It’s favored by those who appreciate tranquility and wildlife. The town of Kaş rests on the slopes of mountains that descend into the sea, and the coastal waters are ideal for diving enthusiasts.
Kaş, one of Turkey’s most "non-touristy" resorts, is located in a secluded area at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, surrounded on three sides by mountains and pine forests. It’s one of the few places in Turkey that hasn’t been overtaken by mass tourism, due to its considerable distance from airports and the lack of large hotels.
Kaş translates to eyebrow in Turkish, and indeed, from a bird's-eye view, the resort’s shape resembles a raised human eyebrow.
It’s a picturesque Mediterranean resort located in the legendary region of ancient Lycia, mentioned in the famous Homer’s Iliad which is a valuable source of historical insights. This resort is rich in fascinating attractions and stunning architectural monuments, which will surely impress curious travelers.
The Taurus Mountain range runs through here, and Kemer’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking. The resort offers various areas to suit all types of travelers, each with its own unique charm and features.
Kemer’s climate in spring, summer, and autumn is ideal for sun-seekers. The tourist season starts in May and lasts till the end of October, so vacationers shouldn’t worry about getting caught in the rain or having cloudy weather during their holiday.
Kiriş is a resort area located 5 kilometers from Kemer, essentially its suburban district. Kemer and Kiriş are separated by a rocky mountain, offering tranquility and peace for travelers. The village of Çamyuva is separated from Kiriş by the Ağva River. The highway to Antalya runs behind the resort, and the airport is 65 kilometers away.
The landscape in Kiriş is remarkably beautiful, with scenic mountain and forest views interspersed with magnificent sea views. The resort has many comfortable hotels and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, including shops, pharmacies, souvenir stores, restaurants, and cafes. Dolusu Park, often called the most adrenaline-packed water park in Turkey, is located in Kiriş.
The resort of Antalya is located on the sunny southern coast of Turkey along the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure with a variety of hotels, shopping centers, and hundreds of restaurants and cafes.
Antalya offers excellent beach options for every preference, including sandy, pebble, and even scenic cliffside beaches. When choosing accommodation, it’s worth carefully reviewing photos to find a hotel with the beach type that will bring you the most enjoyment.
Visitors to Antalya can stroll along the pedestrian streets of the Old Town, which retains the style of the Ottoman Empire from the past centuries. They can pass through ancient gates, admire the Düden Waterfalls, and explore the tunnel of the giant aquarium. A visit to the main museum is a must, where the rich history of the country is displayed, from ancient civilizations to the present day.
Belek is a prestigious resort on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, offering guests the highest level of service. The beachfront hotels here are magnificent tourist complexes with extensive, well-maintained grounds full of blooming flowers and pleasant fragrances.
The climate in Belek is mild and subtropical, with 300 sunny days a year and warm sea temperatures by May. Belek is immersed in greenery, with cedar, pine, and eucalyptus trees, in a protected area that is home to rare birds and animals. The beaches are certified with Blue Flags, meaning the sea water meets the highest quality standards. The luxurious sandy stretch extends almost 20 kilometers, with gentle water entry and plenty of shallow areas, which are especially valued by tourists vacationing in Belek with children.
Side is a Mediterranean resort spanning 40 kilometers of coastline in the Manavgat region, home to over 500 hotels, just slightly fewer than in Kemer and Alanya. Most hotels are concentrated in the western part of the resort, though travelers enjoy exploring the various areas of Side, each with its unique charm.
This region is renowned for its attractions, boasting both stunning natural beauty and ancient architectural monuments. As an important maritime hub, Side once caught the attention of Alexander the Great. Its history is marked by notable Roman influence, but after the 7th century, Arab raids and Crusader invasions led to the city's decline.
Side’s climate is ideal for a beach holiday, with warm weather extending not only through summer but also spring and fall. The tourist season begins in May and lasts till November.
Alanya is a resort on Turkey’s picturesque Mediterranean coast, known for its colorful landmarks, natural beauty, scenic bays, and pristine beaches, which are mostly sandy, with some fine pebble beaches. The main city, Alanya, is located on a cape rising above the sea, offering stunning views.
Located 135 kilometers from Antalya International Airport, Alanya is easily accessible by comfortable buses that transport tourists to their accommodations, with a journey lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the hotel’s location within the region.
The swimming season in Alanya lasts from April to October, though it’s possible to visit the resort year-round. Spring and fall are the best times to travel here, as these seasons offer an ideal balance of air and sea temperatures for a pleasant stay.
A journey to Turkey is a magnificent exploration of the history of human civilization. This country showcases a blend of cultures from Byzantium, Ancient Rome, the Hittite Kingdom, Persia, Assyria, Urartu, Colchis, Iberia, and that’s not even the full list. The peoples who lived here since ancient times left behind their monuments, and modern Turkey carefully preserves this rich heritage.
While staying in Istanbul, Turkey's largest metropolis, visitors should make time to see the Hagia Sophia, the former Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica of Constantinople, which is now a mosque. This city abounds with iconic landmarks, including world-famous mosques and palaces, parks and gardens, museums, and bustling bazaars that capture the spirit of Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Beyond Istanbul, Turkey’s other regions also offer fascinating historical sites. The ruins of ancient cities like Phaselis, Perge, Aspendos, and the legendary Troy are must-sees. In the city of Myra, where St. Nicholas himself preached, believers find a sacred pilgrimage site. Cappadocia’s underground settlements and rock-hewn cave churches captivate the imagination. Amphitheaters, tombs, fountains, and colonnades bearing the marks of centuries, all of these wonders are truly worth travelers' attention.
Turkey offers travelers a large variety of excursion itineraries which are perfect for history enthusiasts, shopping fans, and those eager to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, including hidden treasures beneath the sea.
Options include a cable car ride up the famous Mount Tahtali, swimming in Cleopatra's pool, and wandering around the stunning thermal springs of Pamukkale. Visitors can also marvel at the Düden Waterfalls, explore the Sapadere Canyon, and visit the excavation sites of ancient cities, including the legendary Troy. A stroll through Istanbul’s 400-year-old Egyptian Bazaar, discovering amazing marine life in the Antalya Aquarium, diving among underwater statues and columns at the unique maritime museum in Side, and much more, the choices are truly endless.
What should you bring back from Turkey? Of course, items that will remind you of your trip to this remarkable country and revive memories. For example, Turkey's popular lemon cologne, known for relieving headaches and easing fatigue, will be a perfect keepsake. Or the incredible Turkish spices: the tangy, lemony sumac; the black nigella seeds; or the sharp, slightly bitter cumin.
Local beverages, coffee, and tea are also favorites among travelers, along with olive oil and olive soaps, honey, fruit wines, and more. All these things are available at Turkey’s bustling, colorful markets.
The abundance of souvenirs in Turkey is dizzying: there’s so much you’ll want to buy! One of the most popular items among tourists is the nazar, an amulet that protects against the evil eye. Affordable and charming, it's a favorite tourists’ choice. Many travelers also love picking up fez hats, the traditional headgear for Turkish men, while women often go for the beautiful belly dance skirts adorned with beads and sequins.
Other great buys include prayer beads, bracelets, and earrings made from black Oltu stone, onyx items, delicate peshtemal towels, Turkish coffee pots, and enchanting brass and stained-glass lamps that look straight out of a fairy tale.
Turkey has been celebrated for over five thousand years for its mastery in creating clay masterpieces. The country has rich pottery traditions, and each region’s ceramics have their own unique flair.
For instance, Çanakkale jugs are famous for their intricate patterns, painted in green, beige, yellow, and brown. Meanwhile, the cups, plates, sauce bowls, and jewelry boxes crafted by artisans from İznik are adorned with vibrant red, blue, and white, accented with turquoise and green hues and a touch of black. However, it’s wise to buy ceramics from specialty stores to avoid imitations.
Of course, while traveling through Turkey, it’s impossible not to taste and buy as gifts for family and friends the country’s famous sweets. Baklava with milk, pistachios, and walnuts. Turkish delight with rose petals, coconut flakes, chocolate, mint, lemon, and honey. Halva, either nutty or flour-based, with its amber hue. The sweet kunefe, an unusual cheese dessert. Tulumba, cream-filled fritters coated in white glaze and dried fruit. Cevizli sucuk, well-known candle-shaped grape candy filled with peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. Pişmaniye, a blend of cotton candy and halva. In short, there are endless treats that deserve attention while exploring Turkey.
SPA centers in Turkish hotels range from budget-friendly to luxury options. Affordable options typically include a combination of a sauna, an indoor pool, and a fitness room to help guests keep fit on vacation.
As for SPA facilities in upscale five-star hotels, these centers often cover vast areas and offer a far more impressive range of services. They feature aqua zones not only with swimming pools but also hydrotherapy pools and Jacuzzis. Additionally, guests can enjoy hammams, dry saunas, steam rooms, Kneipp walkways with basins filled with contrasting water temperatures, ice rooms, relaxation gardens, and much more.
In major SPA centers, like those at premium Mediterranean resorts such as Belek, or in Side, Alanya, and Antalya, professional therapists, cosmetologists, and massage specialists are available. These centers offer specialized skincare and haircare programs, as well as thalassotherapy, utilizing the therapeutic properties of the sea.
Many SPA treatments are not included in the All-Inclusive package. Winter is the most cost-effective time to indulge in this type of relaxation, as hotel rates in Turkey are lower than during the peak season.
