Turkey, straddling Europe and Asia, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Cappadocia, this country has something for every kind of traveler. In this article, we’ll delve into the top cities and attractions in Turkey, explore the best time to visit, and provide essential information to make your trip a success.
Main Cities and Attractions
Istanbul
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a melting pot of cultures with a rich history spanning over 2,500 years. This vibrant metropolis is home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, as well as a bustling waterfront that offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.
- Must-see attractions: Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
- Neighborhoods to explore: Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Karaköy
Ankara
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Home to the iconic Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, Ankara is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Turkey’s rich heritage.
- Must-see attractions: Anatolian Civilizations Museum, Hattusa
- Neighborhoods to explore: Kızılay, Çukurçayır
Smirne (Izmir)
Located on the western coast of Turkey, Izmir is a charming city that boasts stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and a vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Agora of Smyrna, a historic marketplace that dates back to the 6th century BCE.
- Must-see attractions: Agora of Smyrna
- Neighborhoods to explore: Konak, Kadifekale
Pamukkale
Located in western Turkey, Pamukkale is a natural wonder that boasts stunning travertine formations and hot springs. This unique landscape is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Turkey’s natural beauty.
- Must-see attractions: Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis
Bodrum
Located on the southern coast of Turkey, Bodrum is a charming city that boasts stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and a vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Castle of Bodrum, a historic fortress that dates back to the 15th century.
- Must-see attractions: Castle of Bodrum
- Neighborhoods to explore: Bodrum Castle, Götek
Göreme and Cappadocia
Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is a region known for its unique landscapes and ancient ruins. This surreal landscape is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Turkey’s natural beauty.
- Must-see attractions: Göreme National Park, Derinkuyu Underground City
Marmaris
Located on the southern coast of Turkey, Marmaris is a charming city that boasts stunning beaches and ancient ruins. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Castle of Marmaris, a historic fortress that dates back to the 15th century.
- Must-see attractions: Castle of Marmaris
- Neighborhoods to explore: Marmaris Castle, Ölüdeniz
Konya
Located in central Turkey, Konya is a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. This vibrant metropolis is home to the iconic Mevlana Museum, a historic museum that showcases the life and teachings of the famous Sufi poet Rumi.
- Must-see attractions: Mevlana Museum
- Neighborhoods to explore: Konya Castle, Sultanahmet
Uçhisar
Located in central Turkey, Uçhisar is a charming city that boasts stunning natural beauty and ancient ruins. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Uçhisar Castle, a historic fortress that dates back to the 15th century.
- Must-see attractions: Uçhisar Castle
- Neighborhoods to explore: Uçhisar Village
Antalya
Located on the southern coast of Turkey, Antalya is a charming city that boasts stunning beaches and ancient ruins. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Perge Ruins, a historic archaeological site that dates back to the 5th century BCE.
- Must-see attractions: Perge Ruins
- Neighborhoods to explore: Antalya Castle, Lara Beach
Located on the southern coast of Turkey, Manavgat is a charming city that boasts stunning beaches and ancient ruins. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Aphrodite’s Rock, a historic rock formation that dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
- Must-see attractions: Aphrodite’s Rock
- Neighborhoods to explore: Manavgat Beach
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Top Itineraries in Turkey
Itinerary of 11 days: Istanbul and a sailing trip on the Turkish Coast
This itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through Turkey, combining the vibrant energy of Istanbul with the stunning natural beauty of the Turkish coast.
- Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, hotel check-in, and evening tour of the city
- Day 2: Tour of Istanbul’s old city, visiting Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar
- Day 3: Visit to the Spice Market, Rustempasa Mosque, and Bosporus ferry ride to see Istanbul from a different perspective and witness the boundary between Asia and Europe
- Day 4: Departure for Bodrum by air and check-in on the sailboat; possibility of visiting the city center and getting familiar with the boat
- Day 5: Start of sailing in direction to Orak Island where you can swim in crystal-clear waters; proceed to Cokertme, a small fishing village, for overnight stay
- Day 6: Departure at dawn towards the Seven Islands, an area with several islands where you can spend long swims, snorkeling, or walking in pine forests; before sunset, arrive at the English Harbour where check-in for the night
- Day 7: Sailing towards Sedir Island with the famous Cleopatra Beach characterized by white sand and crystal-clear waters; then proceed to Karacasogut village, a beautiful village not too far from Marmaris
- Day 8: Departure for Longoz Bay for swimming or descending on the coast to walk in the woods; evening and overnight stay in Tuzla Bay
- Day 9: Sailing towards Kargili for a swim; then proceed to Kisebuku where you can visit the Byzantine monasteries and spend the night
- Day 10: Departure after breakfast towards Pabucburnu for another swim; then proceed to Yaliciftlik Bay in the evening and return to Bodrum for the last night on the sailboat
- Day 11: Return to airport and departure from Italy
When to Go: Climate and Best Time
The best time to visit Turkey depends on your preferences. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal times, as the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the country’s rich history and culture.
- Best time overall: May-June and September-October
- Avoid winter: cold temperatures in areas like Thrace Eastern and Anatolian Plateau, and rain throughout the country
Useful Information
Population: 77.695.904
Turkey is a vast and diverse country with a population of over 77 million people.
Capital: Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and has a rich history dating back to the ancient times.
Language: Turkish
Turkish is the official language of Turkey and is spoken by millions of people around the world.
Currency: Lira Turkish (TRY) / €1 = 6.40 TRY
The currency used in Turkey is the Lira Turkish, which can be exchanged for Euros at a rate of 6.40 TRY per Euro.
Climate: Mild on the coast, continental in the interior (average temperatures: 13°C/22°C)
Turkey’s climate varies greatly depending on the region, with mild temperatures on the coast and continental climates in the interior.
Time zone: +1 hour from Italy during summer and +2 hours during winter
Turkey is located in the Eastern European Time Zone, which means it observes a single time zone year-round. However, during the summer months, Turkey shifts its clocks forward by one hour to align with Western Europe, while in the winter, it remains on standard time.
Distance to Italy: 1,721 km (2-5 hours of flight) from Rome to Ankara
Turkey is located just a short flight away from Italy, making it an ideal destination for travelers from Europe.
Travel Insurance: Our Recommendation
When traveling to Turkey, it’s essential to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that meets your specific needs and budget.
In conclusion, Turkey is a country with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Antalya, there’s something for everyone in this incredible country. So why wait? Book your trip to Turkey today and experience the adventure of a lifetime!
