Linking Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait in northwestern Turkey, Istanbul, the country’s largest city, is a beguiling cultural blend of East and West. Visit the twin architectural gems of Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque – masterpieces of Byzantine design, decorated with exquisite inlaid mosaic patterns; take in the lavish quarters and dazzling gem collection of the Topkapi Palace, home to Turkey’s sultans and their families for centuries; or visit the enthralling Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s ancient water reservoir, now evocatively revamped with ethereal lighting and background music sources. More frivolous pursuits include trawling the Grand Bazaar’s stash of beautifully crafted goods for traditional Turkish kilims and wooden backgammon boards inlaid with mother-of-pearl detail or indulging in fine dining or Mediterranean meze at one of the many eateries in trendy Beyoglu.
Located in the Nevsehir Province of Turkey, the town of Uchisar lies just east of Nevsehir. Perched on a clifftop, the town marks the highest point in the Cappadocia region. The undeniable highlight of this town is the incredible Uchisar Castle, which provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding landscapes including Mount Erciyes. Home to trendy hotels, dreamy fairytale chimneys, and offering an authentic Cappadocian village experience, it is a summer vacation favourite with locals. Uchisar serves as an excellent base from which to explore the region, including the vast valley crowned by pink-and-yellow-hued sand dunes and the pigeon houses of Pigeon Valley.
Located in the Mugla Province of Turkey’s Aegean Region, Bodrum is a popular access point for travellers arriving by ferry from the Greek islands of Cos and Rhodes. This vibrant, glittering port city makes a fabulous introduction destination to Turkey. For the young and the restless, there’s the city’s legendary, sparkling nightlife – Turks claim that Bodrum has more bars per square kilometre than any other place in Turkey – while history enthusiasts can explore the ancient ruins, elegant historical mosques, and multi-towered castle, dating to the Middle Ages. Alternatively, travellers looking for a more laid-back experience can peruse Bodrum’s lively markets for souvenirs and trinkets, soak up some sun and sea at the peninsula’s lovely beaches, or enjoy leisurely strolls or long seafood lunches on the city’s palm-lined promenade.
Situated on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey, the modern seaside town of Kas is best known for its ancient ruins of Antiphellos, which feature a relatively intact Hellenistic theatre. Kas's warm waters provide ideal conditions for a variety of outdoor recreational activities including swimming, snorkelling, boat trips and kayak tours. The town is also particularly popular as a scuba diving destination as it boasts a number of excellent wreck diving sites just offshore. Other not-to-be-missed attractions in the area include: Lycian rock tombs, especially the King's tomb featuring two carved lion heads; Big Pebble Beach, complete with shaded cafes and sun loungers; and the long-distance footpath known as Lycian Way, offering some scenic hiking trails from Oludeniz to Geyikbayiri.
Set on Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is one of Turkey’s finest and least commercial coastal escapes. The city’s laid back ambience, sparkling Mediterranean waters and glistening amber sunsets make it an irresistible getaway. A highlight of the area is the idyllic seaside destination of Oludeniz, with its calm, cobalt bay and long sandy beach, where travellers can take their pick from a smorgasbord of leisure and adventure pursuits, including parasailing, snorkelling expeditions and boat cruises. One of the favourite destinations for the latter is nearby Butterfly Valley, offering dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and – as the name promises – countless colourful butterflies to enchant those who visit. Alternatively, a stroll around town will allow you to sample a mouth-watering array of freshly made Turkish delight, or enjoy apple tea with one of the local carpet purveyors.
Situated in the Fethiye district of the beautiful province of Mugla, the small town of Gocek is known for no less than six marinas which serve as an important base for yachting tourism in the country. Gocek is a tranquil retreat as it is a Registered Area of Special Protection, which has kept over-development at bay. The idyllic town offers magnificent views of rugged mountains and spectacular turquoise waters and features upmarket cafes, bars, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: boating, yachting and sailing excursions around the islands that dot the coast, as well as swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Katranci and ancient ruins at Lydae.
Surrounded by lush vegetation and famous for its tropical flowers and rare birds, Dalyan is situated on the south-west coast of Turkey on the Mediterranean sea. The town retains its sleepy, riverside atmosphere while boasting a host of attractions from historical to environmental. Not to be missed attractions include the Kaunos King’s Tombs, carved directly from rock, as well as the fascinating ruins of the ancient trading city of Kaunosare, which date back to the tenth century B.C. Pleasant Iztuzu beach is a protected breeding ground for the Loggerhead sea turtle and visitors can also enjoy the healing mud baths and hot springs surrounding the city. Other popular activities include taking a scenic boat trip up the Dalyan Cali River, exploring the beautiful Sulungur Lake, and catching Mayi Yengec crabs, which are considered to be a delicious local delicacy.
Ideally located at the coastal meeting point of two mountains, Marmaris is a quaint port city set along the Mediterranean shoreline of the Turkish Riviera. Known for its charming fishing villages, sailing and diving hotspots, and crystal clear waters, Marmaris has developed into a popular tourist destination with plenty to offer every type of traveller. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant nightlife on the famous Marmaris Bar Street, which houses live music bars, world-class clubs and a decadent array of restaurants. Don’t miss a daily excursion to the mud baths of Dalyan or a trip to Heaven Island to visit the Nimara Caves, an ancient and historical place of worship home to a unique species of cave-dwelling butterflies.
As previously described
