I want to go to...

Turkey

Rex Features

About Turkey
Useful Links

Because of its large size and varied landscapes, travellers tend to explore Turkey one region at a time. Most begin in the Marmara region to explore Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and culture.

On the slopes of Mount Olympus is Bursa, one of the greenest cities in all of Turkey. But others head straight for Turkey’s Aegean side, dropping anchor in seaside hot spots like Bodrum and Ephesus.

Central Anatolia is where you find the robust capital city of Ankara, and many beautiful archeological sites, like the Hittite and Phrygian ruins. The part of Turkey that boarders the Black Sea, where you find lovely towns like Trabzon and Ordu, is mostly forested and the beaches are far less crowded and over developed with resorts than those in the south.

The towns of Mersin and Antalya skirt along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, where the waters are turquoise and the ruins of Greek and Roman towns can be found nearly everywhere. Southeast Anatolia is dry and barren, home to industrial cities like Gaziantep. This region has some interesting archaeological sights, though its cities pale in comparison to Ankara and Istanbul.

Travel Tips

Visit Turkey’s Maramara region and you will most likely be spending a couple of days in glorious Istanbul. Stay at the recently renovated and restored Pera Palace, a favourite spot of Agatha Christie; and be sure to spend time exploring the city's burgeoning gallery scene, with a stopover at the Istanbul Modern.
The Aegean side of Turkey is well deserving of its fame. The beaches are stunning, though can be crowded in the summer; especially Bodrum, which is one of the largest coastal resort towns in Turkey. Get lost in the region's ancient mythology and visit sites like Aphrodisias and Teos.
Come to Central Anatolia if only for the sake of Ankara. People often overlook the capital city for Istanbul, but it is equally interesting and infinitely more modern. Visit the father of modern Turkey, Atatürk's Tomb and Museum or visit the city’s tallest building, Atakule Tower, and do some shopping in the mall beneath.
On Turkey’s Black Sea Coast you should stay in Trabzon. From here there are loads of Alpine hills, which are excellent for hiking and populated with wellness retreats and natural thermal spas, especially in Ayder. Trabzon is packed with lovely examples of Byzantine architecture, like the Church of St Anne.
Mediterranean Turkey is called the Turquoise Coast for its brilliantly bright turquoise waters that lap against its rugged cliffs and gritty shoals. Cape Taşlık is stunning, and the ancient city ruins at Anemurium, Xanthos and Letoon are staggeringly gorgeous.