I’ve already written about how I loved my time in Turkey. Here are two places I visited (and one I didn’t) that you should definitely put on your Turkey itinerary.
From sun-kissed beaches to thriving cities and incredible landscapes, Turkey is a country that has something for everyone.
Here’s five places you should check out on a holiday to Turkey:
For landscapes…Cappadocia
Quirky places to visit don’t come more interesting than Cappadocia, located in the Anatolian region. A somewhat alien landscape of rugged rock formations resembling chimneys, pinnacles and mounds – sculpted solidified volcanic ash from a series of volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago – it is a world heritage site with a history dating back to 3000 B.C. Cappadocia, which means ‘land of beautiful horses’, in Persian language, has been the hub of many civilizations, including the Christians who fled from the Roman Empire during the Hittite period and hid in the houses and churches carved inside of rocks. The best way is to see if from the air on a hot air balloon ride, which is a very popular activity. Staying in one of the number of hotels carved into the rockrace, where you can wake up in your very own cave, is also a must!
For city life…Istanbul
Istanbul is a melting pot of different sights, cultures and communities, making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. The city’s allure lies partly in its long and complex history. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, witnessed the rise and fall of some of the world’s most famous empires, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, which has made the city what it is today. Although no longer Turkey’s capital, the city is undoubtedly the thriving heart of the country. Culture vultures with an interest in Istanbul’s history will be spoilt for choice on a city break. The Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) is a good place to start your exploration – a 6th century Byzantine masterpiece, built by Emperor Justinian. Topkapi Palace is also a must-see for any visitor – a stunning building with its many courtyards, minarets and domes was initially constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. The Blue Mosque is also in the city’s ‘must-see’ list, and one of the most immediately recognised buildings in the world.
For a coastal break…Bodrum
The great weather along the Mediterranean coastline and stunning beaches have made Turkish resorts a favourite with holidaymakers for years. It’s also one of the many coastal areas home to numbers of great value resorts and hotels, aimed at summer holidaymakers. Bodrum, located on the Turquoise Coast, in the south of the Bodrum Peninsula, is a popular destination surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. It is known as ‘the land of eternal blue’ and boasts stunning beaches, from Bitez to Gumbet. It is also a hub of historical sites and has many ancient relics and sites left behind by the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Known as Halicarnassus in the ancient times, Bodrum was capital of the Caria region in 353 BC. The Tomb of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World constructed within a time span of 100 years, is a popular site to visit.
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