Where to visit and stay in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, thanks to its beautiful architecture, magnificent food, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're planning a city break or a family trip along the coast, here are our favorite places to visit and recommendations for accommodations.

Istanbul - for history and culture

Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe, combining ancient and modern architecture. Here you will find historic towers, small tea houses, and wooden huts next to modern buildings. You should visit the historical peninsula where the country's famous sights such as the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia are located. You should also visit various districts of the city such as Fener and Balat (former Greek and Jewish quarters), Galata with its paved streets and rooftop restaurants, as well as Besiktas, one of the oldest neighborhoods with many traditional cafes. Don't forget to try local delicacies such as borek, pide, and, of course, baklava. Recommended accommodation: The Bank Hotel in the historic district of Karakoy with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus Bridge.

Bodrum - for luxurious beach resorts

Bodrum is a place where fashionable people and celebrities from Turkey flock on weekends. In recent years, many luxurious hotels, beach clubs, and high-end restaurants have opened here. Bodrum is also known for its traditional villages and cultural attractions, such as the Zeki Müren Arts Museum. You can spend time at Yahsi Beach or visit Bitez Beach with its turquoise waters and striped umbrellas. If you're vacationing with children, be sure to visit Bodrum Castle and Camel Beach for camel rides on the sand. Recommended accommodation: The Bodrum Edition hotel, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, a huge pool, and rooms with private pools and balconies.

Cappadocia - a must-visit destination on your bucket list.

Cappadocia is one of the most interesting places in Turkey. Here you will find huge rocks and hills with fantastic stone formations created by ancient volcanic eruptions. It is also one of the most famous places in the world for hot air balloon flights. Don't miss the chance to see the sunrise and other balloons in the distance. Book a tour with Get Your Guide that includes champagne and hotel transfers. In Cappadocia, you should also visit the Kaymaklı Underground City, the Devrent Valley with its most interesting stone formations, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recommended place to stay: the Argos in Cappadocia hotel, located in a former monastery carved into the rocks.

Fethiye - for sun, sea, and sand

Fethiye is located in the heart of the Turkish Mediterranean coast and is one of the most untouched regions of the country, featuring wooden houses and traditional restaurants along the shore.

Antalya - for all-inclusive vacations

If you like the idea of relaxing in a beautiful setting, Antalya is a great choice. Its southwestern corner boasts over 600 km of beaches and secluded coves, with olive groves and the Taurus Mountains. Here, you can also find luxurious beach clubs and superyachts docking in the harbors. Antalya also offers the opportunity to explore natural wonders, such as the Düden Waterfalls cascading into the Mediterranean Sea and the Suluada Island with its sandy beach and turquoise waters. For those who enjoy active recreation and families, white-water rafting can be tried in the Köprülü Canyon, a massive limestone gorge, while those wanting to immerse themselves in culture can head to the city of Antalya and visit the ancient Aspendos Theater. Recommended accommodation: the Kempinski The Dome hotel, built in the traditional Seljuk Turkish style.

Izmir - for a vibrant urban getaway

Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey and is also the most liberal city with a young population, including students and young professionals. Much of the city's original architecture was destroyed during the Turkish War of Independence a century ago, but there are many charming towns and villages with interesting architecture, such as Cesme, Foca, Teos, Urla, and Gumuldur. Visit the Bazaar district to haggle with merchants and local suppliers, stroll along the docks to see the Aegean Sea, and don't miss the Agora, an open-air museum where you can see the remains of the ancient city of Smyrna, as well as the Clock Tower and the beautiful Blue Mosque. The city has many bike paths, so rent a bike to explore the surroundings. Recommended place to stay: Gaia by the Sea hotel, a luxurious beachfront hotel with its own pier.

Avoid the peak summer months when temperatures can reach 45°C, and plan your trip in September or October when the weather is pleasantly warm (20-30°C). The time when there are fewer tourists is perfect for exploring ancient attractions. Direct flights from London to Istanbul take about 4 hours. You can also fly to Bodrum, Antalya, Fethiye, and Izmir, but tickets for these flights are more expensive, especially during peak periods.