Which place to go and stay in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world for its beautiful architecture, great food, and beautiful scenery. Whether you're planning a city trip or a family vacation on the coast, here are our favorite places to visit as well as places to stay during your stay.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a city divided between East and West, and as diverse and chaotic as only cities can be. But once you get used to the fast pace of life and busy streets, you'll find something interesting on every corner. Istanbul is the most populated city in Europe, with beautiful architecture that blends old and new - historic towers stand next to small tea houses and wooden huts. It also has a rich history and plenty of diversity, from the people to the food. You can easily spend a few days exploring the historic peninsula where you'll find some of the country's most famous landmarks including the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Don't forget to visit some of the city's diverse neighborhoods such as Fener and Balat (Istanbul's former Greek Orthodox and Jewish districts), Galata with its cobblestone streets and rooftop bars, and Beşiktaş, one of the oldest neighborhoods with many traditional coffee shops. Along the way, look out for borek (pastry), pizza-like flatbreads called pide, and of course baklava.

Where to stay: The Bank Hotel in the historic Karakoy neighborhood is a boutique hotel with beautiful views of the Bosphorus Bridge. After a recent renovation, it has chic interiors, a spa and spacious rooms with marble bathrooms and free-standing tubs. Within walking distance is the new The Peninsula Istanbul, a luxury hotel with an impressive outdoor pool. If you're not staying overnight, visit the rooftop restaurant for Turkish and Asian cuisine.

Bodrum

Bodrum is where Turkey's fashionable people and stars go for a weekend getaway in the summer. Thanks to a number of luxury openings in recent years, there are plenty of hotels to suit all tastes, as well as beach clubs, gourmet restaurants and beautiful windmills that date back to the 18th century. Bodrum is one of the most exclusive parts of the Turkish Riviera, but it also has charming traditional villages to explore, as well as cultural institutions such as the Zeki Muren Museum of Art. Spend a day in Yahsi, a popular coastal town known for its fish restaurants, or visit Bitec Beach with its turquoise waters and striped umbrellas. If you have kids, be sure to visit Bodrum Castle and Kamel Beach for camel rides on the sand.

Where to stay: There's nothing better than The Bodrum Edition Hotel, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, a huge pool with chic sun loungers and rooms with private pools, balconies and gardens. Like all Edition hotels, the rooms here have a minimalist style with all the luxurious touches you'd expect. Another great option is the Hotel Caresse, with its own beach club and spacious rooms with beautiful sea views.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia has one of the most interesting landscapes in Turkey. Here you will find huge cliffs and hills with fairy-like tubular rocks, unique formations created by ancient volcanic eruptions. It is also one of the most famous places in the world for hot air ballooning. Visitors wake up early to see other hot air balloons on the horizon as the sun rises. Book a tour with Get Your Guide, which includes a champagne toast and shuttle service to and from your hotel. Other attractions in Cappadocia include the Underground City of Kaymakli, a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth, the Devrent Valley with the most interesting rock formations and the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to rock-cut churches and chapels.

Where to stay: Cappadocia is far from a major city, so it's worth spending a few days in the region for an unforgettable trip. "Argos in Cappadocia" is located in a former monastery built into the cliffs. The best rooms here have beds at the top of stone staircases and cave-lined pools, while the restaurant serves traditional Turkish dishes.

Fethiye

Fethiye is in the heart of Turkey's Aegean coast and is one of the most unspoiled areas of the country, with rustic houses and traditional restaurants along the beaches. There is a good choice of accommodation here, ranging from luxury resorts accessible only by boat to homely hotels run by friendly locals. Fethiye's most famous attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a protected nature reserve. Butterfly Valley (accessible only by boat) has an incredible beach, and the old town is home to historical sites and food markets with cheap street food. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the majestic Saklikent Gorge or trek the Lycian Way, and Iztuju Beach is the perfect place to watch turtles hatch. For an interesting day of sightseeing, you can rent a boat or captain to visit the small neighboring islands.

Where to stay: If you're planning a special getaway, check out Yazz Collective. It's a secluded resort accessible only by boat, featuring some of the most beautiful views on this list. It has 16 stylish guest houses, each with its own garden or beach view. If you don't stay here, be sure to book a table at the restaurant and bar or grab a daybed on the beach to relax. Expect sunset parties and DJ sets, while the friendly staff serves up Turkish dishes and vibrant cocktails.

Antalya

If you like the idea of an all-inclusive experience in a beautiful setting, then Antalya is an excellent choice. Its southwestern corner boasts over 600 km of beaches and secluded coves, with olive groves and the Taurus Mountains. You can also find beach clubs and superyachts swaying in the harbors here. Antalya also offers natural beauty worth exploring, such as the Düden Waterfalls, which plunge directly into the Mediterranean Sea, and the protected island of Suluada with its sandy beach and turquoise waters. Adventurous travelers and families can try rafting on the rapids in the Köprülü Canyon, a massive limestone gorge, while those seeking a cultural experience should head to the city of Antalya and the ancient theater of Aspendos.

Where to stay: For a special trip, the "Kempinski The Dome" is an all-inclusive hotel in traditional Seljuk Turkish style. It features 11 restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as a luxurious spa and the only PGA-certified golf course in the country. Choose from elegant double rooms to spacious family suites. For a more budget-friendly option, "Deniz Feneri Lighthouse" near Kaş offers great value for money - some rooms have private infinity pools, while others have balconies with stunning sea views. There is also a restaurant serving local cuisine and a small spa center.

Izmir

Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey and the most liberal city with a young population that includes students and young professionals. Most of the city's original buildings were destroyed during the Turkish War of Independence a hundred years ago, but there are several charming towns and villages to explore with interesting architecture, such as Cesme, Foca, Teos, Urla, and Gumuldur. Visit the Bazaar district to haggle with vendors at the stalls and local suppliers, and then take a stroll along the docks to see the Aegean Sea. Locals stop here to try mussels cooked on the street by local fishermen. Another attraction is the Agora, an open-air museum where the ruins of the ancient city of Smyrna are located, as well as the Clock Tower and the beautiful blue mosque. The city has many bike paths, so rent a bike to go exploring.