Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on Anatolia in Western Asia, with a portion on the Balkans in Southeast Europe
Turkey is a very beautiful country known for its fantastic beaches and magical towns and villages, we will introduce you to some of the most beautiful places in Turkey
Blue Lagoon, Olüdeniz
This bay of turquoise water, with its finger of white sand curving around it, is so supernaturally vibrant that it has become a poster child for the Turquoise Coast. The sands of Belcekiz beach slip into the limpid shallows, creating Maldivian-esque swirling seascapes of blue and white, protected by the green-forested promontories which lie around it like sleeping dragons. Overhead, the skies are full of paragliders viewing the whole splendid shebang from the air.
The pools of Pamukkale
The mineral springs that have cascaded down the hillside for thousands of years have created this extraordinary sight – Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ – in Turkey’s Büyük Menderes Valley. The series of natural pools of pale eau-de-nil water, cupped in shallow, organic-shaped basins of gleaming-white travertine, are terraced into the hillside, overspilling with the mineral-rich spring water that formed them and which appears to have frozen in time in petrified waterfalls, stalactites of limestone like wedding-cake icing dripping down the hillside. The spectacle gets busy with tourists, but often overlooked are the ancient ruins of the Greco-Roman spa town Hierapolis, built at the very top of the site, around the healing springs. Here you can bathe in Cleopatra’s very own hot bath, said to have been a gift from Mark Antony; once covered by the Roman temple of Apollo, the doric columns now lie in the water, and the pool is flanked with flowers.
Bodrum – a vibrant port city and a glistening holiday resort
On approach to Bodrum, on one of the many 50 minute ferries leading into the port city, you will first see a pristine coastline with the Castle of St. Peter standing high above the coastline. This city has bags of charm, some gorgeous upscale resorts, stunning beaches and beautiful scenery.
Bodrum is a melting pot of cultures with several cultural events throughout the year to celebrate each one. Its 37,000 population welcomes visitors with open arms as they love educating guests on their history including Greek mythology in this quaint fishing village.
Istanbul – the most populous city in Turkey
One of the most ancient cities in the world, Istanbul at times overshadowed even ancient Rome, serving as capital first to Byzantine and then to the Ottoman Empire.
At every turn in the city you fall over beauty. It teems with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls, and ruins. The Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the mosques of Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque dominate the skyline.
Butterfly Valley – one of the most stunning places to explore in Turkey
This is easily one of the most famously beautiful places to visit in Turkey. Not only is the scenery simply gorgeous with pure turquoise waters and a pristine stretch of sandy beach nestled between two towering cliffs (accessed by boat from either Olu Deniz or Fethiye).
But it’s also a special place because of the thousands of butterflies that live in the trees behind – hence its wonderful name – so this unique place to visit offers both stunning views and in summer, a kaleidoscope of colour. There are also no buildings or asphalt here to destroy the its picture-perfectness and so ensures Butterfly Valley remains one of the most photogenic beach locations in the country!
Side
Side, an important port in ancient Pamphylia and occupied by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, is today a picturesque town of classical ruins and modern resorts overlooking white sandy beaches. In the province of Antalya, Turkey’s Side is located on a small peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, spectacular sightseeing, nightlife and offers outdoor adventures.
Side’s star attraction is an area where ancient Hellenistic and Roman remains were excavated, including a huge amphitheater, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, baths, marble columns, and various temple ruins. The Roman baths were restored to house a museum displaying a number of Roman sculptures and artifacts. The Temple of Apollo overlooking the beach is a magnificent view, especially at sunset.
Antalya
Situated along the beautiful Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline, Antalya is a large and lively city welcoming tourists with its numerous resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The magnificent landscape surrounds the city with magnificent beaches and lush green mountains full of ancient ruins. From swimming and sailing to mountaineering, sightseeing, and family fun, Antalya offers something for everyone.
A walk around Kaleiçi allows you to take a step into the city’s ancient past with views of the old city walls, Roman gates, labyrinth-like streets, and Clock Tower, as well as historic buildings including beautiful old churches, mosques, and temples. . In the heart of the Old Quarter is Cumhuriyet Square, surrounded by shops, cafes, baths, and street artists.
Antalya’s main beaches Konyaaltı and Lara offer white sands, water sports, holiday villages, bars, and restaurants. Near the beaches are water parks, amusement parks, and a zoo. Artifacts and relics from the region are on display at many museums, including the award-winning Antalya Museum.
Ankara
Turkey’s capital, Ankara, government offices, commercial enterprises, is a large, modern city that is home to foreign embassies and universities. Located right in the center of the country and Anatolia Ankara, citizens, and tourists are likewise an important transport hub that connects to other important destinations in Turkey. But Ankara is not a business. This lively city also offers several historical sites and a bit of art and culture.
Once an ancient city where various cultures such as Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman lived, Ankara is full of ancient buildings and ruins that reflect its history. The most important of these are the Augustus Temple, the Castle, and the Roman Theater. Numerous historical mosques can be found all over the city. Ataturk’s Mausoleum, an important symbol of the 20th century, is a shrine where the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s tomb.
Ankara has a vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous theaters and museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is home to more than 200,000 objects. Traditional markets and modern malls offer great shopping options to buy items such as fresh produce, spices, carpets, and electronics.
