If you are planning a trip to turkey, then you are on the right page!! Here’s a quick guide to the 10 of the best places to visit in Turkey this year. It’s quite rare that you find a place for a vacation with almost everything. Turkey is a country having beaches, shopping hubs, cultural and rich historical sites, and cruise destinations that you will surely enjoy. Take a look at the best places to visit in Turkey listed below.
Turkey is a country that occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Europe and partly in Asia. It has a 2 million population and has a north-south extent that ranges from about 300 to 400 miles, and it stretches nearly 1,000 miles from west to east.
1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s landscape includes dramatic expanses of soft volcanic rock, shaped by erosion into cones, towers, caves, and valleys. It is famous for its unique rock formations and the opportunity of experiencing hot air balloons. In recent years, Cappadocia and hot air balloons have gone viral on social media. They are genuinely one of the dreamiest and most famous natural wonders to visit.
2. Kabak Bay
Kabak bay is a tranquil beach below a pine tree valley with hiking trails and camping sites. The place is a hidden gem in Turkey that not many people know about. The Kabak vibe is mostly about enjoying the beautiful nature in this part of the world. If you are adventurous at heart, you can always opt for a day hike. It is heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful places that must be visited.
3. Grand Bazar
The Grand Bazaar is located in Istanbul, Turkey and one of the largest and oldest markets in the world’s history. The Bazar covers 61 streets and over 5,000 shops in 30,700 square meters with approximately 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily. You can buy Ceramics, Turkish lamps, Turkish tea and much more from here. The Grand Bazaar is regarded as one of the first shopping malls in the world. This bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Turkey as it reflects the art and rich culture of the country.
4. Patara
Patara is the longest beach in Turkey that must be visited. It is a paradise beach with soft sand, sand dunes, turquoise blue sea and crystal-clear water which is just beautiful. You can also witness a sunset and moonrise at the same time from the top of a dune which is absolutely enchanting and mind blowing.
5. Princes’ Island
The Princes’ Island is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. The place is silent and the landscape makes it one of the best places to visit in Turkey for those who seek peace and solitude. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are available instead of motorized vehicles which makes a historical vibe of the place.
6. Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. It was a church built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, but later it was converted to a mosque after 900 years. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul and one of the best places to visit in Turkey.
7. Marmaris
Another place to visit in Turkey is Marmaris. The Thomson cruises start-off at Marmaris. It gives a tour of almost all famous and main tourist attractions to see in Turkey including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and many others. Marmaris showcases glorious views of the Turkish crystal-clear waters that is assured to take the breath away of spectators.
8. Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Turkey’s most magnificent buildings. It’s a functioning mosque with a vast number of tourist visitors. The visitors are enchanted and amazed by the bluish interior decoration of the mosque. The mosque’s roof is also painted blue with sunlight and moonlight at night flooding in from the more than 250 glass windows.
9. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. It is an untouched paradise and is only accessible by shuttle boat. This spectacular valley is a truly special natural beauty and also home to many species of butterflies. One of the major tourist attractions that is a must visit!
10. Bodrum
Bodrum has everything a tourist could wish for when it comes to vacation such as beaches, shopping, restaurants, and local culture. This is also a place where visitors feel a mix of Turkish and Greek culture, and Bodrum has a very peaceful feeling to it. Along with the coastline, one could also find several beautiful bays. Also sailing is one of the major activities enjoyed here by tourists.
As COVID-19 has severely hit the economies and businesses globally, it is advisable to look at COVID-19 Travel recommendations by CDC before planning the trip.