25 Beautiful Places in Turkey for Your Travel Itinerary (Must-sees & Hidden Gems)

A land of immense natural beauty and diverse cultures underpinned by eons of history, Turkey (Türkiye) is a country like no other.

Here are 25 jaw-droppingly beautiful destinations (including 10 hidden gems!) you can’t overlook when planning your trip, from hot springs to beach resorts, coastal towns to ancient cities hewn from rock, palaces, monasteries, sparkling lakes, sacred mountains, and much, much more!

In travellers’ terms, Turkey is in a league of its own. This is the place where East meets West; where Europe and Asia collide and produce a transcontinental culture clash. Amazing food, diverse traditions, religions and histories – these are the things that make Turkey such an unforgettable travel destination.

Although Turkey is known for its beautiful beaches and hot air balloon-filled skies, it’s so much more than that. Once the playground of great figures such as Cleopatra, Caesar and Alexander the Great, Turkey’s historical significance is proudly displayed in the palaces, mosques, monasteries and countless archaeological sites that dot the vast landscape. There are no fewer than 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey plus 41 national parks where unforgettable valleys, lakes and mountains lay in wait.

Fragrant bazaars and stunning views at every corner, from the narrow streets of Istanbul – one of the world’s great cities – to Turkey’s small towns and villages, the urban landscape is every bit as enigmatic.

To help you narrow down your wish list, I’ve rounded up the most beautiful places in Turkey to visit.

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When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Summer is peak tourist season in Turkey, when prices go up – along with the temperatures – and popular destinations become overcrowded, especially the bigger cities such as Istanbul and towns along the Turquoise Coast.

A better time to visit Turkey is during spring or fall shoulder season. Winter is a great time to plan an Istanbul city break, just note that the east of Turkey and the mountainous regions experience very cold winters. See a list of the best places to visit in Turkey in winter.

How to get around Turkey

One thing to know before you visit Turkey is that this country is big! Most travellers fly into Istanbul, which is indeed a good place to start your itinerary. It may be necessary to take a domestic flight or two to travel onwards to central or eastern Turkey. The country’s railway network can also come in handy: There are regular trains from Istanbul to Ankara and Kars.

Once the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway launches, this will make it possible to travel into Eastern Turkey overland from the South Caucasus.

If you want to visit all of these diverse and beautiful destinations, renting a car for a Turkey road trip is the best option. I recommend using Local Rent.

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25 of the most beautiful places in Turkey to add to your itinerary

From the domes of the Blue Mosque to the cobalt waters of the Black Sea, the bustling city of Istanbul and the enigmatic Hagia Sophia to the hidden secrets of Turkey’s underground cities and historic sites, from popular tourist attractions to hidden gems, here are the most gorgeous places to visit in Turkey!

1. Istanbul: The most beautiful city in Turkey

A melting pot of cultures in the truest sense of the term, Istanbul has to be one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey. It’s a transcontinental city, meaning you can literally travel between Europe and Asia in a matter of minutes – in fact, it’s as easy as crossing a bridge.

Istanbul’s skyline is dotted not only with the spires and domes of mosques, but also with medieval European architecture. This is because the city was the capital of four major empires throughout the ages, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

But that’s not all. Istanbul is known for its delicious food, cafes that serve up Turkish coffee, traditional baths (hammams), Whirling Dervish ceremonies, vibrant nightlife and unique shopping experiences, which include the biggest covered Bazaar in the country: The one and only Grand Bazaar.

There are countless famous landmarks to see in Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and many more. And then there are Istanbul’s hidden corners, including the gorgeous Arnavutkoy neighbourhood, with its Ottoman-era mansion houses.

Get there: Fly into Istanbul Airport.

Where to stay: Ayramin Hotel Taksim, boutique hotel 200m from Istiklal Street. Search rooms here.

2. Pamukkale & Hierapolis

The mineral spring waters that have cascaded down this hillside for thousands of years have created an extraordinary sight. Located in Turkey’s Büyük Menderes Valley, the 17 tiered pools of Pamukkale – which means ‘cotton castle’ – make up the most beautiful thermal spring you’ll ever see. You can find the stacked white Travertine terraces overlooking the city of Denizli. 

Back in the day, Pamukkale was one of the most popular thermal pools in Turkey. It was a spa, first used in the 2nd century BC and famous for its healing properties. Today, the perfectly blue water that fills these white limestone bowls still stays at a comfortable 34 degrees Celsius.

No day trip to Pamukkale is complete without a stop in Hierapolis, one of the first thermal spa resorts in the world. This spa city was also founded at the end of the 2nd century and is home to the famous Antique Pool, also known as the ‘Cleopatra Pool’.

Legend has it that the famous Cleopatra herself often bathed in these warm waters, gifted to her by Mark Antony on the occasion of their wedding. The pool itself was once covered by the Roman temple of Apollo, but now the columns lie dormant in the water, adding even more charm to this unique bathing experience.

Get there: 1-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Hotel Sahin, simple rooms 20m from the Pamukkale travertines. Search rooms here.

3. Ancient Ephesus

Did you know Ephesus is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey? In ancient times, Ephesus was a port city and was considered to be one of the most important Greek outposts and trading centres in the entire Mediterranean region. Throughout history, many different forces conquered the city. It even played a role in spreading Christianity.

Today Ephesus is one of the largest and most celebrated Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean and remains a popular Christian pilgrimage destination. In 2015, the ancient town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other nearby famous landmarks include the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Nightingale and the Ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Wonders of the Ancient World.

Get there: 1 hour by road from Izmir or 7 hours by coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Eliada Hotel (Kusadasi). Search rooms here.

4. Cappadocia

If you have an Instagram account, then you’ve probably already seen the iconic photos of hot air balloons soaring over unique landforms in Cappadocia.

Located just outside the town of Goreme in the south-centre of Turkey, Cappadocia is known for its otherworldly, cone-like rock formations. As well as the ‘fairy chimneys’, the landscape is dotted with magnificent rock-cut monasteries including Selime Monastery, a popular sunset spot.

Every morning, 100-150 hot air balloons float over Goreme to create one of the most beautiful scenes in Turkey. But don’t be fooled, hot air ballooning is not the only thing you can do in Cappadocia. This area is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking. Popular sunrise trails can be found in Love Valley, Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley.

Get there: 1.25-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Sofa Hotel (Avanos), one of the area’s best cave hotels. Search rooms here.

Recommended reading: Learn more about the famous hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia and other things to do in Goreme here.

5. Butterfly Valley

Only accessible by boat, or via a very difficult trek down from Faralya village, Butterfly Valley is a real hidden gem. If you manage to get here, you’ll find its one of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences in Turkey.

The valley takes its name from the roughly 100 species of butterflies found in the area, including the endemic orange, black and white Jersey Tiger. The Turkish Government declared the 86,000sqm valley a preservation area in 1987 to protect the butterflies and the local flora.

With lush greenery, waterfalls and a sandy cove, this whole area is perfect for hiking. Those that make their way to the water’s edge are often looking to slow down and connect with nature. On the shoreline you’ll find a campsite with a beach bar that serves beers and grilled fish.

Get there: 1 hour by road from Fethiye.

6. Bodrum: One of the most beautiful places in Turkey

Often called the ‘St. Tropez of Turkey’, this beautiful resort town is located on a peninsula enveloped by shimmering sapphire and turquoise waters. Bodrum is most famous for its array of sandy beaches – more than 60 in total.

With a unique mix of archaeological sites, attractions, nightlife and culture, Bodrum is an alluring destination for travellers of all types, not just sun-seekers. It also happens to be surprisingly affordable if you’re savvy about where to stay.

If you’re a history buff, then one of the highlights of the city is the waterfront-located Bodrum Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only visually beautiful but also packs a historical punch. Inside the castle you will find the Underwater Archeology Museum, which features a variety of artefacts unearthed from the seabed. Another highlight is the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Get there: 1-hour flight or overnight coast from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Ena Boutique Hotel, overlooking Bodrum Castle. Search rooms here.

7. Mount Ararat

Mythical Mount Ararat is actually two separate peaks, both of which are dormant volcanoes. Their summits are snow-capped throughout the year. The thing that makes Ararat so famous is that it’s believed to be the mountain on which Noah and his ark landed during the great flood.

If you ‘re looking to do some trekking, climbing Mount Ararat doesn’t require much technical skill as most of the path is quite easy. The biggest challenge, however, is the altitude, as it is over 5,000m high. The trek takes around 8-9 hours.

Get there: 3 hours by road from Kars.

Where to stay: Tehran Boutique Hotel (Dogubayazit). Search rooms here.

8. Kas: The prettiest village in Turkey

Another place where you can escape the hustle and bustle, the old fishing village of Kas is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. This seaside town offers a cool combination of ancient history that traces back to the Lycian kingdom plus modern leisure activities that you can enjoy around its twin harbours.

One of the more interesting sites in Kas is the Lycian Rock Tombs (Likya Kaya Mezarlari), which mirror similar tombs found in other parts of Turkey. According to Atlas Obscura, the Lycians believed their dead were carried to the afterlife by magic winged creatures, thus they placed them in geographically high places such as the cliffside. Some of these tombs can be seen just above the Old Town in Kas, including the King’s Tomb, which is located at the top of the bazaar street in the heart of the old town.

Kas is also known for its gorgeous whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets that lead down to white-sand beaches.

Quick tip: Be sure to visit Kaputaş Beach. If you’re into exploring the underwater world, then head to the island of Kekova.

Get there: 1.25-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Luna Kas, beachfront hotel with a pool. Search rooms here.

9. The Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz)

Oludeniz is known all around the world as Turkey’s Blue Lagoon because of its perfectly aquamarine waters. The natural cove is formed by a long peninsula that curves around the Mediterranean coastline, creating a giant swimming hole reminiscent of Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

One of the most popular activities at the Blue Lagoon is obviously to pull up a beach chair and enjoy the sun in between fresh dips in the ocean’s calm waters. If you’re an active traveller, then this beach is one of Turkey’s best spots for paragliding due to the amazing views of the lagoon and surrounding cove.

The Lycian Way, Turkey’s famous long-distance hike, passes through this area.

Get there: 20 minutes by road from Fethiye.

Where to stay: Harbour Suites (Fethiye). Search rooms here.

10. Koprulu Canyon

Koprulu Canyon is both a canyon and a national park in the province of Antalya. It’s also Turkey’s most popular water sports area.

The canyon trails for 14km along the Koprulu river, its rock walls towering to a maximum height of 400m. The surrounding park is home to a rich diversity of flora including pine, fir, and oak trees, and even wild olives. It also hosts the largest cypress forest in Asia Minor.

Highlights include whitewater rafting on the river Oprucay, visiting archaeological sites and historic Roman bridges nestled in the park, hiking and even camping.

Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Antalya.

11. Ankara

Ankara might not be Turkey’s most famous city, but it is the nation’s capital. A mecca for Turkish food and a centre for the performing arts, music and dance, Ankara is a dream destination for culture-focused travellers who want to sink their teeth into Turkish traditions.

Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey who was born in Thessaloniki, declared Ankara the capital in 1923. His mausoleum, Anitkabir, sits prominently above the city centre as a hilltop tribute to his role in shaping modern Turkey.

Don’t miss the world-class Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which documents the region’s preclassical history in stunning detail. The Citadel (Kale) neighbourhood is the most charming part of town for a wander, with dozens of cafes, craft workshops and boutiques nestled inside quaint red-roofed houses.

Get there: 1.25-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Divan Cukurhan, one of Turkey’s finest boutique hotels. Search rooms here.

12. Lake Van

One of Turkey’s largest lakes, Lake Van, is located in the eastern part of the country close to the cities of Erzurum and Kars. Formed by tectonic movements, the water is naturally high in saline. In the 11th century, it formed a land border between the East Roman Empire and the Turko-Persian Seljuk Empire.

The city of Van on the lake’s eastern edge is a natural jumping-off point for enjoying this sublime landscape. Nearby, the abandoned 15th century Ktuts monastery sits on a tiny island, creating one of the area’s most striking scenes. The Armenian Apostolic edifice sits on Akdamar Island just off the coast and can be accessed by ferry for an up-close look.

For the perfect sunset spot, head to Van Fortress. Find more exciting things to do in Van here.

Get there: 4 hours by road from Kars.

Where to stay: RÖNESANS LİFE HOTEL (Van). Search rooms here.

13. Trabzon & the Black Sea Coast

Though not as famous as the Turquoise Coast, Turkey’s Black Sea Coast is another popular tourist destination that comes alive in the warmer months. As well as white sand beaches, you’ll find dramatic cliffs and panoramic views.

The city of Trabzon is a good base for exploring the countless small seaside resort towns that run up and down the seashore. Breathtaking mountain peaks rise us behind the water, framing the beaches beautifully. This is Turkey’s tea tourism capital, so you simply must sample the local leaves while you’re in town!

There are plenty of treasures to be found in the hills as well, including Soumela Monastery (AKA Sumela Monastery) and Uzungol, a picturesque lakeside village at the edge of the Kackar Mountains.

Get there: 1.5-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon. Search rooms here.

14. Gaziantep

If you are a foodie, then this one’s for you! Gaziantep is one of the oldest settlements in the region, with roots that go back more than 10,000 years. This is a city where ancient history meets culinary culture.

If you need proof: Gaziantep was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a city of gastronomy in 2015. Between the fresh produce, wonderful desserts, delicious sauces and blends of flavours, there are more than 400 local specialties to try in Gaziantep – so what will you try first?

Get there: 1.5-hour flight or overnight coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Anadolu Evleri, historic hotel in the centre. Search rooms here.

15. Antalya

Antalya, one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey, is also the hub of the Turkish Riviera and is the largest settlement on the country’s Mediterranean coast.

This is an urban metropolis much like Istanbul but with the kind of laid-back charm only a city with world-renowned sandy beaches can offer. A beautiful history lies beneath the surface: Antalya is dotted with mosques, churches, and a Turkish bath from ancient times designed in the Greco-Turkish style.

Be sure to set aside plenty of time for visiting Kaleiçi, the city’s historic old town. Before Antalya was one of Turkey’s top resort destinations, it was the ancient city of Attalia. The old town has structures dating back from the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman and even modern Turkish republican eras. It is the perfect mix of old and new and should not be missed – it ‘s also incredibly walkable as it falls within an area of one square kilometre.

Get there: Fly into Antalya Airport (1.25-hour flight from Istanbul) or overnight coach. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Sibel Pension, traditional guesthouse with panoramic sea views. Search rooms here.

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Top 10 hidden gems in Turkey

16. Ishak Pasha Palace: A hidden gem in Turkey

One of Turkey’s most striking but lesser-visited historical sites, the Ishak Pasha Palace is located in the country’s far east, close to the borders of Iran and Armenia. Commissioned in 1784 by the Kurdish Sanjak Chief Ishak Pasha, it’s a rare example of an Ottoman-period palace that has stood the test of time.

The vast complex combines Ottoman, Seljuk, Persian and Armenian architectural styles to perfectly reflect the layers of culture and history that define this part of Turkey. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful facades, a mosque, opulent ceremonial halls, arched gates and a mausoleum.

The Ishak Pasha Palace cuts a striking figure against a backdrop of mountain peaks, with the city of Doğgubeyazit stretched out in the valley below.

Quick tip: This part of Eastern Turkey experiences heavy snowfall in winter, so it’s preferable to visit in late spring or summer.

Get there: 3 hours by road from Kars.

Where to stay: Tehran Boutique Hotel (Dogubayazit). Search rooms here.

17. Alacati: A charming alternative to Cesme

Located on the Aegean Coast close to Izmir, Alacati is a little slice of blue-and-white paradise. If you want to walk relatively quieter laneways and experience sleeping inside an authentic stone house, Alacati is a good alternative to the more-popular Cesme.

Charming stone houses draped in bougainvillaea flowers and cobbled streets make this one of the most traditional towns in Turkey. There is plenty to do in Alacati to warrant staying for a few nights, from boat trips and windsurfing to summiting the nearby 16th-century Cesme Castle. But your time might be best spent simply weaving your way between cute restaurants and bars that serve local wine.

Subtle differences in the shape and layout of Alacati’s historic houses reveals the story of their owners: Homes that belonged to Ottoman Greek families have an enclosed balcony and cumba alcove window, and are usually painted in violet or Aegean blue. Besides the architecture, windmills and street murals add to Alacati’s appeal.

Get there: 1 hour by road from Izmir.

Where to stay: Gaia Alacati, stunning rooms inside an authentic stone house. Search rooms here.

18. Safranbolu: One of the best small towns in Turkey

If you’re on the hunt for Turkey’s cutest small town, look no further than Safranbolu. Located in the Black Sea region on a former tributary of the Old Silk Road, Safranbolu used to be a centre for growing and trading saffron. Hence the name, which combines the name of the precious spice and the Greek word polis, meaning ‘city’.

The town revolves around Çarşı district, where hundreds of perfectly preserved Ottoman houses line charming cobbled streets. This style of architecture can be seen across the old Ottoman world, from Berat in Albania to Plovdiv in Bulgaria. Safranbolu’s houses are among the finest in the region – no wonder the entire town was inscribed as a UNESCO Site in 1994. More than 1000 other registered historical artifacts can be found on Safranbolu’s streets, including an ancient sundial.

The 17th-century Cinci Han – once a caravanserai – now provides visitors with sweeping views from its rooftop, while the restored Tarihi Cinci Hamam offers the chance to experience a traditional 17th-century bathhouse.

Get there: 6-hour coach from Istanbul. Search tickets here.

Where to stay: Mehves Hanim Konagi, design hotel in a heritage Ottoman mansion. Search rooms here.

19. Mount Nemrut: A lesser-known archaeological site

Well-known among Turkish people but still relatively obscure on the world stage, Mount Nemrut is a true hidden gem. Located in south-eastern Turkey within Mount Nemrut National Park, this 2,100-metre-tall peak is one of the highest in the country.

Majestic as it may be, it’s not the natural landscape that makes Mount Nemrut memorable – rather, it’s the area’s ancient ruins. Recognised by UNESCO as the royal tomb of Antiochus, the site dates to the 1st century BC. Huge limestone heads now strewn across the volcanic soil once topped seated statues depicting the Greek and Persian gods. At some point in history the pantheon was ransacked and the statues desecrated, creating the otherworldly scene you see today.

Often referred to as the ‘Throne of the Gods’, Nemrut Park has many more archaeological treasures to discover, including burial sites, Roman bridges, and the ruins of ancient cities associated with the ancient Kingdom of Commagene.

Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Adiyaman.

Where to stay: Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel, historic property and closest option to the top of Mount Nemrut. Search rooms here.

20. Mardin: An ancient city in Anatolia

Floating on a rocky outcrop above the Mesopotamian plain, the city of Mardin in Anatolia is both a time capsule and a living library of history, archaeology and religious heritage. Better still, it’s almost completely free of mass-tourism.

Fashioned almost entirely from locally mined, buff-coloured limestone, the city emerges from the landscape as if it were a natural rock formation. The narrow streets are bristling with traditional houses – take note of the local building style, which favours sloping facades and big courtyards – interspersed with historic buildings and little workshops belonging to the city’s Syrian Orthodox silversmiths.

Climb up to the top of the ridge for stunning views of the mountain village and surrounding grasslands from the citadel. On a clear day, you might be able to see all the way to the Syrian border.

There is immense beauty in Mardin’s diversity: The proliferation of churches and mosques belonging to different denominations attest to the area’s long and storied history. Be sure to visit the Meryem Ana Syriac Catholic Church (1895), the Surp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church, the Mor Hirmiz Chaldean Catholic Church, and the Mor Petrus and Pavlus Assyrian Protestant Church.

Get there: 2-hour flight from Istanbul or 4 hours by road from Gaziantep.

Where to stay: Maridin Hotel, stunning suites set in a historic stone building with rooftop terraces, Turkish baths and a pool inside a cave! Search rooms here.

21. Konya: Home of the Whirling Dervishes

Konya is known throughout Turkey and the world for one thing: As the home of the Islamic Mevlevi Order, AKA the Whirling Dervishes. As the last residence of Rumi, the Sufi sect was founded here in Turkey’s spiritual heartland back in 1273.

One of the top things to do in Konya is of course to enjoy an authentic Whirling Dervishes experience. Semas take place on weekends at the Mevlana Cultural Centre. The Mevlana Museum is very much worth visiting if you want to learn more about Dervish traditions – or for a fully immersive cultural experience, attend the Mevlana Festival, which is held every December.

Other points of interest include the myriad of beautiful mosques and the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden.

Get there: 1-hour flight from Istanbul or 3 hours by road from Ankara.

Where to stay: Konya Dervish Hotel, cosy rooms inside a 200-year-old Ottoman house. Search rooms here.

22. Amasra: A laid-back fishing village on the Black Sea

The fishing village of Amasra is a somewhat peaceful place to retreat from the crowds that descend on Turkey’s Black Sea Coast every summer. Small sandy beaches, restaurants serving fresh fish, and boat trips to the two nearby islands, Big Island and Rabbit Island, are among the most popular activities on offer.

Curvaceous Amasra takes its form from the natural harbour at its centre. The Roman-era Amasra Castle overlooks the bay, with a tide of little red roofs running down the hill to meet the inky waters of the Black Sea.

Get there: 5.5 hours by road from Istanbul.

Where to stay: Amasra Kerem Apart, self-contained beach apartment with panoramic terrace views. Search rooms here.

23. Aladaglar National Park: Crimson Peaks & waterfalls

The perennially snow-capped mountains of Aladaglar National Park are a popular destination for skiing in winter and for trekking in the warmer months. The highest peaks in the park – there are no less than four that tower above 3,700 metres – command views of both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

The Ala-Daglar range extends over four provinces in central Turkey and offers some of the country’s best alpine hiking and mountaineering. One of the most beautiful spots here is the Kapuzbasi Waterfalls and glacier ponds, which offer cool relief for trekkers during summer.

Sunset in Aladaglar National Park is something else. Known as the ‘Crimson Mountains’ in Turkish, the Ala-Daglar are graced by a brilliant scarlet flush every evening, painting a truly magnificent picture.

Get there: 2 hours by road from Kayseri.

Where to stay: Taurus Guest House, simple rooms and Turkish food prepared from organic ingredients at the edge of the park in Cukurbag. Search rooms here.

24. Sirince: Turkey’s breakfast village

One of the best things to do in Turkey is eat a lavish kahvalti spread breakfast – and one of the best places for breakfast in the entire country is in picturesque Sirince.

This small village on a hill is easy to reach from Izmir and less than 30 minutes’ drive from the ancient city of Ephesus. Known for its organic garden produce and the buzzing Sirince Bazaar, chefs here draw on local supplies to furnish some of the most delicious breakfast mezes in the land. There are dozens of cafes and pansiyons on the town’s pedestrian-only streets, each serving up different early morning specialties. Hilltop Sirincem Restaurant & Cafe Pansiyon is one of the most popular.

Come for breakfast, stay for the views! The old-style houses here command gorgeous outlooks from every direction. Spend a couple of slow-paced nights using Sirince as a base for visiting the various sights around the area – and you can enjoy a home-cooked kahvalti every morning!

Get there: 20 minutes by road from Ephesus or 1 hour by road from Izmir.

Where to stay: Heaven’s Gate, an idyllic stone-and-wood family home with generous private suites and a pool. Search rooms here.

25. Sanliurfa: The City of Prophets

Sanliurfa (Urfa) is the ideal place to stay when visiting the world’s oldest temple, Gobekli Tepe. The Neolithic archaeological site is a mere 30 minutes by road from the city. But Urfa has its own charms that make it more than worthy of your time.

Sometimes called ‘the City of Prophets’, legend says that Abraham was born in Urfa. Its relevance to Jewish, Christian and Islamic history makes Sanliurfa a popular pilgrimage site for believers of the three faiths. Many of the city’s most prominent landmarks, including the Pool of Sacred Fish (where Nimrod cast Abraham into the fire), are tied to Biblical history. Take a stroll through the leafy Golbasi Park or explore the warren-like souq. Don’t miss the views from the 9th-century Urfa castle or a visit to the stunning 12th-century Great Mosque.

A must-do in Urfa is to stay at the Palmyra Boutique Hotel, which is set inside a restored palace. The opulent rooms and character-filled hallways and terraces are reason enough to visit Urfa!

Get there: 1.5 hours by road from Gaziantep.

Where to stay: Palmyra Boutique Hotel, elegant rooms in the city centre. Search rooms here.

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Which of these pretty places in Turkey are you most excited about visiting? What did I miss? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

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