Are you looking for the best places to visit in Turkey? This post is for you!
Turkey is a massive country, with incredible cities, breathtaking landscapes and some incredibly well kept archeological sites that will take you back in time. Narrowing down the places to visit in Turkey is certainly no easy task, especially if you only have a limited time in the country. Indeed, there are a lot of places that are truly worth visiting.
If you don’t know what to see and what to skip, you are in the right place.
My sister and I have just come back from a trip to Turkey – it was actually my third time in the country – and I thought I’d help by selecting the very best places to visit in Turkey. Here you will find large cities, small towns, archeological sites, islands and more. It’s a great mix for what can turn out to be the perfect trip!
Continue reading to discover the places to visit in Turkey that you absolutely can’t miss.
For guidance on how to plan your trip, head over to my post Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Turkey.
The Best Places To Visit In Turkey
Istanbul
No post about the best places to visit in Turkey could ever exclude Istanbul.
This is, quite simply, is a must-visit for any trip to Turkey. This enormous city sits between two continent – Europe and Asia. Boasting a population that numbers over 16 million (some actually suggest 18!), over 19% of the entire population of Turkey lives here, making it Europe’s most populous city (even if half of it is in Asia).
Istanbul’s location has long shaped its identity — ever since it was founded in the 7th century BC by the Greeks and named Byzantium. The tale of this ancient city is one of global history.
The Roman emperor Constantine I named it his imperial capital in 330 AD, bestowing it with the title of Nova Roma (literally “New Rome”). Then in true Constantine form, he gave it the name Constantinopolis — the City of Constantine.
Over the following centuries, its importance grew, especially as the fortunes of Rome faded. The influence of the Silk Road saw Constantinople become integral as a trading hub. It became a center of Christianity, helping to advance the Christian beliefs in the region.
Finally, the great city fell in 1453 when Mehmet the Conqueror stormed the city, adding it to the Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul eventually became the seat of power for the Ottoman caliphate in 1517. The city went from strength to strength, with Mehmet inviting people from across Europe to live in his new capital.
This created a cosmopolitan feeling to the city, with various quarters for different nations and religions — something which persisted throughout much of the Ottoman empire. Huge palaces were built, a grand bazaar constructed, as well as a slew of religious buildings.
The name of Constantinople was only officially changed in 1930, becoming Istanbul, a name it has informally had since it had been conquered by Mehmet in 1453. A few years before, Ankara had already replaced it as the capital of the newly independent Turkey.
Naturally, with all this history and culture passing through the city, it’s no wonder that the center of Istanbul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Attractions abound in this east-meets-west destination, and you should give yourself at least three to four full days to explore the history of the city.
The most famous places to visit in Istanbul include the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar, not to be confused with the Egyptian Bazaar. You should also make it a point to visit the grand Topkapi Palace and the adjoint magnificent Harem.
While in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance of riding the vintage tram of İstiklal Avenue, once known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, in the Beyoğlu district. You should also walk up the Galata Tower for impressive views of the city.
There are many 19th-century Ottoman mansions to visit, including the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace – once the Sultan’s summer residence – on the Asian side of town. For more stunning views, you can also take the ferry crossing across the Bosphorus.
At night, tuck down into the fabulous food and sip cocktails from trendy rooftop bars (my favorite is that of the Bank Hotel, not far from Galata Bridge).
To take in the most impressive sights in Istanbul without having to worry about the logistics, consider joining a guided tour. I recommend this Best of Istanbul in 1 Day tour.
Another option would be to just take a tour that goes to the impressive Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. This is the tour I took, and I wholeheartedly recommend it – Hagia Sofia is free to visit, but especially crowded and the lines may discourage you, so it’s better if you go with a tour.
Make sure to read my posts A 4 Days Istanbul Itinerary, Where To Stay In Istanbul and Why Are There So Many Cats In Istanbul?
Gallipoli War Fields
The Gallipoli War Fields are a modern day memorial to the Gallipoli Campaign, an infamous battle during the First World War (1914-1919). The battle started on the 19th February 1915 and continued until the 9th January 1916.
The battle was fought by the Entente powers (an alliance of Britain, France and the Russian Empire) against the Ottoman Empire, to ultimately gain control of the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles (also known as the Strait of Gallipoli).
The Entente tried to force a passage through the Dardanelles, but ended up having to land on the Gallipoli Peninsula to fight their way through.
After 8 months, the Entente powers retreated, resulting in the Ottoman Empire retaining control of the waterway. There were over 250,000 casualties from both sides.
The Battle of Gallipoli was seen as a victory by the Ottomans. Quite importantly, it was following this battle that Turkey started fighting for its independence: soon after, the Turkish War of Independence started and the Republic of Turkey was born 8 years later.
It is also seen as an integral part of Australian and New Zealand national identity, with many ANZAC troops forming an important part of the assault.
The ANZAC troops landed on the northern peninsula, while the British, Indian, French, and Australian troops landed on the southern peninsula.
Today the Gallipoli War Fields stand as a reminder of the battles that took place here over a century ago. It is a national park in Turkey.
The battlefields and cemeteries are among the most important places to visit in Turkey, especially for Australians and New Zealanders, where you can learn more about their poignant history.
You can make your way around the various sites on the peninsula by yourself, or you can visit as part of an organized tour departing from Istanbul, such as this one.
Troy
You may better know Troy as a myth (or a movie), but the archaeological site of Troy actually exists in modern day Turkey (allegedly).
People have long been theorizing the exact location of Troy, and looking for possible evidence of its existence, but it wasn’t until 1871 when excavations at Hisarlik, Turkey revealed some tantalizingly old remains.
The ruins of various millennia-old settlements have been unearthed here, many of which match up with the ancient literary descriptions of Troy. It remains unclear as to where the myth ends and the reality starts.
In 1998 the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the uncertainty of its mythological connections, with 4,000 years of history, the ruins offer an intriguing connection to ancient civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean at large.
Even though there’s not much to see at Troy, the setting is actually stunning and this remains one of the best places to visit in Turkey for any traveler who has at least the smallest interest in ancient history.
I was happy to visit since I studied ancient Greek in high school, and read (yes, in ancient Greek!) Homer’s Iliad, the epic poem that talks about the Trojan war.
In Troy, you can walk along the outer walls of what is believed to have been the city of Troy itself; pass through the gate (which the Trojan Horse may or may not have gone through); see the site of a Greco-Roman Temple of Athena; and see upper class dwellings.
Whether it’s Troy or not, the sheer density of ancient ruins to be found at this amazing attraction are still well worth a visit for history fans.
Troy is best visited from Selcuk, a small town not far from Izmir, and from farther Canakkale. For day trips from Canakkale to Troy, click here.
If you are keen, you can also visit on day trips from Istanbul, though keep in mind it is a long drive. For more information on day tours to Troy from Istanbul, click here.
Ephesus
This is by far one of our favorite places to visit in Turkey!
Ephesus was once the capital of the ancient Roman province of Asia Minor. The city was a vibrant regional hub that is estimated to have been home to around 250,000 people, making it the fourth largest city in the Roman world.
But it has a much older history than that. Located around 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from Selcuk in Izmir Province, the city dates back to the 10th century BC, when it was founded in the vicinity of an even older city by Greek colonists.
Ephesus is where the 5th-century-BC Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – is located. It’s also where you’ll find other incredible structures such as the Library of Celsus.
Despite much excavation and even reconstruction, it’s thought that around 80% of the structures that comprise Ephesus have yet to be uncovered. The site here is still sprawling, however, and largely recognizable as a city, making it Europe’s most intact metropolis of the classical era.
Sights abound. Besides the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, you can also see a number of structures including a whole block of terrace houses, a brothel, latrines, an odeon and the Great Theatre.
Ephesus is easily visited from Selcuk or Kusadasi. To make the most of this impressive site, you are better off joining a guided tour with an expert local guide that helps you grasp its history and the most important landmarks.
You could consider this guided tour Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Artemis Temple that departs from Kusadasi and comes highly rated.
Alternatively, there’s this excellent tour that departs from Selcuk and also includes lunch.
There’s also the chance of visiting Ephesus on day trips from Istanbul. That involves getting a flight and it’s a very long day. For more information, click here.
For more information on the history of Ephesus, its many sights, and for a full guide on how to visit, you should read my post A Complete Guide To Visiting Ephesus.
Basilica of St. John (Selçuk)
The Basilica of St. John was built by Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century. He was inspired to do so owing to the alleged existence of the tomb of John the Apostle himself at the site.
It’s believed that St John visited Ephesus twice in his lifetime — the first time alongside Mary (estimated to be around 37 to 48 AD) and the second time in 95 AD, when he is believed to have written gospel on Ayasuluk Hill, the one on which the basilica now stands.
The basilica, one of the most holy places for Christians in its day, was a major place of pilgrimage right up until the latter years of the Byzantine era.
Over the years there have been attempts to restore this landmark basilica to its former glory, but it remains practically in ruins. However, you can still see the structure of the church including its monumental gate, marble steps and the baptistry. A large stone slab also purportedly marks the tomb of St John himself.
There are information panels to offer up a better insight into the relics still visible at the basilica. I believe this is one of the best places to visit in Turkey if you are into the history of religions. Even if you’re not a history fan, the sunsets from Ayasuluk Hill are beautiful.
You can visit the basilica independently while in Selcuk – it’s located a few minutes walk from the center of town. There is a small fee to access the site.
Sirince
Tucked away in a mountain valley, Sirince is around 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Selcuk and Ephesus, and easy to visit from there. This charming village is an attractive place to wander. Here you’ll find buildings with white-washed walls and red terracotta tiled roofs scattered among leafy lanes.
It’s thought people have been living in the area of Sirince since the 3rd century BC, but it wasn’t until the 15th century when Ephesus was finally abandoned that Sirince began to rise in status. Today it is known for its agriculture and produce, particularly its peaches, olive oil and wine.
Here you’ll find a slice of traditional life among the meticulously restored buildings. Many of the houses in Sirince have been opened up to the public, meaning that you can peer inside and take a look at the classical aesthetics of the structures.
One of the most popular things to do in Sirince is wine tasting. What you need to know, however, is that the wine you get to taste isn’t your regular wine, but fruit flavored wine. We did not particularly like it, but it’s definitely a fun thing to do!
Hierapolis
This ancient city was once the flourishing center of Phrygian religion. Literally meaning “Holy City” in Greek, a temple dedicated to the Phrygian mother goddess Cybele was built here at the beginning of the 7th century BC.
The area was believed to be one of the gateways to the Underworld, and as such had the quality of being a place where humans could communicate with gods and goddesses. It’s possible that toxic fumes from the nearby hot springs may have induced such hallucinations.
Hierapolis was colonized by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC. Here they turned it into something of a spa town, complete with bathhouses. It was eventually overtaken by the Roman Empire, and later became a healing center (thanks to those hot springs).
Visiting this storied therapeutic settlement today offers the chance to catch a glimpse of various historical structures.
Our favorite was by far the Roman theater, which was built under the orders of both Emperors Hadrian. It is estimated to have the capacity to seat up to 15,000 spectators. Today it still looks incredibly intact – not to mention the views over the rest of the site from up there are fabulous.
Elsewhere there’s the Temple of Apollo, with its marble staircase, a nymphaeum, an acropolis, and a very large necropolis set along the main road, with beautiful funerary monuments.
There are two access points to Hierapolis: one is north of Pamukkale town, and allows you to walk along the Necropolis and eventually get to theater and the area where Pamukkale Travertine Pools are located; one is actually in Pamukkale town, and you’ll have to walk along the travertine pools before getting to the site. Most people visit both on the same day.
In order to get a better understanding of the ancient structures that make up the city of Hierapolis, I actually recommend to get a tour. With a knowledgeable guide leading you, you’ll be able to get a deeper insight into the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best starting point to visit Hierapolis is Pamukkale. If you are planning to visit from there, you may want to consider this tour.
For a guided tour of Hierapolis departing from Antalya, click here or here.
If you are visiting from Kusadasi or Selcuk, click here.
I don’t actually recommend it as it is a really long day, but if you want you can also visit Hierapolis and Pamukkale on day trips departing from Istanbul. These involve a very early wake up call and a flight to Denizli. For more information, click here.
Pamukkale Travertine Pools
Easily one of the most popular places to visit in Turkey, and for a good reason: Pamukkale Travertine Pools are simply stunning!
These natural pools were partly responsible for the fame of Hierapolis. The spa town’s fortunes were driven by its proximity to the thermal spring waters that flowed from this location.
Pamukkale translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, owing to the white, puffy-looking calcium carbonate that is formed as a residue by the hot spring water.
Known informally as the “Travertines”, you can actually take a dip in these saucers of spa water — as locals have for thousands of years. Temperatures among the springs range from 35°C (95°F) to 100°C (212°F).
There’s only a particular section of the travertines where visitors can dip your feet in the hot spring water. This area is looked after by guards who make sure everything is safe.
When you’re there, you’ll need to remove your shoes to protect the surface of the calcium carbonate that surrounds the pools. It takes around 30 minutes to one hour to walk from the travertine pools to the village below – it depends on how quickly you manage to walk, because some bits can be slippery.
You will also see some tourists posing with massive angel wings for a photo. Several kiosks around the site rent the wings and have a photographer to snap a shot. We found it pretty amusing, considering how crowded it was when we visited.
To visit Pamukkale Travertine Pools, you should plan to stay in Pamukkale town. You can easily visit the pools independently (the main gate is literally in town), but you may want to consider this tour as it also includes a visit of Hierapolis.
For a guided tour of Pamukkale Travertine Pools and Hierapolis departing from Antalya, click here or here.
If you are visiting from Kusadasi or Selcuk, click here.
I don’t actually recommend visiting Pamukkale as a day trip from Istanbul, but if you want to do it, there are guided tours. These involve a very early wake up call and a flight to Denizli. For more information, click here.
While some people only dip their feet into the travertine pools, you can also pay an additional fee to swim in the magnificent Cleopatra’s Pools, where you will literally be swimming among ancient columns!
Cleopatra’s Pools are open between daily from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, but they’re at their busiest in the middle of the day, so go earlier or later for a quieter experience. Make sure to bring your swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel to dry yourself when you get out. There are changing rooms and lockers for visitors.
For more information about Pamukkale and Hierapolis, make sure to also read my post The Best Things To Do In Pamukkale.
Kayakoy
There are many abandoned towns and villages in the world that attract curious visitors. If you have a knack for ghost towns like I do, Kayakoy will definitely be one of the best places to visit in Turkey for you.
Also known by its classical Greek name of Lebessos and the modern Greek, Levissi, it was home to a Christian Greek population even after the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century. During these centuries the Christian Greek and Muslim Turkish population lived in relative peace.
Following the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, the Greek Orthodox residents were forced to flee. The town’s 6,500-odd inhabitants left, leaving the settlement empty. Untouched for decades, Kayakoy remains a ghost town to this day.
The ruins of the town date to the 18th century. Without any upkeep to speak of, many of these buildings are in dilapidated condition; roofs and walls have fallen down.
The only structures intact are three churches, the late 19th-century Basilica of Panayia Pyrgiotissa; Kataponagia Church, which dates back to the 17th century; and the Taxiarkis Church, which is situated further up the hill. The latter two churches boast monochrome tiled floors.
Today, Kayakoy is essentially an open-air museum. It’s a fun place to explore a haven for travelers who wish to visit Turkey hidden gems, photographers and urban explorers alike.
You can visit Kayakoy on day trips from Kas or from Fethiye, such as this one.
Kas
This is one of the nicest places to visit in Turkey if you are looking for the perfect holiday atmosphere.
The Mediterranean town of Kas, situated in the southwest portion of Turkey, sits on the site of the ancient city of Antiphellos. Originally founded by the Lycians, the town fell first under Hellenistic and later Roman rule.
The main attraction in Kas is the nearby archaeological site of Antiphellos. Here, various ancient monuments and buildings scatter the hillside overlooking the Mediterranean.
Even closer to the town, around 500 meters (1,640 feet) from Kas’ main square, is the Hellenistic Antiphellos Theater. Dating back to the 1st century BC, from here there are incredible views out over the coastline. It’s free to access and a favorite spot of locals and tourists alike, who enjoy sitting there with a drink or a picnic while waiting for the sun to set.
There’s also the 4th-century BC King’s Tomb, which provides an amazing example of a Lycian sarcophagus; it’s also known as Lion Tomb due to the lions’ heads carved on the tomb.
The town itself is a pretty place to spend a few days exploring, with its white-washed buildings and flower-covered streets. Part of the ancient Lycian Way even passes through the town.
Tomb of Amyntas
This is definitely one of the best Turkey hidden gems!
Hewn into the rock in Lycia, an ancient Mediterranean nation that flourished between the 15th and 5th century BC, is this incredible ancient Greek tomb. The nearby modern town of Fethiye sits on the site of the much older classical Greek city of Telmessos.
The Tomb of Amyntas, among that of other Pontic Kings, sits to the south of the town at the base of the mountain. It was built in 350 BC. Its name comes from the inscription carved into its side, which reads, “Amyntas, son of Hermagios”.
At this time, the Lycians were under the rule of the Persian Empire. There were a number of interconnected, interrelated city states that made up the region, all of them led by various kings and noble families.
The tombs of the long-dead kings were built here as long ago as the 4th century BC. Though the Tomb of Amyntas is the most famous, there are actually around 20 tombs like it that can be found around this portion of the mountain.
You can actually visit four of the tombs, including that of Amyntas. These are the Tomb of Mithridates I, the Tomb of Ariobarzan and the Tomb of Mithridates II. As is the case with many lesser known places to visit in Turkey, taking a tour can really offer up a better understanding of the complex history associated with the tombs.
Simena
Simena is another of Turkey’s ancient cities. Located within the region of Lycia, the coastal city is believed to have been populated from around the 4th century BC.
The dating of the city is thanks to coins and graves that have been excavated in the area, though parts of Simena have long been submerged under the sea, making it something of a sunken city. The ancient Baths of Titus, for example, are now beneath the waves.
One of the main draws to Simena, however, isn’t the sunken city itself but what remains of the Crusader Castle that overlooks it. This once impressive fortress — constructed by the Knights of Rhodes — is mounted atop a hill that has a great vantage point over the sea.
Also situated at the castle, cut into the rock face itself, is the bouleuterion — a small theater often cited as the smallest of the ancient world.
You can visit Simena on guided tours that depart from Kas. You may want to consider this one that also goes to Kekova Sunken City.
Kekova Sunken City
The island of Kekova, Antalya province, is mostly famed for being the location of sunken ruins. It’s just off the northern shore of this long sliver of an island that you’ll find Batik Sehir (literally “Sunken City”).
You will be able to see the ruins of the ancient town of Dolchiste which, according to research, was destroyed in the 2nd century by an earthquake.
The foundations of the ancient city’s buildings appear just below the clear, turquoise surface of the surrounding waters. You’ll even see broken amphorae and crumbled staircases among the ruins of the Sunken City too.
The whole area was put under the protection of the Turkish government in 1990. Sadly, this means that any swimming or diving around the area of the ruins is prohibited – though you will be tempted, as the water is so clear!
Kekova Sunken City can be seen on guided tours that depart from Kas. You may want to consider this one that also goes to Simena.
The best way to see the archaeological remains is by water; there are kayak tours available that take visitors out to the main sights.
For example, you may want to check out this kayak tour that includes a transfer from Kas to Uçağız Harbor.
Antalya
Complete with its Roman harbor, Ottoman houses, cobbled streets and mountain views, the coastal city of Antalya deserves to be included among the top places to visit in Turkey.
Though seen as something of a gateway to the Turkish Riviera, there is much more to this city than tourist menus, beaches and hotels.
Antalya was settled in around 200 BC and soon after conquered by the Romans. At this point, the city began to thrive. Buildings and monuments sprang up around the settlement, reflecting its importance in trade and commerce.
In 1391 the city fell into the hands of the Ottomans, was occupied by Italy following World War I, and then became a part of Turkey again.
There are plenty of places to visit in Antalya. First of all, there’s Hadrian’s Gate, which was built in 130 AD for the Roman emperor’s visit to the city.
The Roman Harbor, which connected the city to the rest of the world for over two thousand years before the construction of its new harbor, is a bustling area of eateries, bars and cafes.
Elsewhere, the Kaleici is Antalya’s Old City — well worth a day or at least a few hours of exploration. It’s awash with old sites like the bazaar, a clock tower and an 18th-century mosque.
The highlight of a visit to Antalya, however, may well be the Antalya Museum, which provides a perfect place to get a better insight into the history of the region.
Antalya is also home to a natural wonder, namely in the form of the Lower Düden Falls which drop into the Mediterranean Sea, an awesome photo opportunity. This is located about 45 minutes walk from the “new center” of Antalya. Getting there is actually a pleasant experience in and of itself as you’ll be walking along the waterfront.
This highly rated guided tour goes to the Old City of Antalya as well as the waterfalls.
You also have the option of a tour such as this one that includes a cable car and a boat trip to see the waterfalls from the sea.
Sagalassos
The ancient city of Sagalassos can be found 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the north of the coastal city of Antalya, and it truly is one of the best Turkey hidden gems.
It’s a mountain city spread over terraces, situated at an altitude of between 1,450 and 1,700 meters (4,757 and 5,577 feet) above sea level.
Unlike many other places to visit in Turkey, Sagalassos lacks the tourist crowds, making it the perfect place to wander unhindered by tour buses and loud groups of visitors.
When we went, there were very few visitors other than our small group, which was refreshing compared to the crowded sites of Istanbul or Pamukkale. It’s refreshing!
Sagalassos dates back to 1200 BC. During its heyday, the city was one of the richest in the area — it’s during this era of plenty that Alexander the Great turned up on his journey to Persia, conquering Sagalassos in 333 BC.
Later, under Roman rule, it became an urban center of the region and a favorite of the Emperor Hadrian, who bestowed upon Sagalassos the title of “the first city”. A succession of earthquakes and the threat of Arab raids led to its eventual depopulation.
Sights that are spread across the terraces here included an enormous nymphaeum, the imperial baths, and a Roman theater that boasts incredible acoustics. My sister and I actually sang a song and someone from the group that remained at the very bottom of the site heard us perfectly!
You can learn more about the site at the nearby Burdur Archaeological Museum.
If you don’t have a car, the best way to get to Sagalassos is on a guided tour departing from Antalya. You may want to consider this tour which also includes lunch.
Konya
To be fair, we were not too impressed with Konya. We found that it lacked the charm of other places to visit in Turkey. However, if you are interested in Sufism and the Sufi poet Rumi, a visit makes sense.
In a way, it’s also interesting to see a completely different side of Turkey, and to get a bit off the beaten path.
One thing to keep in mind is that Konya, which lies to the south of the capital, Ankara, in the province of Anatolia, is significantly more conservative than the rest of Turkey, something that is very visible in the way both men and women are dressed.
We were also under the impression that contrary to the rest of the country this is a dry city, where wine, beer and alcohol in general are not consumed (and definitely not sold).
Throughout its existence, Konya has been ruled over by a long list of powerful empires from the Hittites and the Phyrgians to the Greeks, the Persians and the Romans, as well as the Seljuk Turks.
Today, Konya is large university town and an important hub of trade and religion and which has a long history. Tourists from Turkey and beyond visit to learn more about Sufism, the more mystical branch of Islam, and for the whirling dervishes show that are associated with it (and which are only scheduled once a week).
The main attraction is the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi (also known as Mevlana) is buried. Other than that, the city is home to many ancient mosques, a very busy (and very local) market, contemporary student hangouts and tea gardens to relax in.
Not far from Konya, rising from the plains surrounding the city lies Catalhuyuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This incredible ancient settlement is often considered the oldest city in the world, with people living here in dwellings together between 7500 BC and 6400 BC.
To appreciate everything that Konya has to offer, consider joining a guided tour such as this one.
Cappadocia
Last, but not least the cherry on the cake of places to visit in Turkey.
Cappadocia is famed for its otherworldly landscape – and let me tell you, it really is a special place! Located in central Anatolia, this geologically fascinating part of Turkey has also long been home to human inhabitants.
The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that Cappadocians lived in the region during the time of the Ionian Revolt in 499 BC.
Cappadocia is rich with natural wonders, particularly in the form of hoodoo — a type of spire-like rock that juts out from the honey-hued landscape. Here they are referred to as “fairy chimneys”.
The stone from which the hoodoo forms is easily eroded, which means that people have long used the area to carve out cave homes and find shelter deep within the land itself. All across Cappadocia you can find these intriguing old homes.
Some of the most famous sights of the region include Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, and the Goreme Open-Air Museum which features centuries-old churches cut out into the rock itself. They are among the most stunning sites you’ll see in the country.
There’s a whole host of things to offer travelers looking to explore. There are plenty of hiking opportunities that weave among the landscape; the chance to sleep in one of the cave dwellings overnight; learn about the history of the region; or take an iconic hot air balloon ride at sunrise to see the fairy chimneys in all their glory from above.
You will need a minimum of four days to take in what Cappadocia has to offer, in particular if you are keen on a hot air balloon flight. These are subject to weather conditions for safety reasons, so give yourself plenty of second chances to take that flight!
To book your hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, click here.
For a guided tour of Cappadocia, click here.
Traveling to Cappadocia? You should not miss my post The Best Things To Do In Cappadocia.
Pin It For Later!
