Things To Do and Places To Visit in Turkey

Turkey is a very rich country in terms of places to visit and things to do. These lands have hosted many civilizations and still contain many cultures. With hundreds of valuable historical cities, wonderful museums, unique tastes in every region, wonderful natural beauties in every geography, unique cultures of each region, and beautiful people of the country, it is one of the countries you should definitely travel. These lands contain many values and beauty. So, in this article, I’ve gathered the things to do and places to visit in Turkey.

Balloon Tour in Cappadocia

Watching the sunrise is already romantic even by itself. But imagine doing this with hundreds of other balloons over the fairy chimneys, while the whole city is asleep. Here, you can understand how beautiful the planet we’re living in is.

What else to do when you’re there?

History enthusiasts should definitely visit the underground cities of Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu, Mazı, Tatlarin, and Zelve Open Air Museum. Those who love natural beauty can go on a horse safari in Red Valley and Ihlara Valley (you don’t need to have riding experience) or trekking. Also, don’t leave here without trying the famous Testi kebab and the famous wine of this place. 

Lastly, let’s also give you a beautiful gourmet secret that only a few people know: If you come to Cappadocia in the right season (December to March), you can try the delicious truffle mushrooms.

Kitesurf at Muğla/Akyaka

Akyaka is the ideal place to learn to kitesurf: the wind that comes out like 11 am breezes at the ideal hardness until sunset, and there’s always wind during the season. The sea is not deep, so it is easy to get back to the board when you fall. 

Since the wave of the sea is small, it is very easy to control the board. And finally, since it is a very long bay, you can surf without any disturbance from other surfers.

Canoe in Kaş / Antalya

Kaş strikes the perfect balance between sports, entertainment, history, scenery, and adventure. For the canoe lovers, daily routes are easy to join from 7 to 70. There are package tours including transfer, equipment, guide, and lunch. It’s a superb activity that contains seeing the sarcophagus, the sunken city, sometimes Caretta Caretta and ducks. Also, this bay is probably the one of most turquoise waters in the world. There are also several day tours with overnight tent accommodation for those who are looking for one.

Paragliding in the Ölüdeniz / Fethiye

Fethiye has world-famous bays and beaches and continues to increase its popularity every year. In Fethiye, which is one of the regions where local and foreign tourists are most curious, historical beauties, as well as natural beauties, attract attention. There are so many beautiful places to discover there that allows you to make both a summer vacation and a cultural vacation.

It’s a great route for the holiday plan and a region where you will admire the unique beauties of the sea and nature. Here, you dominate both the sunrise and sunset and beauty. But to understand how well this shore is, you need to see it from the sky, therefore it’s the most famous region for paragliding in Turkey. Fun fact, paragliding is not the only option to see the great shore from the sky in Fethiye, you can also do a microlight flight there.

Enjoy the Hot Springs of Pamukkale

Pamukkale (which can be translated as a cotton castle) is the biggest district of Denizli as a population, has been a center of very important cultures since ancient times and is famous for its healing hot springs. Its travertines formed by thermal waters containing calcium oxide, it is one of the few natural areas in the world. For this reason, Pamukkale is called “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and it must be on your list of places to see before you die. 

Hike at Yedigöller

Yedigöller, it can be translated as the Seven Lakes, it is a place that is beautiful in all seasons, it becomes even more beautiful after the snowfall. You would like to sit and paint the beauty of the forest after you visit this heavenly nature. It is one of the fascinating places that are so close to Istanbul. It makes people fall in love and never want to return. It is a place to walk, run, sweat in the morning,  you can shout as much as you can, enjoy freedom and nature in this place. Spend at least one day in this breathtaking place. You will be thankful that you are alive and breathing. In fact, visit Bolu (the main city) and its surroundings, if you have time.

Skii at Uludağ

Uludağ is the most famous region for a winter vacation Turkey, it is a mountain that is 220 km away from Istanbul. It is the biggest ski center in Turkey. The suitability of the road situation, the presence of heavy snow on the mountain during the long winter season, its unique sights, and suitable facilities attract tourists here. The view of Istanbul, the Marmara Sea, and other places from the peak of the mountain, adds a special feature here. There are also hot springs formed in the northern skirts of the mountain. The hot springs in the Çekirge district have been a source of healing for many disease treatments. It is especially a frequent destination for ski lovers, but if you wish, it is good to just listen and escape from these crowded big cities.

Last But Not Least Visit İstanbul

İstanbul is the biggest city in Turkey which has an ancient history. It offers unlimited experiences, therefore, I will be talking about Istanbul more than other places I’ve listed in the article.

built during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, is one of the most important Ottoman monuments in Istanbul. You can have the opportunity to visit many sections of the Ottoman state life. Topkapı Palace is a complex structure that is used as the administrative center of the state and the house of the rulers. I recommend that you spend at least half a day to visit the fairly spacious palace.

Take the Bosphorus Tour

The impressive Istanbul Bosphorus tour, starting from Eminönü Galata Bridge and continuing to Anadolu Kavağı, is one of the tour activities that must be done by the visitors of Istanbul. Without a traditional and unforgettable sea cruise on the Bosphorus, which separates Europe and Asia, by ferry or boats, your trip to Istanbul is not considered complete.

Visit the Prince Islands

There are four big islands in İstanbul, they are also known as the Prince Islands. The biggest one of those four is Büyükada, and if you have enough time, I recommend spending at least 2 days there. Since motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, you can use carriages or bicycles for transportation. If you’re visiting İstanbul with a significant other you should spend one night at Büyükada, it’s the perfect place for a romantic vacation.

About Author:

My Name is Kaan Keskin, I’m a travel enthusiast, who lives in Turkey. My biggest passion is to see every culture in the world. You can see my adventures on my site Outdooreager.