Top 5 destinations in Turkey

Turkey becomes, year after year, the most wanted destinations for tourists all over the world...

Turkey's natural beauty combined with historic monuments, the hospitality of the Turkish people and the beautiful luxury resort attract every year millions of people, and make everyone who visits Turkey falling in love with her ​​and stays forever intoxicated by her beauty.

Turkey is a huge country, and it is not surprising that it provides ample opportunity for unforgettable vacation. We present you some of the most attractive destinations of this magical country.

1. ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a cultural, economic and historic heart of the whole Turkey and is also the largest city of the country. History has left traces of ancient empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, especially because it was capital of all of them. In 2010 it was elected for European Capital of Culture, and was formerly known under the name Constantinople. Another advantage and exclusivity of Istanbul is that it is located on 2 continents, Europe and Asia, and it is right on the Bosphorus, which connects the Gulf of Marmara and the Black Sea.

Special attractions of Istanbul are stunning buildings like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Yeni Cami (New Mosque), Topkapi Palace and also Archeological and Pera Museum. Generally speaking, every part of Istanbul has something characteristic and unique. The things that must not be missed are numerous shopping centers, as well as exclusive hotels such as Fairgrounds Park Prestige Suites Bosphorus, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, or Istanbul Bomonti Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, where you can enjoy a full holiday for body and spirit, as well as fantastic Turkish culinary delights.

2. PAMUKKALE

This stunning natural formations in southwestern Turkey, whose name in Turkish means "Cotton Palace" makes complex unique mineral springs, which are in the form of shallow cascading pools, and were formed by deposition of minerals in mineral water overflow. This site, since 1988, is included in the World Heritage of UNESCO.

In Pamukkale area, in the II century BC, the ancient city of Hierapolis was built, which was used as a health resort, as it’s witnessed by many temple ruins, baths and other ancient Roman and ancient Greek monuments, as well as the original early Christian buildings.

What fascinates at first sight are bright crystal white terraced pools, as well as the surreal turquoise color of water contained in them. On Pamukkale there is only one rule for tourist: they can only walk barefoot, because unofficially, the Turks come and stay here as a kind of pilgrimage.

3. ALANYA

Alanya is Turkey's tourist region that includes lots of beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and also beautiful untouched nature and historical monuments. It is located in front of the Toros mountain range, on the Mediterranean Sea, and was the center of many civilizations through the ages. Alanya was one of the main centers of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires, and served as an important defensive bastion. Red tower and castle Alanya, the famous symbols of the city, were built in the Seljuk period, in order to protect the entire region. According to research done in the cave Kadini, Alanya’s history dates back to 20,000 BC.

As for the beaches, Alanya is a paradise for tourists and hedonists from all around the world, and along the whole 15km long coastline. The most famous beach is located on the west coast and is called Cleopatra Beach, while on the eastern side are Keykubat beach, Portakal beach (or Oba beach), or Kargicak (Mahmutlar) beach. Some more pearls of the west coast are Alanya beach, Fugla (Incekum beach) and a fantastic Ulas beach whose turquoise, crystal clear water is absolutely irresistible. In addition to enjoying these beaches, Alanya offers the possibility of diving, jeep safari tours, riding quads, beach trips by boat, as well as the possibility of renting a luxury yacht by which you will be able to peek in the most hidden bays and beaches.

4. BUTTERFLY VALLEY

On the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, in a small green valley, with pebble beaches and fascinating sea highlighted in blue, the green mountains, hidden waterfalls and big canyon are located, which is considered one of the most picturesque and incredible places in Turkey. It may sound like the beginning of a fairy tale, but it's actually true. Butterfly Valley, or the Turkish name "Kelebekler Vadisi", is a modern hippie commune, which believes in peace and well-being of all people, taking the motto "Living in harmony with nature", but riddled with night BBQ on the beach and unwillingness to live in the real world.

Most tourists visit the Butterfly Valley by ships and boats, mostly from the famous touristic resort of Olu Deniz and Fethiye, and the Greek island of Rhodes.

As its title reveals, it is home to many species of butterflies, but they can be seen only in certain times of the year. Whether you see them or not, at this point you will truly experience, in any case, the phrase "a masterpiece of Mother Nature."

5. ANTALYA

The Antalya region attracts millions of people with its beautiful nature and rich history. This combination of sun, deep blue sea and green mountains covered with lush forest vegetation is rare for any part of the world. It is located in the southern part of the peninsula of Anatolia, on the Mediterranean coast. The entire bay is the so-called "Turkish Riviera", and a center of the region is the city of Antalya. Beside that, the most famous tourist spots in the region are Lara, Kemer, Belek, Side and Kas.

In addition to numerous luxury resorts, boutique hotels and spa centers, here you can enjoy the historic beauty, like the remains of the ancient city of Olympos, the fortress Alara, Kirgoz Inn, Termessos, a Phaselis, and also natural caves - Karain and Beldibi, as well as the fantastic Manavgat, Duden and Kursunlu waterfalls.

The most popular beaches in the region are Olympos Beach, Alanya Portakal (Orange Beach), Alanya Damlatas Beach, Konyaalti Beach, Lara Beach and Patara Beach. In addition to beautiful beaches, you can enjoy paragliding, adventurous rope climbing in Kemer, and diverse and exclusive shopping around all of the Antalya region.

Turkey offers a great variety of options for creating the perfect relaxation and enjoyment holiday, and no matter the destination and type of holiday you choose, you will not go wrong. Surrender to the hot summer days, a warm climate and make each moment of your Turkish holiday a completely hedonistic one.

J.M.