Steeped in history with a landscape that encompasses beaches and soaring mountains, Turkey has acted as the gateway between Europe and Asia for thousands of years. Being a place of trade and of exchanging cultures has made Turkey a richly diverse country. The point where East meets West, the wealth of culture and breadth of influences has left its mark and is revealed in the country’s mouthwatering culinary landscape, as well as in the innumerable religious monuments and archaeological sites.
Here is a selection of the best destinations to visit during your stay in Turkey. Istanbul is undoubtedly the tourist capital of Turkey but its real capital, Ankara, is well worth a visit, as are the magnificent seaside resorts of Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris. If you have time, don't hesitate for a second and plan a real road trip in Turkey. Travel from Istanbul to Kars by visiting the best hidden gems in Turkey: Alaçati, the natural pools of Pamukkale, Cappadocia, the Nemrut Dagi Mountain or the Sumela Monastery in Macka.
Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Turkey and discover the best places to visit in Turkey.
Marmaris is one of the pearls of the Turkish Riviera. Surrounded by mountains, pine forests and turquoise waters made for swimming, Marmaris is a popular destination for holidaymakers looking for relaxation, dining, bars and nightclubs. It's the perfect destination for partying and lounging on the beaches.
If you long for nature, treat yourself to a horse safari in Marmaris National Park (no previous experience is required). Do you need a well-being experience? Treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath in Marmaris and if you are travelling with the kids, visit Aquadream, the largest waterpark in Marmaris.
Book your flights, accommodation, tours and activities in Marmaris for a dream holiday in one of the most beautiful destinations on the Turkish Riviera.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Dalaman Airport (1h30 by car) or Bodrum-Milas Airport (1h30).
- Where to stay: “8 oda Marmaris” in the heart of Marmaris, in a traditional house with great views.
Bodrum
Located in the south-west of Turkey, bordered by the Aegean Sea, Bodrum is a perfect destination for beach lovers, gastronomy, scuba diving and wine. This incredible city, dedicated to relaxation and leisure, is also called the Turkish Saint-Tropez.
During your stay in Bodrum, be sure to visit Bodrum Castle. It is ranked among the most beautiful castles in Turkey and was built with the stones of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Want to take off? Treat yourself to a boat trip to the Greek island of Kos to discover the heritage of this island. If you are travelling with children make a splash at the largest water park in Turkey, Aqualand.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Bodrum-Milas Airport (located 30 minutes from your swim in the sea).
- Where to stay: “Yalikavak Marina Beach Hotel” offers a private beach and spa facilities.
Istanbul
If Istanbul is one of the most visited destinations in the world, it is not due to a fad but to the incredible beauties and riches of this destination. Istanbul is a city of contrasts. Asian and European at the same time, it is a deeply Turkish city, incomparable with other European destinations and even incomparable with other Turkish cities. Both traditional and modern, it is a timeless city and a soothing city with its magnificent river; it is also constantly effervescent, full of life, colours and smells.
Depending on the neighbourhood you stay in, and the places you visit, your perception and understanding of Istanbul will be totally different from that of another traveller. Forget the 2-night city break and plan to stay 5 to 7 days there by booking your accommodation in different areas of the city. Sultanahmet and Eminönü are the most popular and must-see neighbourhoods. We like to visit their mosques and the Grand Bazaar there, but we don't recommend you sleep there, as they are really to touristy. If you want to stay in a trendy bohemian area, book your accommodation in the Cihangir district. To be in the heart of the city, book in the Taksim district. For a chic stay away from the hubbub of the city, book in the Uskudar district (we recommend the "Sumahan on the Water" hotel).
Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Istanbul, such as a “Bosphorus sunset cruise on a luxurious yacht”.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Istanbul and your transfer.
- Where to stay: “Room Mate Emir”. We love its location, decor, gym and sauna.
Lycian Rock Tombs
Dalyan Valley
This is one of the most exceptional places in Turkey. In the 4th century, the Lycians believed that the deceased were taken to the afterlife by angels. In order to give the angels priority to help the deceased, the Lycians built monumental tombs at the tops of the hills. The tomb could thus be seen from afar and the angels gave priority to the dead buried in highly visible and easily accessible places. You can book a guided tour, take a one- or two-day trail or simply ask a taxi to take you directly there for a small fee.
Book your flights to Dalaman Airport or Antalya as well as your accommodation in Fethiye or Ölüdeniz and your tours and activities, such as a "Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem paragliding from Fethiye".
- How to get there: Book your flights to Dalaman Airport (1h30 by car) or Antalya Airport (3h).
- Where to stay: “Yacht Classic Hotel - Boutique Class” located in the heart of Fethiye.
Ankara
Atatürk, Turkey’s founding father, made this incredible city the capital of a country that will dazzle you. If you love history, exceptional monuments and sites look up Aniktabir, a mausoleum dedicated to Atatürk or the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations or the Roman baths. If you are travelling with your children or prefer relaxation to culture, visit the amusement park at Gençlik Parki, and treat yourself to a Ferris wheel or rollercoaster ride. Have you noticed that the country is very attached to its flag? Even more so on May 19 or October 29 which commemorate Ataturk and Turkey’s National Day.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Ankara as well as your accommodation and transfer.
- Where to stay: “Hotel Cinnah” located in the heart of Ankara.
Kas
Kas is one of the most beautiful destinations in the province of Antalya. With its magnificent sea views, narrow streets and sublime whitewashed houses and their bougainvillaea, this is the perfect destination to blow up your Instagram account or melt your globetrotter heart.
The more you wander around Kas the more you will wonder, "Wait a minute, am I still in Turkey or am I in Greece?". This magnificent former Greek village may remind you of the narrow streets of Kastellorizo, a Greek island located 5km from Kas. Did you know that "Kas" means "Eyebrow" in Turkish? Come and find out why.
Book your flights and accommodation at the best price and treat yourself to timeless moments, far from stress and hassle.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Dalaman Airport (2h by car) or Antalya Airport (3h).
- Where to stay: "Hideaway" overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Antalya
Antalya is a perfect destination for those hesitating between a city break and a beach holiday. Antalya is world famous for its turquoise blue waters and beautiful sandy beaches.
Are you or your other half passionate about history? Antalya is surrounded by Greek and Roman ruins. You will fall under the spell of its old historic centre, its traditional cafes but also the trendy cultural places. Do you long for nature? Treat yourself to a Duden waterfalls visit with boat trip or travel from Antalya to "Pamukkale" the cotton palace. If you like height, discover the landscapes around Antalya from up, on a panoramic tour by cable car. Are you travelling with the children? Treat yourself to a Viking boat tour on the beautiful bays of Kemer.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Antalya and your transfer.
- Where to stay: “Ramada Plaza Antalya” situated on Antalya’s seafront in our guests ’favourite part of Antalya.
Despite being the third largest city in the country, Izmir is much less well known than some Turkish destinations such as Marmara, Olüdeniz or the region of Cappadocia. We advise you to visit Izmir if you want to discover another aspect of Turkey, if you like to think outside the box and want to see a city that oscillates between east and west.
Izmir is considered to be the westernmost city in Turkey, it has, in any case, one with the best quality of life. We advise you to visit its Blue Mosque and take a stroll on the Konak Pier (designed by Gustave Eiffel). During your stay, be sure to visit the UNESCO site of Ephesus as well as the lovely little Turkish orthodox village of Şirince. If you have time, take the car and discover Pamukkale and its natural pools (3 hours by car).
- How to get there: Book your flights to Izmir.
- Where to stay: “L’agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar” for its amazing location.
Alanya
This summer, can you see yourself on a lovely beach named after the Egyptian queen? Soak up the sun on Cleopatra beach in one of the most beautiful destinations on the Turkish Riviera. When you are finished lounging, visit Alanya Castle with the kids, discover the sublime Ottoman villas, or treat yourself to a day of rafting in Koprulu Canyon. The sweet scent of Alanya orange and lemon trees will perfume your stay in this dream destination.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Antalya (2h by car) or Gazipaşa airport (40 min).
- Where to stay: “Hotel Kaptan” is one of our top picks in Alanya.
Olüdeniz
Olüdeniz is a promise of exceptional landscapes, breath-taking nature, incredible beaches. If heights excite you, treat yourself to a paragliding flight over Olüdeniz. Want to escape the crowds and tourist areas? Discover the secret Kelebekler Beach located in a green oasis, the Butterfly Valley. It is possible to discover this secret beach by making a hike in the Butterfly Valley, but there is a risk of falls. We therefore recommend that you take your car (or the bus) to Olüdeniz beach and board a boat marked "Butterfly Valley". It is one of the best ways to discover this dream beach.
So, dream no more and book your flights and accommodation and live unforgettable experiences in one of the most beautiful destinations in Turkey.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Dalaman Airport (2h) or Rhodes (car + ferry).
- Where to stay: “Ecclesia Hotel - Adult Only (+14)” situated 50 m from Olüdeniz beach.
Cappadocia
Stay in the most beautiful region of Turkey. Cappadocia is home to gems of rare beauty such as the Goreme National Park, Uçhisar and its thousand-year-old castle, Byzantine tombs, phallic rocks and troglodyte hotels.
You can discover the wonders of Cappadocia on a guided highlights tour or fly over the region and experience the beauty of Cappadocia from above in a balloon flight. The sunrise over this region is an unforgettable sight.
- How to get there: Book your flights to Kayseri (1 hour by car) as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities in Cappadocia.
- Where to stay: We advise you to stay in Uchisar, an emblematic village of Cappadocia.
