Turkey is an exotic holiday destination in its own right. From small towns, big cities, UNESCO sites to a wide plethora of landscapes, this country has so much to offer visitors, that one trip may not suffice. Here is a list of six places that you must visit while vacationing in Turkey
· Istanbul
Istanbul is a great place to be introduced to the Turkish culture. This big city is packed with museums, mosques, history and ruins. Aya Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Spice Market must feature in your list of places to see in Istanbul. For those who are particular about nightlife, Taksim Square offers many bars, clubs and lounges.
· Antalya
This beach town is another great destination in Turkey. Here you can get a spectacular view of the ocean while strolling on the pebbled beaches. Or why not go snorkeling right off the end of your yacht? Besides, there is a wide variety of restaurants, teashops and shopping malls in Antalya as well. If you are interested in learning about the local culture, you must visit the Antalya Museum.
· Derinkuyu
People in ancient Turkey lived in this eight-level underground city to escape prosecution by the Roman Empire. You will be amazed to see how far locals went to save their lives. Make sure you are agile so you can check out the small chambers that constituted cellars, kitchens, storage facilities and churches even.
· Cappadocia/Goreme
Here there is so much natural beauty that you will just not want to return to a regular urban lifestyle. At the Goreme Open Air Museum, you will witness medieval paintings, cave churches and the lives of orthodox monks. You can sign up for a hot air balloon ride too – catching the sunrise while flying over the Fairy Chimneys is one breathtaking experience.
· Kas This small coastal town has a thriving art culture. You will come across many artisans and antique shops across the cobbled streets of Kas. If you go over to the harbour side, you will be able to view the Mediterranean Sea at its best. If your vacation coincides with Turkey’s Republic Day, you can partake in the colourful street parade in Kas where patriotic Turkish citizens are very welcoming of all tourists.
· Ayvalik
This seaside town has an array of ancient Ottoman architecture. At the harbour, you can look over the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea, which is known to have the longest sandy beach in Turkey. It is a good idea to stay at one of the many family-run Ottoman Houses in Ayvalik as it will surely count as an experience of a lifetime.
· Istanbul
Istanbul is a great place to be introduced to the Turkish culture. This big city is packed with museums, mosques, history and ruins. Aya Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Spice Market must feature in your list of places to see in Istanbul. For those who are particular about nightlife, Taksim Square offers many bars, clubs and lounges.
· Antalya
This beach town is another great destination in Turkey. Here you can get a spectacular view of the ocean while strolling on the pebbled beaches. Or why not go snorkeling right off the end of your yacht? Besides, there is a wide variety of restaurants, teashops and shopping malls in Antalya as well. If you are interested in learning about the local culture, you must visit the Antalya Museum.
· Derinkuyu
People in ancient Turkey lived in this eight-level underground city to escape prosecution by the Roman Empire. You will be amazed to see how far locals went to save their lives. Make sure you are agile so you can check out the small chambers that constituted cellars, kitchens, storage facilities and churches even.
· Cappadocia/Goreme
Here there is so much natural beauty that you will just not want to return to a regular urban lifestyle. At the Goreme Open Air Museum, you will witness medieval paintings, cave churches and the lives of orthodox monks. You can sign up for a hot air balloon ride too – catching the sunrise while flying over the Fairy Chimneys is one breathtaking experience.
· Kas This small coastal town has a thriving art culture. You will come across many artisans and antique shops across the cobbled streets of Kas. If you go over to the harbour side, you will be able to view the Mediterranean Sea at its best. If your vacation coincides with Turkey’s Republic Day, you can partake in the colourful street parade in Kas where patriotic Turkish citizens are very welcoming of all tourists.
· Ayvalik
This seaside town has an array of ancient Ottoman architecture. At the harbour, you can look over the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea, which is known to have the longest sandy beach in Turkey. It is a good idea to stay at one of the many family-run Ottoman Houses in Ayvalik as it will surely count as an experience of a lifetime.