Türkiye

Türkiye is a modern country, bounded by four seas on three sides, that spans both Europe and Asia. It is a captivating blend of East meeting West, with aromas that are typically Turkish. With bustling markets filled with antiques, crafts and the smells of food cooking, and mosques adorned with mosaics, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Remnants of the past from both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires give way to the capital city of Istanbul. Straddling the Bosporus Strait, the city will charm you with its sights, cafés, boutiques and art. Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is located in the heart of the Anatolia region. It is the cradle of countless civilisations, culturally significant and quite a fascinating city to explore.

Türkiye has many regions, but the Aegean is one that most visitors love to come and explore. It is home to idyllic sandy beaches and coastal cities waiting to welcome you, like Izmir, with its hilltop Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle, overlooking the city; and Kuşadası, a beach resort town with a seafront promenade, marina and harbour, which is also the starting point for visiting the ruins of nearby Ephesus, where you can see the Temple of Hadrian. Then there is Bodrum, which stretches along the southwest coastline with twin bays and views over Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was completed in the 4th Century. Marmaris is situated on what is known as the Turquoise Coast, or Turkish Riviera, and is known for its lively nightlife and music venues, as well as being popular for sailing and diving. Fethiye is a stunning port city and a favourite amongst holidaymakers. Along with Ölüdeniz, known for its stunning blue lagoon and white beaches, it is a favourite for paragliders. Antalya is a resort city with beaches, an Old Harbour filled with yachts, and Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in AD 130. Along with the rest of the Mediterranean coast, it has a unique climate and pristine sandy beaches, is home to the blue cruise routes, and is extremely picturesque – a true holiday paradise.

No visit to Türkiye would be complete without seeing the sights of Gallipoli, Çanakkale and Troy. Çanakkale is situated on the Strait of the Dardanelles, with links to the Gallipoli Peninsula. This narrow strait connects the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. At its narrowest point, it is level with the city of Çanakkale, one of the loveliest cities to be found in the Marmara region with its ancient ruins and nearby islands. The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Troy lies just 31 km south of Çanakkale and is famous as the legendary setting of the long Trojan War. The city was only conquered when Greek soldiers hid inside a peace offering, the Trojan Horse, to gain access. There are many excavation sites, and Troy holds special importance in this area.

The Gallipoli Peninsula was an extensive battlefield during World War I and the Battle of the Dardanelles, and it now serves as a commemorative site for the Australian, New Zealand, British, French and Turkish soldiers who fought and died there. Gallipoli offers some astounding attractions and can be visited either by a day trip from Istanbul or by ferry from Çanakkale to Kilitabahir or Eceabat, which are both near the battlefields.

Pamukkale is a town in western Türkiye known for its mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. Its neighbour, Hierapolis, is an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 BC. Ruins there include a well-preserved theatre and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2 km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.

Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in the west of the country. It is known for its distinctive fairy chimneys – tall, cone-shaped rock formations – clustered in Monks Valley and Göreme. Other notable sights include the Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. Just east of the town of Göreme is the Open-Air Museum, with cave churches and frescoes from the 10th–12th centuries. Southwest is Uçhisar Castle, a fortification carved into a large rock, with panoramic views from the top.