Best Holiday Destinations in Turkey

Best holiday destinations in Turkey are the first choice of those who want to spend a luxury holiday at affordable prices.

Turkey, which offers thousands of options according to different holiday styles, will allow you to have wonderful experiences. Cultural places to visit, 5-star hotels, camping sites in nature, museums and ancient cities… There are many must-sees in Turkey that we can define as a holiday paradise.

Sea Vacation | Best Holiday Destinations in Turkey

Crown your holiday dreams in Turkey with the sea in order to get rid of the busy and stressful life for a little bit. Take a look at the top 5 holiday destinations in Turkey!

1. Bodrum, Mugla
2. Kusadasi, Aydin
3. Cesme, Alacati
4. Bozcaada, Canakkale
5. Belek, Antalya

1. Bodrum, Mugla

Bodrum is beautiful in every way thanks to Yalikavak, Turgutreis, Gundogan, Torba, Gumbet, Akyarlar and many wonderful districts. As a district of Mugla, Bodrum is the holiday face of Turkey with its sea, bays, endless entertainment, culture and white houses and streets.

• For being among the top beach holiday destinations in Turkey, Bodrum is always a good idea. Because you can experience luxury or bohemianism with Bodrum hotels that appeal to everyone, every budget and taste.
• Of course, it would be unfair to associate Bodrum, which is a vibrant district in all four seasons, with the summer season only. Despite this, it is an undeniable fact that the population in the region increases 10 times on average during the summer season.
• In Bodrum, formerly known as Halicarnassus, you will find not only the sun, the sparkling sea or the wide beaches, but also the footprints of thousands of years of history and the mystery of mythology. Bodrum Castle, which was entitled to receive the title of "The Best Museum of the Year" for a while, is located at the very heart of the district.
• When you have the chance, be sure to stop by the Underwater Archeology Museum and the Ancient Theatre. Bodrum, one of the largest districts of Mugla, draws attention with its reviving nightlife.
• You can go to Bitez Beach, which has 700 meters of coastline and 20 meters of coast width in order to enjoy the sea and sun.
• If you want to conquer Bodrum from the inside, you can also join daily boat tours. You will feel that you are embracing the whole Bodrum through the sea.

2. Kusadasi, Aydin

What can a person expect from a summer vacation? Sea, sand, sun, nature? As a result of this formula, Kusadasi is among the best summer holiday destinations in Turkey.

If you want to have peaceful, quiet and economic routes to take a summer vacation in Turkey, there is a very special one between the borders of Izmir and Aydin, that is Kusadasi. Kusadasi is the most important holiday resort in the country.

• Kusadasi, which is one of the places that attract the most tourists in Turkey, will conquer your heart with its nightlife as well.
• To swim and sunbathe to the fullest, you can choose Ladies Beach, the most popular beach in Kusadasi.
• Also, be sure to see the Kusadasi Pigeon Island Castle in the center.
• Kusadasi is home to some of Turkey's largest and most entertaining aqua parks. This fantastic experience will sweep you off your feet.

3. Cesme, Alacati

When we make a list of the best destinations in Turkey for holidays, we cannot skip Cesme.

The share of Alacati in this unstoppable rise of Cesme is indisputable. Alacati, which used to be at the forefront only with windsurfing, is now the indispensable address of summer holidays.

Alacati, which is approximately 90 km from Izmir city center, welcomes you with the windmills along the way.

• A colorful summer holiday awaits you in Alacati, with its boutique hotels, extremely stylish venues, the fierce sea and authentic bazaar.
• When you come to Alacati, do not miss the windmills, which are the symbol of this place. Windmills, which have a history of 150 years, attract great attention from tourists.
• Every holiday resort has a small or big bazaar; however, Alacati's bazaar is far above expectations. Do not look for another place for shopping, you can be sure that you will find everything you are looking for in Alacati bazaar.
• If you come across it, you can also watch the surfing competitions.

4. Bozcaada, Canakkale

Do you think it would be possible without including Bozcaada in the list of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey? If you are going to Bozcaada for the first time, you are very lucky because the first feelings here are indescribable. Each time, you want to taste those feelings all over again, as if you were going for the first time.

If you want to embrace a completely different world that is purified from the whole world and is almost isolated from noise, this hidden paradise where Greek and Turkish peoples have lived in fraternity throughout history is just the place for you.

• Firstly, you can climb to Bozcaada Castle and enjoy the unique panoramic view of the island.
• Do not forget to photograph every moment while visiting the ancient Greektown, which is the side of the island that smells of history.
• Do not forget to buy wine for your loved ones. Bozcaada wine is famous all around the world. When you have the opportunity, you can attend the Bagbozumu Festival.

5. Belek, Antalya

Belek, which has truly world-class golf facilities, is 30 km away from Antalya. It offers its visitors restaurants where they can have a good time, plenty of shopping opportunities, clean coasts and modern hotels.

If you want to explore historical places while on vacation, if you want to be in touch with nature and do not miss sports, Belek is just for you.

• Check out the Greek architectural wonder Aspendos Theater and its most important part, the stage building. Discover the red zigzag motifs from the Seljuk period on the building.
• Go to the upper part of the Acropolis, where other remains of Aspendos are located.
• See the 1 km long aqueducts that have been created with magnificent engineering.
• Wander around the ancient city of Perge, a well-preserved “water city” from its colonnaded street to its monumental fountains, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Take photos at Kursunlu Waterfall, which is hidden among the pine trees and hosts hundreds of bird species.

Cultural Vacation | Best Holiday Destinations in Turkey

Turkey has countless beauties. There are numerous places to visit in Turkey, which is a natural, historical and cultural treasure.

1. Istanbul

Istanbul is the leader on the list of top holiday destinations in Turkey because of hosting several civilizations throughout history. You can enjoy these places and locations of the city while you are in Istanbul;

• Taksim Square
• Istiklal Street
• Galata Bridge
• Eminonu
• Grand Bazaar
• The Egyptian Bazaar
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Topkapi Palace
• Hagia Irene Church
• Sinagoga de Ahrida
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Pierre Loti
• Miniaturk
• Camlica Hill
• Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion
• Bagdat Street
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Maiden's Tower
• Belgrad Forest
• Emirgan Grove
• Sakip Sabanci Museum
• Pera Museum
• Cemberlitas Turkish Bath
• Cagaloglu Turkish Bath

2. Bursa

Bursa, the fourth most populous city in Turkey, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey. By joining cultural tours, you can see the most beautiful examples of history and architecture in Bursa. Besides, you can explore Bursa villages famous for their natural beauties.

The Grand Mosque, built in the 14th century, is one of the landmarks of Bursa. The mosque has a special place as it is the most original work of the Ottoman period.

Iznik Lake, Turkey's 5th largest lake, is located in Bursa. The view of Iznik Lake, which is a freshwater lake, promises an unforgettable beauty.

Uluabat Lake is approximately 30 kilometers from Bursa city center. The lake, which has many villages around it, is an important resource in terms of fishing. Going on boat tours on the lake is also an experience you must experience while you visit the city.

Cumalikizik Village, which is located approximately 12 kilometers from Bursa city center was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2014. Explore Bursa now because it is one of the best family holiday destinations in Turkey.

3. Izmir

Always among the top ten holiday destinations in Turkey, Izmir offers many places to see in Turkey with the civilizations it has hosted throughout history. The province which is located in the Aegean region of Turkey offers great opportunities with its air and cultural values.

The ancient city of Ephesus, located in the city, is a place frequently visited by not only local but also foreign tourists. Moreover, the House of Virgin Mary receives a lot of visitors because it is a place where Christians perform their pilgrimage.

The streets of Sirince, hosting ancient Greek houses, are among the must-see districts of Izmir. While drawing attention due to its calm atmosphere, Sirince is always colorful but quiet.

4. Nevsehir

Cappadocia, composed of lava and ashes erupted by Hasandagi, Erciyes and Gulludag 60 million years ago, is among the most popular travel routes in Turkey and even in the world.

Cappadocia, which is at the top of the list of the best holiday destinations in Turkey, is the general and inclusive name of an old settlement center bordering the provinces of Nevsehir, Kayseri, Nigde and Aksaray. It is possible to see the traces of many different cultures due to its location in a region where the Silk Road passes.

The most popular tourist attraction of Cappadocia is Goreme, where air balloon tours are organized. Urgup, where you can see Guvercinlik Valley and Uchisar Castle and Uc Guzeller, are among the places you should see. Do not leave without visiting the Ihlara Valley, one of the most tiring places in the Cappadocia region.

Nevsehir Cappadocia is also among the best holiday destinations in Turkey for couples because of providing a romantic ambiance all the time.

5. Denizli

Pamukkale Travertines in Denizli are a white feast formed by thermal waters. Travertines, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, consist of spring waters containing carbonate minerals.

Since it has many health benefits, it also comes to the fore in the health tourism of Turkey. Antique Cleopatra Pools and Hierapolis Ancient City are among the famous holiday destinations in Turkey.