Straddling south east Europe and south west Asia, Turkey’s charm extends well beyond its 5,000 miles of golden coastline.
Though already a sought-after holiday destination for the luxury beach resorts of Bodrum and Antalya on the sparkling Turkish Riviera, venturing away from the fine sands can be the best way to curate a top-notch Turkey itinerary.
You’ll quickly discover off-grid echoes of a Neolithic past, a city life ripe for embracing in the capital, and otherworldly views from Unesco hotspots Pamukkale and Mount Nemrut, if you tread your own tracks between the nation’s highlights.
Active thrills hiking the Lycian Way and paragliding over Ölüdeniz meet religious architectural feats in Ephesus and Istanbul, alongside afternoons haggling at the Grand Bazaar.
Here’s our guide to the best adrenaline-fuelled adventures, relaxing spa sessions and traditional sweet treats to try during your next trip to Turkey.
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Visit the Blue Mosque
Ornate tiles of cobalt and aquamarine decorate the interior of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque
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The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, nicknamed the “Blue Mosque” for its ornate interior tiles of cobalt and aquamarine, is an Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul and one of Turkey’s most famous attractions. With a domed exterior, thousands of blue İznik tiles and a grand central prayer space, the historic religious and architectural feat is jaw-droppingly impressive to visit outside of daily prayer times.
Haggle at the Grand Bazaar
A labyrinth of lamps, rugs and spices in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
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Think artisan stalls, traditional crafts and a thrilling haggling culture in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Weave your way through a labyrinth of technicolour lamps, woven rugs and piles of fragrant spices in one of the world’s oldest markets to experience the pleasure of bargaining for yourself. Some 3,500 shops pepper the 15th-century establishment, so you’re bound to come home with a souvenir antique or two.
Explore the ancient city of Ephesus
Once an ancient port city, Ephesus is an archaeological site of Greek and Roman ruins
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As far as Turkish archaeology is concerned, the Greek city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world, is an unmissable ancient metropolis on the Aegean coast. Among the marvels of the…
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