Best Places To Visit In Turkey In 2025
34.7 million tourists visit Turkey a year whether that’s to learn about Turkey’s rich historical sites in the major cities or to sunbathe on the beautiful Turkish Riviera in a picturesque seaside town. From lively cities rich in history and tradition to white pristine beaches along the Turquoise coast, Turkey offers something for every traveler.
In this blog article, we will be discussing the best places to visit in Turkey whilst offering the best historic sights and activities to do.
The Best Places To Visit In Turkey: From Ancient Ruins To Beautiful Beaches
Whether you’d prefer to spend the day strolling around Turkey’s ancient and historical sights or indulge in a day of relaxation on a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Turkey offers a wide range of activities for both city and beach enthusiastis.
From Turkey’s capital Istanbul which is rich in history with historical sights like Hagia Sophia to the coastal and picturesque towns such as Kas along the Turkish Riviera, we will be discussing the best places to visit in Turkey:
Istanbul
Cappadocia
Ephesus
Pamukkale Hot Springs
Bodrum
Antayla
Marmaris
Ölüdeniz
Fethiye
Kas
Istanbul
Turkey’s capital and largest city, Istanbul is rich in history from its impressive Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the grand Hagia Sophia. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, take a trip to the Grand Bazaar and shop for authentic Turkish souvenirs from traditional Turkish lanterns to dazzling Turkish silver and gold jewelry. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a shopper, Istanbul is a Turkish city that offers something for everyone.
Cappadocia
Whether you want to explore the majestic and historic landscapes or take part in an adventurous activity, Cappadocia is a popular tourist spot and has so much to offer. Admire the panoramic views of the Goreme fairy chimneys from a hot air balloon ride or witness impressive natural landscapes by hiking popular trails from Pigeon Valley to Love Valley. If you're looking for a unique accommodation experience, Cappadocia offers cave hotels that offer panoramic views of the unique natural rocky landscape. If you’re looking to explore more of the underworld, take a trip to Derinkuyu City.
Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient city full of impressive ruins in Turkey’s Central Aegean region. This ancient city was built in the 10th century BC during the Greek era. From the library of Celsus to the ancient theatre, there is a lot of history to explore.
Pamukkale Hot Springs
Pamukalle is also referred to as the Cotton Castle which is a thermal pool in the Denizli province in southwestern Turkey. These natural mineral waters offer relaxation with a unique snow-white rocky landscape.
Bodrum
You will find Bodrum in the southwest of Turkey, along the Aegean coast. Whether you’re looking to learn about Bodrum’s history or spend a day relaxing on the beach, Bodrum appeals to everyone. From the historical fortification of Bodrum castle which was built in the early 15th century to the range of stunning beaches from Gümbet beach to Yahşi beach, Bodrum has something for everyone.
Antalya
Explore the historic and charming old town of Kaleiçi, filled with narrow and cobblestone streets and plenty of restaurants to try local cuisine. If you’re a nature enthusiast, take a trip to admire the natural beauty of the Düden waterfalls, located outside the city center. If you enjoy learning about ancient history, visit the Perge Archaeological Site, renowned for preserved ruins from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Marmaris
Marmaris is a Mediterranean resort town on Turkey’s turquoise coast, surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and crystal clear waters. Spend the day taking in Marmaris’ rich history with a visit to Marmaris Castle or relax at one of the many golden beaches from the popular long beach. If you want to discover the hidden gems of Marmaris, take a boat trip along the Dalyan Delta and stop at the popular Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach.
Ölüdeniz
15km south of Fethiye, you’ll find Ölüdeniz, a popular destination for paragliding and the ever-famous blue lagoon. Indulge in a day of relaxation on the white pristine beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the blue lagoon whilst surrounded by lush greenery. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, paraglide over the Babadag mountains whilst you admire the stunning views of the blue lagoon and coastline.
Fethiye
Fethiye offers the perfect holiday destination due to its location between the sea and mountains. From ancient history landmarks to boat tours exploring beautiful secluded bays, Fethiye is perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. One of the most popular day trips is a boat tour to the impressive natural landscape of Butterfly Valley. This magical place is filled with 100 species of butterflies whilst offering steep cliffs, a white pristine beach, and clear blue waters. If you’d prefer to learn about the history of Fethiye, take a trip to the ancient rock tombs.
Kas
Kas is a coastal town on the Turkish Riviera, located in the province of Antalya. Stroll the cobbled streets of the picturesque old town for souvenirs or relax at Kaputas beach whilst admiring the towering cliffs and swimming in the turquoise waters. If you’re a history enthusiast, check out the Antiphellos Amipitheratre which offers the perfect sunset spot for town and sea views.
Discover Turkey’s Beauty From A Luxury Gulet Cruise With Blue Cruise
At Blue Cruise, we offer luxury gulet cruise holidays in Turkey so you can enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean coast from the luxury of your private gulet. Whether you want to embark on your gulert charter with friends or family, you can choose from our range of cabins from 3 to 12. Enjoy world-class customer service from your crew and your chef cooking you exceptional cuisine.