6.06.2024
5 Dakika
Planning your summer vacation at the last minute? Dreaming of a trip to widen your horizon? As we welcome the warm and brilliant summer months, we can assure you that there’s something for everyone in Türkiye. One of the world’s most diverse travel spots, the unique geography, historical significance, and cultural richness of Türkiye offers tourists unforgettable memories. You can explore ancient ruins while swimming, soar over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, or witness the whirling dervishes in İstanbul. From the sandy beaches to blue skies, here are our top picks for unique things to do in Türkiye.
Sedir Island may look like a postcard, but it’s also an important archaeological site. It’s home to the Ancient City of Kedrai and Cleopatra Beach, which is actually protected as a natural habitat area. So you can explore this ancient history while you enjoy the sun and waves. Here’s the most fun part: Cleopatra herself is rumored to have swam at this beach, falling in love with the clear blue waters and thick sand.
Cappadocia region is home to one of Türkiye’s most easily recognizable natural silhouettes: The fairy chimneys! These natural rock formations were carved to create living spaces and churches in the past. Today, you can visit these historic sights and even spend the night inside one of the Cappadocia caves! And an important reminder: No trip to Cappadocia is complete without a balloon ride. When you soar up into the sky like a bird and view the vast scenery of the “Love Valley”, you will certainly appreciate our little reminder.
Fresh air and natural waters of the Taurus Mountains await you at Sagalassos Archaeological Site, the home of one of the best preserved ancient cities in Asia Minor. A gem in UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, Sagalassos has been greeting its visitors with majestic structures, among which the Antonine Nymphaeum has been providing relief from the summer heat with its cold waters flowing abundantly from its fountain for over 1,800 years.
Surely, one of the most unique landscapes in Türkiye is located in Denizli. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds as you explore the natural formations in Pamukkale, created over time by mineral waters forming petrified waterfalls and terraced basins. While in Pamukkale, don’t forget to visit the nearby Hierapolis, an ancient city in UNESCO World Heritage List that has attracted visitors from all over the world for thousands of years thanks to its thermal spas sourced from natural hot springs.
There are many ancient cities in Türkiye, many of them recognized on the UNESCO Lists. But have you ever swam among ancient ruins? The crisp blue waters of the Mediterranean are a tourist favorite, but to make your visit even more special, you can visit Kekova. Here, you can take a stroll among the greenery, or take a boat trip to dive in the water to see the ancient ruins in an area stretching from the Simena Archaeological Site to Kekova Island.
Feeling adventurous? There are nearly 200 underground cities in the Cappadocia region. During your next visit, we recommend a stop at Derinkuyu. This underground city is fascinating, and actually pretty big! It was dug 85 meters (275 feet) underground and has several levels with stables, dining halls, churches, a school, and shops – all under the surface of the earth!
Olympos is one of the most popular outdoor vacation spots in Türkiye, favored by local and foreign campers alike. It’s right on the Mediterranean coast and blends the blue of the sea and the sky with some impressive greenery. The best part? It’s also an ancient city! Centuries ago, it was favored by pirates. Today, its locals are the Caretta caretta. Olympos is the spot for you if you’re looking for a peaceful vacation surrounded by nature and history.
Whether or not you’ve seen the movie Troy or read Homer’s Iliad, you’ve surely heard of the Trojan horse before. The movie, the book, and the Trojan horse story originate from a real location in Türkiye which you can visit today: The Archaeological Site of Troy! The ancient city is fascinating to explore and once you’re done walking the infamous streets of history and literature, the Trojan horse replica is an amazing photo-op that you shouldn’t miss out on!
İstanbul has always been one of the most magnificent cities in the world throughout its rich history, and it most definitely lives up to its reputation today. It offers endless sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences to its visitors. With so much to do, the Rumeli Hisarı Fortress is the perfect place to enjoy the city. Built in 1452 by the order of Mehmet the Conqueror to prevent attacks before the conquest of İstanbul, it now serves as a museum where you can learn more about the city’s history. You can conclude your visit by enjoying the beautiful Bosphorus view and seeing two continents at the same time!
Göbekli Tepe is considered to be the world’s first temple, erected by hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period (10th-9th millennia BC). The discovery of this 12,000-year-old site is significant, as the megalithic structures were made during one of the most momentous transitions in human history which took us from a wandering lifestyle to the first settled farming communities. Excavations continue at the site, but exploring the Göbeklitepe carvings, seeing the monumental stones in person, and imagining the people who created them with their bare hands such a long time ago (8,000 years before the pyramids, to be exact!) is a truly astounding experience.
Türkiye is a land of breathtaking beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure in ancient ruins, or cultural immersion in bustling cities, Türkiye has something to offer every traveler. So pack your bags, start planning your itinerary, and get ready to experience the magic of Türkiye for yourself!
