Places to Visit in Turkey

Where Should You Go in Turkey?

Turkey gives you very different holiday experiences in one country. Choose Istanbul for culture and history, Cappadocia for unique landscapes, Antalya for beaches and luxury resorts, Bodrum for stylish coastal holidays, or Fethiye and Ölüdeniz for scenic beaches and outdoor experiences.

21 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Turkey

1. Istanbul

Istanbul makes a great choice if you want culture, history, food, shopping and city experiences in one holiday. The city connects Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus and gives you a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkish influences.

Start in the historic area and visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Walk through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, then explore neighbourhoods such as Beyoğlu, Karaköy and Kadıköy for restaurants, cafés and shopping.

Take a Bosphorus cruise if you want to see Istanbul from the water. You can also visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower and the Princes' Islands.

Best for: history, culture, food, shopping, couples and city breaks.

Plan your stay: Choose Istanbul if you want a city holiday with plenty of sightseeing. You can also add Istanbul to a multi-centre Turkey itinerary before continuing to the coast. Official GoTürkiye highlights the city's historic landmarks, Bosphorus, markets, food, art and neighbourhoods as key parts of the Istanbul experience.

2. Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers one of Turkey's most distinctive landscapes. Volcanic rock formations created the region's famous fairy chimneys, valleys and unusual rock shapes.

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, visit the underground cities and walk through valleys such as Rose Valley and Love Valley. Many visitors also choose a sunrise hot-air balloon flight to see the landscape from above.

Stay in a cave-style hotel if you want your accommodation to become part of the experience. Cappadocia works particularly well for couples, special occasions and travellers who want something different from a traditional beach resort.

Best for: couples, unique experiences, photography, nature and adventure.

Plan your stay: Allow at least two or three nights if you want time for sightseeing, valleys and a balloon experience. GoTürkiye describes Cappadocia as a region known for its distinctive fairy chimneys and natural and cultural heritage.

3. Antalya

Antalya combines Mediterranean beaches, luxury resorts, historic attractions and outdoor experiences. The region gives you plenty of choice, whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive holiday or a trip that mixes sightseeing with beach time.

Explore Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old town, then visit Düden Waterfalls and Konyaaltı Beach. You can also use Antalya as a base for trips to ancient sites and nearby resort areas.

Choose Lara if you want a convenient resort holiday close to Antalya Airport. Look towards Belek, Side, Kemer and Alanya if you want to explore other parts of the Turkish Riviera.

Best for: luxury holidays, all-inclusive resorts, families, beaches and sightseeing.

Plan your stay: Antalya suits travellers who want a resort holiday without giving up access to history and nature. The wider Antalya region includes a long Mediterranean coastline, ancient sites, beaches, mountains and resort areas.

4. Bodrum

Bodrum gives you a stylish Aegean beach holiday with a strong mix of history, dining, nightlife and coastal scenery. The town has a lively marina, attractive bays and a wide choice of hotels and resorts.

Visit Bodrum Castle and explore the town before spending time at one of the peninsula's beaches or bays. You can also visit nearby resort areas such as Yalıkavak, Türkbükü and Gümbet.

Bodrum works particularly well when you want a more sophisticated coastal atmosphere. Couples can enjoy the restaurants, beach clubs and sunset views, while families can choose quieter resort areas around the peninsula.

Best for: couples, luxury holidays, beaches, dining and nightlife.

Plan your stay: Choose Bodrum when you want your hotel, restaurants and coastal experiences to form an important part of the holiday. GoTürkiye highlights Bodrum's bays, turquoise sea, ancient sites, neighbourhoods and vibrant nightlife.

5. Fethiye

Fethiye combines mountains, beaches, bays, ancient ruins and outdoor experiences. The area gives you a good balance between relaxation and sightseeing.

Visit Fethiye Old Town, explore the harbour and take a boat trip around the surrounding bays. You can also visit the Lycian rock tombs and explore nearby coastal villages.

Fethiye makes a good base if you want to explore the Turquoise Coast rather than spend the whole holiday inside a resort.

Best for: couples, families, beaches, nature, boat trips and outdoor activities.

Plan your stay: Combine Fethiye with Ölüdeniz if you want both a lively resort base and easy access to one of Turkey's best-known coastal landscapes.

6. Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz is famous for its clear turquoise water and dramatic mountain backdrop. The Blue Lagoon gives the area its distinctive appearance and remains one of the most recognisable coastal sights in Turkey.

Spend time at Ölüdeniz Beach, take a boat trip or explore the surrounding countryside. Adventure seekers can also consider paragliding from nearby Babadag for a completely different view of the coast.

Best for: beach holidays, couples, adventure, photography and relaxation.

Plan your stay: Stay in Ölüdeniz if you want quick access to the beach and outdoor experiences. Choose nearby Fethiye if you want more restaurants, shopping and a wider choice of activities.

7. Alanya

Alanya combines a long Mediterranean coastline with a historic centre and a wide choice of resorts. The town's most recognisable landmark is Alanya Castle, which sits above the sea and gives you panoramic views of the coastline.

Visit Cleopatra Beach, explore the harbour and walk around the castle area. You can also explore caves, waterfalls and other attractions around the wider region.

Alanya suits travellers who want a lively resort with plenty to do outside the hotel.

Best for: families, beach holidays, all-inclusive stays, couples and nightlife.

Plan your stay: Choose Alanya when you want a resort destination with beaches, restaurants, shops and sightseeing within easy reach. GoTürkiye places Alanya on the eastern side of the Antalya region and highlights its castle, pine forests and waterfalls.

8. Side

Side gives you a particularly easy combination of beach and ancient history. The old town sits beside the Mediterranean, so you can move between sightseeing and relaxation without travelling far.

Explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theatre and historic streets before spending time on the beach. Side also offers a wide range of resort hotels, making it popular with families and couples.

Best for: families, couples, beaches, history and all-inclusive holidays.

Plan your stay: Choose Side if you want an established resort with a strong sightseeing element. You can also use Side as a base for exploring other parts of the Antalya region.

9. Marmaris

Marmaris gives you a lively Mediterranean holiday with beaches, a busy marina, restaurants and access to beautiful bays. The surrounding landscape combines pine-covered hills with clear coastal waters.

Take a boat trip, explore Marmaris Castle and walk around the marina. You can also travel into the surrounding area to discover quieter beaches and villages.

Marmaris works well for travellers who want both resort entertainment and opportunities to explore.

Best for: couples, families, beaches, nightlife and boat trips.

Plan your stay: Choose Marmaris if you want a lively base with plenty of restaurants, shops and excursions. You can also consider nearby İçmeler if you prefer a more relaxed resort atmosphere.

10. İçmeler

İçmeler sits close to Marmaris but offers a more relaxed resort environment. Mountains and greenery surround the resort, while the beach provides an easy place to spend the day.

You can visit Marmaris during your stay, take boat trips along the coast or simply enjoy the beach and resort facilities.

Best for: families, couples, beach holidays and relaxing breaks.

Plan your stay: İçmeler suits travellers who want access to Marmaris without staying in the centre of its busier nightlife scene.

11. Pamukkale

Pamukkale gives you one of Turkey's most unusual natural landscapes. White travertine terraces formed from mineral-rich thermal water create pools and formations that look like frozen waterfalls.

Visit the terraces and explore Hierapolis, the ancient city that sits above them. The area combines natural scenery with Roman history, making it worthwhile even if you are not usually interested in ancient ruins.

Best for: sightseeing, history, photography and nature.

Plan your stay: Many travellers visit Pamukkale as a day trip, but staying nearby gives you more time to explore the terraces and Hierapolis. GoTürkiye identifies the white travertines and ancient Hierapolis as the area's key attractions.

12. Ephesus

Ephesus gives you the chance to explore one of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Walk through the archaeological remains and imagine the scale of the ancient city as you explore its streets, monuments and public buildings.

Visit the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre and other surviving structures. You can also combine Ephesus with a visit to nearby Selçuk and other historic attractions.

Best for: history, culture, archaeology and sightseeing.

Plan your stay: Add Ephesus to an Aegean itinerary if you want to combine ancient history with a coastal holiday.

13. İzmir

İzmir offers a more urban side of Turkey's Aegean coast. The city combines waterfront walks, markets, restaurants, historic areas and easy access to attractions around the region.

Walk along the Kordon, explore the historic market area and visit Konak Square. İzmir also works well as a base for exploring Ephesus, Pergamon and other Aegean destinations.

Best for: city breaks, food, culture, history and multi-centre holidays.

Plan your stay: Choose İzmir if you want an Aegean city experience rather than a traditional resort holiday.

14. Kuşadası

Kuşadası gives you an easy mix of beaches, restaurants, shopping and sightseeing. The resort sits on the Aegean coast and provides convenient access to Ephesus.

Explore Kuşadası Castle, walk around the marina and spend time on the surrounding beaches. You can also use the resort as a base for a day trip to Ephesus.

Best for: families, beach holidays, sightseeing and cruise visitors.

Plan your stay: Kuşadası works well if you want a resort holiday with access to major historical attractions.

15. Çeşme

Çeşme offers a relaxed Aegean escape with beaches, clear water and attractive coastal villages. The area also has a strong food and café culture, making it a good choice when you want more than a traditional resort holiday.

Visit Çeşme Castle, explore the marina and spend time around nearby Alaçatı. The surrounding coast offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and relaxing by the sea.

Best for: couples, beach holidays, food, relaxation and stylish coastal breaks.

Plan your stay: Combine Çeşme with İzmir if you want to experience both an Aegean city and a coastal resort.

16. Kalkan

Kalkan gives you a more intimate alternative to Turkey's larger resort destinations. The town sits on a hillside above the Mediterranean and offers sea views, restaurants and access to beautiful beaches.

Spend time around the harbour, explore the old streets or visit nearby Kaputaş Beach. You can also use Kalkan as a base for exploring the Lycian coast.

Best for: couples, boutique stays, relaxation, beaches and scenic holidays.

Plan your stay: Choose Kalkan when you want a quieter coastal atmosphere rather than a large all-inclusive resort.

17. Kaş

Kaş combines a small-town atmosphere with dramatic Mediterranean scenery. The town's waterfront, narrow streets and nearby bays make it a strong choice for travellers who want to slow down and explore.

Go swimming, take a boat trip or explore the area's ancient Lycian heritage. Kaş also attracts diving enthusiasts because of its clear waters and underwater attractions.

Best for: couples, diving, nature, beaches and relaxed holidays.

Plan your stay: Kaş works particularly well for travellers who prefer independent exploration and smaller-scale accommodation.

18. Göcek

Göcek attracts travellers who want a more peaceful and sophisticated coastal escape. The town sits around a beautiful bay and has a strong connection with sailing and yacht holidays.

Explore the marina, take a boat trip or visit nearby islands and secluded bays. You can also combine Göcek with Fethiye and other destinations along the Turquoise Coast.

Best for: couples, sailing, luxury holidays, relaxation and coastal scenery.

Plan your stay: Choose Göcek when you want a quieter luxury experience away from the larger resort centres.

19. Belek

Belek has become one of the best-known resort areas on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The area offers large luxury resorts, long beaches and golf courses, making it particularly suitable for travellers who want resort facilities.

Spend your days at the beach or resort, play golf or take excursions to nearby attractions. You can also visit ancient sites such as Aspendos and Perge during your stay.

Best for: luxury resorts, families, golf, all-inclusive holidays and couples.

Plan your stay: Belek works well when you want a high-quality resort experience with easy access to sightseeing. GoTürkiye highlights Belek's resort hotels and golf facilities as important parts of the region.

20. Kemer

Kemer combines beaches, mountains and resort hotels along the Mediterranean coast. The area gives you a strong choice of outdoor activities while still offering the facilities of a traditional resort.

Spend time on the beach, explore the surrounding mountains or take a boat trip along the coast. You can also visit nearby natural and historic attractions.

Best for: families, couples, beaches, nature and resort holidays.

Plan your stay: Choose Kemer if you want a resort surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. GoTürkiye also highlights Kemer as a major resort area with luxury hotels and access to Tahtalı Mountain.

21. Trabzon

Trabzon gives you a completely different experience from Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean resorts. The city sits on the Black Sea coast and provides access to green mountain landscapes, historic sites and local culture.

Visit Sumela Monastery, explore the city and travel into the surrounding countryside. The region works well for travellers who want nature, history and a less traditional beach-resort experience.

Best for: nature, culture, history, photography and adventure.

Plan your stay: Choose Trabzon if you want to explore Turkey beyond the main Mediterranean and Aegean holiday resorts. GoTürkiye also features Trabzon and the Black Sea region among its destination and cultural routes.

Which Part of Turkey Should You Visit?

Choose Antalya, Side, Belek, Alanya or Kemer if you want a Mediterranean beach holiday with plenty of resort hotels and all-inclusive options.

Choose Bodrum, Çeşme, Kuşadası or İzmir if you prefer the Aegean coast, historic towns and a more coastal lifestyle.

Choose Marmaris, İçmeler, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Kalkan, Kaş or Göcek if you want beautiful bays, beaches, boat trips and scenic coastal landscapes.

Choose Istanbul if you want culture, history, shopping and food.

Choose Cappadocia if you want dramatic scenery and unique experiences.

Choose Pamukkale or Ephesus if ancient history and sightseeing matter most to you.

Choose Trabzon if you want to explore Turkey's Black Sea landscapes and experience a different side of the country.

Places in Turkey for a Beach Holiday

For a classic beach holiday, start your search with Antalya, Side, Belek, Alanya, Kemer, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. These destinations give you different types of coastal experiences, from large all-inclusive resorts to smaller towns and scenic bays.

If you want a resort with extensive hotel facilities, consider Antalya, Belek, Side or Alanya. If you prefer a smaller coastal setting, look at Ölüdeniz, Kalkan, Kaş or Göcek.

Explore our luxury hotels in Turkey to compare hotels by destination, holiday style and available travel dates.

Places in Turkey for Families

Families can choose from many Turkish resort destinations. Antalya, Side, Belek and Alanya offer large resorts with pools, entertainment, beaches and family facilities.

Marmaris and Fethiye also work well if you want to combine resort facilities with boat trips and sightseeing.

When you choose your hotel, check the facilities that matter most to your family, such as children's pools, family rooms, entertainment, beach access and all-inclusive dining.

Explore our family holidays to find a holiday that suits your family.

Best Places in Turkey for Couples

Couples can choose from lively resorts, peaceful coastal towns and destinations with memorable sightseeing experiences.

Choose Cappadocia for a unique experience, Bodrum for stylish coastal breaks, Göcek for a peaceful luxury escape, or Kalkan and Kaş for smaller coastal destinations.

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz also work well when you want beaches, boat trips and beautiful scenery.

Browse our couples holidays for more ideas.

Best Places in Turkey for History and Culture

Istanbul gives you the strongest city-based history experience, with major landmarks from different periods of Turkish history.

Choose Ephesus and Pamukkale for ancient sites and archaeology. Visit Cappadocia for its distinctive cultural and natural landscape, or explore Antalya and the surrounding region for ancient cities such as Perge and Aspendos.

Turkey gives you the flexibility to combine sightseeing with a beach holiday, so you do not have to choose between culture and relaxation.

Plan Your Turkey Luxury Holiday with PlanMyLuxe

Start by choosing the places you most want to see. Then decide whether you want to stay in one destination or combine several places in a multi-centre holiday.

For a beach-focused trip, compare Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Alanya. For a sightseeing-focused trip, consider Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. If you want both, create an itinerary that combines a cultural destination with a coastal resort.

Once you know where you want to go, compare our luxury hotels in Turkey and explore our Turkey luxury holidays to find flight and hotel options for your dates.

If you are unsure which destinations work best together, speak to a PlanMyLuxe travel expert. We can help you compare destinations, hotels and holiday options based on the type of trip you want to plan.