It is impossible to see all the most interesting places in Turkey in one trip. Tourists who once discovered this amazing country return here more than once or twice, only to leave later even more stunned and in love with a land rich in natural and architectural wonders, fantastic beaches and lively resorts.
Turkey is also charmed by the fact that the country is located on the border between Europe and Asia. On its territory, you can find secular Istanbul and more closed, committed to traditions Ankara, resorts of the four seas and wonderful ski resorts, which are in no way inferior in service and quality of snow to Alpine ones, at the mercy of carefree tourists.
Any rating of the most beautiful cities in Turkey will be subjective. One thing is clear - it will definitely have Istanbul, which is admired by all without exception. And the next items on the list of the most picturesque cities will belong to bright, sunny, flourishing resorts.
Top 5 most beautiful cities in Turkey
Istanbul
Although Ankara has been the capital of Turkey since 1923, it is Istanbul that is considered the heart of the country, its historical and cultural treasury. It is the only city in the world located on two continents. It is full of contrasts that both shock and delight. In Istanbul, modern office buildings and historical monuments, imbued with the spirit of the East, shining with shop windows, shopping centers and traditional bazaars, the bustling Sultanahmet Square and the Kuzguncuk district, which is built up with neat houses, are frozen in lazy bliss.
Nobody ever gets bored in Istanbul. It is customary here to ride boats on the Bosphorus, examining the European and Asian coasts from their sides, watching fishermen on the Galata Bridge, tasting kebabs, drinking tea in glass cups with a thin "waist", knowingly choosing baklava and Turkish delight, and then make a raid on museums, the Sultan's palace, mosques, so that there is something to tell friends and acquaintances at home.
Kemer
Squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains, Kemer is considered one of the most attractive beach resorts in Turkey. The history of most popular tourist cities usually begins with the phrase: "Once upon a time there was a fishing village in its place." And Kemer is no exception. The quiet fishing village has sunk into oblivion, displaced by elegant hotels surrounded by flowering gardens. On every street in Kemer, you can see orange trees that do not stop blooming, even when the fruits ripen on them. On the outskirts of Kemer, you can find a large pomegranate garden that is amazing. In general, the city is buried in flowers and fragrances. Add to this picture the turquoise clear sea, in which you can swim until November, and rocky ridges, picturesquely descending to the coast.
What should tourists know about Kemer? A couple of facts will be enough:
- the city is located 50 km from the Antalya airport, where your charter will most likely arrive;
- Kemer is surrounded by greenery - there are several parks on its territory: Kuchulu, Olbia, Oto and the largest and most famous - Park "Moonlight";
- many excursions are offered from Kemer (for example, you can take a cable car to Mount Tahtali).
Side
Side, with its long sandy beach, extensive hotel base and lively main street lined with shops, restaurants and bars, is located in the south of Turkey, about 80 km from Antalya.
The history of Side as a resort begins in antiquity: they say that Cleopatra herself rested here with Mark Antony. From the eras of Ancient Rome and Byzantium, Side has preserved a picturesque old town located on a promontory protruding into the sea. Not far from the resort you can find the remains of the ancient cities of Aspendos and Perge and the photogenic Manavgat Waterfall.
Marmaris
White houses with red roofs, entwined with pink flowers, contrast with the blueness of the water. The background for this splendor is the snow-white rocks, the color of which is diluted with the greenery of the forests. This is the star of the Aegean coast of Marmaris. There are no unbearable heat and strong winds here, the sea off the coast is calm and quiet, so Marmaris is especially loved by family tourists.
Marmaris is called a paradise for lovers of beach holidays and parties until dawn. The most popular street in the city called Bar Street is famous for the abundance of bars and discos, in which intoxicating drinks and cheerful music are a guarantee of an incendiary atmosphere.
Fethiye
Fethiye was once called Telmessos and was the gateway to the Lycian kingdom. It is now a charming resort that harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. On the slopes of the nearby hills, Lycian tombs and a Crusader fortress have been preserved, the center of the resort is formed around a beautiful harbor with snow-white yachts, orange orchards are replaced by pine groves outside the city, and the air is permeated with the smell of happiness, sun and carelessness.
Fethiye offers a leisurely, lazy vacation on endless beaches, where there is a place for every guest. For those who get tired of doing nothing, we recommend diving, learning to operate a yacht, surfing, and paragliding.
