The maximum stay duration through a sticker visa is up to 90 days in a 180-day period and is available for single, double, or multiple entries. Magnificent cities, blissful beaches, ancient history, unspoiled nature… Here is our pick of the best places to visit in Türkiye (Turkey).
Best Time To Visit Cappadocia Turkey
Located in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz is one of Türkiye’s most iconic beaches. Its famous Blue Lagoon, with calm turquoise waters, is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Adventure seekers can enjoy paragliding from Babadağ Mountain, offering breathtaking aerial views of this paradise. There are endless things to do in Istanbul and many ways to explore, but if you’re limited to a few short days you won’t be able to do it all, but you can get a taste of this city’s remarkable culture. Below we offer a guide to planning a 3-day Istanbul trip and get ready to be blown away by this awe-inspiring city. Imagine lounging on a beach one day and strolling through ancient ruins the next, all while enjoying fresh seafood or local Turkish food.
This ancient entrepôt serves up ancient sites, culinary revelations and exciting day trips, as well as waterfront views. If the seaside calls to you, summer turns up the heat and the energy, marking the perfect time for beach aficionados to flock to spots like Antalya and Bodrum. If you’ve always fancied a hot air balloon ride, there’s nowhere better than Cappadocia. Here, you’ll soar over the stunning landscape and have the chance to stay in a cave hotel.
The Goreme Valley is full of rock formations that look like fairy chimneys, and if you head there in the winter, it’s a stunning sight to see the area blanketed with snow. For a mix of history and seaside relaxation, the ancient ruins of Ephesus near the charming town of Selçuk or the sun-soaked beaches of Antalya are perfect spots. Don’t overlook the lesser-known but equally captivating areas like the mountainous landscapes of Rize for hiking or the tranquil village of Şirince for wine tasting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Türkiye
Similarly, Alaçatı and Çeşme, both close to Izmir, are great choices if you prefer a more traditional place to go. It’s very warm, but evenings are just ever-so-slightly cooler. It’s still really busy, but you can walk around without having to change directions every five seconds. However, some people have no choice but to travel during the peak months, either because of school holidays or job reasons.
But even when you think that you have fully explained yourself, they will come with a dish that surely has the ingredients you asked not to include. Peppers are a key ingredient in Turkish food and seem to make their way into every dish. The same also goes for vegans (or people who are lactose intolerant) as the non-meat alternatives are usually cheese which is also very limiting. The only downside of diving into Turkey’s mouth-watering food scene is that it can be something of a challenge for those with dietary requirements. It certainly was for me and it was a real struggle to explain that there are a number to ingredients that are a no-no in my case. For guidance on visiting Istanbul, you should read my post The Best 4 Days Istanbul Itinerary.
If you want beach time, the best time to visit is from May to the end of September. If you’re more interested in sightseeing and city life, Turkey is a year-round destination. The city’s annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival is a testament to its cultural heritage, attracting participants and spectators from all over the world. Edirne’s Ottoman-style bridges, including the Meric River Bridge, offer captivating views and a glimpse into the past. Sample Edirne’s famous liver and meatball dishes at local eateries and immerse yourself in the grandeur of this historic city.
Located in the heart of Gaziantep’s old town, this hotel offers cosy, clean ensuite rooms with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. The breakfast buffet is excellent with some items prepared to order. Just 50m from Küçük Çakıl Beach, this hotel offers reasonably priced, roomy apartments and comfy ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a balcony and air conditioning.
We love visiting places in Turkey that are slightly off the beaten track and Mardin in southeastern Turkey blew us away on our first visit. Mardin’s Old City is one of the most beautiful Turkish cities we have ever visited. Sticking with the most famous Turkey tourist spots, let us introduce you to Pamukkale. The following days are ticketed – you can buy tickets online closer to the date on Biletix. A short jaunt from Istanbul and close to the borders of Greece and Bulgaria is another of our top cities to visit in Turkey. We’d recommend spending at least three days here – any less and you will be left feeling rushed.
When you’re done with history, romance blossoms in the area’s cozy cave hotels and restaurants, not to mention early morning balloon rides topped off with a champagne toast at sunrise. On the ground, adventure awaits amid the green valleys and undulating outcrops for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. The spelling of “Türkiye” instead of “Turkey” is important for several reasons, including accuracy, and respect for the local language and culture. “Türkiye” is the Turkish name for the country, and it is written in the Turkish alphabet. Using the correct spelling shows respect for the local language and culture.
Also note that not all taxis in Turkiye have card payment options, so it’s best to have cash with you if you do not pay by card in advance. It’s preferable to pay in Turkish Lira, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed on the exchange rate, and carry small bills, just in case the driver does not have change. You may be approached in the Grand Bazaar, or other location tourists frequent, and told they will sell you ancient coins, or artifacts.
Dress codes in Türkiye have changed enormously in the last few decades. However, it is important to know that Turks pay attention to what to wear in specific locations. Low cut tops may not be the best idea in small towns while they are a perfect fit for holiday resorts and towns. Many tourists feel embarrassed to talk about money but Turks are no strangers to the art, especially when it comes to selling souvenirs like carpets, lamps and the like. Historical mosques in Türkiye offer gorgeous photographic opportunities but first and foremost they’re places of worship.
Our guide also gave ample time to shop around and have lunch and was very informative. Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel, does not have any open wounds in the process of healing, and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. Your veterinarian will include additional details and treatments on the certificate depending on the country of origin. You can take the D400 highway, which connects the city to other major cities in Turkiye, to arrive in Muğla.
A little bit of research goes a long way, especially when it comes to travel. Reading up in advance means you’ll know Türkiye is a secular state with a majority Muslim population Vacanze Turquia and not an Islamic Middle Eastern country where everyone speaks Arabic. If like many visitors to Türkiye you want to hire a guide, make sure they’re licensed.