Archeological ruins, hot air balloon rides, magnificent coastline and, of course, gastronomy of the gods. Seriously: can this combo not attract attention? Well, know that Turkey, located between Europe and Asia, has all this and much more to offer its tourists. So, it is always a good idea getting to know this fascinating country a little better, right? Come see right now 6 most beautiful places to discover in Turkey!
If you remember the history lessons you took as a child, you know that Istanbul once went by the name of Constantinople. The destination was also the capital of the Byzantine and Eastern Roman empires, until, in mid 1453, it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The entire city can be considered a historic landmark and has many worth visiting tourist attractions in Istanbul. For example, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Grand Bazaar are great options for points to check out. A wonderful tour with a guide in Old Istanbul or an unforgettable yacht tour in the cool waters of the Bosphorus are among the breathtaking activities that can be done. Anyway, get ready to fall in love with the architecture and the majesty of these places, because they are so beautiful.
Chances are you've already seen a bunch of pictures with hot air balloons coloring the sky and wondered where that so different place would be. Did we get it right? Classic, this tour is one of the great stars of Cappadocia. Turkey's historic region, the landscapes aren't just amazing in the photos; those who know it live and in color are impressed. That's because the scenery there is quite unusual, with rocks in different shapes and even “cave hotels”, rustic and carved in the rocks themselves. Hot air balloon tour, which everyone should experience at least once in their life, accommodation experience in wonderful hotels of Cappadocia and guided tours in historical caves are among the must-do activities. You can already get an idea of how unique the experience is, right?
Home to Turkey's most important archaeological site and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire. Guard the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Artemis was the goddess of the woods, hunting and wild animals. The temple gained renown for its Ionic-style marble columns, decorated with works of art, and for having a sculpture in honor of the goddess inside, made in ebony, gold, silver and black stone.
Other than that, the city houses the Library of Celsus, whose ruins reflect its grandeur, as well as the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred sanctuary where it is believed that Mary spent the last years of her life. Ephesus is in Izmir, the third most populated city in Turkey. When you come here, you can spend a few precious hours visiting the ancient city of Ephesus with a tour guide and being fascinated by ancient history.
Gateway to the Turkish Riviera, a region with beautiful beaches bathed by the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, Antalya is worth a visit. And this happens not only because of the paradise, turquoise waters, but also because of its architecture, marked by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman styles. In fact, here's a tip: don't miss the 2nd century Hadrian's Gate, created to celebrate the arrival of Emperor Hadrian in the city. To complete, Antalya has a rather unique attraction: a waterfall that falls directly into the sea. Yes, that's right! In addition to the mixing of fresh and salt waters, the scenery is breathtaking. Guided canyon, sunken city, hidden city, waterfall tours, the pleasure of swimming in beautiful beaches and of course indispensable boat tours are just a few of the most important activities you should do on your Antalya trip.
Located on the top of a mountain over 160 meters high, the Natural Pools of Pamukkale attract the attention of tourists passing through the Denizli region. The waters emerge from the ground rich in minerals, which justifies its unusual color. The result is a sight to behold any tourist's eyes. Another really cool tour to do in Pamukkale is to Hierapolis. After all, you can visit its ruins and the Antique Pool, also known as the Sagrada Pool or Cleopatra's Pool. That's because, legend has it, it was built at the behest of the Egyptian queen. The pool also has very warm water, reaching 35°C. Just a tip: If you do the ancient city, cave and healing water tours with a guide, you can experience all the details by learning from an expert.
The city of Bodrum is not just one of the main destinations on the Turkish coast. It is also the address of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, another one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the mausoleum is the tomb of King Mausolus, who ruled Turkey from 370 BC to 353 BC. As it is located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, Bodrum has crystal clear waters, as well as small white houses and old buildings, reminiscent of the paradises of the Greek islands. When you go to Bodrum, after completing the historical tours with a guide, you should not return without a blue cruise!