Top 10 Places You Should Visit in Turkey That are Not Istanbul

Turkey, the very definition of a cultural melting pot, has long been established as the primary center of the Silk Road. It was and still is the place where Eastern culture and Western civilization collide with one another.

Turkey, which serves as a gateway between Europe and the Middle East, has a rich historical past and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural landscapes. Oh, and did I mention the Turkish food?

Turkey is a country that is high on both my personal travel wish list and the list of countries that receive the most international tourists each year. If you go anywhere in the world, you should make it a point to spend some time in Turkey.

This is your guide to 10 places in Turkey (other than Istanbul) to visit, and it includes everything from beaches with white sand to bazaars filled with unique goods.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was an important Roman metropolis and was once home to a wide range of historical figures, including Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.

It was the capital of Asia Minor at the time, and in terms of population and cultural significance, it was second only to Rome.

This cultural hotspot is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Old World due to the fact that it is one of the ancient Roman cities along the Mediterranean coastline that has been maintained the finest.

Izmir, Kusadasi, and Selcuk are all convenient departure points for a day’s journey to this destination.

Cappadocia

This charming attraction is known for its “fairy chimneys” and the rainbow of hot air balloons that float overhead and is located in the middle of Anatolia.

Find a comfortable location for yourself on one of the stunning terraces with a view of the surrounding desert environment. More importantly, get an early start!

Get up well before sunrise to take in the view of the sunrise, and afterward, you may begin your search for hot air balloons.

Bring your camera with you to Rose Valley for a view that will stay with you forever, see the intriguing cave homes, and finish the day by watching the sun set over Goreme.

Kas

This village on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea is widely regarded as one of the finest places in the world to go scuba diving.

It is also a charming little town draped in bougainvillea and is well-known for the ancient ruins and high-quality eateries that dot the shoreline all along it.

A word to the wise: kebabs are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cuisine of Turkey. In point of fact, many of the very greatest meals that are traditionally prepared in Turkey are rarely, if ever, exported outside of the country.

Get your Turkey visa for Bahamas citizens and enjoy swimming and scuba diving in the Mediterranean sea.

Gumusluk, Bodrum

It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to Bodrum, as it is a popular destination for summer resorts. Gümüşlük is an area that is only accessible to locals and excursions led by those who are knowledgeable about the area. Other parts of the site may become crowded.

This beach town is likely most well-known for hosting the Gümüşlük International Jazz Festival; nonetheless, it is a wonderful spot to visit at any time of year.

Pamukkale

This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage monument has a name in Turkish that translates to “cotton castle,” and its appearance is like something out of another world.

Since Roman times, visitors have been coming here to soak in the thermal waters of the white terraces, which are known for their picturesque scenery.

Climb up to the top of the almost 200-meter-tall (or 655-foot-tall) cliff to get a better view of the incredible scenery at this one-of-a-kind location.

Hierapolis, an old Greek city, is also accessible to you when you are in this area, and you can go there and investigate.

This significant commercial port was renowned across the world as a center for the arts and philosophy. It is an easy add-on to your visit to Pamukkale that is already included in the price of the ticket to see the white travertine terraces at Pamukkale.

Izmir

This location was referred to by CN Traveler as “Turkey’s most ignored city,” and it’s not hard to understand why they chose to give it that moniker.

During the time that visitors are flocking to Istanbul and other coastal hotspots, this treasure is left for the locals to enjoy.

This coastal metropolis in Turkey’s southeast has long had its sights set on Europe. It is the third largest city in Turkey.

Izmir, known as a crossroads of civilizations, features a singular fusion of European and Middle Eastern motifs in its architecture and art.

Take in the scenery from the top of Asano, explore the marvels of the Roman Empire, and round off your day with some people-watching at one of the seemingly endless sidewalk cafes.

Fethiye

Today’s Fethiye is an active resort town that was formerly an extension of the ancient city of Telmessos. It is also a popular docking location for yachts.

First, investigate the Lycian rock tombs, and then take some time to relax at the breathtaking shoreline. This seaside community is a dream come true thanks to its perfect combination of cultural attractions and beach bum perks.

Bring your bathing suit because Oldeniz Beach, also known as the Blue Lagoon, is widely regarded as one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.

Mardin

This must-see attraction in Southeast Anatolia is one of the oldest cities in Northern Mesopotamia and is considered to be among the region’s most important.

Mardin is a city in Turkey that is located close to the border with Syria. It has been influenced by Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman, and Mongol cultures throughout its history.

The history and architecture are genuinely unique in comparison to those of any other place.

Konya

Pilgrims from all over the world make their way to this Turkish village, located in the heart of Central Anatolia.

The local tekke, also known as a Sufi lodge, is without a doubt the most well-known landmark in this area. The grave of Jalaluddin Rumi, the spiritual leader who established the Mevlana order, is located in this city, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Spend some time learning about the traditions of Sufism, and then head over to the Mevlana Cultural Center for a ritual including whirling dervishes.

You can get your Turkey visa for Barbados citizens and can enjoy this Sufi and Dervish culture in Konya.

Dervishes, or spinners of the dervish dance. This is an interesting look into the culture of the Sufis, especially if you have never seen anyone of them spinning before.

Marmaris

This hamlet on the shore of the Mediterranean is a shining example of the Turkish Riviera’s potential as a vacation destination.

This breathtaking area, which is also known as the Turquoise Coast due to its picture-perfect beaches, is a sight to behold.

It is, without a doubt, the ideal destination for anyone who adores the beach, but there is so much more to it than that. This is the place to be, whether you are searching for nonstop nightlife or places outside that will get your heart racing and get you moving.

This is also an excellent location to serve as a base for exploring nearby islands. Rhodes, an island in Greece, can be reached in a little under three hours by boat.