Hi — I'm Katie from Creative Travel Guide. Turkey is a fantastic country with so many different places to explore, from buzzing Istanbul to ancient hilltop towns and turquoise Mediterranean beaches. Below I’ve rounded up the 12 best places to visit in Turkey, with what makes each spot special and pra12 Best Places to Visit in Turkeyctical tips to help you plan your trip.
Quick overview
- Istanbul – culture, history and iconic landmarks.
- Alanya – historic Red Tower, caves and castles.
- Bodrum – beautiful shoreline, Bodrum Castle and nightlife.
- Yalıkavak – transformed fishing village with a luxury marina.
- Fethiye – Blue Lagoon, Butterfly Valley and ancient sites.
- Kaş & Kalkan – neighbouring towns with contrasting vibes.
- Kuşadası – cruise stop with ruins, beaches and lively nightlife.
- Cappadocia – surreal lunar landscapes and hot air balloons.
- Antalya – Mediterranean beaches, old town and museums.
- Ankara – Turkey’s modern capital and transport hub.
- Mardin – ancient hilltop city with sandstone architecture.
- Marmaris – classic seaside resort with water sports and great food.
Istanbul
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and one of the country’s most-visited destinations — it attracts millions of visitors each year. Give yourself at least a few days to soak up its atmosphere. Key sights include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The old city is dense with history, architecture and markets, so plan your time and consider a city pass to save on entry fees and transport.
Alanya & the Red Tower
Alanya is a popular holiday town on the Mediterranean coast. Its symbol is the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), built in 1226 — nearby you'll also find caves, castles and seafront promenades that make for relaxed sightseeing days.
Bodrum
Bodrum mixes ancient history with a lively modern scene. Explore the 15th-century Bodrum Castle, wander the picturesque shoreline and enjoy a vibrant bar and nightlife scene after sundown. It’s a great blend of cultural sight-seeing and evening entertainment.
Yalıkavak
Once a small fishing village, Yalıkavak has become a chic part of the Turkish Riviera. The marina is filled with yachts and the town offers upmarket dining, cafes, beaches, clubs and water parks — perfect if you want a more sophisticated coastal vibe.
Fethiye
Fethiye is actually a collection of small resorts and stunning natural scenery. Highlights include the famous Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz), Butterfly Valley, nearby ancient ruins and the atmospheric ghost village of Kayaköy. It’s ideal for relaxing, swimming and exploring natural beauty.
Kaş & Kalkan
Kaş and Kalkan sit side by side on the Mediterranean coast but feel different. Kalkan is known for luxury villas and a more upscale holiday scene, while Kaş keeps a traditional, laid-back charm. Rent a scooter or car to hop between them and be sure to take a boat trip along the coast.
Kuşadası
Kuşadası is a popular cruise ship stop with good nightlife, shopping and sandy beaches. Many visitors use it as a base to visit nearby ancient ruins and the House of the Virgin Mary. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it a comfortable coastal stop.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most iconic destinations. Its landscapes are shaped from ancient volcanic ash and wind erosion into “fairy chimneys” and cave formations. Sunrise hot air balloon flights over this terrain are unforgettable — a must-do for many travellers.
Antalya
Antalya sits on the Mediterranean and is popular for beaches and resorts. The old town (Kaleiçi) is full of narrow streets, historic architecture and museums. Antalya also offers excellent shopping and nightlife, plus easy access to nearby beaches.
Ankara
Ankara is Turkey’s capital and a growing modern city in the heart of the country. It’s an efficient transport hub for reaching other regions, but don’t just pass through — stop to visit historic sites, museums and enjoy local Turkish cuisine.
Mardin
Mardin is a unique, ancient city perched on a hilltop. Its old city of sandstone buildings and winding streets reflects a diverse culture and long history. Spend time exploring the maze-like lanes, historic courtyards and the monastery tucked within the old town.
Marmaris
Marmaris is a picture-perfect seaside resort with white sandy beaches, mountains and historic architecture. It’s great for water sports, relaxing at resorts, wandering waterfront restaurants and photographing scenic coastal views.
Practical tips
- Spend a few days in Istanbul to see the major sites and soak up the neighborhoods.
- Consider an Istanbul City Pass or similar tourism card to save on attractions and transport.
- For coastal towns, renting a car or scooter gives you freedom to explore hidden coves and nearby villages.
- Boat trips are an easy way to access secluded beaches and make the most of the coastline.
- Pack layers for inland regions like Cappadocia and Mardin — nights can be cool even after warm days.
Final thoughts
Turkey is wonderfully varied — from cosmopolitan Istanbul and ancient hilltop towns to turquoise beaches and dramatic lunar landscapes. Whether you want culture, history, nightlife or relaxation, there’s a destination here for you. Enjoy planning your trip and explore at your own pace.
Stay creative.
If you want more details or visuals from these places, check out the Creative Travel Guide channel for the full walk-throughs and tips.
