Holiday in Turkey: fabulous places you should visit

Turkey, the gateway between Europe and Asia, is a wonderful tourist destination. Apart from its pleasant climate and accessible beaches, it has natural and historical monuments to enjoy. Take a look at some of the most beautiful places you can visit in the transcontinental country.

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The region of Cappadocia is famous for its rock formations, chimneys, and sunrise balloon rides. Travelers have described it as a fantasy world on Earth.

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Pamukkale means 'cotton castle'. The town in western Turkey is known for its thermal pools and travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs. In fact, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views.

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In the city where East meets West, you can explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Its rich history, varied culture, and impressive architecture make Istanbul a must-see destination.

One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region, Ephesus is also protected by UNESCO. The site is home to well-preserved ruins, such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis - one of the original Seven Wonders of the World - and the Theater of Ephesus.

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Antalya is one of the coastal cities many tourists choose for their holidays. It has a picturesque old town, beautiful beaches, and a stunning Mediterranean coastline.

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Here's another coastal town tourists flock to. Bodrum is known for its exciting nightlife. It also has some historical monuments of interest, including Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

In the Cappadocia region lies the Göreme National Park. It's known for some impressive, unique rock formations, ancient caves, and churches embedded in rocks. It is a great park for hiking and cave exploration.

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This seaside resort town in the southwestern district of Fethiye is famous for its Blue Lagoon of stunningly beautiful turquoise water. The lake is among the many natural beauties Ölüdeniz has to offer.

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Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, used to be a flourishing medieval city with more than fifty churches, thirty caves, and twenty chapels discovered to this day. It's an archaeological site with impressive ruins and historical monuments near the Turkish-Armenian border.

Located in the ancient Mount Nemrut National Park, this peak features colossal statues and tomb shrines built by King Antiochus I of Commagene. Both history and nature lovers can eat their hearts out in this place.

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With approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) of sand, Patara has the longest and best-preserved beach in Turkey. Near the beach are the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Patara, which was said to have been built by the son of Apollo.

When visiting Ölüdeniz and Fethiye, pay a visit to this natural wonder of the southwestern coast of Turkey. Near the village of Faralya lies a valley known for its exuberant vegetation, cliffs, and virgin beach. It derives its name from the numerous species of butterflies inhabiting the area, especially during summer.

A must for hikers, this trail is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Turkey and the world. It offers spectacular views of the coast, ancient ruins, and diverse landscapes. Located along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the trail stretches approximately 540 kilometers (335 miles) from Ölüdeniz in the west to Geyikbayırı in the east. The route passes through the ancient region of Lycia, known for its rich history and scenic beauty.

This island in eastern Turkey is a historical and culturally rich place for its natural beauty and its Armenian Cathedral. Surp Khach (the Cathedral of the Holy Cross) was built in the 10th century by Armenian King Gagik I. You can see intricate stone carvings there, especially in its exterior reliefs with biblical scenes, animals, and geometric motifs. The cathedral is one of the finest examples of Armenian medieval architecture and a masterpiece of medieval art.

Kaş is an old fishing village far enough away from the big coastal towns to become a cult, hippie destination. Surrounded by mountains with a sea of clear turquoise waters, Kaş is a real sight for sore eyes.

Photo: Oguzhan Tasimaz / Unsplash

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