Where to go in Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul balances old and new with an electric energy all its own. Stroll spice markets and savour Turkish coffee in labyrinthine bazaars, stand beneath the vast dome of Hagia Sophia and explore the sprawling Topkapi Palace, both testament to Istanbul’s imperial past. Hilly neighbourhoods roll down to former palaces and mansions on the Bosphorus, the waterway that divides Europe from Asia. Get lost, get found, and feast on local cuisine along the way.

Cappadocia

In the heart of the country, Cappadocia unfolds in shifting bands of beige, grey, red and dusty pink, its fairy chimneys, hidden valleys and open plains forming one of the most otherworldly landscapes you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Rising above it at dawn in a hot-air balloon is magical, but the region rewards slower exploration too, on foot or by bike, drifting between historic towns and along scenic trails.

Ephesus

Turkey is rich in ancient ruins, but Ephesus is one of the best preserved. Original stone streets wind past temples, squares, amphitheatres, baths and houses. Parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site are still being excavated, yet there is already more than enough to give you a real feel for life in classical times.

Bodrum & The Turquoise Coast

Turkey’s south-western coast is made for slowing down. Jutting into the Aegean, just a few miles from Kos in Greece’s Dodecanese, is the fashionable Bodrum Peninsula, home to an increasing number of exclusive beach clubs and 5-star hotels. Stretching east from Bodrum, past Fethiye and Kalkan to historic Antalya, is the fabled Turquoise Coast, so named by early visitors amazed by the vibrant colour of the water. Take to sea aboard a traditional Turkish gulet (yacht), stepping ashore when you choose to visit ancient ruins, exceptional restaurants and designer boutiques.

The Black Sea & northern Anatolia

A world away from the Mediterranean, Turkey’s wild and rugged Black Sea coast is marked by winding roads, traditional villages and secluded shores. Inland, Safranbolu’s distinctive red-roofed Ottoman mansions preserve another era, while Amasra’s ancient fortress overlooks a harbour of gently bobbing fishing boats. Further east, Amasya sits within a narrow river gorge, its historic houses and rock-cut tombs of Pontic kings lining the slopes above the Yeşilırmak River.

Troy & north-western Anatolia

Relive the mythical exploits of Achilles, Hector, Paris and Helen as you explore ancient Troy, being sure to give time to the accompanying museum, one of the best in all Turkey. For more recent history, combine it with a visit to the battlefields of Gallipoli, then recharge for a few days in the spectacular Ida Mountains, known for their pine forests, waterfalls and links to Homer’s Iliad.

Hattusa & Ankara

Hattusa, the former capital of the Bronze Age Hittite Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage site of monumental gates, sacred temples and ancient stone carvings. Ankara, by contrast, is Turkey’s modern capital, established as such by the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose enormous mausoleum helps anchor the city.