Places to discover

Best places to visit in Turkey

A huge country on the borders of Europe, Turkey is the door to the East; it is a fascinating country of ancient cultures. The centre of the Ottoman Empire, it was proclaimed a republic in 1923 and Atatürk, its first president, guided the country towards secularity and growth. In 2002, the moderate Islamic party Justice and Development Party (AK) obtained the majority vote in parliament and pursued the economic development of the country.

Travelling in Turkey presents no major risks. However, given the events on the Syrian border, you should make enquiries at the Foreign Office in London, especially if you wish to visit the Eastern Anatolia Region or the Southeastern Anatolia Region. These regions are home to very beautiful cities that have a wealth of cultural heritage, such as Gaziantep and Sanliurfa, and let's not forget Ishak Pasha Palace and Lake Van.

Above all, don't leave Turkey before exploring the wonders of Istanbul. Take the time to soak up the exuberant, warm atmosphere of the megalopolis. Discover Taksim Square—a popular venue for protests—and then visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Cami Mosque), and the Topkapi Palace. Go and have tea on the Galata Bridge and cross the Bosphorus on one of the many steamers to reach the eastern coast. From there, you can easily enjoy the beaches along the Black Sea on the country's northern coastline; they are very popular with the region's inhabitants.

Situated inland, the capital city of Ankara holds little interest for tourists if it is not on their way to Cappadocia, where you can find "fairy chimneys" or hoodoos and other cave churches in the Göreme National Park.

Still on the huge plateau, explore Konya, the country's most conservative city. Plan to arrive on Saturday to enjoy the Mevlevi Order's ceremony: the whirling dervishes. When you set off again, visit the underground towns and the very pretty Ihlara Valley with its cave churches at the back of a canyon.

Make the most of the mild climate by the Mediterranean Sea to walk along the Lycian coast and explore magnificent towns like Demre or Izmir. Visit Nemrut Dağı, where the last Hellenistic king ordered a temple built, or Ephesus, unless you prefer a less-frequented site like Pergamon. Don't forget the region's natural wonders either, especially the magnificent Pamukkale.

Çınarcık

Cinarcik is a popular coastal city located off the Marmara Sea.

Vallée de Péristréma

The Peristrema Valley differs from the large valleys of Cappadocia. It does not contain unusual rock formations, though it is nevertheless spectacular: a deep canyon with sheer rock walls and a smattering of rock churches. It truly is a beautiful place.

Hierapolis

An ancient site overlooking the limestone formations of Pamukkale, Hierapolis sits in a breathtaking location, despite its status as a kind of Disneyland of ancient sites.

Ihlara Valley seen from the entrance of a troglodytic church.

Vallée d'ihlara

In this steep valley in Turkey, men and women hollowed out the walls to build the churches. A true explorer's path, very fun for children (big and little).

Kızılçukur

Kizilçukur, the "Red Valley", lies at the heart of Cappadocia and is one of the scenic highlights of Turkey. These surrealist fairy chimneys and badlands – tuff formations ravaged by erosion and exhibiting a range of tones all the way from orangey hues to reds – are simply incredible.

Istanbul

Istanbul, which was formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, is a city that acts as a border between two different worlds. On one bank of the river you have Europe, and on the other Asia. A cosmopolitan city, its numerous monuments stand as testimony to its rich history.

Bosporus

A strait linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which then itself connects to the Mediterranean, the Bosphorus serves as a natural frontier between Europe and Asia.

Black Sea

Little visited by tourists, the Black Sea is one of the best guarded secrets of Turkey.

Uzungöl

A village, a lake and a valley of fascinating natural beauty.

Rize

An unpretentious small town full of really nice people.

Topkapı Palace

Today one of Istanbul's tourist attractions, the Topkapi Palace was once the residence of sultans.

Hagia Sophia

The Santa Sophia Basilica, built in the 6th century, was converted into a mosque when Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. It became the famous Hagia Sophia Museum it now is in 1934.

Büyükada Kanalı

The Princes' Islands comprises of 9 islands, situated to the south of Istanbul, in the Marmara Sea. The biggest and most beautiful is Büyükada. Lots of Istanbul residents have summer homes on the island.