Turkey, located on the Mediterranean Sea, is a beautiful country that has so much to offer. Istanbul and Ankara are top-rated destinations, but sometimes it’s worth getting away from the crowds to experience the local culture and history. Follow me as I explore under-the-radar sights on a trip beyond Istanbul and Ankara.
A Glimpse of Istanbul
Istanbul is a beautiful blend of old and new. It has a rich history that goes back to ancient times and has been host to many civilizations.
Turkey’s largest metropolis, Istanbul, is split into three halves by the Bosporus and the Golden Horn, the only city in the world to cross two continents.
The most visited location in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace. Its main draws are the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, the Treasury, and the Harem. The Prophet Muhammad’s cloak is kept in the Pavilion. The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the fifth-largest diamond in the world, and jeweled thrones are on show in the Treasury. The Sultan’s and his concubines’ private apartments were known as the Harem.
Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey
A Birdseye View of Ankara
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is home to many attractions, including Atatürk’s tomb and the country’s premier museum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Traditional crafts are available for purchase in the Hamamönü region. The cafés and restaurants in the neighborhood’s historic houses, many of which specialize in regional Anatolian cuisine, are sure to please food enthusiasts.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – Ankara, Turkey
Going beyond Istanbul and Ankara
Beyond these two well-known cities, Türkiye has a lot more to offer. Both the Aegean coast and the Anatolian Plateau have unique attractions for tourists.
The journey down the Aegean coast south of Istanbul is the most rewarding. Two-story whitewashed homes with cobalt blue doors and window frames to ward off the Evil Eye sit like sugar cubes on steep hillsides.
Ephesus
It’s a city that rivals Rome in terms of size and importance—and you can see why from when you arrive. The town was once home to over 200,000 people, but it’s much smaller today. You’ll still find evidence of its past glory: the Temple of Artemis has been preserved and restored, as has the Library of Celsus.
But what makes Ephesus worth visiting is the fact that it’s one of the earliest Christian communities. St. Paul himself visited this city multiple times during his missionary journeys around Asia Minor; he even wrote letters from here to his churches in Corinth and Philemon. And if that weren’t enough reason to visit Ephesus, there’s another: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Ephesus – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
The turquoise water looks like the beach you dream of when you’re at home. There are many places to see on Turquoise Coast, such as:
-Fethiye: Fethiye is known for its beautiful beaches with clear blue water and white sand. There are many hotels in this area with pools where you can swim or relax.
-Ölüdeniz: The best way to explore Ölüdeniz is by boat or kayak because there are very few roads through this region. You’ll see dolphins swimming around while they eat fish near the water’s surface!
Oludeniz Beach Fethiye, Turkey
Cappadocia
Volcanic eruptions formed this region, becoming a fantastic tourist destination. Cappadocia is known for its fairy chimneys, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides. The fairy chimneys are rock formations carved from soft stone by wind and water erosion. These formations can be seen all over the area in Cappadocia.
The underground cities built by early Christians were hiding places during persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire. The caves were carved out of soft volcanic tuff rock, which was then covered with earth so they would not be discovered by soldiers looking for Christians to kill or arrest them for being Christians.
The hot air balloon rides allow visitors to see ancient sites and modern-day towns from above while flying high above the ground on a hot air balloon ride! Let Inspired Travel Designs take you there!
Cappadocia Hot Air Ballooning
Valley of the Fairy Chimneys
The valley is home to hundreds of rock formations and caves created by volcanic activity; UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cappadocia, Turkey.
The Valley of the Fairy Chimneys formed thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted in what is now modern-day Turkey. The eruption left behind beautiful rock formations called “chimneys.” The nickname “fairy chimneys” is because they look like castles or towers from a distance.
The valley has many other exciting features, including underground cities and churches carved into the rock face. Many small towns and villages throughout this area offer lodging options for tourists who want to stay overnight in Cappadocia.
Valley of the Fairy Chimneys – Cappadocia, Turkey
The Village of Göreme
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that will take your breath away, look no further than the Village of Göreme.
Göreme is a village in Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s known for its rock formations and cave churches are some of the best examples of Byzantine art worldwide.
The landscape is unique: it’s made entirely of volcanic tuff—a soft rock created when ash from nearby volcanoes fell on the ground and compressed into stone over time. Wind erosion has left these rocks tall, with huge caverns and other formations carved into them by nature, making it seem like you’re walking through some fairy tale!
The Village of Göreme – Cappadocia, Turkey
Derinkuyu, Turkey
You should see Derinkuyu because it’s one of the best-preserved underground cities in the world. It’s also pretty cool, and you can tour it!
Derinkuyu functions as a hiding place during multiple invasions and wars. The city had everything you’d need to survive down there—food storage rooms, wineries, water reservoirs, and even a chapel!
The city is famous for its unique rock formations. If you decide to explore after your tour of Derinkuyu, we recommend checking out some of these formations.
Derinkuyu Cave, Underground City
Argos Cappadocia
Argos in Cappadocia is located in the center of this fairy tale scenery, which was lovingly carved by wind, snow, and rain over many centuries. This dream-like hotel was made a reality through the restoration of the monastic complex’s ruins that date back a thousand years.
The hotel comprises seven homes scattered across a hillside and is notable for its distinctive setting. Argos in Cappadocia blends in seamlessly with the region’s historic surroundings. The hotel’s 51 rooms, spread among five stone homes, have warm fireplaces, private underground pools, and Turkish antiquities like hand-woven rugs. Visit the hotel’s vineyard and underground wine cellar. Make sure to order the slow-cooked lamb shoulder at the restaurant’s award-winning Seki (be sure to get a seat on the terrace).
Breakfast at Seki Restaurant – Argos Cappadocia
I hope this article inspired the wanderlust in you; want some insider’s secrets to Istanbul, click here.
Are you ready to start planning the trip of your dreams? Let’s chat! That’s the first step to curating that fantastic journey that you want. You should get the trip you wish without planning and booking it all on your own.