Turkey is, first of all, a beach vacation, but there are opportunities for sightseeing, medical treatment, and extreme pastime. This allows tourists to be offered various options for rest in Turkey . The most popular resorts in Turkey are located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Most charters from the CIS countries were sent to Antalya. The resorts of the Aegean coast are located closest to historical and natural monuments. The Aegean Sea itself is colder and cleaner than the Mediterranean, and rocky coasts are more common
It should be noted that there are also resorts on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, but they are not popular for tourists from the CIS countries, so we do not consider them in this review.
Rest in Turkey. The main resorts of the Mediterranean Sea
Rest in Turkey. Antalya
A resort town in Turkey on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, which combines ancient history and modern infrastructure.
Antalya is rich in many interesting architectural monuments. Here you can stroll through the Old Town with winding streets and oriental cafes.
Not far from Antalya are unusually beautiful waterfalls Duden , Kurshunlu and Lake Nilufer .
The coast of Antalya is rocky, beaches are arranged on concrete platforms. Therefore, we would not recommend Antalya for a beach holiday in Turkey . Beaches: sandy, gently sloping into the sea, developed infrastructure. There are many beaches near hotels, there are paid beaches.
Hotels: from guest houses to hotels of world brands. A good selection of hotels with everything you need for a fun and comfortable vacation in Turkey with children. Most of the beach hotels are located on the outskirts, but it will not take long to get to the center.
Extras: Many restaurants, cafes, entertainment centers and discotheques, shops. Dedeman and Aqualand water parks . There are historical monuments, the Old Town has been preserved in the center. Shopping centers, various shopping.
Rest in Turkey. Alanya
A small town on the southern coast of Antalya with a beautiful harbor, wide avenues, sandy and pebbly beaches, an old town, a majestic mountain Byzantine fortress.
Alanya is famous for the Red Tower, caves: “Devocha”, “Phosphora” and “Cave of Lovers”, and one of the main attractions of Alanya is Cleopatra’s beach , on which, according to legend, she took sea baths.
The resort area of Alanya includes the districts of Konakli , Incekum , Mahmutlar and Karaburun . These are all small villages where resort life is bubbling.
The coastal zone of Alanya is open, there are mountains in the distance, there is not much green here.
The beaches themselves are sandy, the entrance to the sea is pebbly, sometimes complicated by natural tectonic plates.
Hotels and tours in Alanya are on average cheaper than in Kemer and Belek. But this absolutely does not mean that the hotels here are worse! In this region there are quite worthy representatives of all categories of hotels!
Alanya Airport is 90 km away.
Extras: many discos, bars, restaurants, there is an amusement park, Water Planet water park , water amusement park and Sealanya Seapark dolphinarium . There are historical monuments.
Rest in Turkey. Belek
A resort with insanely beautiful nature: picturesque Taurus Mountains , forests with rich fauna, wide sandy beaches with crystal clear water.
The main attraction of Belek is the National Park “Keprülü Canyon” – cypress and eucalyptus forests, which are close to the luxurious sandy coast, here there are many unique species of birds.
Belek’s special pride is the National Golf Club , which is located against the backdrop of the peaks of the Toro Mountains in a eucalyptus-pine forest.
Belek is a resort with silky sandy beaches and a pine forest that approaches the Mediterranean Sea itself. A resort in Turkey for a respectable vacation. 90% of Belek hotels are expensive and luxurious.
Belek is also chosen for recreation with children, as the entrance to the sea is simply wonderful.
Extras: A fashionable resort, large golf courses at the hotels. Water park “Troy”, active sports entertainment: rock climbing, rafting and all kinds of water sports
Rest in Turkey. Kemer
Kemer resort is located 42 km from Antalya airport.
Its resort area includes districts such as: Beldibi , Tekirova , Chamyuva , Kyrysh and Heinyuk .
Here there is a wonderful nature – pine forests, pine and cypress groves, wide sandy and pebble beaches and cozy quiet bays.
Lovers of active recreation in Turkey can go diving, surfing, sailing or take a trip on a yacht.
You will never be bored in the city of Kemer itself, there are many bars, restaurants, night clubs and entertainment centers.
To make it clearer, Kemer is very similar to the coast of the Southern coast of Crimea, so familiar to everyone. Rocks, pines and pebble beaches! Beauty!
In the Beldibi region, the beach strip is covered with large pebbles, but already in Tekirova, sand appears on the beaches, but there are still pebbles at the entrance to the water.
Hotels: family hotels are located outside the city, youth hotels are located in the city center, closer to entertainment. 5 * hotels are located on the first coastline and have a large area. 4 * hotels are the same, but a little cheaper. 3 * hotels have less territory.
Additions: Near Kemer, there is the Yoruk Ethnographic Museum, Takhtalydag Mountain with a ski lift. Many cafes, restaurants, discos, opportunities for active recreation: diving, windsurfing.
Rest in Turkey. Sit down
In the past, Side was a port city, today it is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey .
The center of Side is a great place where you can simply walk through the streets, sit in a restaurant or cafe, choose a souvenir in souvenir shops.
Legend has it that Cleopatra and Antony arranged a date here, so it is a special place for couples in love.
Side has long been called the ” Museum under the open sky “! Here you can see the ancient amphitheater, the Necropolis, the statue of the emperor Vespasian, the ruins of the temple of the goddess Fortuna, and the archaeological museum.
Side is sandy and pebble beaches, the Manavgat River with picturesque waterfalls and ancient architecture.
Compared to Kemer and Belek, it is not so green here.
The beach strip is wide, hotels are much cheaper than hotels in Belek.
The entrance to the sea is a bit rocky, but there is a lot of soft sand on the beaches themselves.
The distance from Antalya airport is 70 km.
Hotels: apartments, guest houses, but most of them are 5 * hotels with a large area and the availability of various entertainment – swimming pools, water parks.
Additions: a fashionable resort, rich opportunities for active recreation in Turkey . There are historical monuments.
Rest in Turkey. Excursions along the Antalya coast from Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Side and Belek.
The most interesting excursion to the ancient state of Lycia – Demre-Mira-Kekova !
In Demre there is an opportunity to see the monument-church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Myra is the most important trade port and one of the oldest cities of Lycia .
The city consists of three zones of ancient ruins:
1. a theater (half destroyed by an earthquake), a necropolis on the seashore and an agora;
2. the acropolis on the bank of the river and the canal that supplied the city with water;
3. well-preserved burials on high rocks, the tomb that resembles an Ionic temple attracts the most attention.
Kekova is one of the most attractive cities that sank as a result of the earthquake.
The entire coast of Kekov is littered with ruins and now constitutes an interesting archaeological zone.
Sea trips on a yacht along the Antalya coast are a great way to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, admire beautiful seascapes, picturesque bays, mysterious islands, see ancient cities and swim in the open sea.
And what would Turkey be without a Turkish bath – Hammam! You definitely need to use this bath to prepare your skin for an even and gorgeous tan.
A trip to the hammam includes steaming the body on a stone, then peeling with a hard glove and a massage.
And then you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Another interesting excursion for those vacationing in the vicinity of Side will be the city of Side itself, which is called an open-air museum!
There are a lot of architectural monuments here, you can see the aqueduct and city walls, the ruins of the theater, underground water storages, the Temple of Artemis, the Nymphaeum Fountain, the Agora, the Temple of Tyuhe, and not far from Side there is the beautiful Manavgat waterfall.
Those who wish can organize a Shop Tour – an opportunity to combine rest with shopping, visiting various stores, as they say, for every taste and wallet.
The main resorts of the Aegean Sea
Rest in Turkey. Bodrum
The most famous resort on the Aegean Sea. Acquaintance with the resort begins at the Bodrum International Airport , which is located approximately 40 km from the city of Bodrum.
Bodrum is not only the name of the city, but also of the entire peninsula, which is simply cut by picturesque bays. Hotels are scattered throughout the peninsula, those wishing to get to the city can use the services of local minibuses or taxis.
The city of Bodrum is located on desert green hills, all the buildings in the city are white and low (if you have been to Greece, you will see some similarities with Greek cities). You need to be prepared for the fact that, due to the hilly terrain, the whole city consists of continuous descents and ascents. Like neighboring Marmaris , Bodrum boasts an active nightlife. There are a huge number of discotheques, night clubs, and bars, which are favorite gathering points of European youth. In addition to Bodrum, the closest bay to the city – Gumbet (about 3 km from the city) can boast of night parties , where entertainment facilities are open until the morning.
For a beach holiday in Turkey, it is better to choose bays around the city. Since the beaches in Bodrum itself are bad – either pebbles or concrete slabs, but beyond it you can find good sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea. Possibilities of diving and surfing.
Rest in Turkey. Kusadasi
The name literally translates as ” Bird Island “. Perhaps this was facilitated by the small island, on which various birds have been coming to nest for centuries. The island is connected to the coast by a causeway. Kusadasi is a very cozy, clean and quite green resort in Turkey . The beaches here are mostly sandy, but there are also platforms. The season for recreation is short – from June to August, after which it becomes cooler and the wind blows strongly. The resort is a good starting point for excursions, because it is surrounded by monuments of antiquity, such as Ephesus and Didyma ..
Extras: many cafes, restaurants, discos, there are two water parks. Opportunities for active recreation.
Rest in Turkey. Marmaris
Marmaris is the pearl of the Turkish coast. This is a stunning resort in Turkey , which is surrounded by greenery and hides among the picturesque bays and islands of the Aegean Sea. The resort area includes the city of Marmaris itself, as well as the nearby villages of Ichmelar , Siteler and Turunch .
Type of recreation: beach, youth, family
Beaches: sandy, small pebbles may be found, gentle entrance to the sea
Hotels: mainly urban type with a small area and multi-story buildings standing along the sea in several rows. However, there are also representatives of club chains. Hotels in the city center mostly have a category of 3, 4 *. Some hotels in the center have a very thin strip of sand: sunbeds fit in one row. Hotels in the urban area of Marmaris are located across the road from the beach, while the beach is municipal, but the hotel rents part of the beach for itself.
Addition: in the city itself there are two water parks – “Atlantis” and “Aqua Dream” and many historical monuments. Marmaris is located relatively close to Pamukkale and Ephesus , so tourists can be advised to go on excursions. Tourists also have the opportunity to visit the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos .
Rest in Turkey. Fethiye
Geography: Aegean coast. Oludeniz Bay is adjacent to the resort .
Type of vacation: family, beach,
Beaches: sandy, not too wide, municipal, the entrance to the sea is gentle. Pebble beaches can be found near the resort. Developed infrastructure.
Hotels: the hotel base is not very large, mainly club-type hotels (HV) or boutiques. 4-5* hotels predominate.
Extras: the resort is convenient for excursions of various types – Pamukkale, Demre, Ephesus, rafting, butterfly valley. Many paragliding centers, various pubs are open in the evening.
Rest in Turkey. Grandfather
Didim was once a tiny fishing village, now it is an actively developing resort in Turkey with many comfortable hotels. The central beach of the city – Altinkum (translated as golden sand) has been awarded a blue flag for cleanliness. The entrance to the sea is quite gentle, and the water is turquoise-transparent. The resort is not too popular among our tourists and this is a plus for those who are looking for solitude and peace far from their native language and crowds of compatriots on the shore of the purest Aegean Sea.
Rest in Turkey. Izmir
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, which is not only a famous resort on the Aegean Sea, but also an international business center. Here you can feel the real Turkey, not the one we see when we arrive at posh hotels, but the one in which an ordinary local resident lives every day. Izmir is a city of contrasts, next to fashionable houses, in the city you can find impassable slums, next to ancient ruins – modern buildings. There is a huge number of hotels for every taste. Of course, when going to Izmir, you need to clearly understand that this is an active city, with all the consequences that follow from here.
Non-beach resorts
A large number of tourists are discovering that there is much more to Turkey than the beaches.
Rest in Turkey. Istanbul
A metropolis and one of the largest hubs in the world. Ataturk Airport is a new, dynamically developing area, very convenient for short-term stays, transits through Istanbul, and corporate groups. Modern and newest hotels are right here.
The city is the main cultural, trade, and industrial center, and it is also the main port of the country. For tourists, there will be interesting historical places: the Historical Peninsula, the Cathedral of Saint Sophia , the Sultan’s Palace of Topkapi, the Grand Bazaar , the Blue Mosque , the Basilica Cistern.
There are also many cafes, restaurants, markets and excursions. Bargain shopping – many leather factories, jewelry and brand stores.
Resting in Turkey on the beach in Istanbul is not recommended, as the beaches are municipal, the sea is incomparably clean with resorts, there is no choice of hotels, the choice of services is limited, the distance from the city is 1.5 hours.
It is convenient to combine Istanbul with resorts in Turkey for recreation (developed air network, low prices for domestic flights).
Alpine skiing Turkey
Turkey, of course, is not known to most tourists as a ski resort. However, there are places for skating here too. Experts note that the resorts of this eastern country are suitable for families with children and novice riders. The season here is from mid-November to the end of March. Ski resorts of Turkey : Uludag , Sarakamish , Palandoken , Kartalkay .
Medicinal Turkey
Turkey occupies one of the leading places in the world among countries with thermal springs on their territory. The temperature of the water in the springs varies from 20 to 110 degrees, and the water flow rate can be from 2 to 500 liters per second. Thermal resorts in Turkey provide an opportunity to relax and at the same time cure various diseases, from rheumatism to psoriasis.
Medical resorts of Turkey: Pamukkale, Yalova, Kangal.
According to experts, the treatment can be combined with a tourist vacation. The following combinations are popular:
Istanbul + Yalova / Pamukkale / Kangal
Antalya + Pamukkale
Bodrum / Marmaris / Fethiye + Pamukkale
Each hotel of the medical resorts has: a thermal pool with mineral and thermal water, a wellness center where you can order medical procedures (massages, masks, mud wraps, etc.), food – BB / HB (including dietary), sauna , hammam
When is the best time to go on vacation to Turkey?
Turkey is a country that occupies one of the first places in the world in terms of the number of people who come here for the purpose of recreation. A unique culture, the presence of historical monuments, developed infrastructure, a large selection of resort areas – all this makes Turkey particularly attractive from the point of view of tourism. It is better to go to Turkey for vacation in the period from May to October, as during this time you will be able to fully enjoy your vacation.
Tourist seasons in Turkey
You can officially rest in Turkey starting from May. It is in this month that the first tourists appear on local beaches. A good geographical location allows the Turkish authorities to actively develop various types of tourism. The choice of season depends, first of all, on your individual preferences and weather conditions.
High holiday season in Turkey
The main flow of tourists comes to the country in the period from July to the end of August. At this time, stable and warm weather is established in almost all regions. The air warms up to + 36-40 degrees, and the sea quickly becomes warm and you can swim even at night.
Those who prefer tropical heat go to the coast of Antalya, Belek or Kemer. For tourists who can’t stand the heat, Bodrum or Istanbul will be the best vacation spots. The sun does not burn as much here as in the Mediterranean region.
Hotels, as a rule, increase the cost of accommodation and service in the high season. This is probably the only significant drawback of vacationing in Turkey in the summer. If the hotel does not have its own beach area, then you should come to terms with the fact that you will be relaxing with a significant crowd of people. Such a situation is considered standard for Turkey in the high season.
Low holiday season in Turkey
During the official holiday season in Turkey, all hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, swimming pools and service personnel are actively working. However, from the end of October until April, life in the country freezes due to the fact that this period is the lowest season.
The average air temperature ranges from +15 to +24 degrees. At the beginning of October, you can still swim, as the water warms up quite well during the summer. Among the obvious advantages of vacationing in Turkey in the low season, the following are noted:
ideal weather conditions for educational tours and sightseeing;
- democratic cost of vouchers;
- absence of a large number of vacationers;
- the opportunity to participate in mass events of a cultural nature.
Having decided to go to Turkey in the low season, do not forget that it is better to buy a tour in advance. So you will have a chance to save a lot on travel and choose a good accommodation option.
Season of holidays and festivals on vacation in Turkey
As for important events for the country, they are scattered throughout the calendar in a certain sequence. Most of it takes place when there are few tourists in Turkey. Therefore, those who want to experience the festive atmosphere of the country should go to Turkey in order to see everything with their own eyes.
The most important event for the country’s residents falls on the summer or autumn month and is called Ramadan . This is followed by Kurban Bayram , when mass cultural events are organized in every city or village. In April, a popular film festival is held in Istanbul , where famous directors and artists from all over the world gather.
At the beginning of May, a theater festival is held in the Turkish capital , and in the summer , jazz music festivals and the International Biennale , which is a grand art festival, are held in the same city .
It will be interesting to visit camel fights, the annual Guresh national wrestling competition, bull fights, the festival of archery masters, flowers and carpets.
Skiing season on holiday in Turkey
Despite the fact that tourists most often associate a trip to Turkey with a beach vacation, the country’s skiing industry is quite well developed. The presence of its own mountain ranges, which are perfectly suited for active sports, allowed the creation of about 15 specialized complexes on the territory of the country.
Going to one of the ski areas of Turkey, you will get:
- decent level of service;
- comfortable rest in hotels with warm pools;
- the opportunity to enjoy picturesque landscapes;
- classes with a professional instructor.
February and December are considered the most suitable months for skiing. The climate during this period is optimal not only for winter sports, but also for pleasant pastime. If you come to Turkey in December, you will be able to meet the New Year, which is also celebrated in the country according to the European calendar.
When is the best time to rest in Turkey with children
Children’s vacation in Turkey requires the availability of appropriate infrastructure, safety and good weather conditions at the resorts. A trip to Turkey fully meets these requirements, as a beach family vacation has long been one of the priority areas of the local leadership.
Having decided to go on vacation to Turkey as a family, it is better to buy tickets in advance. The ideal time for a beach vacation in Turkey with a child is the end of August or the beginning of September, which is considered the velvet season. First, the air and water temperatures are still warm enough to swim and sunbathe. Secondly, the beaches are not as crowded as in June and July.
Family couples should prefer resort areas located on the coast of Kemer , Alanya or Belek . These places are famous for a gentle entrance to the water, tourist programs aimed at children, as well as water parks.
Weather in Turkey
Climatic conditions of the country directly depend on the relief, the diversity of which allows to distinguish several climatic zones. A large part of the coast of Turkey is under the rule of the subtropical zone, which is characterized by high humidity and the absence of strong changes in temperature. Also on the territory of the country you can find regions where a sharply continental climate prevails. Such regions include Anatolia and the entire eastern part.
Turkey in summer
Starting from June, stable warm weather is established in Turkey. The thermometer rises to +35 degrees, and at night it drops to + 24-25 degrees. The hottest month is August, when the water warms up to +29 degrees. The summer weather in the country suits the visitors completely, but if you are against a long stay in the open sun, then it is better to refuse the trip.
Turkey in autumn
September is one of the months that opens the velvet season. This is due to the fact that the intense heat is already subsiding, and the sea water maintains a high temperature. At the beginning of October, the weather gradually changes. The hot air is replaced by precipitation in the form of torrential short-term rains. During the day, the air temperature drops to +24 degrees. At night, the temperature may drop to +13 degrees. In November, the number of sunny days is sharply reduced and the high season is replaced by a low one.
Turkey in winter
In winter, tourist life in the country freezes. The main reason is a decrease in air temperature to + 12-15 degrees. The water cools down to +7 degrees, so swimming in winter will not work. On the other hand, due to sub-zero temperatures in some areas of the country, ski resorts are opening. A temperature of -3-4 degrees is perfect for winter sports.
Turkey in the spring
In March, the weather changes for the better. The beach season has not yet officially arrived, as the average spring temperature in March and April is from +17 to +22 degrees. Rainy days are also decreasing and the sun is shining more and more during the day. In May, the weather stabilizes and becomes really warm, as evidenced by the air temperature of + 24-27 degrees.
How can you save on vacation in Turkey?
Some tourists prefer to go to Turkey when they can save as much as possible. As a rule, the cost of tickets begins to decrease already in November and remains unchanged until February. This trend is connected, first of all, with the change of weather in the country.
As for the spring period, prices rise from May and rise to the maximum by summer. During June, July, August and September, it will not be possible to save money for a trip to Turkey . It is worth considering this fact when going on a beach vacation.
Hot offers are very popular among tourists, which are almost always available at every travel company. In this case, you really won’t be able to spend much. The only downside of such offers is that you have to leave after a few hours or days, which is not very convenient.
What should be tasted on vacation in Turkey?
Those tourists who visit the international gastronomic festival in Istanbul will find out the exact answer to the question: “What to try in Turkey?” Well, you can enjoy baklava, halva and other traditional sweets by going to Turkish pastry shops and coffee shops.
Food in Turkey
In Turkey, they are not indifferent to legumes, beef, lamb (many meat dishes are cooked on a spit), poultry, fish, cereals, vegetables, bread and flour products (in addition to white bread, Turks like flat pitas and round cakes sprinkled with sesame seeds ).
In the northern part of Turkey, it is recommended to try fish dishes (hamsa pilaf), in the western part – snacks (pay attention to ” Arnavut Ciger ” – dishes based on fried liver), and in coastal cities – grilled fish and dolma with mussels. Among the drinks on vacation in Turkey, coffee, tea, and ayran are popular.
In addition to classic restaurants in Turkey, you should try local dishes in such establishments as kebabs (those who want to try kebabs, of which there are more than 20 varieties, and meat dishes go here), chorbaji (there, guests are treated mainly with soups and some snacks), lokants (they are a kind of cafeteria-dining room, where Turkish dishes are prepared in advance, they do not cool down, as they stand in iron trays).
Top 10 Turkish dishes
Kebab
Kebab is an oriental barbecue, for the preparation of which meat is taken (most often lamb). Travelers are recommended to try Adana kebab – in this dish, minced lamb is strung on a wide skewer and cooked over an open fire. Thin pita bread, slices of lemon and salad, to which greens and pickled onions are added, are perfect for Adana kebab.
Everyone should try the doner kebab : it is prepared from large pieces of beef on a vertical spit. The finished meat is cut into thin strips and placed on freshly baked bread (marinated vegetables, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and sauce are added).
Meatballs
Kefte is a dish in the form of flat patties (they are grilled), the minced meat for which is obtained from twisted beef and lamb meat. Minced meat is seasoned with spices and onions. A side dish for Keftiu is paprika paste, salad with greens and pickled sweet onions.
There are about 290 types of kefte, among which the following are interesting:
dalyan kefte (ground meat is formed into a roll, and the filling is made from hard-boiled carrots, peas and eggs; the dish is cooked in the oven);
kuru kefte (fried cutlets made from minced meat with parsley, pepper, cumin, garlic);
Izmir Kefte (grilled kuru Kefte is placed in a pot and put in the oven or stove, having previously added tomatoes, potatoes and green pepper to the dish);
kharput kefte (this is a dish in the form of small balls made of crushed wheat, basil, minced meat, onions, parsley, poured with a sauce that includes butter, tomatoes and red pepper paste).
Chorbasy
Chorbas are Turkish soups. In Turkey, you should not overlook merjimek chorbasa (a puree soup, which includes onions, carrots, orange lentils, red pepper), ishkembe chorbasa (the main ingredient of the soup, which is prepared for at least 4 hours – lamb shanks), tomato chorbasa (variety of tomato soup), tarkhana chorbasa (cream soup is made from tarkhana powder – a dried mixture into which yeast, flour, tomatoes, yogurt and spices are put).
Kokorech
Kokorech is a dish based on intestines. The heart, kidneys, lungs and other parts of the lamb are placed in the intestine and fried in restaurants and street cafes on a spit or an electric grill. Before serving kokorech on a plate, on a grape leaf or in a crispy bun, it is finely chopped, supplemented with spices (thyme, pepper) and vegetables, in particular, tomatoes, green pepper or pickles. The appropriate drink for the kokorech dish (its minimum price is $1.42) is ayran . It is rare to find kokorec on a restaurant menu, but in Antalya you should visit ” Sampiyon kokorec ” for this dish.
Pilav
The main component of paddy is rice. Other products (chicken liver, mushrooms, bulgur, almonds, peanuts, boiled corn kernels) are often added to Turkish pilaf, which are not characteristic of traditional pilaf. Yes, you should try pilaf with fried vermicelli or pilaf with chickpeas. Those who will be vacationing in coastal Turkish cities are advised to look for pilaf with fish, shrimp or mussels in the menu of restaurants.
There are also vegetarian types of pilav, for example, Ege Usulu Sebzeli Pilav . You can enjoy this Aegean-style vegetable pilaf in Izmir, Fethiye, Marmaris, and Bodrum.
Balyk Ekmek
Balik Ekmek is an Istanbul fish fast food. On Eminen Square , everyone will be able to buy a bun filled with onions, lettuce, pickled carrots and peppers, and grilled fish caught in the Bosphorus (all this is sprinkled with lemon juice and sold from Ottoman boats, next to which chairs and tables-barrels are installed) .
Balik ekmek costs about $2 (the further from the pier, the cheaper this Turkish sandwich is).
Borek
Borek is presented in the form of a puff pastry, which can be tasted in any district of Istanbul (it is prepared differently everywhere). The thinnest puff pastry is used to make this pie, and cheese, spinach, potatoes, chicken or meat are used for the filling. Borek is often eaten for breakfast together with tea or coffee, and you can buy this puff pastry for at least $1.15. Tip: Borek with meat is fatty, so it is better to eat it with ayran.
Lakhmajun
Lakhmajun is a Turkish pizza. To prepare it, the dough is rolled out thinly and stuffed with greens and bell peppers or minced meat (beef / lamb) and tomatoes. Lakhmajun is served with parsley and lemon. It is worth noting that, due to the fact that Turkish pizza is very thin, it can be rolled into a roll and stuffed with greens and sweet pepper salad.
You can buy lahmajun at the podium or eateries for at least $1.15.
Dondurma
Dondurma is a chewy, chewing gum-like ice cream (it contains mastic, goat’s milk, sugar and salep). Dondurma can be bought in a waffle cup from a street cart or in a special cafe specializing in the sale of dondurma (hot, sweet halvah is often added to the sweets). The minimum cost of a dondurm is $1.42.
It is worth noting that ice cream sellers put on whole shows for customers (they tease them by lifting the sweetness with long sticks to a height, and then lowering it again into an open container built into the cart).
Simit
Simit is a Turkish bagel that is suitable for a snack on the go and to complement morning tea. Simit is sold from red carts, and in some cases it can also be purchased from peddler boys. Yeast dough, molasses and sesame are used to prepare simits. Sometimes you can find simit with a filling in the form of cheese or sweet ingredients. You can buy a seed for $0.30.
Top 28 sights of Turkey
For many tourists, Turkey is a country of five-star all-inclusive hotels. However, the more you learn about this hospitable land, the clearer you understand that, in addition to fashionable and comfortable hotels, Turkey has a lot to offer curious travelers.
This is a huge eastern country, which is characterized by crazy beauty and variety of landscapes, unique traditions, ancient culture, abandoned ancient cities, noisy eastern bazaars, valuable archaeological monuments. It is washed by four seas, on the coasts of which hotel complexes are lined up in slender rows, and is famous for its mountains with a deep snow cover, which are ideal for skiing. On the map of Turkey, you can find national parks with hiking and biking trails and rushing rivers suitable for rafting and fishing, water parks that are real man-made masterpieces, and entertainment complexes with interesting attractions that appeal to adults and children.
You probably won’t be able to see all the sights of Turkey in a dozen trips. There are too many of them, they are scattered all over the country, and each of them is worthy of close attention and study. Those who have visited Turkey at least once, plan to return here without fail!
The best sights of Turkey
Rest in Turkey. Cappadocia
A stunning natural wonder – tuff canyons and pillars with basalt tops resembling hats – was formed several million years ago. They occupy a huge territory that, like a magnet, attracts thousands of tourists. Local residents used to live in man-made caves of these rocks. Such cities have survived to our time.
Rest in Turkey. Galatskaya Tower in Istanbul
A slender tower with a pointed dome, which is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, is a creation of the Genoese. They built it on the site of an ancient Byzantine fortress, on a hill standing in the Golden Horn bay. The top of the tower appeared in the 20th century. You can climb the tower by elevator or stairs. There is an observation deck at the top.
Rest in Turkey. Bosphorus Strait
The 30-kilometer-long Bosphorus strait marks the border between Europe and Asia. The most beautiful photos of Istanbul are taken from the ferry in the summer between 15.00 and 18.00. It is best to go for a walk along the Bosphorus from Ortakei Pier .
Rest in Turkey. Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
You can see the amazing underground water tank built by the Byzantines in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern resembles a temple into which water was poured. Bridges for tourists are laid between hundreds of marble columns. You can find a column at the base of which is carved the face of Medusa the Gorgon. The Basilica Cistern is mentioned in Dan Brown’s novel Inferno.
Rest in Turkey. Sultanahmet Mosque, Istanbul
The mosque with six minarets, which is rather unusual, is named after Sultan Ahmet I , who decided to build a temple in Istanbul equal in size and grandeur to the mosque in Mecca. The Islamic world was agitated by such a decision, and the sultan was forced to add two more minarets to the mosque. So, 6 minarets appeared at the Sultanahmet Muslim temple. Even those who do not practice Islam can enter the mosque.
Rest in Turkey. Pamukkale
The word “Pamukkale”, which means ” Cotton Castle ” in Turkish , refers to a village near Mount Chal and its surroundings, where 17 hot mineral springs were discovered. Water, saturated with minerals, flowing down the slopes of the mountain, formed snow-white terraces of amazing beauty. They have natural pools filled with healing water, where tourists like to pamper themselves.
Rest in Turkey. Hilt
The ancient city of Ephesus is the very place where the temple of Artemis , which was included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World, stood many centuries ago . It was burned by the Greek Herostratus , who wanted to become famous in this way. One column has survived from the temple to our time. The ruins of other temples, houses, gates, squares, and Roman baths are available for inspection.
Rest in Turkey. Silk market in Bursa
Silk has been produced in Bursa since the 6th century. This is the best souvenir for which you should go to the Koza Khan silk market . The market has been operating since 1491. It was opened in the former inn yard. In addition to clothes and carpets made of silk, you can buy silkworm cocoons here.
Rest in Turkey. Aquapark “Planet of Water” in Alanya
On the Mediterranean coast, a few tens of kilometers from Alanya, there is a luxurious hotel “Water Planet” , where a popular water park with the same name was built. Large companies and families with small children come here. There is suitable entertainment for every guest.
Rest in Turkey. Troy
The city of King Priam, the legendary Troy, discovered by Schliemann, is located on the territory of Turkey, not far from the Dardanelles Strait . Scientists working on the excavations of the ancient city discovered 9 historical layers here. It is assumed that the Troy of Priam’s time is number 6. Nowadays, the ruins of Troy are an open-air museum.
Rest in Turkey. Mevlyana Museum
Mevliana is a famous Persian poet who founded the order of “dancing” dervishes. The Mevljana Museum in the city of Konya has a tomb where this outstanding and respected Muslim man was buried. His sarcophagus is the main treasure of the museum. Ancient religious books, valuable carpets and much more are also exhibited here.
Rest in Turkey. Duden waterfalls
The breathtaking Duden Falls are located not far from Antalya. The Lower Duden waterfall, which falls into the Mediterranean Sea from a 40-meter-high cliff, is especially beautiful. In 2015, a modern lighting system was installed here, so the waterfall looks especially impressive at night.
Rest in Turkey. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
The fourth largest temple in Europe, the former Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was built by the Byzantines in 532-537 AD. e. For its decoration, original decorations taken from the sanctuary of the goddess Artemis in Ephesus and the ancient temple of Zeus in Baalbek were delivered . In 1453, the Christian church was transformed into a mosque. Now it is an interesting museum.
Rest in Turkey. The ancient city of Pergamum
Pergamum is the remains of an ancient Greek city founded 32 centuries ago. Historical ruins can be found within the modern city of Bergamo. A detailed plan of the archaeological zone of Pergamum can be obtained from any tourist office in the city.
Particular attention should be paid to the ruins:
- the acropolis, where the Altar of Zeus was discovered , which is now kept in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin;
- upper agora;
- sanctuaries of Athena;
- libraries
Rest in Turkey. Neolithic settlement Chatal-Hyuyuk
The most famous Neolithic settlement in the entire Middle East is located 40 km from the city of Konya. It was founded about 9.5 thousand years ago. Local residents, and there were 3-10 thousand of them, left their homes in 5600 BC. e. Archaeologists are still working here. A museum has been built for tourists next to the excavation site.
Rest in Turkey. Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat, located on the border of Turkey and Armenia, is, according to biblical stories, the landing place of Noah’s ark . In fact, the legendary ark has not yet been discovered. Ararat is two extinct volcanoes with a common base. Agra Daga National Park is located on the slopes of one of the volcanoes .
Rest in Turkey. Dolphinarium in Kemer
Up to 800 people can simultaneously watch the show in the dolphinarium, which is located in Kemera Park on the seashore. You can communicate with the local “stars” – dolphins and sea lions – before and after the performances, when guests are allowed to swim with them and take a photo as a souvenir.
Rest in Turkey. Safranbolu
The town of Safranbolu, named after the expensive saffron spice grown in the local fields, is famous for its well-preserved ancient houses that belonged to the Ottoman nobility. Palaces, as well as public buildings (baths, mosques, towers) were built in the XVIII-XIX centuries in the traditional Turkish manner.
Rest in Turkey. The ancient city of Hattusa
It will be difficult to imagine Hattusu, the main city of the Hittites, from the description. To understand the scale and significance of local excavations, you need to come here, that is, to the village of Bokazkale. A historical museum has been arranged for tourists next to the archaeological excavations. The settlement, covering about 160 hectares, was discovered in 1834. Its study began at the beginning of the 20th century.
Rest in Turkey. Selimiye Mosque
The main attraction of Edirne is the majestic Selim Mosque, decorated with four minarets. It was built on the heights above the city in the middle of the 16th century. The architect Sinan, who also worked on several mosques in Istanbul, was particularly fond of the Selimiye Temple. The mosque was named in honor of its customer, Sultan Selim II.
Rest in Turkey. Mount Nemrut-Dag
On the top of the mountain Nemrut-Dag, which 2 thousand years ago was part of the small kingdom of Commagena, you can find evidence of this distant past. Here is the tomb of one of the rulers of Commagina – Antiochus I , son of Mithridates I. This is a mound surrounded by majestic 8-meter statues depicting ancient gods.
Rest in Turkey. Archaeological zone of Ani
Previously closed to visitors, but now turned into a profitable tourist attraction, the ruins of Ani – the capital of the ancient Armenian state – are located near the border with Armenia. The city was built on a plateau that had natural protection on three sides – deep, steep gorges. Ani was conquered and half destroyed by the Turks in 1064. Residents returned to it in the 12th century, but finally left the capital at the beginning of the 14th century, when the strongest earthquake occurred here.
Rest in Turkey. Diyarbakir Fortress
The Black Fortress rises in the center of modern Diyarbakir. There is an opinion that it dates back to the Roman period, but it got its current appearance during the reign of the Byzantines. The fortress consists of two parts – outer and inner. The outer fortress ( Surichi ) has an irregular rounded shape. Several museums and mosques are located on its territory. The inner one is called Ich-Kale .
Rest in Turkey. Kepryu Canyon
The canyon of the Kepryuchai River, overgrown with picturesque forests, is part of the Kepryu National Park. The ancient stone bridge Oluk , which tourists like to photograph, is thrown across the canyon . The canyon can be seen from below if you go down the river on a rubber raft.
Rest in Turkey. Floodplain forests of Igneada
The forests in the vicinity of the city of Igneada, which is located near the Bulgarian border, are recognized as a protected area. In order to see all the local beauties and sometimes not to get lost in the swamp, it is better to hire a guide for walks. He can suggest a trip to one of five local lakes where waterfowl nest. A trip to the dunes will be interesting.
Rest in Turkey. Lycian tombs in Fethiye
According to legends, Lycia was founded by the nymph Leto , beloved of Zeus. The region got its name in honor of the wolves that came to her aid. Near Fethiye is the majestic tomb of the Lycian Amyntas , which is carved into the rock and resembles, rather, a sanctuary than a burial place. A huge staircase leads to it. Nearby you can see more modest Lycian burials.
Rest in Turkey. Panagia Zumil
The easiest way to get to the monastery of Panagia Zumila is from Trabzon, which is only fifty kilometers away. This Orthodox monastery was founded in 386 on the site of the discovery of a valuable icon of the Mother of God , which was painted by the apostle Luke himself . In the first half of the 20th century, the Greeks who left the country took the miraculous image with them. The monastery is located on Mount Mela , at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, in the Altindere Nature Reserve . It has long been abandoned by its inhabitants.
Rest in Turkey. Princes of the island
Residents of Istanbul simply call them Islands. They got their official name because the rulers of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire sent there relatives and friends who had committed a crime, who would rather be executed, but their conscience does not allow it. Then Turkish nobles liked the islands, who began to build luxurious villas here. You can get to the Prince’s Islands by ferry.