Turkey is, first of all, a beach holiday, but there are opportunities for sightseeing, medical, and extreme pastime. This allows us to offer tourists various options for holidays in Turkey. The most popular resorts in Turkey are located on the Mediterranean coast. It is to Antalya that the largest number of charters from the CIS countries are sent. The resorts of the Aegean coast are located closest to historical and natural monuments. The Aegean Sea 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 with tourists from the CIS countries, so we will not consider them in this review.

Holidays in Turkey. The main resorts of the Mediterranean Sea

Holidays 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 the unusually beautiful waterfalls Düden, Kurşunlu and Lake Nilüfer.

The coast of Antalya is rocky, the beaches are arranged on concrete platforms. Therefore, we would not recommend Antalya for a beach holiday in Turkey. Beaches: sandy, gentle slope into the sea, developed infrastructure. Many beaches at hotels, there are paid beaches.

Hotels: from guest houses to hotels of world brands. A good selection of hotels, where there is everything you need for a fun and comfortable holiday in Turkey with children. Most beach hotels are located in the suburbs, but it will not take much time to get to the center.

Additions: Many restaurants, cafes, entertainment centers and discos, shops. Dedeman water parks and Aqualand. There are historical monuments, the Old Town has been preserved in the center. Shopping malls, a variety of shopping.

Holidays in Turkey. Alanya

A small town on the southern coast of Antalya with a beautiful harbor, wide avenues, sand and pebble beaches, an old town, a majestic mountain Byzantine fortress.

Alanya is famous for the Red Tower, caves: “Maiden”, “Phosphorus” and “Cave of Lovers”, and one of the main attractions of Alanya is Cleopatra’s Beach, where, 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 in full swing.

The coastal area of Alanya is open, there are mountains in the distance, it is not very green here.

The beaches themselves are sandy, the entrance to the sea is pebble, in places complicated by natural tectonic plates.

Hotels and tours to Alanya are on average cheaper than in Kemer and Belek. But this does not mean at all that the hotels here are worse! There are quite worthy representatives of all hotel categories in this region!

Alanya is 90 km from the airport.

Additions: many discos, bars, restaurants, there is an amusement park, Planet Water Water Park, a water amusement park and Sealanya Seapark Dolphinarium. There are historical monuments.

Vacation in Turkey. Belek

A resort with incredibly beautiful nature: picturesque Taurus Mountains, forests with rich fauna, wide sandy beaches with crystal clear water.

A notable attraction of Belek is the Keprulu Canyon National Park – cypress and eucalyptus forests that come close to the luxurious sandy coast, there are many unique species of birds.

A special pride of Belek is the National Golf Club, which is located against the backdrop of the peaks of the Toros Mountains in a eucalyptus-pine forest.

Belek is a resort with silky sandy beaches and a pine forest that approaches the Mediterranean Sea. Resort in Turkey for a respectable vacation. 90% of Belek hotels are expensive and luxurious.

Belek is also chosen for holidays with children, as the entrance to the sea is simply wonderful.

Additions: A fashionable resort, large golf courses near the hotels. Troy Water Park, active sports: rock climbing, rafting and all kinds of water sports

Holidays in Turkey. Kemer

The resort of Kemer is located 42 km from Antalya Airport.

Its resort area includes areas such as: Beldibi, Tekirova, Chamyuva, Kirish and Goynuk.

There is wonderful nature here – mountain meadows, pine and cypress groves, wide sandy and pebble beaches and cozy quiet bays.

Fans of active holidays in Turkey can go diving, surfing, sailing or take a trip on a yacht.

In the city of Kemer itself, you will never be bored, there are many bars, restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment centers.

To make it clearer, Kemer is very similar to the coast of the Southern coast of Crimea, which is so familiar to everyone. Rocks, pine trees and pebble beaches! Beauty!

In the Beldibi region, the beach strip is covered with large pebbles, but 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 – in the city center, closer to entertainment. 5 * hotels are located on the first coastline and have a large territory. 4 * hotels are the same, but a little cheaper. 3 * hotels have a smaller territory.

Additions: Near Kemer are the Yoruk Ethnographic Museum, Mount Tahtalidag with a lift. Many cafes, restaurants, discos, opportunities for active recreation: diving, windsurfing.

Rest in Turkey. Side

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 to just stroll through the streets, sit in a restaurant or cafe, and pick up a souvenir in souvenir shops.

Legend has it that Cleopatra and Antony had a date here, so it is a special place for couples in love.

Side has long been called the “Open-air Museum“! Here you can see the ancient amphitheater, the Necropolis, the statue of 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 Belek hotels.

The entrance to the sea is a little rocky, but there is quite a lot of soft sand on the beaches themselves.

The distance from Antalya airport is 70 km.

Hotels: apartments, guest houses, but most are 5 * hotels with a large territory and the presence of various entertainment – swimming pools, water parks.

Extras: a fashionable resort, rich opportunities for active holidays in Turkey. There are historical monuments.

Holidays 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.

Mira is the most important trading 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. an acropolis on the riverbank and a canal that supplied the city with water;
3. well-preserved burials on high cliffs, the most interesting is the tomb that resembles an Ionic temple.

Kekova is one of the most attractive cities that sank as a result of an earthquake.
The entire coast of Kekova is dotted 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 city bustle, admire the beautiful seascapes, picturesque bays, mysterious islands, see ancient cities and swim in the open sea.

Well, what would Turkey be without a Turkish bath – Hammam! You should definitely use this bath to prepare your skin for an even and gorgeous tan.
A trip to the hammam includes steaming the body on stones, then peeling with a hard glove and massage.
And then you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.

Another interesting excursion for vacationers 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 Tüche, and not far from Side there is the beautiful Manavgat waterfall.

Those who wish can arrange a Shopping tour – an opportunity to combine relaxation with shopping, visiting various stores, as they say, for every taste and budget.

The main resorts of the Aegean Sea

Holidays in Turkey. Bodrum

The most famous resort on the Aegean Sea. Getting to know the resort begins with the international Bodrum Airport, which is located approximately 40 km from the city of Bodrum.

Bodrum is not only the name of the city, but also 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 deserted, slightly green hills, all the buildings in the city are white and low (if you have been to Greece, you will see a certain similarity 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 discos, nightclubs, bars, which are favorite gathering points for 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 venues are open until the morning.

For a beach holiday in Turkey, it is better to choose the bays around the city. Since the beaches in Bodrum itself are bad – either pebbles or concrete slabs, but outside it you can find good sandy ones with a gentle entrance to the sea. Diving and surfing opportunities.

Holidays in Turkey. Kusadasi.

The name literally translates as “Bird Island“. Perhaps this was facilitated by the small island, where 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 holiday season 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 ancient monuments such as Ephesus and Didyma..

Additions: many cafes, restaurants, discos, there are two water parks. Opportunities for active recreation.

Holidays in Turkey. Marmaris

Marmaris is the pearl of the Turkish coast. This is a stunning resort in Turkey, which is immersed in greenery and hidden among the picturesque bays and islands of the Aegean Sea. The resort area includes both the city of Marmaris itself and the villages adjacent to it – Içmelar, Siteler and Turunc.

Type of vacation: beach, youth, family

Beaches: sandy, there may be small pebbles, gentle entrance to the sea

Hotels: mainly urban type with a small area and multi-storey buildings standing along the sea in several rows. However, there are also representatives of club chains. Hotels in the city center are mostly 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 both Pamukkale and Ephesus, so tourists can be advised to take excursions. Tourists also have the opportunity to visit the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos.

Holidays in Turkey. Fethiye

Geography: Aegean coast. The resort is adjacent to Oludeniz Bay.

Type of vacation: family, beach,

Beaches: sandy, not too wide, municipal, the entrance to the sea is gentle. Near the resort you can find pebble beaches. Developed infrastructure.

Hotels: the hotel base is not very large, mainly club-type hotels (HV) or boutique. 4-5 * hotels prevail.

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. Didim

Didim was once a tiny fishing village, now it is a resort in Turkey that is actively developing, with many comfortable hotels. The central beach of the city – Altinkum (translated as golden sand) is marked with a blue flag for cleanliness. The entrance to the sea is quite gentle, and the water is turquoise-clear. The resort is not very 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 shores of the cleanest Aegean Sea.

Holidays 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 come to fancy hotels, but the one in which an ordinary local resident lives every day. Izmir is a city of contrasts, next to fashionable houses, you can find impenetrable slums in the city, 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 this.

Non-beach resorts

A large number of tourists discover that there are much more entertainment options in Turkey than beaches.

Holidays in Turkey. Istanbul

A megalopolis 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, corporate groups. Modern and newest hotels are right here.

The city is the main cultural, commercial, industrial center, and it is also the main port of the country. Tourists will find interesting historical sites here: the Historical Peninsula, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern.

There are also many cafes, restaurants, markets and excursions. Profitable shopping – many leather factories, jewelry and brand stores.

Holidays in Turkey on the beach in Istanbul is not recommended, as the beaches are municipal, the sea is incomparable in cleanliness with resorts, there is no choice of hotels, the choice of services is limited, the distance from the city is 1.5 hours.

Istanbul is convenient to combine with Turkish resorts for relaxation (developed air network, low prices for domestic flights).

Skiing Turkey

Turkey, of course, is not known to most tourists as a ski resort. However, there are places to ski here. Experts note that the resorts of this eastern country are suitable for families with children and beginner riders. The season here is from mid-November to the end of March. Ski resorts in Turkey: Uludag, Sarakamish, Palandoken, Kartalkay.

Healing Turkey

Turkey occupies one of the leading places in the world among countries with thermal springs on its territory. The temperature of the water in the springs varies from 20 to 110 degrees, and the speed of water flow can be from 2 to 500 liters per second. Thermal resorts in Turkey provide an opportunity to relax and simultaneously cure various diseases, from rheumatism to psoriasis.

Medical resorts in Turkey: Pamukkale, Yalova, Kangal.

According to experts, treatment can be combined with tourist recreation. The following combinations are popular:

Istanbul + Yalova / Pamukkale / Kangal

Antalya + Pamukkale

Bodrum / Marmaris / Fethiye + Pamukkale

Each hotel in the health resorts has: a thermal pool with mineral and thermal water, a wellness center where you can order medical procedures (massages, masks, mud wraps, etc.), meals – BB / HB (including diet), sauna, hammam.

When is it better to go to Turkey for a vacation?

Turkey is a country that ranks first in the world in terms of the number of people coming here for a vacation. A unique culture, the presence of historical monuments, developed infrastructure, a large selection of resort areas – all this makes Turkey especially attractive from a tourism point of view. It is better to go to Turkey for a vacation from May to October, since at this time you can fully enjoy your vacation.

Tourist seasons in Turkey

Officially, you can vacation in Turkey starting in May. It is in this month that the first tourists appear on local beaches. The favorable 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 season in Turkey

The main flow of tourists comes to the country 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 do not tolerate strong heat, Bodrum or Istanbul will be the best places to relax. The sun here is not as hot as in the Mediterranean region.

Hotels, as a rule, increase the cost of accommodation and services during the high season. This is perhaps the only significant drawback of holidays in Turkey in the summer. If the hotel does not have its own beach area, then you should accept the fact that you will relax with a significant crowd of people. This situation is considered standard for Turkey during the high season.

Low season for holidays in Turkey

During the official season for holidays in Turkey, all hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, swimming pools and service staff are actively working. However, from the end of October until April, life in the country comes to a standstill due to the fact that this period is the lowest season.

The average air temperature ranges from +15 to +24 degrees. In early October, you can still swim, as the water warms up quite well for the summer. Among the obvious advantages of holidays in Turkey in the low season are:

ideal weather conditions for educational excursions and sightseeing;

affordable cost of tours;
lack of large numbers of vacationers;
opportunity to participate in mass cultural events.

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 the important events for the country, they are scattered throughout the calendar in a certain sequence. Most of them take 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 cultural and mass events are organized in every city or village. In April, a popular film festival is held in Istanbul, which attracts famous directors and artists from all over the world.

In early May, a theater festival is held in the Turkish capital, and in the summer the same city hosts jazz music festivals and the International Biennale, which is a grandiose art festival.

It will be interesting to visit camel fights, the annual national wrestling competition Gyuresh, bullfights, the festival of archery masters, flowers and carpets.

Skiing season on vacation in Turkey

Despite the fact that a trip to Turkey is most often associated with beach holidays by tourists, the skiing industry in the country is quite well developed. The presence of its own mountain ranges, which are perfectly suited for active sports, has allowed the creation of about 15 specialized complexes in the country.

By going to one of the ski resorts in Turkey, you will receive:

a decent level of service;
a comfortable stay in hotels with warm pools;
the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes;
classes with a professional instructor.

The most suitable months for skiing are February and December. The climate during this period is optimal not only for winter sports, but also for a pleasant pastime. If you arrive in Turkey in December, you will be able to celebrate the New Year, which is also celebrated in the country according to the European calendar.

When is it better to relax in Turkey with children

Children’s holidays in Turkey require the availability of appropriate infrastructure, safety and good weather conditions at the resorts. A trip to Turkey fully meets these requirements, as beach family vacations have long become one of the priorities of the local leadership.

Having decided to go on a holiday to Turkey with your family, it is better to purchase 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 are considered the velvet season. Firstly, 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.

Couples should give preference to resort areas located on the Kemer coast, Alanya or Belek. These places are famous for their gentle entry into the water, tourist programs aimed at children, as well as water parks.

Weather in Turkey

The country’s climatic conditions directly depend on the relief, the diversity of which allows us to distinguish several climatic zones. Most of the coast of Turkey is in the subtropical zone, which is characterized by high humidity and the absence of strong temperature drops. Also on the territory of the country you can find regions where a sharply continental climate prevails. Such areas include Anatolia and the entire eastern part.

Turkey in summer

Starting in June, stable warm weather sets in in Turkey. The thermometer rises to +35 degrees, and at night it drops to +24-25 degrees. The hottest month is considered to be August, when the water warms up to a maximum temperature of +29 degrees. The summer weather in the country is completely suitable for visitors, but if you are contraindicated to stay in the open sun for a long time, 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 retains a high temperature. In early October, the weather gradually changes. 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 decreases sharply and the high season is replaced by the low season.

Turkey in winter

In winter, tourist life in the country freezes. The main reason is the decrease in air temperature to + 12-15 degrees. The water cools down to +7 degrees, so swimming in winter is not possible. On the other hand, due to sub-zero temperatures in some areas of the country, ski resorts open. The temperature of -3-4 degrees is great for winter sports.

Turkey in 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 declining, and the sun shines 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 money on a vacation in Turkey?

Some tourists prefer to go to Turkey when they can save as much as possible. As a rule, the cost of vacation packages begins to decrease in November and remains unchanged until February. This trend is primarily due to changes in the weather in the country.

As for the spring period, prices increase from May and rise to their maximum by summer. During June, July, August and September, you won’t be able to save money on a trip to Turkey. It’s worth considering this fact when planning a beach vacation.

Hot deals are very popular among tourists, which are almost always available from every travel company. In this case, you really won’t be able to spend much. The only downside to such offers is that you have to fly out in a few hours or days, which is not entirely convenient.

What to try 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 confectioneries and coffee shops.

Food in Turkey

In Turkey, people are fond of 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 love flat pitas and round cakes, which are sprinkled with sesame seeds).

In the northern part of Turkey, it is recommended to try fish dishes (pilaf with anchovies), in the west – snacks (pay attention to “arnavut jiger” – dishes based on fried liver), and in coastal cities – grilled fish and dolma with the addition of mussels. Coffee, tea, and ayran are popular drinks on a vacation in Turkey.

In addition to classic restaurants in Turkey, it is worth trying local dishes in such establishments as kebabche (those who want to try kebabs, of which there are over 20 varieties, and meat dishes), chorbaji (where guests are treated mainly to soups and some snacks), lokants (they are a kind of cafe-dining room, where Turkish dishes are prepared in advance, they do not cool down, since they are in iron trays).

Top 10 Turkish Dishes

Kebab

Kebab is an oriental kebab, which is prepared using meat (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, lemon slices and salad with herbs and pickled onions go perfectly with Adana kebab.

Everyone should also try doner kebab: it is prepared from large pieces of beef on a vertical skewer. The finished meat is cut into thin strips and placed on freshly baked bread (pickled vegetables, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and sauce are added).

Kefte

Kefte is a dish in the form of flat cutlets (they are fried on the grill), the minced meat for which is obtained from twisted beef and lamb. The minced meat is seasoned with spices and onions. The side dish for Keftiu is paprika paste, salad with herbs and pickled sweet onions.

There are about 290 types of Kefte, among which the following are interesting:

dalyan Kefte (a roll is formed from minced meat, and the filling is made from carrots, peas and hard-boiled eggs; the dish is cooked in the oven);

kuru Kefte (fried cutlets are made from minced meat with parsley, pepper, cumin, garlic);

izmir Kefte (grilled chicken Keftiu is placed in a pot and placed in the oven or stove, having previously supplemented the dish with tomatoes, potatoes and green peppers);

harput Kefte (this is a dish in the form of small balls of crushed wheat, basil, minced meat, onion, parsley, poured with a sauce, which includes butter, tomatoes and red pepper paste).

Soups

Soups are Turkish soups. In Turkey, you should not miss mercimek chorbasi (a puree soup made with onions, carrots, orange lentils, and red peppers), ishkembe chorbasi (the main ingredient of the soup, which is cooked for at least 4 hours – lamb tripe), tomates chorbasi (a type of tomato soup), tarhana chorbasi (a cream soup made from tarhana powder – a dried mixture that contains yeast, flour, tomatoes, yogurt, and spices).

Kokorech

Kokorech is a dish based on intestines. The heart, kidneys, lungs and other offal of the lamb are placed in the intestines and roasted in restaurants and street cafes on a spit or electric roaster. Before serving kokorech on a plate, on grape leaves or in a crispy bun, it is finely chopped, supplemented with spices (thyme, pepper) and vegetables, in particular, tomatoes, green peppers or pickles. A suitable drink for a kokorech dish (its minimum cost is $ 1.42) is ayran. You can rarely find kokorec on a restaurant menu, but in Antalya, you should visit “Sampiyon kokorec” for this dish.

Pilaf

The main component of pilaf is rice. Other products (chicken liver, mushrooms, bulgur, almonds, peanuts, boiled corn kernels) that are not typical of traditional pilaf are often added to Turkish pilaf. So, it is worth trying pilaf with fried vermicelli or pilaf with chickpeas. Those who will rest in coastal Turkish cities are recommended to look for pilaf with fish, shrimp or mussels in the menu of catering establishments.

There are also vegetarian types of pilaf, for example, Ege Usulu Sebzeli Pilav. This Aegean vegetable pilaf can be enjoyed in Izmir, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum.

Balik ekmek

Balik ekmek is an Istanbul fish fast food. In Eminenu Square, everyone can buy a bun, which is 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 are installed chairs and barrel tables).

Balik ekmek costs about $2 (the further from the pier, the cheaper this Turkish sandwich is).

Borek

Borek is a puff pastry that can be found in any district of Istanbul (it is prepared differently everywhere). The thinnest puff pastry is used to make this pie, and the filling is cheese, spinach, potatoes, chicken or meat. Borek is often eaten for breakfast 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.

Лахмаджун

Лахмаджун є турецькою піцею. Щоб приготувати її, тісто тонко розкочують і начиняють його зеленню і болгарським перцем або м’ясним фаршем (яловичина / баранина) і помідорами. До Лахмаджун подають петрушку і лимон. Варто відзначити, через те, що турецька піца дуже тонка, її можна згорнути в рулет, і начинити його зеленню і салатом з солодкого перцю.

Купити лахмаджун можна в підеджі або закусочних мінімум за 1,15 $.

Дондурма

Дондурма – тягуче, схоже на жуйку, морозиво (в його складі є мастика, козяче молоко, цукор і салеп). Дондурму можна купити в вафельному стаканчику з вуличногої возу або в спеціальному кафе, спеціалізація якого – продаж дондурма (нерідко доповненням до солодощі виступає гаряча солодка халва). Мінімальна вартість дондурма – 1,42 $.

Варто відзначити, що торговці морозивом розігрують для покупців цілі вистави (вони дражнять їх, піднімаючи солодкість довгими палицями на висоту, після чого знову опускаючи її у вбудовану в віз відкриту ємність).

Сіміт

Сіміт є турецьким бубликом, який підходить для перекусу на ходу і для доповнення до ранкового чаю. Сімітом торгують з червоних візків, а в деяких випадках його можна придбати і у хлопчиків-рознозщиків. Для приготування сіміт використовують дріжджове тісто, патоку і кунжут. Іноді можна зустріти сіміт з начинкою у вигляді сиру або солодких інгредієнтів. Купити сіміт можна за 0,30 $.

Топ-28 пам’яток Туреччини

Туреччина для багатьох туристів – це країна п’ятизіркових готелів, що працюють за системою «все включено». Однак чим більше дізнаєшся цей гостинний край, тим ясніше розумієш, що, крім фешенебельних і комфортабельних готелів, Туреччина може запропонувати допитливим мандрівникам дуже багато.

Це величезна східна країна, для якої характерні божевільна краса і різноманітністьландшафтів, унікальні традиції, стародавня культура, занедбані старовинні міста, галасливі східні базари, цінні археологічні пам’ятники. Вона омивається чотирма морями, на узбережжях яких стрункими рядами вишикувалися готельні комплекси, і славиться своїми горами з глибоким сніговим покривом, що ідеально підходять для катання на лижах. На карті Туреччини можна знайти національні парки з стежками для прогулянок пішки і на велосипедах і бурхливі річки, які підходять для рафтингу і риболовлі, аквапарки, що представляють собою справжні рукотворні шедеври, і розважальні комплекси з цікавими атракціонами, які подобаються дорослим і дітям.

Побачити всі визначні пам’ятки Туреччини, напевно, не вдасться і за десяток поїздок. Їх занадто багато, вони розкидані по всій країні, і кожна з них гідна пильної уваги і вивчення. Ті, хто хоча б раз побував у Туреччині, планують сюди обов’язково повернутися!

Кращі пам’ятки Туреччини

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Каппадокія

Приголомшливе чудо природи – туфові каньйони і стовпи з базальтовими навершиями, що нагадують шапочки, – утворилося кілька мільйонів років тому. Вони займають величезну територію, яка немов магнітом, притягує тисячі туристів. У рукотворних печерах цих скель раніше селилися місцеві жителі. Такі міста збереглися до нашого часу.

Відпочинок в Туреччині.Галатская вежа в Стамбулі

Струнка вежа з гостроверхим куполом, що є одним з найбільш відомих туристичних об’єктів Стамбула, – творіння генуезців. Вони побудували її на місці старовинної візантійської фортеці, на пагорбі, що стоїть у бухти Золотий Ріг. Навершя вежі з’явилося в XX столітті. На вежу можна піднятися на ліфті або по сходах. Нагорі знаходиться оглядовий майданчик.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Протока Босфор

За 30-кілометровій протоці Босфор проходить межа між Європою і Азією. Найбільш красиві фотографії Стамбула виходять з борта порома влітку у часовий проміжок між 15.00 і 18.00. Найкраще вирушати на прогулянку по Босфору з пристані Ортакей.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Базиліка Цистерна, Стамбул

Подивитися на дивовижний підземний резервуар для води, побудований візантійцями, можна в Стамбулі. Базиліка Цистерна нагадує храм, в який була пущена вода. Між сотнями мармурових колон прокладені містки для туристів. Можна знайти колону, в основі якої вирізане обличчя Медузи Горгони. Базиліка Цистерна згадується в романі Дена Брауна «Інферно».

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Мечеть Султанахмет, Стамбул

Мечеть з шістьма мінаретами, що досить незвично, носить ім’я султана Ахмета I, який вирішив побудувати в Стамбулі храм, рівний за розмірами і величчю мечеті в Мецці. Ісламський світ розбурхало таке рішення, і султан був змушений добудувати до мечеті ще два мінарети. Так, у мусульманського храму Султанахмет з’явилося 6 мінаретів. У мечеть можна зайти навіть тим, хто не сповідує іслам.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Памуккале

Словом «Памуккале», що в перекладі з турецької означає «Бавовняний замок», в країні називають село біля гори Чал і її околиці, де були виявлені 17 гарячих мінеральних джерел. Вода, насичена мінералами, стікаючи по схилах гори, сформувала дивовижної краси білосніжні тераси. У них є природні басейни, заповнені цілющою водою, де люблять ніжитися туристи.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Ефес

Стародавнє місто Ефес – це саме те місце, де багато століть тому стояв храм Артеміди, який входив до списку Семи чудес світу. Його спалив грек Герострат, який хотів таким чином прославитися. Від храму до нашого часу вціліла одна колона. Руїни інших храмів, будинків, воріт, площ, римських лазень доступні для огляду.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Шовковий ринок в Бурсі

Шовк в Бурсі виробляють з VI століття. Це найкращий сувенір, за яким варто відправитися на шовковий ринок Коза Хан. Ринок працює з 1491 року. Його відкрили в колишньому заїжджому дворі. Крім одягу і килимів з шовку, тут можна купити кокони шовкопряда.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Аквапарк «Планета води» в Аланьї

На середземноморському узбережжі в декількох десятках кілометрів від Аланії є розкішний готель «Water Planet», при якому побудований популярний аквапарк з такою ж назвою. Сюди приїжджають великими компаніями та сім’ями з маленькими дітьми. Для кожного гостя знайдеться підходяща розвага.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Троя

Місто царя Пріама, легендарна Троя, виявлена Шліманом, знаходиться на території Туреччини, недалеко від протоки Дарданелли. Вчені, що працювали на розкопках стародавнього міста, виявили тут 9 історичних нашарувань. Припускають, що Троя часів Пріама йде під номером 6. У наші дні руїни Трої – це музей під відкритим небом.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Музей Мевляни

Мевляна – це знаменитий перський поет, який заснував орден «танцюючих» дервішів. Музей Мевляни в місті Конья є гробницю, де і був похована ця видатна і шанована мусульманами людина. Його саркофаг є головним скарбом музею. Тут також виставлені старовинні релігійні книги, цінні килими і багато іншого.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Водоспади Дюден

Вражаючі уяву Дюденскі водоспади знаходяться недалеко від Анталії. Особливо гарний Нижній водоспад Дюден, який обрушується в Середземне море зі скелі висотою 40 метрів. У 2015 році тут встановили сучасну систему підсвічування, тому з настанням ночі водоспад виглядає особливо ефектно.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Айя-Софія в Стамбулі

Четвертий за величиною храм Європи, колишній Софійський собор у Стамбулі був побудований візантійцями в 532-537 рр. н. е. Для його декору були доставлені оригінальні прикраси, зняті зі святилища богині Артеміди в Ефесі і стародавнього храму Зевса в Баальбеке. У 1453 році християнська церква була перетворена на мечеть. Зараз це цікавий музей.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Стародавнє місто Пергам

Пергам – це залишки давньогрецького міста, закладеного 32 століття назад. Історичні руїни можна знайти в межах сучасного міста Бергама. Докладний план археологічної зони Пергам можна взяти в будь-якому туристичному бюро міста.

Особливу увагу варто приділити руїнам:

акрополя, де був виявлений Вівтар Зевса, що нині зберігається в Пергамскому музеї Берліна;
верхньої агори;
святилища Афіни;
бібліотеки.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Неолітичне поселення Чатал-Хююк

Найзнаменитіше селище часів неоліту на всьому Близькому Сході знаходиться в 40 км від міста Конья. Його заснували близько 9,5 тисяч років тому. Місцеві жителі, а їх налічувалося 3-10 тисяч чоловік, залишили свої будинки в 5600 році до н. е. Археологи досі тут працюють. Для туристів поруч з місцем розкопок побудований музей.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Гора Арарат

Гора Арарат, розташована на кордоні Туреччини та Вірменії, – це, згідно з біблейними оповіданнями, місце причалу Ноєвого ковчега. Насправді, легендарний ковчег досі не виявлено. Арарат – це два вимерлих вулкана із загальною основою. На схилах одного з вулканів влаштований національний парк Агри Даги.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Дельфінарій в Кемері

Виставу в дельфінарії, який розташований в парку Кемера на березі моря, можуть одночасно дивитися до 800 чоловік. З місцевими «зірками» – дельфінами і морським левом – можна спілкуватися і до і після вистав, коли гостям дозволяється поплавати з ними і зробити на пам’ять фото.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Сафранболу

Місто Сафранболу, назване так на честь дорогої спеції шафран, яку вирощують на місцевих полях, відоме своїми старовинними будинками, які чудово збереглися, що належали османській знаті. Палаци, а також громадські будівлі (лазні, мечеті, вежі) були зведені в XVIII-XIX століттях в традиційній турецькій манері.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Стародавнє місто Хаттуса

Уявити за описом головне місто хеттів Хаттусу буде складно. Щоб зрозуміти масштаб і значущість місцевих розкопок, сюди, тобто в селище Боказкале, потрібно приїхати. Для туристів поруч з археологічними розкопками влаштований історичний музей. Городище, що займає близько 160 гектарів, було знайдено в 1834 році. До його вивчення приступили на початку XX століття.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Мечеть Селіміє

Основна визначна пам’ятка Едірне – велична мечеть Селіма, прикрашена чотирма мінаретами. Її звели на узвишші над містом в середині XVI століття. Архітектор Сінан, який працював також над декількома мечетями в Стамбулі, особливо любив храм Селіміє. Мечеть отримала назву на честь свого замовника султана Селіма II.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Гора Немрут-Даг

На вершині гори Немрут-Даг, що 2 тисячі років тому була частиною невеликого царства Коммагена, можна знайти свідчення цього далекого минулого. Тут розташована гробниця одного з правителів Коммагина – Антіоха I, сина Мітрідата I. Це курган, оточений величними 8-метровими статуями, які зображують античних богів.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Археологічна зона Ані

Раніше закриті для відвідувань, а зараз перетворені в прибутковий туристичний об’єкт, руїни Ані – столиці древнього вірменського держави – розташовані біля кордону з Вірменією. Місто було побудоване на плато, що мало природний захист з трьох сторін – глибокі стрімкі ущелини. Ані було завойоване і наполовину зруйноване турками в 1064 році. Жителі повернулися в нього в XII столітті, але остаточно покинули столицю на початку XIV століття, коли тут стався найсильніший землетрус.

Відпочинок в Туреччині. Фортеця Діярбакир

Чорна фортеця височить в центрі сучасного Діярбакира. Існує думка, що вона датується римським періодом, проте свій нинішній вигляд отримала за часів панування візантійців. Фортеця складається з двох ча