Turkey is a wonderful and stunning tourist destination on a global level, blessed with a rich history and diverse culture, making tourism in Turkey one of the most important activities in the country. It is a distinctive tourist destination that attracts large numbers of tourists from around the world every year to visit and spend a special time there.
Turkey also offers a fantastic holiday destination, combining everything you need for fun and relaxation. It is a charming city that brings together cultures and includes many tourist attractions, starting from the sacred places in Hagia Sophia to the oldest market in the world, where the Grand Bazaar attracts thousands of visitors and shoppers daily from all over the world. In this article, we will take a tour of Turkey together to explore it. Let’s start now.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Tourism in Turkey is one of the most important activities in the country, as it includes the most important tourist cities in the world, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Topkapi, in addition to the enchanting Republic of Cyprus, which makes tourism in Turkey continuous throughout the year during the four seasons. However, generally, summer, spring, and autumn are the best times to visit Turkey.
- Spring is characterized by the beginning of warmth and the blossoming of trees and flowers, making it suitable to visit the country for outdoor activities in parks and forests, mountain climbing, and unforgettable adventures in the natural atmosphere.
- Between July and September, summer begins with hot temperatures dominating the region, making this time ideal for visiting archaeological sites and museums. It is also the best time to visit the beaches and enjoy the mild water temperatures. This season is the most thriving for tourism, and the streets are usually crowded with tourists during this time of year.
- From October to November, the country experiences the autumn season. This season marks the beginning of autumn trips, allowing you to see the enchanting beauty of nature and its vibrant colors. Cappadocia is considered one of the best tourist places in Turkey during the autumn season.
- Winter lasts from December to February, and during this time, touring the country is not the best choice due to the low temperatures, which lead most residents to live a quiet life without any tourist activities.
Tourism in Turkey in 7 beautiful places
- Turkey provides an attractive tourist experience, including its mountain ranges and many natural sites. It is also rich in historical sites and archaeological places, providing a distinctive tourist experience, starting from natural and historical trips to music festivals. Additionally, you can engage in some winter activities. Below are the top tourist places in Turkey that can be visited.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a small village located in the Cappadocia region in central Turkey. It is one of the most important tourist places in Turkey and is referred to in English as the Cotton Castle. It is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and the presence of many rock columns, peculiar rock formations, and natural sculptures that have formed over the ages due to geographical factors. The weather in Pamukkale is suitable for air tours, allowing visitors to enjoy a tour in the sky and witness the breathtaking views.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a historical and geographical region located in central Turkey, near Pamukkale. It is also famous for its unique landscapes and rock formations. The natural scenery in Cappadocia is characterized by the presence of pyramids, fairy chimneys, and cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock. Hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes are a popular activity for tourists. The region is also known for its underground cities, ancient cave churches, and open-air museums. Cappadocia offers a truly magical experience and is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.
Antalya
Antalya is a popular coastal city located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural scenery. The city is also home to historical sites such as Hadrian’s Gate, the ancient city of Perge, and the Antalya Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region’s ancient past. Antalya is a perfect destination for beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Bursa
Bursa is one of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey that can be visited. It is characterized by a huge number of archaeological sites, mosques, and historical sites. It also includes some tourist attractions such as Uludağ Mountain, the central bazaar, Cumalıkızık, Muradiye Tombs, Uludağ, Grand Mosque of Bursa, Green Mosque Cemetery, and İznik.
Konya
Konya is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Turkey that can be visited and is one of the most famous religious landmarks in Turkey. It houses many museums and archaeological sites that showcase the art and architecture of the Seljuk Sultanate. The most important tourist attractions in Konya are the Mevlana Museum and the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, Karatay Museum, İnce Minaret Mosque, and the village of Sille.
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia Museum is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in the world and one of the must-visit places in Istanbul. The site thrives with ancient minarets that were collected after the Ottoman conquest, and it represents a masterpiece of Roman engineering. The main dome of the museum is 32 meters long with two domes on each side or three passageways supported by large marble rising towards the dome.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey that attracts visitors from all over the world. The palace takes you on a tour to a completely different world dating back to the era of the Ottoman sultans—the empire that extended from Europe to the Middle East and Africa. You will be amazed by the palace’s decor and the luxurious jewelry used in the interior design, in addition to enjoying the peaceful green gardens surrounding the palace.
How to get to Turkey
You can use various means of transportation to travel safely to Turkey. Here are some of the most common methods that facilitate travel and tourism in Turkey.
Air travel
Air travel is the fastest and most efficient way to travel to Turkey. Once you arrive at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, the main international airport in the country, you will have the option to access taxis that will take you to your desired destination.
Train
Traveling by railway is another means of transportation you can use to reach destinations within the country. Turkey is known for its world-class railway lines, making train travel a distinctive and safe option. However, make sure to reserve your seat early, especially during events and holidays. It should be noted that regional trains in Turkey are limited, so the high-speed line operating between Istanbul, Eskisehir, and Ankara is the best choice.
Waterways
The sea is an excellent way to reach Turkey, thanks to its advanced waterways. Turkey offers many options for internal travel through its well-developed water routes, and it serves as a docking point for Mediterranean cruises.
Holidays and Festivals in Turkey
One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to learn about other cultures, explore different peoples, and discover new customs and traditions, including holidays and festivals. So, if you plan to visit Turkey, you shouldn’t miss attending the Turkish events, which are considered important aspects of tourism in Turkey. Here are some of these festivals:
Istanbul Tulip Festival
Turkish migrants from Central Asia brought tulip flowers to Anatolia for the first time in the 12th century. However, tulip cultivation primarily began in the 16th century in Constantinople, now Istanbul, and reached its peak in the 18th century. The sultans and Ottoman elites fell in love with tulips and made them a symbol of their power. Every year, during the period from April to May, a beautiful flower festival takes place in every corner of Istanbul during the tulip blooming season. Exhibitions, exhibitions, and musical performances are held in the city’s gardens.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey, known for its unique natural landscapes. It hosts the Cappadocia Festival, which began its first activities in 2015. Today, the festival includes numerous music events, delicious Turkish cuisine, and art exhibitions that last for several days annually.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Another festival associated with Cappadocia is the Hot Air Balloon Festival, held in the first week of July. During this period, dozens of hot air balloons soar high in the sky, providing stunning and colorful natural views.
In conclusion, we hope that we have provided sufficient information during this quick tour to assist you in your decision regarding travel and tourism in Turkey. It is worth noting that in addition to being a top tourist destination, Turkey is also one of the most famous educational destinations in the world. Students go there to pursue undergraduate degrees, complete postgraduate studies, and obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in leading Turkish universities. Now, you can contact Al-Safa Company to get your university admission to one of these universities or to obtain more information about travel and tourism in Turkey.
Source: Turkey Travel Guide