Turkey feels like home to me. I lived in Istanbul for 3 ½ years and it was hands down the best city I’ve ever lived in. I miss it dearly. I’m always excited to get back there to see my friends and do more exploring.
As far as the people, no matter where you go, they’re wonderful hosts that will make you feel at home and are enthusiastic about showing you their country.
To make things simple, I have broken down posts into the different regions of Turkey. You can find all the cities, attractions, archaeological sites, and natural wonders in each region. Use the table of contents to find what you’re looking for.
General Info
Popular Cities and Areas
Aegean Region of Turkey (Ege)
The Aegean Region of Turkey features some of the country’s best archaeological sites and resort towns.
Bodrum Peninsula:
Central Aegean Coast:
Southern Aegean Coast:
- Bozburun Peninsula
- Dalyan (including Iztuzu Beach)
- Datça Peninsula
- Fethiye
- Marmaris
Western Anatolia:
Archaeological Sites:
- Aizanoi
- Aphrodisias
- Didyma
- Ephesus
- Hierapolis
- Kaunos
- Kayaköy (Livissi)
- Kedreai
- Knidos
- Laodicea
- Miletus
- Pergamon Acropolis
- Pergamon Asclepeion
- Philadelphia
- Pinara
- Priene
- Sardis
- Sidyma
- Thyateira
- Tlos
Natural Wonders:
- Karaada (Bodrum)
- Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon)
- Pamukkale (travertine terraces)
- Sedir Island
Black Sea Region of Turkey (Karadeniz)
The Black Sea region of Turkey (Karadeniz) features a stunning steep coastline and some well-preserved Ottoman cities.
Cities and Towns:
Archaeological Sites:
- İncekaya Aqueduct
- Sümela Monastery (Panagia Soumela)
Natural Wonders:
Central Anatolia
Central Anatolia includes the incredible region of Cappadocia, which is a prime destination in Turkey. Many other cities are overlooked by travelers but worth seeking out.
Regions:
Cities and Towns:
- Afyon
- Ankara
- Bilecik
- Eskişehir
- Hacıbektaş
- Kayseri
- Kırşehir
- Konya
- Niğde
- Osmaneli
- Seyitgazi
- Sille
- Söğüt
Archaeological Sites:
Natural Wonders:
- Phrygian Valley (Frig Vadisi)
Eastern Anatolia
Eastern Anatolia is a region of Turkey largely unexplored by foreigners. There’s much to see and travelers will be rewarded for their efforts.
Cities and Towns:
Archaeological and Historical Sites:
- Akdamar Island
- Ani
- Çavuştepe
- Hoşap Castle
- Noah’s Ark (Durupınar Site)
Natural Wonders:
Marmara Region
The Marmara Region of Turkey envelopes the Marmara Sea and includes Istanbul and Eastern Thrace.
Aegean Coast:
- Ayvalık
- Çanakkale
- Eceabat
Aegean Islands:
- Bozcaada (Tenedos)
Anatolia:
- Bandırma
- Bursa
- Cumalıkızık
- Erdek
- Geyikli
- Gölyazı
- Izmit
- Iznik
Eastern Thrace:
Marmara Islands:
- Ekinlik (Koutali)
Archaeological Sites:
- Gallipoli Battlefields
- Troy
National Parks:
Natural Wonders:
- Sapanca Lake
Mediterranean Region of Turkey (Akdeniz)
The Mediterranean Region of Turkey offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and some surprising cities, both ancient and modern.
Cities and Towns:
- Antakya
- Antalya
- Hıdırbey Köyü
- Kızkalesi
- Narlıkuyu
- Samandağ
- Silifke
- Tarsus
- Uzuncaburç
- Vakıflı Köy
Archaeological Sites:
- Ayatekla (Agia Thekla)
- Beşikli Cave Tomb
- Diocaesarea
- Eleusa Sebasti
- Kanytelis
- Letoon
- Patara
- Perge
- Saint Simeon Monastery
- Titus Tunnel
- Xanthos
Natural Wonders:
- Heaven and Hell Caves (Cennet Cehennem Mağarası)
- Saklıkent Gorge
Southeastern Anatolia
Southeastern Anatolia is just north of Syria and gives visitors a mix of different cultures.
Cities and Towns:
- Batman
- Diyarbakır
- Gaziantep
- Harran
- Hasankeyf
- Mardin
- Midyat
- Nusaybin
- Siirt
- Tillo
- Urfa (Şanlıurfa)
- Veyselkarani
Archaeological Sites:
- Dara (Anastasioupolis)
- Göbekli Tepe
- Karahan Tepe
- Perrhe
National Parks:
Misc. Attractions: