Turkey left me absolutely stunned. This country throws something different at you everywhere you go, from Cappadocia’s surreal rock formations to the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters. The diversity here is incredible.
From glittering Istanbul to the cotton castle terraces of Pamukkale, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey that will leave you speechless. Here are my 12 favorite spots that showcase why this country needs to be at the top of your travel list!
👉 Find Your Perfect Turkey Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Turkey
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Turkey
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Turkish adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last spring, I flew to Istanbul for just $400 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Follow locals to the simple lokantas serving daily home-style meals. They cost half what tourist restaurants charge. The side streets of Istanbul’s Kadıköy have incredible workers’ lunch spots serving hearty portions. For breakfast, skip hotels and try local bakeries for fresh simit and menemen – they’ll fuel your morning adventures for a quarter of the price!
- Transport: I recommend grabbing an Istanbul Card for all public transport including ferries – it’s essential for city exploring. For intercity travel, look into night buses between major destinations. They’re comfortable and save a night’s accommodation. The high-speed trains between Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya often have early booking discounts.
Turkey may have a reputation for expensive destinations, such as Cappadocia. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to experience its incredible history and cuisine on a budget. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Turkey:
The Prettiest Places to Visit in Turkey
Ready to discover Turkey’s ancient soul? From hidden cave churches to turquoise lagoons, here are the spots that made me miss my connecting flight.
1. Istanbul
- 📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 History buffs, 📸 Instagrammers, 🌆 Urban explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Hagia Sophia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, cruising the Bosphorus
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for spring blooms and fewer crowds 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ajwa Sultanahmet – Elegant Ottoman-style hotel with views of the Old City
Spanning both Europe and Asia, Istanbul delivers a mix of cultures, centuries-old landmarks, and nonstop energy. Walking through the historic Sultanahmet district feels like stepping into a storybook, with icons like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia all within reach. The air smells of roasted chestnuts and spice as you explore the winding streets.
The Grand Bazaar is a sensory overload with its labyrinth of stalls selling everything from handwoven rugs to Turkish delight. Nearby, Galata Bridge offers sunset views worth lingering over, especially when paired with fresh-caught balik ekmek (fish sandwich).
Istanbul’s real magic comes out at night. Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus, where the minarets and city lights shimmer across the water. For a perfect end to your day, sip çay in a rooftop café overlooking the skyline.
- Read next: Istanbul Layover Guide
2. Cappadocia
- 📍 Location: Cappadocia, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🎈 Adventure seekers, 📷 Photographers, 🏰 History lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sunrise hot air balloon ride, Göreme Open Air Museum, exploring underground cities
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for clear skies and fewer crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kelebek Special Cave Hotel – Cozy cave rooms with panoramic valley views
Cappadocia pretty much looks like something out of a fantasy novel. The landscape is filled with weirdly beautiful rock formations called fairy chimneys, and catching the view at sunrise is surreal, especially with colorful hot air balloons drifting through the sky. If you want the iconic shot, book a ride and set your alarm early.
Back on the ground, explore the carved-out churches and homes at Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the coolest places to learn about the region’s history. Not far from there, you’ll find Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city that goes eight levels deep. It’s cooler (and way more spacious) than you’d expect.
Staying in a cave hotel adds something special to the trip. It feels like you’re living inside a story while still enjoying modern comforts like hot showers and Turkish breakfast spreads on the terrace.
3. Ephesus
- 📍 Location: Selçuk, İzmir Province, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏛️ History nerds, 🧭 Ancient architecture fans, ✝️ Religious pilgrims
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Celsus Library, seeing the Temple of Artemis, walking through the Terraced Houses
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for cool weather and fewer crowds 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Akanthus Hotel Ephesus – Stylish boutique hotel just steps from the ruins
Ephesus feels like a real-life open-air museum. As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by ancient stone paths and towering columns that date back to Roman times. The Celsus Library is the star of the show, and the way it still stands after centuries is mind-blowing. It’s a great spot for photos and even better for learning a bit of history.
Nearby, the Great Theatre gives you chills with its massive size and amazing acoustics. If you’re into archaeology, don’t skip the Terraced Houses. The mosaics and frescoes inside show off the luxury some residents lived in back then. It’s one of those rare sites where you can actually picture daily life thousands of years ago.
Before heading out, swing by the House of the Virgin Mary, perched in the hills nearby. It’s peaceful, lowkey, and adds a spiritual layer to the whole Ephesus experience.
4. Pamukkale
- 📍 Location: Denizli Province, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 💧 Hot spring lovers + 📷 Instagrammers + 🏛️ History buffs
- 📸 Top Experiences: Soaking in the travertine pools, exploring Hierapolis, swimming in the Antique Pool
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for warm weather and sunny skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Venus Suite Hotel – Comfortable and close to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Pamukkale is like nature’s version of a cotton candy castle. The white limestone terraces filled with turquoise water look unreal, especially under the sunlight. You’re allowed to walk barefoot along designated paths, so take your time and feel the warm mineral water while taking in the view.
Above the terraces, the ancient city of Hierapolis offers even more to explore. There’s a well-preserved theater, old baths, and ruins that tell the story of a once-bustling Roman spa town. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a dip in the Antique Pool, where you can literally swim over fallen Roman columns.
This is one of those rare places where natural beauty and ancient history blend into one unforgettable day. Bring a towel, wear easy-to-remove shoes, and aim to arrive early for the best light and fewest crowds.
5. Antalya
- 📍 Location: Antalya, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Beach lovers, 🏛️ history buffs, 🌄 nature explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Kaleiçi Old Town, swimming at Lara Beach, visiting Düden Waterfalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm sea and sunny skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Alp Pasa Hotel – Restored Ottoman mansion in the heart of the Old Town
Antalya blends laid-back beach vibes with layers of ancient history. The city’s old quarter, Kaleiçi, is full of winding cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and cozy shops. As you wander, you’ll come across landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman harbor, both easy to explore in an afternoon.
When you’re ready to chill, Lara Beach offers soft sand and calm waters with plenty of room to relax or try water sports. If you want something greener, the Düden Waterfalls just outside the city are a peaceful escape. You can even walk behind the falls for a cool photo spot.
Antalya is also a great base for day trips to places like Perge and Aspendos, where ancient ruins sit just beyond the city limits. The combo of sea, ruins, and good food makes this city a favorite along the Turkish coast.
6. Göcek
- 📍 Location: Göcek, Muğla Province, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: ⛵ Sailing fans, 🌿 nature lovers, 🌅 sunset chasers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Yacht tour to the Twelve Islands, walking the marina, swimming in hidden coves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for calm seas and long sunny days 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: D-Resort Göcek – Upscale marina hotel with a private beach
Göcek is a low-key coastal town with a big reputation among sailors. The marina is filled with yachts from all over the world, and the vibe here is more peaceful than flashy. You don’t need a boat to enjoy it though. The waterfront has laid-back cafés, small shops, and plenty of scenic spots for a stroll.
The best way to explore the area is by boat. Local tours take you around the Twelve Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and find your own stretch of turquoise water. Each island has a slightly different feel, and the views along the way are unreal.
Back on land, the sunsets are some of the best on the coast. Grab dinner by the harbor and watch the colors change over the masts. If you’re after a quieter, nature-filled escape on the Aegean, Göcek is the spot.
7. Mount Ararat
- 📍 Location: Eastern Anatolia, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Serious hikers, 🏔️ mountain lovers, 🕊️ spiritual travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking to the summit, exploring nearby Iğdır, visiting Noah’s Ark lookout
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September for stable weather during summit climbs ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Butik Ertur Hotel – Comfortable base in Doğubayazıt near the mountain
Mount Ararat is the tallest peak in Turkey and one of the most legendary. Towering over the eastern plains, its snowcapped summit is wrapped in stories, especially the tale that Noah’s Ark came to rest here. You won’t find an ark, but the sweeping views and spiritual vibe of the region draw people in for more than just the hike.
Climbing Ararat requires a guide and some prep, since the summit reaches over 16,000 feet. Treks usually take a few days and include glacier walking, so it’s best for those with mountaineering experience. For less intense exploration, nearby towns like Doğubayazıt offer local culture, historic palaces, and views of the peak.
You can also visit Ishak Pasha Palace, a dramatic 18th-century structure built into the mountainside nearby. Between the myths, landscape, and challenge of the climb, Mount Ararat offers a different kind of beauty that sticks with you.
8. Butterfly Valley
- 📍 Location: Fethiye District, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏕️ Off-grid travelers, 🦋 nature lovers, 🥾 hikers and campers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camping on the beach, hiking the cliffs, spotting butterflies in the valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September when butterflies are most active 🦋
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Nautical Hotel – Secluded cliffside stay with sea views near the valley entrance
Butterfly Valley feels like one of those hidden places people talk about but rarely find. Tucked between towering cliffs on the Turquoise Coast, it’s only reachable by boat or a tough downhill hike. Once you’re there, it’s all about raw nature, clear blue water, and total peace.
The beach is basic but beautiful, perfect for campers and backpackers looking to unplug. If you follow the trail inland, you’ll reach a shady area where over 100 species of butterflies flutter near a small waterfall. It’s quiet, lush, and surprisingly untouched for such a scenic spot.
If you’re not camping, you can still spend a day swimming, exploring, and relaxing under the cliffs. Most boat tours from Ölüdeniz stop here, so you can easily add it to a coastal itinerary. Just bring water, sunscreen, and your camera—it’s a place you’ll want to remember.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Europe
9. Kaş
- 📍 Location: Kaş, Antalya Province, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Swimmers, 🐠 divers, 🏛️ ancient ruins explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling at Kaputaş Beach, visiting the Sunken City of Kekova, strolling Old Town
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm water and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hideaway Hotel – Relaxed hilltop stay with a sea-view terrace and home-cooked meals
Kaş is one of those coastal towns where time feels slower. Its whitewashed buildings, cobbled alleys, and sea views make it easy to fall into a chill rhythm. Start your day exploring Old Town, where flower-draped balconies and artisan shops set the scene.
For beach time, head to Kaputaş Beach. Tucked between cliffs, it’s a small cove with turquoise water that’s great for swimming and photos. Kaş is also one of the best spots in Turkey for scuba diving, with shipwrecks, underwater caves, and even a submerged plane to discover.
A short boat ride away, the Sunken City of Kekova offers a glimpse of ancient ruins just beneath the surface. The crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot old foundations and stone walls as you float above. Kaş blends calm and adventure in a way that’s hard to beat.
10. Lake Van
- 📍 Location: Van Province, Eastern Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🦢 Wildlife lovers, ⛪ history fans, 🌊 peaceful nature seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Akdamar Island, spotting Van cats, exploring Van Castle
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for birdwatching and outdoor hikes 🐦
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Van – Comfortable lakeside hotel with scenic views and easy access to town
Lake Van is Turkey’s largest lake and feels more like an inland sea with its size and backdrop of mountains. The water is slightly salty and mineral-rich, and its ever-changing blue hues make it a standout spot in the country’s far east.
One of the highlights here is the Akdamar Island, home to a 10th-century Armenian church known for its intricate stone carvings. You can take a boat across the lake to reach it, and in spring, the almond blossoms around the island are stunning.
Back on the mainland, keep an eye out for Van cats, a rare breed known for their white coats and odd-colored eyes. The lakeside city of Van also offers a great base for exploring, with markets, castles, and traditional Kurdish and Turkish cuisine worth trying.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Castles in the World
11. Safranbolu
- 📍 Location: Karabük Province, Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏘️ Culture lovers, 🕰️ history fans, ☕ slow travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through Çarşı Old Town, visiting Cinci Hamam, sunset views from Hıdırlık Hill
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for mild weather and blooming gardens 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Gulevi Safranbolu – Restored Ottoman house with cozy rooms and garden views
Safranbolu feels like stepping into a different century. The town is packed with traditional Ottoman houses, cobbled alleys, and wooden balconies that hang over quiet streets. Çarşı, the old town center, is full of artisan shops selling saffron, handmade soaps, and copperware.
One of the most relaxing things to do here is visit a Turkish bath like Cinci Hamam, where you can unwind in a centuries-old setting. For a dose of local history, the City History Museum gives great context to how Safranbolu became one of Turkey’s best-preserved towns.
As the day winds down, head up to Hıdırlık Hill for a panoramic view of red rooftops and distant hills. Grab a tea and take it slow. Safranbolu is all about slowing your pace and appreciating the smaller, beautiful details of Turkish culture.
12. Mount Nemrut National Park
- 📍 Location: Adıyaman Province, Southeastern Turkey
- 🏆 Best For: 🏺 Archaeology lovers, 🌄 sunrise chasers, 📷 photographers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise on the summit, seeing the stone heads of Antiochus, exploring Arsameia
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear skies and mountain access 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Zeus Hotel – Simple and convenient stay near the park’s main entrance
Mount Nemrut is one of Turkey’s most surreal sights. The summit is home to giant stone heads and statues built by King Antiochus I in the 1st century BC. The site was a royal tomb sanctuary, and the views at sunrise or sunset are unlike anything else in the region.
The statues, which include depictions of gods, animals, and Antiochus himself, sit scattered across two terraces near the summit. Reaching them requires a bit of uphill walking, but the experience is worth every step. The golden light at dawn casts dramatic shadows that feel otherworldly.
Beyond the summit, the national park includes ancient sites like Arsameia and the Cendere Bridge, offering more history and epic photo ops. It’s a remote destination, but for travelers into ancient civilizations and quiet mountain landscapes, Mount Nemrut is a must.
