To the great joy of compatriots, air traffic between Russia and Turkey has been partially resumed. We tell you how the main resort cities differ and why you should go to each of them.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the most popular Turkish resorts. And there are reasons for this: the Mediterranean Sea warms up already in April and remains warm at least until October, there are many bars and clubs, there are sandy and pebble beaches, hotels are adapted for active or relaxing holidays with children. Antalya has water parks, an amusement park, a zoo, an archaeological museum, an aquarium, and lovers of walks and beautiful photographs will definitely enjoy the streets of the old city – the Kaleici quarter.
Where to stay in Antalya:
- Prime Boutique Hotel – from 9,800 rubles per night for two.
- Kaleiçi Marina Boutique Hotel – from 6,400 rubles per night for two.
- Delight Deluxe Boutique Hotel – from 4,000 rubles per night for two.
What to see:
- Duden waterfalls. Two impressive cascades, one of which (Upper) is located in the northeastern part of Antalya, and the other, Lower, in the eastern part. The latter is more spectacular: a stream of water falls from a height of 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Entrance to the park at the lower waterfall is free.
- Kursunlu Nature Park —a cool oasis of pine-cedar forest 22 kilometers from Antalya with its own waterfall. In the park itself there are many tiny cascades, blue lagoons with fish swimming in them (swimming and fishing are allowed in such lagoons). Entrance costs 8 liras.
- Mount Tunektepeis located 15 kilometers from Antalya. Its height is 605 meters above sea level. The slopes of Tunektepe are covered with coniferous forests. You can climb to the top along an extreme mountain serpentine road or by cable car (the climb costs 15 liras). There you will find breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and a cafe that rotates, making a 360-degree rotation.
- The Köprülü Canyon stretches for 14 kilometers along the bed of the Köprüçay mountain river. Travelers love this place for its opportunities for rafting, hiking and good fishing. By the way, in this national park you can find the Oluk stone bridge, built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Admission is free.
- On the territory of ancient city of Aspendosthere is a huge amphitheater – not just one of the largest and best preserved in Turkey, but also one of the few ancient amphitheaters in the world that still operates to this day. Performances and concerts take place on its stage; you can book a ticket in almost any hotel in Antalya.
- Ruins of Perge. In the Aksu region you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Perge, which, according to legend, was founded by the soothsayer Calchas after the Trojan War. The ruins reveal an ancient theatre, stadium, city walls and gates, Roman baths, agora and columns. Ticket price – 25 liras.
Kemer
Kemer is loved by travelers due to its favorable location – it is protected from the winds by the Taurus Mountains, and the air here is considered healing, because the city is surrounded by groves of coniferous and citrus trees. This place is designed specifically for tourism: there are clearly more hotels in Kemer than residential buildings. Lovers of a relaxing holiday in all-inclusive hotels should come here, as well as those who are not averse to trying diving, rafting and jeep safari. The beaches of Kemer have been awarded the Blue Flag, which means they are clean and safe.
Where to stay in Kemer:
- Pasha’s Princess Hotel – from 9,200 rubles per night for two.
- Tebriz Apart – from 7,000 rubles per night for two.
- Mountain Lodge – from 3,300 rubles per night for two.
What to see:
- Ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, which was once one of the most powerful cities in Lycia. It is believed that it was founded by pirates in the 3rd century BC and very quickly became an influential trading port. Among the ruins you can see the central entrance to the temple of the fire god Hephes, Roman baths and many other structures. Cost of visit is 20 liras.
- Olympos is located at the foot of Mount Tahtali, which is also worth climbing. Its height is 2,375 meters. The views from the top are also interesting, as is the ascent by the Olympos Teleferik cable car (ticket price: 25 euros).
- Another Lycian city that once flourished near Kemer is Phaselis. It is located 16 kilometers from the resort. Columns, elegant reliefs, an ancient theater, as well as the ruins of a monumental crypt, a fortress wall, an agora, a Byzantine basilica and Roman baths have been preserved here. There is a legend that Alexander the Great is buried in the necropolis near Phaselis. Entrance to the ancient city costs 10 liras.
- Staying in Kemer, you can also walk a section of the famous Lycian Way – it stretches for 540 kilometers, and this is one of the most popular and beautiful hiking routes in Turkey.
Side
Side is an ideal option for those who want not only to swim and sunbathe, but also to get acquainted with the history of the country. The first settlement on the territory of this city was founded in the 7th century BC, so among the attractions are the agora, the temple of Athena and Apollo, the ruins of an ancient settlement and amphitheater, fortress walls and Roman baths. The climate here is quite hot and dry, so it is better to come in early summer or September.
Where to stay in Side:
- Splashworld Pegasos World – from 15,200 rubles per night for two.
- Melas Resort Hotel – from 12,400 rubles per night for two.
- Sunprime Dogan Side Beach – from 4,800 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- If you are traveling on your own and dream of visiting the magnificent Cappadocia, Side is the closest resort town to this extraordinary place. You can get there by car in six hours. Cappadocia itself is an absolutely amazing region: a semi-desert landscape with canyons and underground cities. In recent years, tourists have been especially attracted to hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia. They cost 130-150 euros per person.
Marmaris
Marmaris is often called a place for family and “age” holidays. The sea is calm here, and the city itself is located in a bay framed by mountains and pine forests, which creates the impression of privacy. Plus, the climate of Marmaris is considered healing for people with pulmonary diseases. You can swim here in both the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. By the way, Marmaris is also considered the most European resort in Turkey: probably due to its close proximity to the Greek island of Rhodes (by the way, a ferry goes there from Marmaris).
Where to stay in Marmaris:
- Dionysos Hotel – from 22,100 rubles per night for two.
- Asteria Stone Home – from 14,800 rubles per night for two.
- The Beachfront Hotel – from 6,600 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Marmaris water area. From the city port you can take a boat trip to admire the majestic cliffs surrounding the bay. This is a place with amazing nature and picturesque landscape. Among other things, the waters of Marmaris are loved by yachting enthusiasts: you can always join them.
- Kaleici – this is the name of the historical center of Marmaris, which means “inside the fortress”. Be sure to see the Marmaris Castle, standing at the entrance to the bay, the oldest mosque in the city, Ibrahim Agha, and the equally ancient hammam complex. It will be interesting to stroll through the colorful Grand Bazaar and residential areas built with wooden mansions in the Ottoman style.
- Marmaris National Parkspread over an area of more than 20 thousand hectares, just 6 kilometers from the city itself. It is a huge grove of Calabrian pines, plane trees, cypresses, olive trees and oleanders: an impressive luscious landscape. It is said that wild animals such as mountain goats, rabbits and exotic birds can often be found here. On the sea side near the park there are wild, untouched beaches; from the park itself it is easy to reach the ancient Carian cities of Physkos and Amos. Visit is free.
- Pamukkale is a true pearl of Turkey, from Marmaris you can get there the fastest, in three hours. These are active thermal springs flowing over snow-white limestone terraces – the landscape is almost alien. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient resort city of Hierapolis from the Roman Empire with well-preserved elaborate sarcophagi. As a rule, all Turkish hotels offer excursions to Pamukkale (cost from 100 euros).
Belek
Belek is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque Turkish resorts, and the hotels here are almost all five-star, and entertainment includes golf courses surrounded by eucalyptus groves and horseback riding. This city will appeal to fans of a quiet and respectable holiday amidst magnificent nature.
Where to stay in Belek:
- Paloma Grida Resort & Spa – from 18,500 rubles per night for two.
- TUI Magic Life Waterworld Hotel — All Inclusive – from 8,500 rubles per night for two.
- Sarp Hotel Belek – from 5,500 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- The full-flowing Manavgat waterfall may not differ in height, but the spectacle is truly mesmerizing: the blue river overcomes a small threshold, only 2 meters high, the width of which is as much as 40 meters. This waterfall was included in the list of the top 25 European destinations in 2019 as one of the most attractive places for travelers, and MSN named it one of the most charming waterfalls in the world. A visit will cost 6 Turkish lira.
Izmir
Izmir is a huge metropolis, the third most populous city in the country. Of course, it has all the attributes of a big city – numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, excellent shopping. Those who prefer to spice up their beach holiday with noisy parties and new acquaintances should come here to relax.
Where to stay in Izmir:
- Swissôtel Grand Efes Izmir – from 8,000 rubles per night for two.
- Renaissance Izmir Hotel – from 5,600 rubles per night for two.
- Villa Levante – from 4,300 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Kadifekale Castle, or as it is also called “Velvet Castle”, is perhaps the most iconic landmark of Izmir. It stands on a mountain, so it offers a beautiful panorama of the city and coastline. The majestic structure itself was built in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great’s general Lysimachus. Today, five towers of the fortress and its southern wall have been preserved. Entrance to the territory is free.
- Kemeralti Bazaars (within Izmir) and Dash (an hour’s drive from the city). It is impossible to come to Turkey and miss the opportunity to visit its colorful bazaars: bargain with sellers, pick up souvenirs, sweets and spices. When visiting Izmir, you can visit two bazaars at once. Kemeralti occupies an entire block and is located behind the harbor, on Mevleviler Street. Founded in 1650-1670, it still retains the spirit of antiquity. We recommend trying white mulberry sorbet here, a typical Izmir sweet. Tire Bazaar is located 80 kilometers from Izmir, in a small village. It is famous for the fact that fishermen bring their fresh catch here every morning, and in the small restaurants of the market you can try Aegean cuisine.
- Ephesus. Izmir is the best location to travel to one of Turkey’s most iconic historical sites, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. These are the picturesque ruins of what was in the 1st-2nd centuries AD the second most important city in the Roman Empire. Streets, squares, roads, decorated with stucco facades of houses, theaters, libraries, baths and temples have been preserved here. The most important one is Temple of Artemis of Ephesus considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The cost of visiting the ancient city is 60 liras, the temple of Artemis is 10 liras.
Alanya
Alanya is one of the busiest Turkish resorts: young people most often come here to relax. This is the southernmost city in the country, famous for its restaurants, rich architecture and a bay that was once the refuge of real pirates.
Where to stay in Alanya:
- Yalihan Una — All Inclusive – from 14,600 rubles per night for two.
- Villa Augusto Boutique Hotel & SPA – from 10,600 rubles per night for two.
- Kleopatra Suit Hotel – from 5,200 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Old town. In Alanya, modern infrastructure and history surprisingly coexist, and in the Old Town you can see monuments from different eras. For example, the streets are lined with houses from the Seljuk period, the fortress walls and the Red Tower of Kyzyl-Kule date back to the 13th century, there is an Orthodox church from the Byzantine period and the Suleymaniye Mosque from the 16th century. You can also visit more modern attractions, for example, the house-museum of Kemal Ataturk, the “father” of modern Turkey.
- Caravanserai Alarahan. It is a refuge for wanderers (traders and pilgrims), built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubat in the valley of the Alara River in a mountainous area. A very interesting building with an unusual history: in those days, similar “hotel cities” were built throughout Turkey at a distance of 10 to 50 kilometers from each other. Thus, people traveling in a caravan could always get accommodation and food along the way. You can visit the fortress for free.
- Damlatas Stalactite Cave is located right in the center of Antalya, it was discovered by speleologists during the construction of the port. The cave is specially equipped for tourists (visit cost – 10 liras), and there really is something to see here: stalactites and stalagmites about 15 thousand years old take on absolutely fantastic shapes. It is believed that visiting Damlatas is beneficial for people suffering from asthma due to the stable temperature of 22 degrees, high humidity, high carbon dioxide content, low radioactivity and ionized air.
- Dim Cavelocated outside the city, among pine forests above the gorge of the Dim-Chay River. This is a vertical cave with unique mineral formations. Dim is considered the second longest cave in Turkey (its length is 410 meters). Entrance ticket – 18 liras
- Sapadere Canyon is a gorge in the vicinity of Alanya, striking with its calm beauty. Visitors have to walk along a narrow wooden deck laid between high rocks above the seething stream of a clear mountain river. It is quite possible to visit this place on your own, without a guide: the length of the route is only 700 meters. By the way, there are several natural swimming pools here where you can refresh yourself after a walk under the scorching Turkish sun. The cost of visiting the canyon is 10 liras.
Bodrum
The town of Bodrum is a place of amazing beauty; it is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque in resort Turkey. It is legally prohibited to build houses higher than three floors here, so the place has retained its originality for several centuries. Plus – the cleanest water area, the warm Aegean Sea, beaches with golden sand, tropical groves and developed infrastructure.
Where to stay in Bodrum:
- Regnum Escana Boutique Hotel – from 13,500 rubles per night for two.
- Ha La Bodrum – from 11,300 rubles per night for two.
- Jasmin Elite Residence – from 5,300 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- The windmills of Bodrum are preserved buildings of the 18th century, which were actively used until the 70s of the last century. The mills are located on a hill between the bays of Bodrum and Gumbet, and from the hill there is a beautiful view of the city, the sea and St. Peter’s Castle. This is a very popular place not only among tourists, but also among local residents: young people often come here and have picnics to watch the sunset. You can visit the mills completely free.
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is another of the Seven Wonders of the World, accessible to holidaymakers in Turkey. This is a tomb built in the middle of the 4th century BC for the burial of the Carian ruler Mausolus. Today the mausoleum lies in ruins, so it is better to visit it with a guide. Entrance ticket costs 14 liras.
- Island of Kara Hell. If you’re not afraid of the sea, take a boat to the paradise island of Kara Ada, famous for its mineral pools, healing springs and mud baths. Despite the fact that the name Kara Ada means “Black Island” in Turkish, its shores are covered with dense greenery of pine and amber trees. Local muds are especially useful for those who suffer from skin diseases, radiculitis and arthritis, and natural mineral baths relieve muscle tension and stress. The visit to the island itself is free, you can get there either with a guided tour or on your own, with the help of locals.
Dalaman
If you are looking for solitude in Turkey, Dalaman is your choice. Of course, this city has become noticeably more crowded after an international airport was opened near it not so long ago, but many still prefer the more “famous” resorts. Dalaman is famous for its beautiful bays, which can only be reached by sea. The beaches of these bays are surrounded by flowering gardens. They say the sea here is so clean that you can often find blue crabs and snapping turtles on the shore.
Where to stay in Dalaman:
- Crescent Hasirci Hotel – from 6,200 rubles per night for two.
- Kano Hotel – from 5,800 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel Konak Su – from 2,600 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Dalaman Nature Reserve It is considered the main attraction in the vicinity of the city of the same name. This reserve is famous, firstly, for the fact that it is home to a rare species of turtles – loggerheads, or loggerhead sea turtles, creatures of amazing beauty. Secondly, in the middle of this natural park there is a railway station… without tracks. They say that it was built because the construction order was urgent, but the workers mixed up the delivery address for the materials and accidentally built the station in an unknown location. The building was abandoned but never used for its intended purpose. Visiting the reserve is free.
Fethiye
The western resort of Turkey, washed by the Aegean Sea, is known for the longest sandy beach in the country, surrounded by cedar forests and mountain slopes. Fethiye is suitable for a relaxed beach holiday, although in the city itself you can find many shops, several oriental bazaars, and excellent restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to stay in Fethiye:
- Ece Saray Marina Resort – from 14,800 rubles per night for two.
- Yacht Boheme Hotel – from 9,600 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel Unique-Boutique Class – from 9,400 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Oludeniz Bay – a spit with pebble beaches, which is located not far from the city itself. You can often find turtles here, which is why the spit itself received the name “Turtle Island”. Overall, this is a great place for swimming and walking, next to which there are tuff caves that are interesting for diving fans. Admission is free, but please remember that this is an important natural site and you should treat the site and its inhabitants with respect.
- Blue Lagoon Nature Reserve— a specially protected area of the Oludeniz resort (entrance costs 7 liras). These are protected trails among hills covered with coniferous trees, and incredibly beautiful semi-wild beaches with turquoise clear water. Here you can go kayaking and sup-surfing.
- The tomb of King Amyntas is a real symbol of Fethiye. It was carved into a high rock. This building is visible even from the city beach, so most likely, while relaxing in Fethiye, you will definitely decide to visit them. The climb up the mountain is not very steep and not at all tiring, and the ticket costs only 5 lire. Such Lycian rock tombs are a typical example of ancient Greek funerary architecture, which once again indicates the close connection between Turkey and what was once one of the greatest civilizations in the world.
Istanbul
Istanbul can hardly be called a resort city in the truest sense of the word. There are no all-inclusive hotels here, but there are beaches. For example, on the Princes’ Islands, on the islands of Avsha and Marmara. But a trip to Istanbul is always a good idea: the city is worth coming for gastronomic delights, interesting museums, really high-quality shopping and the cultural heritage of four empires. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and there is definitely no doubt about it.
Where to stay in Istanbul:
- Romance Istanbul Hotel Boutique Class – from 12,500 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel Sultania Boutique Class – from 11,500 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel Amira Istanbul – from 6,000 rubles per night for two.
What to watch:
- Sultanahmet (or Blue Mosque)– one of the most famous and beautiful mosques in the world, a significant example of Islamic architecture. At the personal request of Sultan Ahmed, only the most skillful tiles in white and blue shades with floral patterns were used for cladding the interiors (it was because of the color of the interiors that Sultanahmet received its second name). The visit is free, but you can go inside only when prayer is not being performed and following a certain dress code.
- The Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia, or St. Sophia Cathedral is a symbol of the interweaving of eras. During Byzantine times, the city’s main Orthodox cathedral was located here; fragments of icons, frescoes depicting angels and mosaics from the time of Emperor Justinian can still be seen inside. After the Ottoman conquest and the transformation of Constantinople into Istanbul, a significant mosque was located here. From 1935 to the present, Hagia Sophia was a museum, and last month its status as a mosque was restored. However, Istanbul authorities have assured that Sofia will still remain open to visitors during non-prayer hours. Now you can visit Hagia Sophia for free.
- Topkapi Palace – a magnificent structure, the construction of which was started by Mehmed the conqueror himself. The palace is located on the picturesque shore of the Golden Horn Bay on an area of 700 thousand square meters, so it is worth setting aside at least half a day to explore it; it is better to buy entrance tickets online. The cost of visiting is 72 liras, entrance to the harem is an additional 42 liras.
- Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, built under Sultan Abdulmecid in the Baroque and Rococo styles in the mid-19th century. This European-style luxurious palace served as the residence of six Ottoman sultans, and later Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lived, worked and died here. The palace museum is located in the central district of Besiktas on the picturesque embankment of the Bosphorus Strait. A visit to the front part of the palace and the harem will cost 90 liras.
- Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are truly the soul of Istanbul. Here, like nowhere else, you can feel the crazy and alluring rhythm of this city: noisy and fragrant restaurants, sellers of stuffed mussels and roasted chestnuts, parties until the morning, a ringing tram, dondurma performances and crowds of tourists. These locations will make you fall in love with Istanbul once and for all.
- The Museum of Innocence is not included in the list of standard attractions in Istanbul, and information about it cannot be found in every guidebook. It was discovered by the writer Orhan Pamuk and is the physical embodiment of his book of the same name, which describes the tragic story of the love-obsession of a rich man, Kemal, for the girl Füsun. Read the book and don’t miss the opportunity to make this story real: every thing here has its own, unique (albeit fictional) story. Ticket price is 30 liras. However, for owners of the paper version of the novel, the ticket is already printed on one of the last pages of the book, so the visit will cost you free.
- Cafe “Pierre Loti” may not have an abundance of dishes on the menu, but it is located on the top of Eyüp hill (you can climb it on foot through the ancient Muslim cemetery or ride the cable car). It offers one of the most breathtaking views of this beautiful city. We recommend coming here at sunset: admiring the colors and the city lights, sipping apple tea or a warming salep.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication.
Text author: Margarita Paimakova
