Experience the Magic of Turkey
You should never judge a country by its name. Take Turkey, for example. While the name might make you think of big ugly birds and Thanksgiving dinner, what you should actually be thinking about is a history of some of the world’s greatest empires, beaches bordering turquoise waters, food that will melt your heart, and natural wonders that scarcely seem real.
Spanning two continents and bordered by two seas, Turkey is one of the most magical destinations in the world today. Take note of the most enchanting Turkey destinations, and put together an itinerary that will leave you constantly breathless and believing in magic.
Istanbul
Straddling two continents, Istanbul brings together elements of both Europe and Asia, while offering the unique opportunity to take a ferry from one to the other. Sprawling over gently undulating hills, Istanbul has a cosmopolitan (and slightly hipster) vibe.
Eating and drinking your way through the eclectic bars and eateries of the city is compulsory, as is visiting the fabulous mosques and spice markets. The timeless nature of Istanbul is perhaps best captured in the hazy gold of the evenings, watching the sun set over minarets, accompanied by the melancholic echo of the call to prayer.
Cappadocia
The valleys and rock formations of Cappadocia will make you feel like you are on Mars. The red and gold clay cliffs and the houses carved into the vaguely phallic-shaped rocks add to the surrealist nature of the landscapes here.
Riding a hot-air balloon up into the sky at first light is the most popular way to enjoy the views. It might not feel like it when your alarm goes off, but the many balloons cast against the backdrop of the sunrise and Cappadocia’s beauty is definitely worth getting up at the crack of dawn for.
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Oludeniz
Also known as the Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz is that sought-after sweet spot of white-gold sand, blue water and lush forest. To get the best views of the lagoon, jump on the tourist bandwagon, and off the mountain shadowing the beach — with a paraglide of course.
If you prefer to get a view with your feet still firmly on the ground, there are excellent hiking trails leading onward and upward in both directions from the lagoon, including the beginning of the historic and stunning Lycian Way.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is all kinds of unbelievable, a fairy-tale staircase of pale pink and white terraces, punctuated by sky-blue pools of hot water, leading up to a spectacular Roman ruin. The flowing limestone travertines have such an otherworldly air that is perfectly matched to the magnificent Hierapolis ruins.
With the incredible views and natural hot springs, it’s not hard to see why the Romans set up camp here all those years ago.
Olympos
Olympos is a complete escape from reality. At the bottom of a steep mountain road, isolated from any major towns, this little village is a haphazard affair of treehouses and bungalows that stop just short of Roman ruins.
Almost completely unexcavated, it feels like something out of an Indiana Jones movie as you’ll scrambling over fallen blocks of stone. Fighting through the tangled undergrowth, you’ll eventually emerge onto a vast and mostly deserted beach.
The wonder doesn’t stop there though. If you keep walking you’ll discover the Chimera; eternal flames leaping forth from a rock face, with no apparent fuel sustaining them. Magic? You will just have to see it for yourself to decide.
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Ephesus
An ancient city in a modern world, Ephesus is a window in time, allowing visitors a glimpse of the bygone Greco-Roman era. Europe’s most complete classical metropolis, Ephesus’s history reaches as far back as the 10th century BCE.
Among the ruins, the foundations of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are still visible. The romance of this fascinating city can seduce even the most unromantic souls.
Antalya
Perched on the brink of the incredibly blue Mediterranean, Antalya is a colorful, beautiful town with a perfectly preserved old town in the center. The flower-fringed streets, classic Ottoman architecture, and clifftop views of mountains rising from the sea make Antalya an excellent introduction to the leisurely beauty of the Turkish Riviera.
Come for two nights, you will stay for five. You’ve been warned.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley’s mythical reputation is only heightened by the fact that it is virtually inaccessible. The walking track into the valley is prefaced by large, alarming signs warning of danger and potential death.
It’s not hard to see why; the path is little more than hand and foot holds carved into the vertical valley wall. Large sections of it require abseiling down rock faces with the help of ropes, and kicking rocks off the edge of the track into oblivion.
When you reach the bottom you will have trembling legs and shaking hands, however, you will be rewarded richly. As you finally set foot on the beach, you will be greeted with the deepest green water and sheer cliffs rising high on either side of the pristine, isolated slice of paradise.
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Bodrum
There is a reason Bodrum is one of the crown jewels of Turkey’s tourist industry. The yachts, nightclubs and flocks of visitors can seem off-putting at first, but no amount of package tourism can dim the shine of Bodrum’s beaches, castle and ruins of the original Mausoleum.
The Bodrum Peninsula extends beyond the resorts of Bodrum City, and encompasses many small bays and villages, all of which are soaked in sunshine and charm.
Any Good Restaurant
It may not be beautiful, but Turkey is an appropriate name, because Turkey is a mecca for foodies. Turkey is the motherland of kebabs, dolma, baklava, Turkish delight and countless other goodies.
The range of flavors is taste bud boggling. In Turkey, the celebrated savors of the Mediterranean meet with distinctly Middle Eastern cuisine. Find a good restaurant and you will have found your happy place.