5 Beautiful Towns That Make Turkey Worth Visit

Filled with stunning natural beauty, from tranquil beaches to dramatic mountains, and an array of well-preserved architecture, Turkey is one of the most extraordinary countries to visit. Here we list the 5 unmissable cities and towns in the country.

* Amasya

Located in northern Turkey, the small city of Amasya is dramatically situated in a narrow valley on the banks of the Yeşilırmak river, against a backdrop of rocky mountains. Amasya is said to be the place where one of the most famous tales of Turkish folklore, Ferhat and Şirin, takes place. According to legend, Ferhat was in love with Şirin, a beautiful princess, and dug tunnels beneath the mountains to bring water to her father’s palace so he could win his favor. Even today, the stunning landscape of the town is perfectly suited to the romantic tale. Above the town lie several tombs cut into the face of the rock, while the town itself is filled with beautiful Ottoman style houses and antique bridges.

* Bozcaada

A small jewel of an island in the Aegean sea, Bozcaada has managed to escape much of Turkey’s modernization, and still retains the majority of its original architecture and buildings. The town features a beautifully preserved castle dating back to the 15th century. Built on the ruins of several former palaces, the castle dominates the island’s skyline and lends a grand feel to the small, seaside town. The island also has a great deal of natural beauty, from the soft, sandy beaches to the gently rolling hills rising above the clear blue sea. With charming winding streets and traditional seaside cafes, Bozcaada is the perfect small Mediterranean island.

* Göreme

The town of Göreme lies in the region of Cappadocia, a region famous for its fantastical rock formations, with hundreds of astonishing rock “fairy chimneys” rising from the ground and interspersed with the villages and houses. What makes the formations special are the wonderful uses they have been put to by the locals over the centuries. Beautifully decorated churches, homes and underground cities fill the region, and Göreme houses some of the most magnificent structures in a complex of churches and monasteries called the Göreme Open Air Museum. Göreme is also known for its incredible hot air balloon rides, and dozens of hot air balloons often fill the skies to give tourists a spectacular view of the landscape.

* Istanbul

The country’s largest and most famous city, Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful buildings and landscapes in the whole of Turkey. The city is situated on the strait between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, creating a beautiful contrast between the calm blue waters and the bustling city. Istanbul is known as the point where east meets west, both geographically and culturally, with a myriad of beautiful churches, mosques and palaces which pay homage to the city’s diverse and fascinating history. The city’s art and architecture have been faithfully preserved, making it one of the best places to experience the remnants of Byzantine and Ottoman together.

* Kas

A charming, unspoiled fishing village nestled at the foot of lush hills right on the Mediterranean coast, Kaş has become a wildly popular tourist destination. This is mainly due to its natural beauty, well preserved historic remains and streets, and ample diving opportunities. The ancient ruins of Antiphellos are interspersed with the small alleys, traditional houses and cafes of more recent times, while the calm, pebbly beaches remain clear and unspoiled despite their popularity. Much of Kaş’s beauty lies beneath the surface, however, with an astonishing array of fish, turtles and other sea creatures to be discovered on scuba diving trips, as well as intriguing wreck sites on the sea floor.