Rediscovering Turkey

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There are places that experience moments of rebirth after long periods of “forgetfulness”. Sometimes, suddenly, they are reborn from oblivion and become unmissable destinations for world tourism. It is happening, in recent years, to Turkey – perhaps, but not only, thanks also to the many television series set in Istanbul that invade European TV channels every day. The winning method of “film tourism” that has already redeemed Inspector Montalbano’s Sicily is reviving the tourist fortunes of modern Turkey. And it invites everyone to visit it and… rediscover it!

Turkey: why focus on its beauty?

But ultimately… why Turkey? This Middle Eastern giant, always divided between two cultures (the European and the Arab, the Christian and the Islamic) is slowly learning to enhance its natural and archaeological beauties, associating them with the architectural beauties that had already made it famous in the past.

Focusing on Turkey means going to discover new historical sites, new naturalistic itineraries, new flavors above all and also a new way of experiencing the Mediterranean, in its most extreme and forgotten point.

Turkey is a nation of 85 million inhabitants that extends between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, between Europe and Asia. Its capital is the very central Ankara, but the most famous city is the modern Istanbul and today centers such as Adana, Bursa, Smyrna and Tarsus are also “a must”. The beaches of Anatolia (Lara and Konyaalti above all) and those of Ölüdeniz and Kleopatra are the destinations of new “exotic holidays” to be enjoyed in company. But Turkey is also mountains, with the peaks of Taurus and those of Cappadocia. What more could you wish for?

Itineraries in Turkey

Classic Turkey

The classic trip to Turkey includes departure (and also accommodation) in Istanbul with a visit to this wonderful city, divided between two continents. From the “Italian” district of Galata, with its namesake bridge, to the historic Roman Aqueduct; from Leander’s Tower to the Galata Tower; from the monumental Hagia Sophia Mosque to the Blue Mosque to the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Anthony of Padua… Istanbul is an immense open-air museum. In the evening, however, it is also a city for young people, full of clubs, restaurants, events and concerts that can last all night.

The classic itinerary in Turkey also includes a visit to Smyrna (Izmir), home to some of the most beautiful Greek-Roman ruins. Ephesus, home of Saint Paul’s preaching, is also a classic destination for tours in this nation. You can’t miss the cities of the “dervishes” (Konya and Nidge) and the wonders of Cappadocia, which has become famous above all for hot air balloon tours that allow dreamlike views from above.

Original Turkey

A more original itinerary in Turkey today starts directly from Tarsus. The birthplace of Saint Paul until a few years ago did not take much account of religious tourism – since Islam tends not to favor Christian tourism – but has recently rediscovered the potential of these places. Those who come to Tarsus in the footsteps of the saint will also be able to admire the ancient Roman ruins and get an idea of the greatness of the empire in these areas.

Another original and beautiful destination is Pamukkale, a fascinating geological site where earthquakes and ancient volcanic phenomena have formed real natural pools of white marble that extend over the hills crossed by streams of thermal water. The name means “cotton castle” and it is easy to understand why!

The capital Ankara is part of the “original” tour because until a few years ago no one included it in the tourist itinerary. Instead it is worth the visit, with its Roman temples, the Anitkabir Mausoleum, the elegant palaces of politics and the dozens of museums. Don’t miss Trabzon with its incredible architecture nestled in the mountains, the very high monasteries, the mosques built on the sites of ancient churches and the bridges.

Cinema Itineraries

If you are a fan of Turkish “soaps”, you will want to visit the filming locations and maybe imagine meeting the actors while filming the sequels of the stories. You can do this in Istanbul, where most of the dramas are set, but also on the beaches of the Bosphorus – not far from the city. And in Cappadocia, where almost all the adventure and historical images are filmed.

Beaches and sea

Among the most famous beaches in Turkey, Konyaalti is of course number one! Primarily composed of fine pebbles, but also has some sand, it boasts the best “water quality” in the nation and is also served by many facilities and tourist structures (restaurants, hotels, nightlife pubs and cafes). You can also enjoy a water park, Aqualand.

Modern, elegant and very romantic too, Lara beach – not far from Konyaalti – is good for those looking for all conforts and a more “European” way of living the holiday! Kleopatra beach is wilder and greener but still open to all the benefits a tourist may dream of. A 13-km long sandy strip, going from the city to the green mountains, and facing a clear blue sea.

Looking for unknown, non-tourist and “secret” beaches in Turkey? Then head to Kabak Koyu (Lycia region), Amos beach near the city of Marmaris, Ovabükü along the Datça peninsula, Patara beach (Lycia) – the longest in Turkey – where also turtles come and hide their precious eggs.

Trip to Turkey: useful information

If you want to enjoy a holiday in Turkey, remember it only takes 2-3 hours by airplane to get there from the main European cities. The main international airports are Istanbul Airport (IST), Izmir Airport (ADB), Esenboğa Ankara (ESB). You can also land at Adana (ADA) and Kayseri (ASR) if you are looking for inner Turkey or the historical-religious itineraries.

If you want to move through the Turkish territory you shall rely on local and interregional bus services or on Transfeero private transfers.

The best time to visit Turkey, usually, is springtime or late summer/early autumn (august and september).