What can you do in Turkey: 10 activities

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The hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the beaches of the Mediterranean and the great city of Istanbul may be the only thing you recognize about Turkey, because there is much more to travel, explore and discover, meet here other places and activities to do in Turkey, as well as a proposed itinerary for three, five and 10 days.

Let’s get started!

WHAT ARE THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN TURKEY?

Here are 10 of the best activities to do in Turkey and enjoy your trip to the fullest. We hope you like them as much as we do 🙂

1. GLIMPSE YOU IN TROY, YES, IN TROY

One of the activities you should do in Turkey is to visit this ancient and legendary city, which is located in the northwest of Turkey, is famous for being the scene of historical novels and battles that changed the course of history. It has a replica of the legendary Trojan Horse, as well as an archaeological site.

This World Heritage Site by Unesco, was destroyed and rebuilt nine times, and when you visit you will see those nine layers of construction.

2. FEELING IN THE SWISS ALPS WHEN VISITING UZUNGOL

Only one hour from Trabzon, this little town is located on the shores of the lake of the same name and stands out for its picturesque valley, which is green and leafy. It is charming because in a moment you will feel that you are close to the Swiss Alps when you see its rural landscape, but you will feel that Turkish architectural beauty in its houses and the pointed minarets of a mosque.

We recommend that you get up first thing in the morning and walk along the lake shores. The fog in the area will add a wonderful mysticism to this already charming city.

3. MARVEL AT THE NATURAL COLORS OF OLUDÉNIZ

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Blue Lagoon. Fountain: Pixabay.com.

Its natural beauty is characterized by its beautiful coves, Mediterranean forests, islands and a famous Blue Lagoon, a mirror of water with paradisiacal colors. You can do marine sports such as boating, swimming, hiking or paragliding.

It is considered a summer tourist destination par excellence, although these months are usually full of tourists. If you travel in another station, you might find a quieter atmosphere.

4. DISCOVERING THE REMAINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN ANKARA

This other ancient city, with three thousand years of history, and current capital of Turkey, has the Citadel, which was built by Galatians, Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks. You can appreciate traditional Tukas houses, the Roman Theatre of Ankara and two Temples, the Augustus and the Rome Temple, all of them from the Caesar’s Empire.

We recommend visiting the Museums of the War of Independence, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the State Museum of Art and Culture.

5. GETTING LOST IN TIME ON THE ISLAND OF BOZCAADA

If you want to get away from the tumult, to feel really out of Europe, you have to visit the island of Bozcaada. Located in the Aegean Sea, it seems to come from another time, where modernization did not banalize it. Its architecture is beautiful and eye-catching for the nostalgic traveler and follower of “the past was better”.

6. MARVEL AT THE CITY OF A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS, ISTANBUL

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Get to know both areas of Istanbul by crossing the Bosphorus by boat. Source: Pixabay.com.

This city is a must see when you travel to Turkey. That beautiful collision between west and east that Istanbul can offer you is what makes it unique and fantastic. To know its neighborhoods full of people, between citizens and tourists, the most wonderful mosques, like the Blue Mosque or the one of Santa Sofía.

Going to the viewpoint of the Galata Tower or visiting the Topkapi Palace are some of the activities you can do, but the most important one is to see the beautiful landscape from the boat that crosses the Bosphorus to take you to the other side of the city.

7. MEETING A CULTURE SHOCK IN MARDIN

A city that runs along a hill and has a citadel at its tip seems to be one that will allow you to take excellent pictures. Walk through the alleys of the old town and enjoy the beautiful views of the plains of Mesopotamia, the civilization that spawned many others.

Look for the churches and mosques and live that mix of cultures and beliefs. Be aware that the old fortress, now a military zone, which is the citadel of Mardin, is not suitable for the public and you can only see it from outside.

8. BATHE IN THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF ANTALYA

This coastal city, located in the southwest of the country, is a tourist spot par excellence for the traveler who has packed his swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses. Its waters are blue and crystalline, and its beaches, Mermerli and Konyaalti, border the city and its surroundings.

Here you will also find archaeological sites that you can visit, the Duden waterfalls, and some beautiful narrow streets and wooden houses in the old town.

9. GET TO KNOW ONE OF THE BEST PRESERVED RUINS IN EPHESUS

Here if you will feel in another time, very far from the present. In Ephesus you will find the best preserved ruins of Asia Minor. Here if you will make a perfect cultural visit, walking through the temple of Artemis, the theater, which gives you an idea of what is in Rome, but better preserved.

10. GET INTO A HOT-AIR BALLOON IN THE CAPPADOCIA

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Hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Source: Unsplash.com.

What many tourists are looking to do in Turkey is this. This city is located in the center of the country and here you can enjoy the beautiful view of its landscape of rock formations, natural chimneys. You can also visit monasteries, houses carved into the rock and underground cities.

Take advantage of the first hour of the morning to ascend with a previously contracted balloon and get a privileged view of all the region of Turkey.

WHAT TO DO IN TURKEY IN 3, 5 AND 10 DAYS

3 DAYS

  • 1: Istanbul
  • 2: Ankara
  • 3: Cappadocia

5 DAYS

  • 1: Istanbul (northern area)
  • 2: Istanbul (south)
  • 3: Ankara
  • 4: Cappadocia
  • 5: Uzungol

10 DAYS

  • 1: Istanbul (northern area)
  • 2: Istanbul (south)
  • 3: Bozcaada
  • 4: Troy/Ephesus
  • 5: Oludeniz
  • 6: Antalya
  • 7: Mardin
  • 8: Cappadocia
  • 9: Ankara
  • 10: Uzungol

WHERE CAN I HIRE THESE ACTIVITIES FOR TURKEY?

The company Civitatis, is a Spanish company specialized in excursions, activities, tours that offers you the service of being able to organize your activities from Spain so that you arrive in Turkey with everything prepared. Don’t worry about having to look for where to buy the excursions without any guarantee, travel with everything prepared.

Find out more travel tips for Turkey on accommodation, documentation and requirements, internet connection, exchange rates and more.

Learn more travel tips for Turkey

About what to bring in the suitcase, the best time to travel, accommodation, documentation and requirements, internet connection, data SIM card for Turkey, currency exchange, travel insurance, is it safe to travel to Turkey, where and what to eat, how to rent a car in Turkey, among others.

About the author

Herman Rosero

Soy diseñador, me gusta la empatía y entender las necesidades de los demás. En Travelistos te ayudaré a (diseñar) organizar tu viaje, dándote a conocer lugares, actividades, opiniones; que te pueden ser útiles antes, durante y después del viaje.

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