Travel to Turkey: The land where Europe meets Asia

Travel to Turkey

Turkey is a land of great contrasts, a country where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon, explore ancient ruins and shop for modern fashions. enjoy the nightlife of a big city or relax in a small village.

Turkey is a land of ancient history and culture. It was on those lands that the Ottoman Empire was created and expanded, and then the modern Turkish Republic was formed. Turkey is a member of NATO and the European Union, as well as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Planning your accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Turkey. You can stay in a hotel, a hostel, or a guesthouse. You can also stay in a private home. If you're planning to stay in a hotel, you should book your room in advance, as hotel rooms in Turkey are often booked up. The best choice for staying comfortably in Istanbul is to search for a world-renowned resort. Check out Barcelo.com to see some options for your accommodation.

What to see in Turkey

Istanbul

Beautiful mosques around the world - Travel to Turkey

Blue Mosque

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. Located on the Bosphorus Strait which separates Europe and Asia, it is a city of contrasts, home to both modern skyscrapers and ancient mosques.

Some of the most famous sights in Turkey are in Istanbul. The Blue Mosque is a must-see and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The Hagia Sophia is a former church that was converted into a mosque. Istanbul is also home to the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Tower.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination in central Turkey known for its unique landscapes, filled with strange rock formations created by volcanic eruptions. It is also famous for its cave dwellings that were carved into the rock formations to be used as homes, churches, and storage space. They really look like they’re from another planet.

Visitors can explore the cave dwellings, hike through the stunning landscapes, and take hot air balloon rides.

Ephesus

Currently located in present-day Turkey, Ephesus was an old Greek city and one of the most important cities in the world – a major center of trade and commerce of ancient Greece.

Some of the most famous ruins in Turkey are located in Ephesus, for instance, the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Library of Celsus. Ephesus is also home to the Great Theater, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Terrace Houses.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a town in southwestern Turkey, known for its natural hot springs. The springs flow into a series of pools and their waters are rich in minerals so many locals and tourists go there to take healing baths.

Pamukkale is also known for its travertine terraces made of limestone that were formed by the hot springs. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, swim in the pools, and explore the travertine terraces.

Ankara

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and a modern city located in the central region of the country. It's home to government buildings, embassies, and museums, and a major center of education and research.

Tourists in Ankara can visit the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. The Anitkabir mausoleum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of that country.

Ankara is also home to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Ethnography Museum, and the War of Independence Museum, all three of them worth a visit.

Turkish culture

Turkey is a land of history and culture. The Turkish people are proud of their country's rich cultural heritage, and many famous writers and poets were born in that country. The most famous Turkish writer is Orhan Pamuk, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006.

Regarding music, the most famous Turkish musician is pianist and composer Fazil Say, who has won many international awards.

Turkish Cuisine

Iskender Kebab

Iskender Kebab

Visitors to Turkey quickly discover that it's a land of great food. Turkish cuisine is a blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences, which has created healthy and delicious dishes.

Turkish coffee is world-famous. Made with finely ground coffee beans, it's usually served hot and strongly flavored with sugar and spices.

Getting around Turkey

Turkey is a large country, consisting of more than 300,000 square miles. The best way to get around Turkey is by plane, since there are many domestic and international airports.

Another way to travel is by train. Like many European countries, Turkey has an extensive railway network with many interconnections on high speed rails, called YHT. Train tickets in Turkey are often quite reasonably priced.

If you want to drive, you can rent a car and move around at your own pace. There is a good network of roads and highways connecting the most important cities in Turkey.

When to go

The best time to visit Turkey is in the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. Summers tend to be too humid and hot in general, and during winter temperatures usually fall below 30 F in Istanbul and other western territories.

So, if you're planning to visit Istanbul, Pamukkale or Ephesus you should go in April or October. Likewise, Ankara or Cappadocia are more enjoyable cities in May or September.

Visa requirements

Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Turkey. Tourists can get a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate in their countries. In some cases, a short-term tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival.

However If you're planning to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit at the Turkish embassy in your country.

Safety

Turkey is a safe country to visit. However, you should take some precautions, such as avoid walking alone at night and don’t carry large amounts of money.

Another factor to take into account is that Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia are cities located in seismically active areas.

Did you travel to Turkey ? Would you like to go?

See how to apply for a Turkey eVisa for Americans.

This is a guest post.

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