Top Attractions In Turkey

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Hopefully Turkey is on every traveler’s dream destination list. It is as exotic as it is elegant - reflected in the wide array of attractions it offers. Its ancient cities teem with rich history and wonderful stories, its opulent churches and palaces are a testament to its affluent setting and its souks and bazaars offer a cornucopia of crafts and wares.

As a frequent traveler to Turkey, I have my own list of favorites. These are destinations that I find historically relevant, visually pleasant and quintessentially Turkish. Since Turkey has so much to offer, visitors traveling on a limited time may find it difficult to narrow down their choices of what to to see.

While Istanbul  is usually the first – sometimes, the only -area in Turkey explored by visitors- there are other areas that are "must see" and hopefully you will find the following list helpful.

The Ephesus at the Aegean Coast is a must for any history buff. It is considered as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. Its historical significance dates back to the 2nd century BC when it first became a major port and trading site. It is also home to the spectacular temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater which served as St. Paul’s stage when it preached to the Ephesians.

Next is the Eternal Fires of Chimaera at the Mediterranean Coast. It is set in a picturesque bay that makes for a wonderful romantic excursion. On both banks of the Ulupinar River you will find several ruins of ancient Olympos where remnants of a Byzantine bathhouse with it's mosaic floors, marble entrance, and a theater just waiting to be explored.

Just above the ancient city are a chain of flames that burn eternal. They are said to be caused by the continuing combustion of natural gas. The evenings are the perfect time to watch the tongues of flame dance to the movement of the breeze.

Cappadoccia is another destination in Turkey that features several grand attractions that are worth visiting and exploring. Its landscape is sci-fi worthy with its many tower-like rock formations. A hot-air balloon ride is perfect to get a bird’s eye view of the vast landscape.

Underneath the barren and dusty grounds are innumerable underground cities of the early Christians. It is complete with carved vaults and tunnels to accommodate countless churches, stables and houses.

The Pamukkale or the Cotton Castle at the Aegean Coast is a natural marvel that begs to be seen. Looking like a gigantic castle from a distance, it is in fact a complex of rock formations composed of beautifully shaped stone shelves, ridges and terraces created by the movement of springs over the mountain. It was an exclusive haunt of nobility hundreds of years ago and was a site for the ancient Roman spa-city of Hierapolis. In fact, the area is dotted by several ancient bath ruins. You can enjoy the thermal waters and take a dip in the many natural pools of Pamukkale like the kings and emperors did eons ago.

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