Tourist information about Turkey for independent travel

General information about Turkey

Turkey or Republic of Turkey (Turkey, Republic of Turkey) - the state with an area of 783,365 sq.km. is located mainly in South-West Asia. As of 2020, there are about 82,000,000 people living in the country. The capital is the city of Ankara, including the largest centers are: Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya. On the territory of modern Turkey, the first settlements were formed in the 2nd millennium BC.

Holidays in Turkey

Turkey is a bright sun, magnificent beaches washed by the waters of the Four Seas, thermal springs, ancient monasteries, ski resorts and luxury shopping opportunities. Here you can spend a budget beach holiday, visit ancient sites and the legendary Troy, stroll through the streets of ancient Ephesus, rejuvenate to take water treatments in the bath of Cleopatra, or touch the Antiquities in Istanbul.

On the territory of Turkey there are a large number of cities and resorts. Each of them has its own way of life and features. Some places are famous for their religious traditions, and where the most luxurious sea coast stretches or there are historical and cultural values.

Resorts and cities

• Antalya (Antalya) - the largest resort is located on the Mediterranean coast. The infrastructure is developed at a high level, there are numerous bars and clubs. Beaches are mainly urban, in the villages of Kundu and Lara you can find secluded sandy recreation areas. Tourists with children can visit the local water park, Dolphinarium, amusement park. Special attention should be paid to the Archaeological Museum, Hadrian's Gate, ich-Kale fortress. Lovers of active recreation can go diving, sailing, windsurfing, or go to explore the damlatash cave, inside which there are stalactites and stalagmites 15,000 years old.

  Antalya is suitable for young people and families with children. Beach coverage: Sandy, Pebble, platform beaches.

• Belek - the young resort is located 30 km from Antalya, surrounded by eucalyptus, cedar and pine trees. The sandy coastal strip stretches for 20 km. most of the beaches have a blue flag. Thanks to the gentle entrance to the sea, swimming with children will be safe. The hotel infrastructure is a young complex of Category 4 and 5 stars. The main attractions are natural objects, the most popular is the park-reserve "Bird's Paradise". For those who wish, an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Perge, Pamukkale, Ephesus is organized. Belek is a golf center, features include clean Pine Air.

• Side - the resort is located about 60 km from Antalya, it is a combination of small cozy villages. Beaches are mostly sandy or Sandy-Pebble. The coastal zone is wide, the entrance to the sea is gentle, there are no large stones and natural slabs. Lovers of active recreation can go rafting, go on a jeep safari, or book a tour of ancient sites.

• Kemer - one of the Turkish Centers for active and fun holidays. The resort has a large number of discos, bars, nightclubs. The coast is covered with pebble or Sandy-pebble beaches. Tours are organized to the famous Goyniuk Canyon, as well as to the temple complexes of Hermes and Athens.

• Marmaris - the largest resort is located in the south-west of the country, the center of nightlife and active life. The length of the promenade is 12 km, covering sand and a mixture of sand and pebbles. From here you can book an excursion to the Greek island of Rhodes, Pamukale.

• Fethiye - an ancient city with a rich history, the coast consists of Sandy and pebble beaches. Among the attractions, a special place is occupied by Lycian tombs.

• Bodrum - the largest Turkish resort and center for entertainment and nightlife, located on the Aegean coast. The hotel infrastructure is developed at a good level, there are luxury hotels, as well as budget accommodation options. The beach area is covered with pebbles, there are separate sections of beach platforms. Fans of the tour will be able to visit the castle of St. Peter, the mausoleum of King mausoleum.

• Ankara - the capital of Turkey, a city on the territory of which there are a large number of architectural monuments, museums. One of the interesting sites is the Fortress of Ankara, as well as the mausoleum of Ataturk, the Aladdin mosque, the ruins of the temple of Augustus and Rome. Popular museums include: Ethnographic Museum, Fine Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Science and technology. The central tourist site is the Atakule observation tower, 125m high.

• Istanbul - in this ancient city, the traditions of the West and the East are intertwined in a single whole. During its long history, it survived four dynasties, was the capital of the Roman and Byzantine empires, and the "heart" of the Ottoman and Latin Empires. The main cultural center of the country is located on the two banks of the Bosphorus. The main architectural values are the Blue Mosque and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Sofia. see Istanbul Travel Guide.

• Bursa – this is not a beach resort, there are no beaches here. But in 2014, the city was recognized by UNESCO as the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, which attracts the attention of tourists. The city has preserved a historical area with attractions, including mosques, a mausoleum, ruins of a fortress, many museums. Also, Bursa is the base for recreation at the main ski resort of Turkey on Mount Uludag (Uludag, or little Olympus). In summer, Mount Uludag is climbed by one of the longest cable cars in the world. Another reason for coming here is the hot springs of natural mineral water in the suburb of Cekirge. see Bursa Travel Guide.

Transport, how to move around the country

It is most convenient to travel between resorts and cities on comfortable buses. If the distance is long, for example, you need to get from Istanbul to Ankara, then it is better to use the services of rail transport or airlines.

Hotels and hostels

No need to rely heavily on the number of stars. Sometimes the same category of hotel located from each other at a distance of 200 meters can be very different in terms of Service and comfort. On the territory of the Mediterranean coast there are complexes specializing in thalassotherapy. There are apartments with a private golf course. Meals are offered on an all-inclusive or Ultra all-inclusive basis.

National cuisine

Turkish national cuisine consists of dishes based on beef, beans, vegetables, rice, bread and spices are also consumed in large quantities. The list of popular dishes includes: various Kufts and kebabs, Meze. Of the sweets, baklava and Turkish Delight are in demand.

Rest in Turkey is the sea, clean beaches, an interesting excursion program and a high range of services.