Turkey Sights

Alanya Fortress

To experience some genuine Turkish history during your holiday, you should make sure you take a trip to the famous Alanya Fortress.

Dating all the way back to the 13th century, this castle was built on the remnants of two fortresses that also once stood on the cite; one in the Byzantine era, another one in the Roman era. Located 250 metre above the Turkish coastline, the Alanya Fortress is a very magical location to visit, offering fantastic walks along the wall, which surrounds the castle and stretches for four miles. You can also enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean Turkey has to offer.

Cable cars run close by, so you can travel up to the fortress in style, taking in the glorious sights as you go up. It’s a small wonder this castle has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ancient City of Ephesus

The Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the absolute must-see locations when it comes to a Turkey holiday. Immerse yourself in the historic ruins of this ancient city for a truly unique experience.

This city dates all the way back to the 10th century BC, when it was originally built by the ancient Greeks. One of the most famous ruins in the Ancient City of Ephesus

is the Library of Celsus, first built in 114 AD. The library is illuminated in the evenings to reveal the true beauty of this stunning example of Greek architecture.

The various statues and carvings are remarkably well preserved, many of which are accompanied by information boards, detailing visitors with who the statues and effigies depict.

It is best to set aside a good few hours to properly take in the sheer beauty and wonder of Ephesus – this is not the kind of sight you can get around in half an hour.

Aspendos Amphitheatre

The Aspendos Amphitheatre is located just a few miles northeast of central Serik. It was part of the ancient city of Pamphylia, and while much of this ancient architecture lays in ruins, it still attracts thousands of visitors every single day.

The Aspendos Amphitheatre, however, is not lying in ruins. In fact, it is actually the most intact Roman theatre that still exists today. It has three levels and has been very well preserved, retaining the original shape and structure it had when it was first built. Visitors are free to roam the sight and sit in the same stone seats theatre goers would have sat in all those years ago.

Climbing the steps to the top of the Aspendos Amphitheatre is well worth it for the panoramic view of the site. You can then take the path around to the ruins of the ancient city of Aspendos, which is home to a huge range of historic buildings.

Babadag Mountain

Located in Oludeniz, Babadag Mountain offers out of this world views of the ocean and the nearby islands. The principal summit of this mountain stands tall at over 6,400ft, making it an imposing yet beautiful sight to behold from on the ground. However, the views that this mountain offers from the summit are like no other.

The mountain range stretches for miles, so it is recommended you wear some sensible walking shoes when you visit.

For paragliding in Turkey, there is nowhere better than Babadag Mountain. The mountain’s summit is situated very close to the sea, making it the ideal place to paraglide. If you would like to go paragliding from Babadag, this can be easily arranged with the companies who run sessions to take you up and over the Turkish coastline for a spectacular view. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Blue Lagoon

Located at Oludeniz Beach, Blue Lagoon is a beautiful pool of water that glistens in the magnificent Turkey sunshine.

Blue Lagoon is a popular place for swimmers; it has a segregated area to swim and snorkel, which is safely kept separate from passing boats. There is a fantastically exotic array of sea life to be discovered in the waters. The lagoon is a deep shade of blue, making it a photographer’s dream; you can relax on the white sandy beach and enjoy the tranquillity of this gorgeous pool of water.

Water sports are also very popular in Blue Lagoon. Pedalos are available to be hired for a very reasonable price, the still waters of the lagoon make for a very peaceful ride on the water. If you are in search of something a little more energetic, it is also possible to kayak on the lagoon, in a separate section to the swimmers.

Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is situated in Bodrum City. Dating back to 1402, it is rich in Turkish history and is a must-visit sight for anyone with a passion for architecture.

Bodrum Castle has real character, visitors can wander freely around this historic site and climb to the top of the famous tower to take in a fantastic view of the city.

Bodrum Castle is also home of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and has been since 1962. This museum houses a wide range of historically significant artefacts, including ancient glass, bronze, clay and iron items.

Much of these artefacts were found during underwater excavations that were performed on several shipwrecks. The castle’s former chapel is now an exhibition of vases and amphoras, which date back as far as the 14th century BC. There are also two reconstructed ancient shipwrecks, including the Uluburun shipwreck, which also dates back to the 14th century BC.

Dim Cave

Situated in Alanya, Dim Cave is the second biggest cave to be found in Turkey and is one of the country’s natural wonders.

The interior is illuminated with coloured lights to reveal the true extent of its natural beauty. Visitors are transported into another world when they visit Dim Cave; there are countless stalactites and stalagmites to view and a metal pathway guides visitors through this magical and mysterious location.

Located in the mountains, Dim Cave offers gorgeous views of Alanya’s mountain range and the surrounding countryside. There is also the Dim Café and Restaurant close by, which serves a selection of snacks and hot meals to visitors, so be sure to take advantage of this eatery during your visit. A souvenir shop can also be found on site, where you can purchase a variety of keepsakes to remember your visit to Dim Cave.

Mountain Olympos

One of the must-visit places in Turkey is the famous Mountain Olympos. Standing tall in Cirali, visitors are able to visit the mountain’s peak and gaze in awe at the breathtaking views.

Taking a cable car to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Turkey’s countryside, which stretches for miles and miles. The cable car ride also offers beautiful sea views in the distance.

There are also coach trips to Mountain Olympos, which can be easily arranged. Once you are at the top and have enjoyed the views, you can grab a coffee and something to eat in the café which is also located on the mountain. The peak of the mountain is actually higher than the clouds, which, on a clear day, makes for a magical experience. If you have a passion for photography, don’t miss out on taking a trip to Mountain Olympos to snap some incredible shots.

Perga

Perga is an ancient city located in the Antalya Province. Dating as far back as 1000 BC, the ancient city now lies in ruins. However, tourists from all over the world flock to the site every day to immerse themselves in the rich historical ambience of this beautiful location.

Many of the ancient columns still stand tall, lining the pathways for tourists to walk along. Visitors are able to wander around freely and take in the vast history that still remains of Perga, including the ancient bath house. The original amphitheatre is also still standing, which you can climb to the top of to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city.

This large site of ruins is nine miles east of Antalya on the coastal plain. The ancient city of Perga is surrounded by some of Turkey’s most picturesque countryside, so when you visit, you won’t just have the ruins to admire, you can also absorb the tranquil atmosphere of such an idyllic spot.

Sabanci Park

Just outside of Turgutreis town centre is the idyllic spot of Sabanci Park. This spark is located right by the sea and is one of the most picturesque places in all of Turkey; if you are in search of somewhere peaceful to enjoy a stroll, look no further.

The park’s beautifully maintained paths guide you from one quaint and artistic scene to another. Various artefacts and floral displays have been laid around the park to ensure each corner you turn is as pretty as the last.

An array of trees and old-fashioned street lamps light your way down the paths, making for a gorgeous scene both night and day. A scenic promenade guides you along the sea, offering fantastic views of the bay and boats which sail in the distance.

This is the perfect place to come if are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the towns.