Regions of Turkey

We will introduce you to the resorts of Turkey, tell you about their features and help you choose the best place to rest in the country.

Turkey is one of those rare resort countries that can offer entertainment for every taste. Local beaches are perfect for both young people and families with children. History enthusiasts can enjoy a rich sightseeing program, while thrill-seekers can indulge in skiing and other extreme sports.

Map of the country gives an initial idea of its diversity: the state is washed by the Mediterranean, Marmara, Aegean and Black Seas. Geographically, Turkey is divided into 7 regions: Aegean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions. Tourists are more familiar with navigating the regions using cardinal directions.

Southern regions of Turkey

Resorts located in the south of the country are washed by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Marmara Seas.

Alanya

Alanya is the southernmost point of the country. The resort has a unique location, as the city is situated on a narrow strip between the mountains and the sea. Legend has it that the city was once a gift to Cleopatra herself.

Resort Features

  • saturation with exotic greenery - banana palms, orange and tangerine trees;

  • The resort has the most longest swimming season.

Sea Beach in Alanya

Antalya

Antalya is a young and rapidly developing city. The majority of hotels and other infrastructure are urbanized.

Resort Features

  • a huge number of shopping centers and shops for excellent shopping;

  • airport is fairly close;

  • respectable Belek, youth Kemer and family Side are located in the suburbs of Antalya;

  • the presence of the Old Town is a great opportunity to have a romantic evening walk.

Belek

The most expensive and luxurious Turkish resort. Belek is a stunning combination of cedar forest and sea.

Resort Features

  • The opportunity to enjoy luxury entertainment, such as playing golf or tennis.

Dalaman

A young resort that is gaining popularity. Tourists appreciate the well-maintained coastline of the Aegean Sea in Dalaman.Resort Features

  • lack wild nightlife;

  • clean air due to the proximity of pine forests;

  • several thermal springs and SPA centers.

Antalya Harbor. Turkey

Marmaris

One of the oldest resorts in Turkey, Marmaris is the meeting point of the Aegean and the Black Sea.

Resort Features

optimal combination of clean coastline and developed tourist infrastructure;

  • great water park and diving opportunities.

Side

In the resort town of Side, a rich daytime program and moonlit parties coexist.

Resort Features

  • A city ideal for family holidays.

Fethiye

A resort located on the hills of Mount Mendos. Fethiye has a lot of both well-maintained and wild beaches.

Resort Features

  • The blue lagoon of Oludeniz is an ideal place for paragliding.

View of Marmaris Harbor on the Turkish Riviera

Regions in the center of Turkey

Central Turkey is a region that lacks access to the sea. However, it is home to the capital city and several ancient towns that attract thousands of tourists annually to explore the local landmarks.

Ankara

The capital city with a population of around 4.5 million people. It is the seat of government in the country.

Resort Features

  • Tourists must stop at the mausoleum of the first president of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a unique area, often referred to as an open-air museum.

Resort Features

  • here lived cave settlements, whose huts were made of tufa (volcanic ash);

  • An amazing natural landscape combined with an ancient amphitheater and other cultural monuments.

Konya

Konya is known as the City of the Wise: it is the birthplace of Saint Paraskevi and Nasreddin Hodja.

Resort Features

  • several interesting museums, such as the Mevlana Museum.

A balloon flew over Cappadocia Turkey

Northern Turkey

Northern Turkey is characterized by its proximity to the Black Sea and has a climate that differs significantly from other regions. The local resorts are not very popular among tourists, but the northern part of the country comes alive during winter with several popular ski resorts.

Kartalkaya

This is a ski resort with slopes for both beginners and pros.

  • The opportunity to see the Edigoller Nature Reserve.

Safranbolu

A city-museum for connoisseurs of historical sights.

  • a settlement where many rare spices are grown, including saffron.

Trabzon

A city created eight centuries BC.

  • There are several places of worship here, including Hagia Sophia.

Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul

Western regions of Turkey

Western regions of Turkey, bordered by the Marmara and Aegean Seas, are home to various resorts offering beach relaxation and several thermal springs. The local balneological centers attract thousands of tourists each year.

Bodrum

The city where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet.

Resort Features

  • It is a center for sailing and water sports.

  • Ideal for youth recreation: discos, parties and nightclubs both indoors and outdoors;

  • ancient ruins Mausoleums and other historical sights.

Bursa

A settlement near Istanbul.

  • balneological recreation center and skiing sports.

Kusadasi

A small port city on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

  • Several historical values are located here, for example, the house of the Blessed Mary.

Istanbul

A city on two parts of the mainland - Asia and Europe.

  • In Istanbul you will find many shrines of different religions, both Christian and Muslim.

Bodrum, Turkey

Eastern regions of the country

Eastern regions of Turkey may not have widely recognized tourist attractions, but they do attract adventurous travelers who seek unique experiences beyond typical sightseeing.

Palandoken

Young winter recreation centre.

Resort Features

  • mild climate, clean air, a wide variety of entertainment;

  • Excellent tracks of all difficulty levels.

Sanliurfa

Location for excellent shopping near Syria.

Resort Features

  • An amazing mixture of Muslim monasteries and Orthodox Syrian and Armenian churches.

Erzurum

The oldest city in Turkey. It is a city-museum and a city-fortress.

Resort Features

  • several religious buildings: mosques, theological seminary.

There is no universal advice on which regions of Turkey are preferable to visit. Each offers a unique blend of healthful climate and pleasant ambiance, along with ancient historical treasures. Your choice depends on your goals and preferences.


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