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Places to Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey, Europe

Cappadocia is a historic region located in Central Anatolia region belonging to the province of Nevşehir in Turkey. It is situated around 280 km southeast of the Ankora, the capital of Turkey and 730 km southeast of the country’s largest city, Istanbul. Lying on the heart of Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the top tourist destinations of Turkey as it holds the distinct cultural, historic and geographical features inherited from the historic period.

Kayseri is the nearest city to Cappadocia, holding an airport with connection to Istanbul and Ankara. Cappadocia is geographically positioned between 38°39′30″ N latitude and 34°51′13″ E longitude.

 

History of Cappadocia:

The name Cappadocia may be a modified form of Katpatuka which was an Old Persian name of what is today’s Cappadocia. The recorded history of Cappadocia begins with the foundation of the settlement of Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. Following the fall of the Hittite Empire, Cappadocia continuously changed the hands of the Lydian, Persian, Greek and Roman.

 

Connectivity to Cappadocia:

Cappadocia is served Kayseri Erkilet Airport, located in the city of Kayseri, around one and half an hour drive from the centre of Cappadocia. This airport receives regular direct flights from Istanbul city.

One can also reach Cappadocia through Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

Because of the importance of tourist destinations, there are many renowned bus operators offering services from Istanbul and Ankara to the cities of Nevsehir and Göreme near Cappadocia.

 

Shopping and Food in Cappadocia:

Colorful and affordable carpets and pottery are the purchasable items in Cappadocia.

Some tourist favor food corners in Cappadocia are as follow:

• Safran Restaurant
• Firin Express
• Meeting Point Cafe
• Cappadocia Kebap Center

 

Things to do in Cappadocia:

• Golfing
• Horse riding
• Day tours

 

Places of interest in Cappadocia:

 

Gümüşler Monastery:

Situated in the village of Gümüşler, around 10 km away from the city of Niğde, Gümüşler Monastery is a hidden gem dating from either 10^th or 11^th century and it came to limelight in the 1960s. The highlights of this superbly carved monastery are the world’s only smiling Madonna and frescoes. Entrance fee is 3 TL.

 

Göreme Open Air Museum:

The Göreme Open Air Museum features a group of caves, churches and museums with collection of nice frescos. Entrance fee is 15 YTL and those who want to see the Dark Church should pay 8 YTL extra.

 

Underground cities:

The Underground cities is one of the distinct features of Cappadocia covering tunnels and caves in the cities of Gaziemir, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Mazıköy. Entrance fee differs on cities.

 

Güvercinlik Valley:

Güvercinlik Valley or Pigeon valley is located between the cities of Göreme and Uçhisar. This 4 km trail begins from the south side of Göreme while moving it offers stunning views of the natural cliffs and many other artificial caves. Taking a guided tour is recommended.

 

Cross Golf:

Cross Golf is a natural golf course featuring the rock formations, fairy chimneys and eye catching landscape. Playing golf here would be a great challenge and experience even for experienced golfers.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Cappadocia includes:

• Cappadocia Cave Dwellings
• Cappadocia Art & History Museum
• Rose Valley
• Zemi Valley
• Ihlara Valley
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Uchisar Castle
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Fairy Chimneys
• Dervent Valley
• Mazi Underground City
• Akhal-Teke Horse Riding Center
• The Dalton Brothers Ranch
• Gomeda Valley
• El Nazar Kilise

 

Best time to visit Cappadocia:

Undoubtedly, during the summer months between May and September would be the best time to visit Cappadocia in Turkey.

 

Accommodation options in Cappadocia:

Cappadocia houses around 200 accommodation centres including hostels, hotels, and guest houses of which most offer advance booking facility through online for visitors’ convenience. The prominent hotels in Cappadocia are listed below:

• Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
• Kale Konak Cave Hotel
• Fresco Cave Suites & Mansions
• Esbelli Evi Cave Hotel
• Hezen Cave Hotel
• Kayakapi Premium Caves
• Chelebi Cave House
• Hotel Cave Konak
• Kemerhan Cave Suites
• Sultan Cave Suites
• Aravan Evi Boutique Hotel
• 4ODA Cave House
• Urgup Konak Hotel
• Karlik Evi Hotel
• SOS Cave Hotel

Izmir Tourist Places to Visit in Izmir, Turkey, Europe

Izmir is one of the important cities of Turkey located on the western coast of the country is the third largest city of Turkey in terms of population. Izmir is situated around 560 km southwest of the largest city of the nation, Istanbul and 580 km southwest of the capital and second largest city of the country, Ankara. The city of Izmir is formed by eleven metropolitan districts including Bornova and Konak.

Izmir is geographically positioned between 38.422° N latitude and 27.129° E longitude, spanning over a total area of 7,340.00 sq. km. Izmir experiences a Mediterranean climate.

 

History of Izmir:

Izmir is one of the oldest settlements on the Mediterranean coast, ensured by the archeological evidences found in Yeşilova Höyük in the 2004 excavation. Including the Roman, Greek and Persian, Izmir witnessed the rule of many powerful European and Asian empires in its long and grand history.

 

How to reach Izmir?

Adnan Menderes Airport serves Izmir with scheduled flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, Amsterdam, London and many other global destinations. It costs around 10 TL to cross the distance of 16 km from the airport to the city centre by taxi and 4 TL by public bus.

Izmir is connected to Istanbul and Ankara by both bus and train services.

Public buses are the primary options to get around Izmir.

 

Culture and Food in Izmir:

The İzmir International Fair is usually held in the month of September every year. The İzmir European Jazz Festival is another cultural icon of Izmir.

Must try dishes in Izmir are tarhana soup, zerde, sulu köfte, keşkek and mücver.

Some specialty shops in Izmir are:

• Agora Alisveris Merkezi
• Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar
• Forum Bornova
• Arkas Art Center

 

Things to do in Izmir:

• Ephesus Deluxe Tours
• Elite Turkey Tours
• Visiting spas and vineyards

 

Places of interest in Izmir:

 

Konak Square:

Being a main square of the city, Konak Square is the highlight of Izmir in which the clock tower is a centre of attraction, was erected in 1901. Other unique features of the square are Kemeralti Bazaar and Konak Yali Mosque.

 

Beaches in Izmir:

Due to its position on the Aegean Sea’s coastline, Izmir holds many spectacular beaches of which the most recognized ones are Dikili, Urla, Çeşme, Seferihisar and Foca. Most of the beaches can be reached by public transportation form the city centre.

 

Smyrna:

Smyrna is an archeological site holding the ruins from the late Hellenistic and early Roman period which forms the İzmir Agora Open Air Museum. Taking guided tours would be better to explore this hidden gem.

Izmir Archeology Museum:

The Izmir Archeology Museum houses a large collection artifacts found around the Gulf of Izmir from the Greek and Roman times. The collections include statues, statuettes, cooking materials and busts. The museum was founded in 1924.

 

İzmir Cumhuriyet Square:

The İzmir Cumhuriyet Square is situated at the port of İzmir, well known for social gatherings, restaurants, cafes and entertainment options. The square is dominated by the monument of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, sculptured by the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica in the year 1927.

 

List of other places of interest in Izmir includes:

• Izmir Wild Life Park
• Ephesus Museum
• Efes Antique City
• Kordonboyu
• Synagogue Street
• Kemeralti Market
• Birgi Cakiraga Mansion
• Kedi Kultur Sanat Merkezi
• Escape Beach Club
• Ayios Haralambos Church
• Karaca Cinema
• Izmir Museum of History and Art
• Ahmet Pristina City Archive & Museum

 

Best time to visit Izmir:

The city of Izmir can be experienced best during the months between April and September.

 

Accommodation options in Izmir:

Izmir is a city for all types of travelers with host of all sorts of modernized hotels such as budget guest houses, mid range BB and inns and top end luxury hotels. List of the top end hotels in Izmir in Turkey include:

• Renaissance Izmir Hotel
• Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir
• Key Hotel
• Moevenpick Hotel Izmir
• Met Boutique Hotel
• Oglakcioglu Park Boutique Hotel
• Wyndham Izmir Ozdilek
• Tempo Residence Comfort
• BEST WESTERN Hotel Konak
• Orty Airport Hotel
• Ibis Izmir Alsancak
• Marlight Boutique Hotel
• Kordon Hotel
• Yildizhan Hotel Izmir
• Ontur Hotel Izmir

Tourist Places to Visit in Kusadasi, Turkey, Europe

Kusadasi is a tourist favor town located in Aydin province on the Aegean coast of Turkey between 37°51′35″ N latitude and 27°15′35″ E longitude. It is situated around 100 km south of Izmir, 650 km southwest of Istanbul and 645 km southwest of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The district of Kusadasi shares its borders with Selçuk district to the north, the Aegean Sea towards the west, Söke district to the southeast and Germencik district towards the northeast.

Tourism is the backbone of the economy of Kusadasi. The district of Kusadasi covers an area of 224.60 sq. km and coordinates with 37°51′35″ N latitude and 27°15′35″ E longitude.

 

History of Kusadasi:

The name of Kusadasi is a combined form of the two native language words kuş and ada, which literally means ‘bird island’. According to the prehistoric records, the Leleges people were the founders of Kusadasi, may be founded in 3000 BC. Kusadasi also came under the rule of Roman Empire, might be in the 2nd century BC.

 

Connectivity to Kusadasi:

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is the airport serving the Izmir city and its surroundings including Kusadasi, with scheduled flights from Kiev, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, London and many other European and Middle Eastern cities.

There are regular minibuses plying between the airport and Kusadasi. Taxis are also gettable at the airport.

Dolmuş is a minibus service in Kusadasi providing services from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM every day.

 

Culture and Food in Kusadasi:

There is a song contest in Kusadasi held every year during the summer months, participated by both locals and many well-known artists as well.

Those having interest in purchasing traditional Turkish handmade silk and wool rugs can visit Mosaic Rugs shop at Mahmut Esat Bozkurt Cad.

List of the tourist favor restaurants in Kusadasi include:

• King’s Place Restaurant
• Golden Boys Restaurant
• Cimino Bistro & Cafe
• Chez Maurice Yosun Restaurant
• New Salt Box Restaurant

 

Things to do in Kusadasi:

• Emir Dora Tour
• Castle Travel Day Tours
• Watching movies

 

Places of interest in Kusadasi:

 

Guvercin Adasi:

Guvercin Adasi or Pigeon Island is a peninsula famous for beaches and castle. Located at the end of the bay, Guvercin Adasi is also home to both public and private beaches as well as many cafes with international delicacies.

 

Kaleiçi Camii:

The Kaleiçi Camii is a mosque constructed to then Ottoman statesman and military commander, Grand Vizier Öküz Kara Mehmed Pasha in 1618. It is still good in condition, visitors are allowed with prior permission.

 

Kirazli vale:

Kirazli vale is a pure traditional Turkish village where visitors can experience the ancient Turkish culture and tradition with well preserved antiquity remains. It is located around 12 kilometers away from Kuşadasi.

 

Yilanci Burnu:

Yilanci Burnu is the second most famous peninsula after Güvercin Ada and it may have been the origin place of Neopolis. Other than beaches, visitors can also enjoy the facilities of beach clubs there.

 

Dilek Peninsula National Park:

 

Situated in the southern part of Kusadasi, the Dilek Peninsula National Park is frequented by both locals and visitors, highly during the summer months for bays and beaches of the Kalamaki bay, is the famous one.

 

List of other places of interest in Kusadasi includes:

• Aqua Fantasy Aquapark
• Priene
• Miletus
• Adaland
• Long Beach
• Silver sands beach
• Fortress of Kusadasi
• Ladies Beach
• Olympia Diving Center
• Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai
• Pygale
• Cinemarine
• Kusadasi Castle

 

Best time to visit Kusadasi:

Probably from May to October is the best time to visit resort town Kusadasi in Turkey.

 

Accommodation options in Kusadasi:

Housing many spectacular beaches and historical sites, Kusadasi holds a prosperous hospitality industry with around 300 modernized accommodation centres with amazing amenities. The famous hotels in Kusadasi are as follows:

• Opus Apart Hotel
• Mr Happy’s – Liman Hotel
• Hotel Goldenday Wings
• Happy Apart Hotel
• Kustur Club Holiday Village
• Grand Blue Sky International
• Palm Wings Beach Resort
• Lavista Boutique Hotel
• Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
• Hotel Fantasia Deluxe
• Club Hotel Lion
• Tusan Beach Resort
• Omer Holiday Resort
• Charisma De Luxe Hotel
• Pine Bay Holiday Resort

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Turkey, Europe

Turkey is a democratic country located on the boundary of Europe and Asia sharing its borders with Greece towards the west, Iran and Armenia towards the east, the Mediterranean Sea and Syria towards the south and the Black Sea towards the north. Ankara is the capital, while Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey. Turkish is the official language and Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.

Muslims form the higher majority of the Turkey’s population. In terms of total population (76,667,864, as of the 2013 census), Turkey is the 18^th largest country in the world and the total area of 783,562 sq. km makes Turkey as the world’s 37^th largest nation. Turkey is one of the member countries of NATO, OECD, OSCE and many other global organizations.

 

History of Turkey:

The history of Turkey revolves round the Ottoman Empire, one of the powerful empires in the history of Europe, Asia and Africa, founded in the late 13th century. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the World War I, Turkey came under the control of the Allies of World War I. Turkey gained independence from Allies and became a republic in 1923. The independence movement was led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who became the first President of Turkey.

 

How to reach Turkey?

The Istanbul Ataturk Airport is the most important airport of Turkey, situated around 24 km away from the heart of the Istanbul city. It covers all the major European and Arab cities including London and Dubai.

Two other important international airports of Turkey are:

• Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara
• Antalya Airport in Antalya

Turkey has good railway and road network to many European and Asian cities.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Turkey:

Turkey is a secular country and Turks form around 75% of the country’s population and around 80% of people speak Turkish as their primary language.

Must purchase items in Turkey include silk clothes, carpets, honey and olive oil soap.

Adana kebab is one of the famous non vegetarian dishes in Turkey and famous desserts in Turkey are baklava, kazandibi, keşkül, muhallebi, and sütlaç.

 

Must see in Turkey:

Hagia Sophia:

Originally a Greek Orthodox patriarchal basilica, Hagia Sophia is a museum describing the imposing history and culture of Turkey and the building’s history as well. Located in Istanbul, first constructed in 537, Hagia Sophia was also used as a mosque from 1453 to 1931. A wonderful structure.

 

Sultan Ahmed Mosque:

Situated in Istanbul, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic masterpiece, constructed between 1609 and 1616. It is renowned for the blue tiles decorating its interior walls for which it holds a nickname of Blue Mosque.

 

Topkapı Palace:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Topkapı Palace served as the major residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years. Constructed in 1453, Topkapı is located in Istanbul city. A worth watch site.

 

Grand Bazaar:

Being the world’s one of the biggest and oldest enclosed markets, Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the identities of Turkey. It draws around 325,000 visitors every day for its 61 roofed streets with around 3,000 shops.

 

Basilica Cistern:

The Basilica Cistern is located in Şeftali Sokak in Istanbul, considered as the largest cistern among hundreds of historic cisterns in Istanbul, dates back to the 6th century. A typical one.

 

List of other attractive places in Turkey include:

• Kariye Museum
• Rahmi M. Koc Museum
• Sultanahmet District
• Rustem Pasha Mosque
• Bosphorus Strait
• Eyup Sultan Mosque
• Kucuk Ayasofya Camii
• Topkapi Palace
• Museum of Innocence
• Giycek Old Time Photo Studio
• Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
• Istanbul Modern Museum
• Rumeli Fortress
• Istanbul Archaeological Museums
• Suleymaniye Mosque

 

Ideal time to visit Turkey:

The best time to make a grand tour to Turkey is from April to June and from September to October.

 

Where to stay in Turkey?

Holding hundreds of internationally recognized tourist attractions, Turkey receives loads of tourists from all around the world and to cater them, Turkey houses a large number of star rated hotels of which most are located in the city of Istanbul. Here are some world class hotels in Istanbul in Turkey:

• Osmanhan Hotel
• Hotel Amira Istanbul
• Tomtom Suites
• Millennium Suites
• Ada Hotel Istanbul
• Witt Istanbul Suites
• Yasmak Sultan Hotel
• Basileus Hotel
• Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul
• Karakoy Port Hotel
• Muyan Suites
• The Magnaura Palace
• Best Point Hotel
• Hotel Sultania
• World Heritage Hotel Istanbul