Top holiday destinations. Turkey's most loved attractions, now only available with the newsletter

Some of the most popular holiday destinations for Romanians, and not only, are in Turkey, where from June 1st we will only be able to enter with a passport. We offer you a list of the five most attractive places to visit in the country located on two continents, for a dream stay.

Turkey, where Europe meets Asia, is an intoxicating mix of Eastern-Western spices, influences, flavors, cultures, religions and histories. For thousands of years it has been the gateway to the two continents.

It is a land of sensory richness, through its gastronomy and arts, through its exoticism and romance, found everywhere, from bazaars to mosques, from Ottoman palaces to fairytale Cappadocia, where you can fly in a hot air balloon over ethereal landscapes, with cave hotels and enigmatic underground cities. But also from the snowy Uludag Mountains, to the mineral springs of Pamukkale or to the spectacular beaches of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

Therefore, there are countless good places to visit. And even if Ankara is the administrative capital of this country, in reality Istanbul is, without a trace of doubt, the tourist capital of Turkey.

Another magnet of this incredible country is the coastline with its magnificent resorts that pass through Izmir, Bodrum and Marmaris and reach the bright Antalya, on more than 8,000 kilometers of coastline along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Only in the first eight months of last year, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported over 33 million tourists, and this year, in March, their number exceeded two million.

Istanbul, the city on two continents

Former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is one of the most visited destinations in the world due to its incredible beauty and wealth. City of contrasts, Asian and European alike, it is incomparable to other European destinations and even incomparable to other Turkish cities.

Traditional and modern at the same time, it is a timeless city, soothing thanks to the magnificent Bosphorus, the strait that divides it in two, but also the Cornucopia. It is also effervescent, constantly, full of life, colors and smells. The perception and understanding of this fascinating city changes from place to place, from traveler to traveler.

Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 7th century BC, it is today home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, with many UNESCO World Heritage sites including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Sultanahmet and Eminönü are the most popular districts where the Historical Center is located. Another trendy bohemian area is the Cihangir District, but Taksim, in the heart of the city, or Uskudar, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, are also in high demand. Among the tours and activities in Istanbul, a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus should definitely not be missing, why not, if possible, even on a luxury yacht.

Istanbul is a city that has something to offer everyone, whether it's history, culture, art, food or spending time outdoors.

Cappadocia – the land of fairy chimneys, winged horses and underground cities

For many, Cappadocia is the most beautiful tourist destination in Turkey. The place with unique and magical landscapes, with strange geological formations and mysterious underground cities, is a unique open-air museum on earth, with rock-cut churches and monasteries built between the 9th and 13th centuries, incredibly well preserved.

Dreamy images of people flying over the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise, sharing a romantic champagne toast, have made history. And the romance doesn't stop there, another reason why Cappadocia is such a recommended and appreciated place by couples is the unique and wonderful accommodation in hotels comfortably arranged in caves, with jacuzzi rooms and swimming pools with a stellar view.

The land is home to gems of rare beauty, such as Goreme National Park, Uçhisar and its thousand-year-old castle, Byzantine tombs, phallic rocks and troglodyte hotels.

Cappadocia was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The soft rock, eroded by wind and water, has acquired some of the strangest shapes. Its first inhabitants were the Hittites – a people of Indo-European origin who emigrated in the third millennium before Christ from the southeast of the European continent to Asia Minor, arriving in this region around 1800 BC. They were followed by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, each of these civilizations leaving their mark on the settlement.

Antalya – the gateway to Turkey's stunning turquoise coast

Antalya is a perfect destination for a beach holiday, even combined with mountain tourism, rather than a city break. It is world famous for its turquoise waters and gorgeous sandy beaches.

Located in the southwest of Turkey, Antalya Province has 640 kilometers of Mediterranean coast, being one of the most sought-after tourist spots. Many of the famous resorts of this country are located in this province: Side, Kemer, Belek, Kas, Alanya. Surrounded by Greek and Roman ruins such as Hadrian's Gate, it also attracts with its historic centre, traditional cafes and trendy cultural venues.

And the surrounding nature is captivating. A boat visit to the Duden waterfalls or a panoramic cable car tour to see the magic from above, a Viking boat tour in the beautiful bays of Kemer and even a longer trip to Pamukkale are just some of the unmissable attractions of this area . Among the most beautiful beaches we would mention Lara and Konyaalti. The city also boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, water sports and paragliding, as well as a number of attractions for families with children.

Antalya's climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination all year round.

Bodrum – the Turkish Saint Tropez. The castle built with the stones of Halicarnassus

Located in southwest Turkey, bordered by the Aegean Sea, Bodrum is a perfect destination for lovers of the beach, gastronomy, scuba diving and wine. This incredible city, dedicated to relaxation and leisure, is also called the Turkish Saint-Tropez.

Ranked among the most beautiful in Turkey, Bodrum Castle is said to have been built with the stones of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And if you're still in the area, you could also take a boat trip to the Greek island of Kos, which is closer to the Turkish shore than to its home country. The largest water park in Turkey, Aqualand, is also located here.

Marmaris, the Paradise where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean

Marmaris is considered one of the pearls of the Turkish Riviera, being located in the southwest of the country, in Muğla Province, at the meeting point between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It rises around the largest natural harbor in the world.

Contrary to expectations, it is surrounded by mountains, pine forests and turquoise waters. It also offers superb views of the small islands nearby. It is the perfect destination for partying and relaxing on the beaches.

Treating yourself to a horse safari in the Marmaris National Park or a traditional Turkish bath, or a visit to Aquadream, the largest water park in Marmaris, are just some of the attractions of this area.

And if our proposals have caught your interest, in future editions we will provide you with more details about each individual destination, related to transport, objectives, prices and attractions.