When I travel abroad I love visiting as many different places in order to see as much as possible. The variety offered in Turkey makes it particularly easy to explore many different historical and natural wonders. After seeing much of Turkey, I have come to the conclusion that the only way for me to see the wonderous Aegean coastline of Turkey is by gulet cruise. Many companies offer different tours of this region. Alaturka Tours is a highly rated company to use in Turkey, offering a high standard of quality and customer service. Here are four of the most recommended places to visit in Turkey.
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#1: Butterfly Valley
When approaching Butterfly Valley via gulet cruise, the beauty surrounding is a stunning visual that is sure to be one of the highlights from your time on board. After the initial shock of entering such an incredible place, your boat will anchor and you will have the opportunity to swim to shore and discover a tranquil waterfall at the center of this valley. As an added bonus, keep your eyes out for the creatures that this valley is named after. When these colourful butterflies make an appearance, it is as if you have stepped into a magical world far away from anywhere else.
#2: Aquarium Bay
Although Aquarium Bay once supported a variety of tropical fish (from where it got its name) it is now quieter with only a few schools of fish and the occasional turtle. While this may seem like the attraction has been lost many people would say the opposite. Aquarium bay is picture perfect and only reached by boat. A favourite by tourists and locals alike are the traditional gulet cruises which can be booked through high-quality companies such as Alaturka Cruises, as they look after the area well and know only the best spots for ultimate views.
#3: Pamukkale
When not cruising the coast, Pamukkale (directly translated as Cotton Castle) is an inland wonder to see. The naturally formed steps are filled with mineral-rich water cascading down as it has done for generations, create the setting for a perfect photo opportunity. These mineral baths were used by both the Ottomans and Romans throughout history. This is evident by the Roman ruins in the nearby ancient settlement known as Hierapolis. These two places work in sync together as you can take a dip in the mineral pools at Pamukkale then later make your way to the Roman town to explore the ancient ruins.
#4: Ephesus
Ephesus was the home to many different cultures during history but none more than the Romans who built this enormous and still very well-preserved ancient city. While a walk around a city may not sound thrilling, the setting for this location is breathtaking. Thanks to the conservation efforts of Turkey, Austria and Great Britain, the ruins give visitors an accurate glimpse into the history of this unique place. Even now the archaeologists are finding new ruins to explore such as the terrace houses which are still being excavated, visitors still have access to these new discoveries. It is recommended to book one of the available Ephesus tours as this will lead to a deeper understanding of this place and the people who once lived here.
Here is a bonus tip just for those of you who want to relax and see as much of Turkey as is possible during your holiday. Sail Turkey is one of the best ways to see so much while relaxing and letting someone else take care of the legwork. You just cannot beat the ocean wind blowing through your hair as you sunbathe on the deck of a traditional gulet yacht. These relatively inexpensive holidays are a great way to see many of the sights, all while including your accommodation and delicious meals.
There you have it! Our recommendations on what to do in Turkey if you fancy more than just sunbathing on the beach. Why not get some culture and knowledge along with your tan?