If you ask someone to give a one word response when you ask what are the best places to visit in Turkey – the likelihood is that they will answer ‘Istanbul’. It’s a fine global city – with a well-earned reputation for its stunning historic architecture and bustling bazaars. But there’s so much more to Turkey, which uniquely straddles Europe and Asia – and the Turkish Aegean coast, in particular, is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, glistening turquoise waters, and ancient wonders.
It’s a hidden gem – and we here at Mark Warner would love to help you discover it for yourself. So while we know you’ll love your activity holiday with us – here’s our guide on the best places to visit in Turkey, if you feel no trip would be complete without some time spent in the beautiful, fascinating and historic surroundings – read on…
Hidden gems in Turkey
Discover a list of 7 beautiful places to visit in Turkey
1. Turkish Riviera
Perhaps better known as the Turkish Riviera – for centuries, the Turkish Aegean coast has been a magnet for scholars, emperors and even warriors – before becoming a holiday destination of choice for the more discerning traveller
Turkey has a unique geographical location, linking Asia and Southeastern Europe. The Turkish Riviera, known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’ stretches from Izmir (the location of our Phokaia Beach Resort) on the Western Aegean coast, to Antalya on the southeastern Mediterranean coast.
In the 70s and 80s, the area became a getaway of choice for stars like Mick Jagger, keen to sample the delights of the unspoiled Turkish Riviera around the area of Bodrum.
Today, the soft, sandy beaches fringing stunning bays are just as chic – but far more easily reached and enjoyed – making them an increasingly popular destination, whether you just want to relax in the sunshine, or sail or windsurf in one of the beautiful bays.
The beautiful region of Izmir on the Western Turkish Aegean Coast still remains under the radar but is now starting to gain a reputation for upmarket beach holidays. Its boutique wineries have helped it to earn the nickname, the Tuscany of Turkey.
2. Foça
Mark Warner’s Phokaia Beach Resort is located near Foça, on the Western Aegean coast, north of Izmir. Foça is a beautiful coastal town with crystal clear water, and has a rich history, having retained much of a number of its centuries-old charm, with its small, picturesque fishing harbour still in operation.
The centre of Foça, which was known in ancient times as Phocaea, is just a 30 minute walk from our Mark Warner resort. Phocaea was founded by the Greeks and dates back to the 11th century BC. It became a thriving city in the middle ages due to its active port. Today, Foca still has a number of historical landmarks, from the medieval-era Foça Aqueduct, to 18th century windmills, and the two small fortresses Beskapilar and Dışkale, dating to the Byzantine and Ottoman era.
There’s no shortage of great restaurants and cafes to sit down and relax in, after a day taking in the area. Thanks to a combination of mild climate, soil structure and migration and trade routes passing through Izmir, Foça has a rich cuisine to offer visitors, specialising in mezes including humous, prawns, scallops, crab and squid – with local cooks skilled in the use of regionally-produced garlic and olive oil!
If walking feels like a bit too much of a challenge after a typically active Mark Warner day, guests can take a boat or taxi from our Phokaia resort directly into Foça, and enjoy an evening stroll along the promenade and harbour, which is lined with restaurants – the ideal location for a delicious meal at sunset, underneath the magnificent mountains inland.
3. Izmir
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey (after Istanbul and Ankara) is located 1 hour 15 minutes from our Phokaia Beach Resort, and has played a key role in the development of the region – still showing its links with the series of ancient civilisations which have been drawn to it... from the ancient Greeks, to the Persians, Assyrians and Romans. Modern Izmir is proud to display that heritage, alongside vibrant bazaars, carefully managed historical sites, and a lively waterfront lined with bars and restaurants. It's all located just 1 hour, 15 minutes from the Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort.
Izmir’s top attractions include the historic clock tower on Konak Square, the Arkas Art Centre and several museums such as the Izmir Museum of History & Art, and the Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum. For an amazing collection of statues and carvings, head to the History & Arts Museum.
4. Urla Wine Route
Izmir and the surrounding area has numerous vineyards producing a range of wine from a variety of international and indigenous grapes.
For wine fans, the Urla wine route is located between Izmir and Cesme - a two hour trip from Phokaia Beach Resort. Urla has a number of chateau style wineries as well as some scenic olive farms. The heritage of winemaking and olive oil production in Urla dates back 6000 years. The world's oldest olive oil workshop was discovered in ancient Klazomenai in Urla. The Klazomenai microclimate and soil structure were also ideal and meant that the wine highly sought after during the antiquity.
Today Urla's boutique wineries produce a variety of international grapes such as cabernet sauvignon, sauvingon blanc, merlot, shiraz, chardonnay, sangiovese and nero d'avola as well as indigenous grapes including the Foça Karası grape from Foça. Recently, winemakers have begun producing high quality organic wines.
Further along the wine route is the Cesme penninsula. It boasts a long promenade with restaurants, hotels and a sandy beach, and also features a 16th-century castle, with an archaeological museum, which looks out to the Greek island of Chios. It is also famous for its windsurfing.
5. Ephesus – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located just an hour and 45 minutes’ drive from the Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort is the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s leading attractions.
Originally an ancient Greek City on the Anatolian coast, it grew to become the capital city of the Asia province in the Roman Empire and was an important port city and trade route.
A trip there means you can follow in the footsteps of historical figures including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra – all of whom visited.
And, according to legend, Ephesus was the last home of the Virgin Mary, who was lodged near the city by St John, before eventually dying there (see also Selcuk, below)
But no trip to Ephesus would be complete without spending time at the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. The temple was originally built by the Greeks, then destroyed by a fire, before the Romans rebuilt it – naming it the Temple of Diana. There, you can take a trip through history spanning the Greeks to the Romans, and discover marble streets, town squares, majestic buildings including bathhouses and amphitheaters, and view the Library of Celsus and the beautiful mosaics inside the houses of the wealthiest citizens of Ephesus at the astonishingly intact Terraces houses... and much more.
6. Selcuk
Selcuk is 2 kilometres north of Ephesus – and is best known today for being home to the archeological site of St John Basilica and the tomb of St John, as well as the İsa Bey Mosque, which was built in 1375.
The House of the Virgin Mary is located just a few kilometres from the Basilica on top of the Bulbul Mountain, which overlooks Ephesus, Selcuk and the Aegean Sea. In 1896, Pope Leo XIII first visited the shrine and it became a place of pilgrimage.
The modern town is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and is famed for its wine, delicious restaurants, charming shops and boutique hotels.
7. Bergama (Pergamum)
An hour and 20-minute drive north east of Foça lies one of the region’s most fascinating historical landmarks. Pergamon was an ancient Greek city and its remains are a UNESCO World Heritage site, continuing to attract visitors from all over the world. It was an important kingdom during the second century BC, having developed from a city captured by Alexander the Great. The Theatre of Pergamon is often said to be the site’s most spectacular landmark.
Originally built in the mid-third century BC, the theatre is thought to have once seated 10,000 people and is the steepest theatre seating in the ancient world. With a breathtaking view over the Selinus valley, the site invites you to marvel at the region’s rich history and landscape at once.
That is just a quick glimpse of what Turkey has to offer while you're on your Mark Warner holiday, but don’t worry if you if you prefer to make full use of the Phokaia Beach Resort’s facilities, and spend your time sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling, playing tennis and much more, you will still find the very best Turkish cuisine (alongside international dishes) and wine served at our resort restaurants.
FAQs about Turkey
Got questions about places to visit in Turkey? Don’t worry—we’ve got the answers. Here are some of the most common queries that we typically receive.
Where is the Aegean coast?
The Aegean coast is on the west coast of Turkey, which stretches from Istanbul to Antalya on the southeastern Mediterranean coast. Along the coast you'll find lots of picturesque fishing villages, which are now chic holiday resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye.
How close is Greece to Turkey?
The Turkish Aegean coast is very near to a number of celebrated Greek holiday islands. The Western Aegean coast (location of the Phokaia Beach Resort) is close to the Greek holiday islands of Samos, Chios and Lesvos.
The Southeastern Turkish Aegean coast is just 21 miles from Rhodes, part of the Greek Dodecanese islands.
What is the most visited place in Turkey
Istanbul is the most visited places in Turkey followed by the Aegean coast.
What is the best time to visit Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey is from May to October. Our Phokaia Beach Resort in Foça enjoys a Mediterranean climate - the summer months (June to September) are dry and hot with the average temperature ranging from 31°C to 34°C, usually accompanied by a gentle breeze. May and October are also an ideal time to to visit Turkey with the average daily temperature around 24°C to 26°C. Guests staying at Phokaia Beach outside of peak holiday season, can make full use of the Mark Warner activities and visit the surrounding ancient sites.
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