Top 16 Most Beautiful Cities in Turkey to Visit Besides Istanbul & Antalya

Deciding where to go in Turkey can be hard, as the number of interesting places and unique landmarks is just staggering. But I suggest you start with at least some of these beautiful Turkish cities that offer a nice opportunity to get acquainted with the country’s culture and its beautiful nature at the same time.

It took me a while to make this list of the prettiest cities in Turkey because it was difficult to choose what to include and what to leave out. Among all the cities I visited in Turkey, these stood out as the ones where to go first for various reasons. But note, I do not include Istanbul or Antalya which are beautiful cities as well and deserve to be added to any Turkiye itinerary. 

It will be difficult to go to all of them on the same trip, but you can always save them on a map for a return visit!

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Most Beautiful Cities in Turkey to Visit for a Beach Vacation

1. Didim

Didim is a lesser-known beautiful city in Turkey (yet it’s touristy enough) which is an exceptional choice for a beach vacation on the Aegean Sea on a budget (because here you can find quite a few cheap accommodation options in summer).

It boasts stunning sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Altınkum Beach, for example, the main beach with golden sand and shallow waters, is ideal for families with a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Beyond its natural beauty, Didim is also rich in history and culture. The ancient Temple of Apollo, one of the best-preserved temples in Turkey, provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. Exploring the ruins and learning about the history adds a unique dimension to the beach holiday.

This city also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options. From traditional Turkish breakfast in local restaurants to vibrant nightlife along the coast, there’s something for everyone. 

Its nightlife by the way becomes much more lively in the summer months and you can have a very enjoyable time in the evenings, while during the day you can make the most of your time by enjoying the sea or visiting attractions in and around the city.

2. Alanya 

Alanya is the second most beautiful city on Turkey’s Mediterranean Sea after Antalya with dozens of all-inclusive hotels and other types of accommodation for a beach vacation. Many companies offer cheap package tours here but it is very easy to plan an independent trip to this city either on a day trip from Antalya or as a getaway by plane from any other city.

You’ll find here many beautiful beaches (that are nice to visit even in January, not to swim but to sunbathe), lively nightlife, and mountains with nature parks in close proximity to the city.

There are different and interesting things to do and see in Alanya. For example, many people come just to relax and unwind but you can also stay busy with great historical sites and a natural landscape, covered in traditional houses.

What I like about Alanya is that it’s a melting pot of various activities. One minute you might be trying a leisurely boat trip, the next thing you’re walking in old town, and then after a sun-kissed day of activities you can enjoy the raucous nightlife.

It is also worth noting that Alanya is one of the modern and mysterious cities of Turkey which attracts many foreigners who buy property and choose to live there.

3. Bodrum

Even though bright colorful Bodrum has the largest number of nightclubs, bars, and discos, there is much more to this destination than just flowers and parties.

This city has a good selection of accommodation (from five-star hotels, apartments and villas to inexpensive guesthouses), many interesting cultural and historical sights, scenic views, sandy and pebble beaches with excellent infrastructure, and much more.

Bodrum is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey that has everything you’d want for a holiday destination. You come here for a bit of sightseeing and traditional whitewashed houses, boat trips to blue waters, delightful little cafes, and cobbled alleys that you can find everywhere, and its gorgeous sunsets.

But the main thing here is the beaches and weather conditions for kitesurfing.

What makes it particularly special is the weather. Among all Turkish cities to visit on the coast, Bodrum is the best for travel in July and August. In summer, Bodrum’s weather is hot, dry, and windy which helps to tolerate the heat. The most favorable months to visit are June through September.

4. Marmaris

Of course, the list of the most beautiful cities in Turkey couldn’t be complete without Marmaris, another top destination on the shores of the Aegean Sea. It is so beautiful and full of color that it makes it difficult not to want to visit Marmaris, even outside summer.

In my experience, it is a perfect small city where to come just for a couple of days or make a base for a few months since the number of activities around is huge. Plus, the Greek island Rhodes is only a short boat trip away which is very easy to go to from Marmaris.

The city itself has a modern tourist infrastructure, several resort areas, many interesting sights, about a hundred high-star hotels, and more than a thousand villas. 

Marmaris is very similar to Bodrum in some ways. But the city offers tourists a beautiful long beach and many restaurants, boutiques, water parks, and nightclubs nearby. Many local hotels operate on the all-inclusive system and almost the entire coast near Marmaris is occupied by yachts.

Book yourself a nice hotel stay in one of the quiet coastal villages on the peninsula and enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences directly in the center of Marmaris.

5. Kyrenia

Kyrenia is a picturesque Turkish city in Northern Cyprus, one of the most interesting and unique cities to visit in Turkey for people who want to combine a beach with a history vacation. 

The city itself is rather small but its old town with the harbor is a major draw, and beaches in Kyrenia and around it are just gorgeous as the water is clear and blue. Accommodation options are still on a more cheaper side compared to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of mainland Turkey. 

When here, you have a nice choice of hotels and apartments for rent from quite affordable options to luxurious accommodations with all the amenities. If you are like me and love staying in boutique historic hotels, then you’ll also love Kemerli Konak, which is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty of the region.

And then if visiting Northern Cyprus in winter, you’ll appreciate Kyrenia’s proximity to scenic hiking trails. The nearby Five Finger Mountains provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and offer breathtaking views of the city and coastline. 

Nicest Cities in Turkey Besides Istanbul for History & Culture

6. Konya 

Konya stands out as one of the most beautiful Turkish cities for its unique combination of historical, cultural, and architectural beauty. It is the spiritual heart of Turkey, largely due to its association with Rumi, the famous 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic. The Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Rumi, not only draws pilgrims from around the world (which is a must-see if you go there) but also adds a serene and mystical charm to the city.

Its architectural beauty is epitomized by the Alaeddin Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant Seljuk structures in Turkey. The intricately designed Karatay Medrese, now a museum, showcases stunning Seljuk tile work that is a testament to the city’s artistic heritage.

Konya’s beauty also lies in its preserved traditions and slower pace of life, which offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s larger cities. Its well-maintained parks and gardens, such as Alaeddin Hill and its surroundings, provide peaceful green spaces that enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, the whirling dervish performances, a form of active meditation, are not just a tourist attraction but a profound cultural experience that adds to the city’s unique beauty. The blend of ancient traditions with welcoming hospitality makes Konya a beautiful and distinctive place to visit.

7. Amasya

Amasya, nestled along the winding Yeşilırmak River and surrounded by rugged cliffs, stands as a testament to Turkey’s Ottoman Empire’s past and its cultural depth.

It is a lesser-visited beautiful city in Turkey where rock-cut tombs from the Pontic Kingdom era cling to the cliffs, offering both a glimpse into antiquity and panoramic views. The Ottoman-era wooden houses, with their ornate carvings and colorful hues, line the narrow lanes of the old town, echoing tales of bygone eras and architectural splendor.

But Amasya is not just beautiful, it is also a very interesting city. It was shaped by influences from the Greeks, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans over millennia and it served as a prominent center for royal education and training during the Ottoman Empire.

Many sons of sultans (şehzade) were sent to Amasya to receive education in governance, administration, and military matters under the guidance of experienced tutors and mentors. This practice contributed to Amasya’s reputation as a hub for royal education during that period.

It is possible until this day to see the traces of this educational process in Amasya Museum, its Castle, and Sehzade’s Mansions (historic buildings where şehzade were housed and educated).

If you get a chance to be in Ankara and plan to go to the Black Sea coast (Samsun for example), go through Amasya for a quick stop or even a couple of days! 

8. Izmir

Among Turkey’s beautiful cities, Izmir stands out as the most liberal and cosmopolitan, being the third most populous city in the country. Historically known as the Greek city of Smyrna, it was one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Situated on the Aegean coast, Izmir boasts numerous well-preserved archaeological sites from ancient civilizations both within and around the city because throughout history it has been the center of life for Greeks, Pagan Romans, and Christian Byzantines.

The most famous ancient sites to visit in Izmir are Smyrna, Pergamum, and Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus in the Selçuk district is one of the cultural heritages on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Besides the history, Izmir is lively and vibrant, with a picturesque waterfront lined with excellent restaurants, many old churches and mosques, art museums, and lots of shops with fancy but cheap clothes. Oh, and don’t miss its stunning sunsets, they’re truly spectacular.

9. Mardin

Ancient city of Mardin in southeastern Turkey comes directly from oriental tales and offers incredible oriental architecture and ancient Christian history.

Many Turks admire this city even without ever visiting it. And almost everyone in Turkey is curious about Mardin and wants to see it with his own eyes because this city is truly beautiful and special.

For the first time, Mardin was mentioned in 4500 BC. Its old town is under the protection of UNESCO which did a great job preserving the buildings in their original form until our days.

A visit here is a must for connoisseurs of history. There you can walk along a thousand-year-old street or sit in a cafe over a cup of hot tea, as the locals did 400 years ago.

Christian churches, that were built by Syrian Orthodox Christians, dilute the oriental flavor. Mardin mosques differ in their architecture from ordinary Turkish ones. They are more like Arab mosques because for about 450 years the city was under Arab occupation from 640 to 1104.

10. Urfa

Another beautiful city in Eastern Turkey is a neighbor of Mardin, making it easy to visit both on the same trip. It is the capital of the province of the same name also known as Urfa and “City of the Prophet”.

This city boasts numerous beautiful historical buildings and the ancient temple complex Göbekli Tepe, dating back to the 9th millennium BC.

Before the Ottoman Empire firmly established its rule in the 17th century, the city endured cycles of conquest, destruction, and reconstruction. Today, it flourishes as a vibrant and progressive city, with lush greenery lining its streets in stark contrast to the semi-desert landscapes just beyond its outskirts.

Pilgrims often visit Urfa for meditation and spiritual reflection, while tourists flock here to explore one of Turkey’s most fascinating destinations and delve into its rich history.

This city is rapidly evolving with new urban development projects, yet its ancient heritage remains prominent, particularly in the remarkable Dergah Park and mosque complex. The old quarter, distinct from the modern developments, features temples, ponds, and parks, preserving the city’s historical charm.

11. Edirne 

Edirne is a treasure trove of history and culture, making it one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Turkey. As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul, Edirne has got so much historical significance.

It is home to the stunning Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the great Mimar Sinan. Its impressive domes and intricate interiors are a testament to the city’s glorious past.

Walking through Edirne feels like stepping back in time. The city’s charming streets are lined with historic buildings, cute bazaars, and ancient bridges that tell stories of centuries gone by. The Old Quarter is particularly enchanting, with its traditional Turkish houses and narrow alleys that invite you to explore and discover hidden gems at every turn.

Edirne is also famous for its rich cultural heritage. The annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival, one of the oldest sports events in the world, takes place here and showcases the city’s unique traditions. Additionally, the local cuisine, influenced by its diverse history, offers a delightful culinary journey. From savory meat dishes to sweet treats like the famous Edirne liver and almond cookies, the city’s food scene is a reason to travel here.

In essence, Edirne is not just a city, it’s a living museum where history and culture are beautifully intertwined, offering an unforgettable experience.

And if you look on the map and see how conveniently it is located (by the border with Bulgaria and Greece and easy to reach from Istanbul on a day trip), then planning a trip here will go with breeze!

12. Bursa

Not my favorite, but undeniably a beautiful Turkish city that is easy to visit on a weekend trip from Istanbul or when road tripping from Istanbul to Izmir.

It is an old city, yet with modern buildings and infrastructure where the ugly industrial outskirts are in stark contrast to the historic center, which by the way is delightful in every sense.

With some fantastic mosques, mausoleums and museums, Bursa has a lot to offer tourists and the devout population is very welcoming and friendly. There are a couple of historic hotels (like Safran Hotel, for example) where to stay in historic area without spending much.

Besides cultural activities, Bursa is also famous for nearby Uludag Mountain with excellent ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer. Also, there are many nice hammams and restaurants in old and new cities.

Unique Beautiful Turkish Cities for Nature Getaways

13. Nevsehir

Nevsehir stands out as one of Turkey’s most captivating cities due to its unique geological formations and as the center of Cappadocia.

The city itself is not particularly super interesting but it is an easy gateway to surreal landscapes sculpted by volcanic activity over millions of years that consist of fairy chimneys hotels and homes, underground cities, and cave dwellings that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

The beauty of this city also lies in the fact that it’s easily accessible from any other destination. Nevsehir airport is well-connected with Istanbul, Antalya, Turquoise coast of Turkey, north and south. So visiting it is easy in any season and pretty much from anywhere around the country.

Beyond its natural wonders, Nevsehir also offers some interesting history as it was a prominent center during ancient times, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, including the Hittites, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. The region’s underground cities, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, served as shelters during invasions and today offer a glimpse into the ingenious architectural and engineering feats of its inhabitants.

I would highly recommend you rent a car here (as it is the best place where to hire a car in Cappadocia) and explore Nevsehir’s beautiful landscapes at your own pace.

14. Dalaman

Dalaman is not typically considered one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey in the traditional sense of historic or cultural significance like Istanbul, Antalya, or Izmir. Like Nevsehir, it has its beauty in the surroundings with very unique nature and easy access to various landscapes, including a gorgeous turquoise coast.

Dalaman itself is a small town but it has one of the best airports where to fly in Turkey for Turkish beach holiday and it serves as a convenient entry point for visiting the nearby coastal destinations like Marmaris, Fethiye, Gocek, Koycegiz, and Dalyan.

Its appeal lies in the accessibility it provides to explore the picturesque beaches, ancient ruins, and natural wonders of the surrounding region. You can use Dalaman as a starting point for exploring the famous Lycian Way hiking trail, indulging in boat trips along the scenic coastline, or exploring the historic sites and mud baths of Dalyan.

If you don’t plan to hire a car when in Turkey, you can fly to Dalaman Airport, from where go by airport transfer to one of the nearby resort cities and explore the whole region with local travel companies.

15. Van

In the very east of the country, literally a few kilometers from the Iranian border, there is the Mystical Lake Van with saltwater and soda. This is a unique place that helps in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.

Lake Van is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey. But a lovely bonus to it is the biggest city on the lake with the same name, which is simply overflowing with historical sights and easy access to beautiful nature.

Van, at first sight unremarkable, is a real jewel for lovers of the history and culture of the ancient world. It was deserted during the First World War, and an earthquake in the 1950s destroyed its Ottoman architectural heritage. But the city managed to preserve the ancient castle Van Kalesi, beautifully located right on the lake’s shore.

Outside Van, the area surrounding the city showcases landscapes that are out of this world – volcanic mountains, verdant valleys, and natural hot springs. Mount Süphan, an inactive volcano has many hiking trails that open up breathtaking scenery.

16. Denizli

Denizli, like other cities in Turkey in this category, is known for lots of natural wonders on the outskirts of the city and in close proximity to it.

First of all, it is renowned for Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with surreal, terraced travertine pools filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. These pools, formed over millennia by calcium deposits from hot springs, create a striking white landscape that cascades down the hillside, offering a unique and breathtaking sight.

Beyond Pamukkale, there are underground travertines in Kaklik town, hot springs of Karahayit, ancient city of Hierapolis founded in the 2nd century BC (once flourished as a spa and healing center due to its thermal springs), Laodicea Ancient City (mentioned in the book of Revelation), scenic cable car directly in the city, and modern city center with constant cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

You can (and should!) visit Denizli on a road trip from Antalya to Pamukkale or on Fethiye to Pamukkale drive. 

More Inspiration For Turkey Travel

If you landed on this page for the first time, let me tell you that I have a lot of content about Turkey and constantly adding more! I live in Turkey for part of the year and absolutely love discovering this country at a slow pace!

See more of my posts that will help you plan your trip:

• Spending 3 Days in Kas – car-based itinerary for a different weekend
• Visiting Kuccukoy – village life in Western Turkey
• One Day in Cakirlar – a quick day trip to a traditional village near Antalya  
• 5 Tips on How to Plan Your Perfect Honeymoon in Turkey
• Things You Need to Know Before Planning Holidays in Turkey 
• 11 Best Thermal Pools & Hot Springs in Turkey – Not to Miss!
• Why You Shouldn’t Miss Kaklik Cave on Your Visit to Pamukkale
• 15 Interesting Facts About Turkish Culture – what you;d want to know before visiting
• Turkey Travel Guide – all my posts about Turkey in one place!

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