Exploring Turkey

Turkiye, formerly known as Turkey, is a popular travel destination due to its mild climate, varied terrain and abundance of activities, hotels and restaurants.

Antalya

What to do: Considered the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is steeped in history. Highlights include exploring the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, visiting Düden Waterfall and going on a walking tour in the Old Town of Kaleiçi. Be sure to stop at a traditional Turkish Hammam—where the body is scrubbed and purified from toxins resulting in increased blood circulation and a more robust immune system—it’s a pampering ritual enjoyed by both locals and travelers.

Where to eat: There are plenty of restaurants in Antalya to choose from, including the popular Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant, which has both Turkish and international favorites. The Arma restaurant is known for its views—it sits right on the Mediterranean harbor—and its freshly-caught fish dishes.

Where to stay: Ruin Adalia Hotel in Şehir Merkezi, Antalya is a unique accommodation. The hotel consists of several Ottoman mansions from the 19th and 20th centuries, built on two acres of land. History enthusiasts will appreciate that the hotel is known as the largest archaeological excavation site in Kaleiçi. The Ottoman architecture seen throughout—including stained glasses and Podima stones decorated at the entrance—make this a popular property.

Kas

What to do and where to eat: Known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in Turkey, Kas is where you’ll see wall, canyon, cave and wreck diving. Popular dive sites include Canyon, Big Cave, Tunnel Cave, Camel Reef, C47 Aircraft Wreck, Coast Guard Wreck, and Neptune Reef. Blue Team Diving offers many different types of dives aboard their two diving vessels.

Where to eat: There are plenty of casual eateries—including Zaika Ocakbaşı, Passarella Restaurant and Demeti Kas—which focus on freshly made, locally-sourced food.

Where to Stay: Club Barbarossa Hotel & Villas in Kaş located in the Cukurbag Peninsula, has an ideal location on the Bucak Bay. The property has an on-site farm and most of the meals are prepared with ingredients picked that day. A popular activity at the hotel is yoga and pilates—offered on its scenic platform that faces both the sea and mountains.

Kemer

What to do: About an hour away from Antalya is the coastal resort of Kemer, which sits at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. For active travelers, biking along the promenade is a great way to take in the sights while also getting some exercise. Highlights in the area include Phaselis, the Ancient City, as well as Mount Tahtalı and Yanartaş. Be sure to take the cable car up to Olympos.

Where to Stay: Maxx Royal Kemer Resort in Kemer is located on a private beach and it attracts families looking to relax and enjoy the amenities (in addition to the beach, there is a pool and waterpark).

Cappadocia

What to do: Cappadocia is most famous for its unique geological features and layers of history. Cave dwellings, entire underground cities, and unusual rock formations known as fairy chimneys create a landscape like no other. This is the place to really explore the outdoors—highlights include a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, horseback riding, and hiking Red Valley, Meskendir Valley & Rose Valley.

Where to eat: There are plenty of good restaurants in Cappadocia, including Areni, which is known for its traditional Turkish dishes like testi, köfte and baklova. For a splurge, visit Lil’a a high-end restaurant located in the Museum Hotel, the only Relais and Chateaux property in Turkey.

Where to Stay: A unique experience and a popular one among travelers is staying at a cave hotel in Cappadocia. The Kayakapı Premium Cave Hotel is centrally located in the town of Urgup, near the 10th-century cave church, the historic mosque that dates back to the Seljuq Empire and overlooking the town of Urgup. The hotel has a pool, spa, fitness center, wine cellar and restaurant.