Enchanting 4 Cities To Visit in Turkey Other Than Istanbul

Since I am visiting my hometown, I decided to share some insider information about Turkey. If you are considering going to Turkey for your vacation, here are 4 cities to visit in Turkey other than Istanbul with their culture, nature, food, and coastal beauties

4 Cities You Should Visit in Turkey Vacation Other Than Istanbul

Adana

Why did I pick Adana? It’s my hometown and definitely an interesting city with Eastern culture, but at the same time, it’s a big modern city. Adana hosts one of Turkey’s two major film festivals (The Golden Boll Film Festival). Also, it hosts the one and only Carnival of Turkey, Orange Blossom Carnival. The famous bridge that James Bond jumped from in Skyfall Movie is also in Adana. The biggest mosque in Turkey is not located in Istanbul but in Adana. Adana may be the most exciting travel destination, but it is the center of the other cities you can easily pass by, like Mersin, Hatay or Gaziantep. All these cities include Adana, which is a great culinary destination.

Nevsehir

Nevsehir is one of the most vacation-worthy cities in Turkey. The city has both natural and historical beauties. Cappadoccia is one of those places that everyone should see at least once in their life. The city was influenced by many civilizations, including the Assyrians, Persians, Byzantines, and eventually Turks. Because of this heavy cultural influence, you can find this city very diverse.

The things you can do in the city.

-Stay in stone houses,
-Fly with Balloons,
-Eat pot kebab,
-Taste local wines,
-Go hiking to discover underground churches
-Visit the pot-making workshops.

There are so many other things to do. But this is my favorite to-do list.

Izmir

You might hear about this city because It has many attractions. The very famous Temple of Artemis Ephesus, one of the world’s seven wonders, is located in Izmir. Leave all the other things; you should see this place, and It’s definitely worth it!

Izmir also has a great turquoise Aegean Sea. It’s one of the best locations for beach vacations. The sea temperature is a little cold for my taste, but some love their water cold! You can go to Cesme, which is very popular among locals. So many people from Izmir’s city center have a summer house in Cesme. Alacati has been “the new thing” in recent years. Alacati has the most beautiful village houses, renovated and turned into boutique hotels. The street of Alacati feels like you live in this magical world. This place is also very important for windsurfers.

Sirince is another village from Izmir. Go to Sirince, drink a variety of fruit wines, and enjoy the calmness of rural life.

Mugla

In my opinion, Mugla is the far best beach destination in Turkey. My personal favorite is Bodrum, located on the southwest coast of Turkey. It has so many natural coves. I’ve never done a yacht tour in Bodrum, but I do have many friends who only do yacht tours through all Bodrum coves.

I suggest you stay in Airbnb, so you can learn so much from local people. If you stay in the hotel, you are probably stuck in only one place. But if you want to see different kinds of beaches and coves, prepare your stay flexible. Golturkbuku is my favorite place in Bodrum, but I also enjoy Turgutreis and Yalikavak. Marmaris is another major Mugla destination where you can enjoy the sea and beaches. But I don’t have so many things to say about Marmaris.

Fethiye is a great place to visit, with Dalyan and Oludeniz being my top recommendations. Dalyan has a charming and authentic village feel, which I prefer over overly touristy places. It’s clean, safe, and still has a local atmosphere. Taking a boat tour is a must-do in Dalyan. Oludeniz, also known as the Blue Lagoon, is my second favorite spot in Fethiye. Paragliding is a popular activity there, but it’s unsuitable for those afraid of heights. The lagoon is incredibly beautiful, with crystal-clear waters like other parts of Turkey.

Since you are in the Mediterranean Sea, don’t forget to eat the yummiest and freshest fish.

I hope you enjoy my small list and get valuable tips for your next Turkey vacation.

P.S. These photos are also taken in Adana city center.