35 things to do in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Situated in Asia and Europe, Turkey´s diverse landscape is split by the Bosphorus River, and offers visitors and insight into the culture and history of this amazing land. The best way to explore Turkey is to hire a car from the airport. Cheap car hire in Turkey is available all year round. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach, or take in some Turkish culture, you will be spoilt for choice. Below are 35 things to see and do in Turkey:

1. Ihlara Valley Cappadocia

Explore the amazing caves at Cappadocia, and take a walk along the stream, visiting the cave churches en route.
2. White water rafting at Koprulu Cavi
More adventurous visitors can go white water rafting down the Kopruli Cavi. Situated within the Toros Mountain Range, this scenic river runs down to the Mediterranean and is ideal for first-time rafters.

3. Cruising round the Turkish coast

Take a cruise around the southwest coast of Turkey and take in the sights between Bodrum and Olympos. Take your time to explore Turkey with cheap car hire from the airport at Bodrum or Istanbul.

4. Nemrut Dagi

Built by Antiochus I (64-38 BC), the mountain-top temple tomb complex of Nemrut Dagi attracts culture vultures from far and wide.

5. Camel wrestling

Not one of the most famous world sports, camel wrestling between two male camels (phew I thought the public had to take them on for a minute) takes place across the Aegean region of Turkey and attracts big crowds.

6. Oil wrestling in Turkey

If camel wrestling doesn´t float your boat, visit the Edirne´s Kirkpinar Festival where contestants cover themselves in olive oil and wrestle each other to the ground.

7. Musuem of Anatolian Civilisations Turkey

If you hire a car in Turkey, visit Ankara and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Native cultures from the Stone Age to 700 BC are explained and exhibited, and this museum is one of the biggest attractions in Turkey.

8. Gozleme Turkey

Gozleme is famous for its version of crepes, and you can find some of the most weird and wonderful recipes concocted in the village.

9. The Acropolis at Pergamon

Take a stroll around the restored Trajan Temple, and the ancient ruins at Pergamom, Anatolia.

10. Byzantine Frescoes at Cappadocia Turkey

Many of Cappadocia´s cave churches contain amazing examples of early Christian frescoes, including the most-visited Goreme complex. Well worth a visit.

11. Visit the Roman Theatre at Aspendos

The Roman Theatre is the largest and best-preserved theatre in Anatolia and the best time to attend is for the summertime opera and ballet festival.

12. Seafood restaurants in Turkey

Al fresco dining in Europe was first introduced by the Ottomans, so it is little wonder Turkey has some of the best outdoor seafood restaurants in Europe. Travel round to find the best seaside fish restaurants.

13. Hittite capital of Hattusa Turkey

Hittite is the capital of Hattusa, and the second-millennium BC capital of the Hittites still attracts visitors today. Perimeter walls stretch 6km.

14. Walk the Lycian Way

The long path of the Lycian Way passes through some of the most scenic parts of Turkey´s Torquoise Coast, and one particularly interesting section is the cobbled street between Ovacik and Kozagaci.

15. Kaymakli underground city

Visit the fascinating underground city of Kaymakli which is burrowed out of soft volcanic rock, and provided refuge for the Cappadocians through to the Byzantine eras.

16. Visit the Acropolis of Assos Turkey

With stunning views to the Greek island of Lesvos, this restored Doric temple attracts thousands of visitors a year.

17. The Beehive houses at Harran Turkey

Built with mud, these timeless houses at Harran are situated close to the Syrian border between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, and are still home to ethnic Arabs.

18. Hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia

There is no better way to see Cappadocia than from a hot air balloon. Enjoy views of the famous fairy chimneys and the beautiful surrounding landscape.

19. Visit ancient Ephesus Turkey

Ephesus is a major Aegean city, linked with the history of early Christianity, and is well worth exploring.

20. Explore the Aegean coast by hire car

Dotted with quieter resorts in former fishing villages such as Foca, the north part of the Aegean coast is perfect for holidaymakers who want a more tranquil environment.

21. Koza Hani Bursa

The silk-cocoon auction takes place in the 15th Century Han during early summer, and exhibits one of Turkey´s natural crafts.

22. Aya Sofya Museum Istanbul Turkey

Aya Sofya Museum Istanbul is well worth a visit. The dome of Aya Sofya appears unsupported, and was built during the 6th Century as a Byazantine church. One of the marvels of the world, Aya Sofya attracts tourists from all over Europe.

23. Kapali Carsi Istanbul

Although Kapali Carsi is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world, and attracts thousands of tourists, it is still an amazing sight. Take a stroll round and remember to haggle if you are buying anything.

24. Flowers at Lake Van

If you are a lover of fauna and flora, take a trip to Lake Van in early summer, where the fields are carpeted with beautiful wild flowers. Take your time to discover Turkey properly and take advantage of cheap car hire from the airport.

25. A proper whirling dervish Turkey

Whirling dervishes are members of a sect founded by the Konya-based Sufi mystic Mevlana, and carry out turning ceremonies to effect union with God.

26. Iztuzu Beach Turkey

Situated at the edge of the wetlands, Iztuzu Beach is a favourite among visitors to the Turkish coastal towns of Marmaris and Mersin.

27. Orthodox Monastery at Sumela

Visit the orthodox monastery at Sumela which is built into the side of the Pontic Mountains and houses some amazing frescoes.
28. See the fairy chimneys at Cappadocia Turkey
Formed from cones of volcanic tuff, the fairy chimneys at Cappadocia create a bizarre and fascinating spectacle.

29. Football in Turkey

If you are a footie fan, Istanbul is home to the major clubs of Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbance. Take a stadium tour or try and get tickets for a match. If you are lucky enough to see a derby game, the atmosphere is electric.

30. Kackar Daglari Turkey

Situated just inland from the Black Sea, Kackar Daglari is a range of glacially sculpted mountains with several eye catching lakes and landscapes. Excellent for walking and hiking.

31. Georgian valley churches Turkey

The Georgian valley churches go back to medieval times and are situated in the north east of Erzurum and Anatolia.

32. Antakya Archeological Museum

Exhibits include a unique collection of mosaics unearthed from the villas of Roman and Byzantine times. This is one of Turkey´s finest provincial museums and is well worth a visit.

33. Visit a Hamam in Turkey

Bathe and relax on a centrally heated stone in a hamam and enjoy one of Turkey´s true luxuries.

34. Isak Pasa Sarayi Turkey

Located on the silk route, this beautiful 17th Century palace is one of Turkey´s most photographed sites.

35. Riverbank culture at Amasya Turkey

Visit the tombs of the ancient Pontic kinds and Ottoman mansions along the Yesilirmak River in Amasya Turkey.

Such is the rich culture and heritage in Turkey, it is impossible to see everything in a few days. Excursions can be expensive and limit your freedom to take your time and explore at your own leisure. The best way to see Turkey is to take advantage of cheap car hire at Istanbul Airport, Antalya Airport, Bodrum Airport and Dalaman Airport in Turkey. Carhire4airports will search over 450 car hire websites to find you the cheapest car rentals and car hire at the airport in Turkey. You can hire a Ford Focus from Istanbul Airport from just €90.00 per week and a Ford Fiesta from Antalya Airport from just €85.00 per week. Airport transport and airport taxis can be expensive, so pre-book your cheap car rentals at your airport in Turkey and save time and money.

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