As of: April 7, 2024, 5:06 a.m
By: Laura Hindelang
Comments
Press
Split
Turkey has more to offer than beaches and sea. The country boasts historic sites, picturesque bays and mountain landscapes - none of which are overcrowded.
Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. For years, the country located between Europe and Asia has been one of the most popular destinations for Germans. In the annual tourism analysis by the
Foundation for Future Issues,
Turkey came fourth among the most popular travel destinations. It is primarily the beaches on the Mediterranean - around the city of Antalya - as well as the colorful metropolis of Istanbul that attract visitors from abroad. In recent years, the Cappadocia region has also become a tourism magnet thanks to countless Instagram posts showing hot air balloons rising every day.
Three insider tips for a holiday in Turkey
The country has a lot more to offer. With an area of over 810,000 square kilometers, Turkey is more than twice the size of Germany and stretches through a wide variety of landscapes and extraordinary historical sites. Many places in Turkey are little known to German tourists, even though they are real gems.
Turkey can look like this too. The Black Sea region is green and mountainous. © Pond5 Images/imago
1. Green forests and clear water: The Black Sea region
The Black Sea region is a 1,300 kilometer long stretch of coast between the Bosphorus and Georgia and is characterized by lush green landscapes. In addition to larger coastal cities such as Samsun and Trabzon, you can taste the best fish dishes in the country, especially in smaller fishing villages. Another highlight, according to
Lonely Planet,
are the terraced tea plantations that merge into the mountainous hinterland. Hiking trails lead through untouched nature past mountain lakes and alpine mountain pastures.
In addition to the remains of castles and medieval city walls, the Sumela Monastery is particularly worth a visit. The complex is built directly into a steep cliff above a coniferous forest and offers a spectacular view. Directly on the coast there are not only bays with crystal clear water, such as the picturesque bay of Gideros, but also sandy beaches. For example, the beach at Sile, which is about a hundred kilometers from Istanbul, is ideal for a beach holiday.
My news
Lost prototype turns up on Ukraine front: Russian army digs up “tank monster”
Long imprisonment threatens: proceedings against Scheuer regarding the toll disaster probably shortly before the decision is read
Tax return 2023: From this amount onwards, pensioners have to pay taxes
This is how high the pension is if you have never worked read
Founded by Romans: The oldest city in Germany is in Bayernlesen
Revolution in cancer diagnostics: Researchers develop “groundbreaking” capsule test reading
2. Izmir instead of Istanbul
The city of Izmir lies on the Aegean Sea and was formerly called Smyrna. The city, which is largely Greek in character, is still considered cosmopolitan today, describes the travel guide
Marco Polo
. Visitors can get a taste of Mediterranean flair along the palm-lined waterfront promenade. Walking through the city, visitors will pass traditional bazaars and elegant mosques as well as modern districts such as Alsanca, which
Tripadvisor
says is a hotspot for entertainment and shopping.
Not far from Izmir lies the ancient site of Ephesus, once the second largest city in antiquity. A visit to the ruins is a must, and not just for tourists interested in history. The gigantic and well-preserved ruins are an extraordinary sight and still bear witness to the wealth of bygone times.
3. Ski around Erzurum
A majestic stone mosque in the foreground - and snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. Erzurum is the largest city in Eastern Anatolia and the perfect destination for a winter holiday. The ski areas around Erzurum offer plenty of slopes that are equipped with modern lifts. The Palandöken ski area, for example, is at an altitude of up to 3,176 meters. There are optimal conditions for winter sports here, sometimes until April, says the
Insider Tip Turkey
blog .
You don't want to miss any news and tips about vacation and travel?
Then sign up for the travel newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Those who don't ski or snowboard can enjoy the winter landscape and the breathtaking views from the mountain on a snowshoe hike, dog sled tour or horse-drawn sleigh ride. In any case, the slopes will be emptier than in southern Germany, Austria or Switzerland.