Your Travel-Good Guide to Turkey in 2021

Alongside small-town charm, Fethiye has some unforgettable views such as Kabak Koyu Cove
Alongside small-town charm, Fethiye has some unforgettable views such as Kabak Koyu Cove | © emregologlu / Getty Images

Editorial Manager

Turkey holds a unique place at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. You can find influences of all three continents in different parts of the country, making it the perfect destination to get you back in the travel mood. Here’s our pick of top places to visit, paired with superb handpicked hotels.

There’s an exoticism to Turkey that often masks the fact that it’s within easy reach of many European cities. When you look around Istanbul, the biggest city in the country and the economic hub where East meets West, you’re steeped in history at every turn. It’s the first destination many travellers head to, and certainly one we highly recommend, but why not take the opportunity to see other parts of Turkey this year?

There are outstanding hotels to suit every taste throughout the country, and experiences to thrill every traveller. Here are some places beyond Istanbul that we hope will entice you back to Turkey.

The Dead Sea, Olu Deniz, near Fethiye attracts thousands of visitors in summer

Why visit Turkey in 2021

There are regional airports that are well-serviced to, and from, various locations, but one additional tip is rail travel. The romanticised Orient Express might be a thing of the past, but there has been huge investment in domestic train routes in recent years, giving you a budget way to get around in comfort. Overnight journeys on sleeper carriages are something we’re particularly keen to experience this year, especially if it leads us to these great places.

Bodrum

This port city is only a short ferry ride – just under an hour – from the Greek island of Kos. Modern Bodrum sits on the ruins of an ancient city that had previously fallen under both Persian and Greek rule, and visitors today can see a number of relics from the past. Bodrum Castle is one of the main attractions, highlighting the additional rule under Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and stood in Bodrum until the 12th century. Ruins from the mausoleum are accessible, marking out the area as of particular interest to culture lovers.

Bodrum Castle is a top attraction for history buffs

Fethiye

Further east, but still in the same province as Bodrum, is the popular tourist destination of Fethiye. The city is one of the highlights of the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast. Every summer, thousands of tourists descend here when the weather is exceptional. Dalaman Airport connects the city to the rest of the world, and local minibuses known as dolmus help you get to some of the smaller villages dotted around Fethiye. We think this summer will not be as popular as previous years as the region recovers from coronavirus, and as such, there are some great bargains to be found.

The blue lagoon in the Bay of Olu Deniz, in Fethiye

Antalya

We’ve focussed this guide to Turkey on the southern coast, and our final highlight is easily the most popular destination in the region. One of the most visited places in the world, Antalya has a vibrant local economy and growing population. There are historic monuments worth visiting, although many tourists are happy just to enjoy the resorts and beaches. For 2021 we think a trip to the Old Town is an essential part of any visit, offering a more cultural experience in Antalya.

Antalya Old Town offers a glimpse of local culture

Places to stay

Duja Bodrum

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

Courtesy of Duja Hotel Bodrum / Expedia

Bodrum’s ancient history, coastal harbour and local markets draw visitors to this sunny destination in southwest Turkey every year. Duja Hotel Bodrum, a slice of heaven overlooking the Aegean Sea, won’t disappoint either. The resort’s numerous facilities – as well as a private beach – will keep guests of all ages occupied, with space to relax and soak up the peaceful holiday atmosphere.

Sertil Royal Forest

Hotel

Courtesy of Sertil Royal Forest / Expedia

Sertil Royal Forest, a new architectural addition to the area with stunning views over the countryside, welcomes guests in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, away from the bustle of busy Fethiye. The location is ideal for savouring the landscape of Babadag mountain, the surrounding forests and the extraordinary blue lagoon that visitors to this part of the Turquoise Coast all come to experience.

Elegance East

Boutique Hotel

The outdoor blue-tiled pool surrounded by seating, a stone wall, trees and the buildings of Elegance East Hotel
Courtesy of Elegance East Hotel / Expedia

If it’s peace and calm you’re after, Elegance East Hotel in Antalya, a popular resort town on the Turquoise Coast with just 25 rooms, is the place for you. Whether you’re visiting to relax poolside or delve deep into Turkish history, this stylish boutique hotel is perfectly located for exploring Antalya. This former Roman port also has plenty of stunning beaches if you fancy a dip in the Mediterranean.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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