‘Dawn paints the statues gold’: readers’ favourite places in Turkey | Turkey holidays

Sunrise with Ancient Gods in Anatolia

Mount Nemrut is a mountain that rises from the heart of Anatolia. It offers one the world’s surreal sunrise experiences. The colossal heads of ancient kings and gods stare silently out over the highlands. They are remnants of an old kingdom. Visitors are transported to a world of myth as the golden rays from the sunrise paint the statues. Gaziantep has been called the culinary capital in Turkey. After a delicious meal of baklava or spicy kebabs, continue on to Nemrut. After experiencing the mountain’s majesty, continue to Göbekli Tepe – considered the world’s oldest temple complex, predating Stonehenge by millennia.
Ickin Veural

Join the locals and eat at a büfe

My tip: Eat at the büfelerYou can find them at every bus station in every town and village. They are at every bus stop in every village and town. Rice and vegetables is a light lunch. kuru fasulye On top of the beans, maybe a vegetable stew. (Despite all those kebab stores, Turkish people do not eat as much as we would like to believe). ayran I would love to have a (yoghurt beverage) with my lunch. Afiyet olsun! In Turkey, they say (enjoy your food).
Anna

Exploring the vibrant city of Eskişehir

Eskişehir is a vibrant, studenty city less than an hour and a half’s train ride from Ankara. Its name (“old city”) is a clue to the age of the place – it was founded around 1,000BC – but unlike some of the much more visited ruins and ancient cities in Turkey, it is very much a forward-looking, 21st-century place. The Odunpazarı houses in the oldest part of the city are beautifully multicoloured – it is a perfect area to enjoy an obligatory Turkish coffee and piece of lokum (Turkish delight).
Michael Kuipers

Turkish charmers are authentic Turkish charmers around Ephesus

Discover two gems near exquisite Ephesus: Alaçatı, on the coast near İzmir, is a picturesque, sleepy village complete with fresh fish restaurants and sandy beaches; a bit further south is Şirince, a beautiful flower village that stays fresh even through July heatwaves. You can explore the coast, visit thermal baths in spectacular Pamukkale, and Ilıca, or head to the Greek island of Samos for the day, while still savouring the joy of a simpler and more authentic Turkey.
Thomas

Lesser visited Lycian ruins around Kaş

Just above the popular seaside town of Kaş, tucked high in the hills, lie the ancient ruins of Phellos. The steep hike can be tough – especially in the heat – but the reward is worth it. Unexpectedly, massive Lycian tombs with weathered stone ruinations appear like scenes from Indiana Jones. This is a journey into ancient history that’s off the beaten path. Phellos, a place beyond the beaches and tourist areas, offers solitude, mysteries and a breathtaking glimpse into an ancient world.
Pinar Greenwood

Mardin’s heady blend and sweeping view

Mardin in the south east would be my top secret Turkey tip. Honey-coloured homes on a mountaintop cascade to the Mesopotamian plateau. Almost every hotel offers a terrace overlooking Syria. There are museums, medreses, and narrow streets. The history is a mixture of Assyrians, Armenians, Chaldeans, and of course, Turkish. You get a taste of Middle East, with the security of Turkey. And the food …
Ann Ozsivadjian

Enjoy a chilled dining experience in Antalya’s waterside retreat

The Dim River is located on the outskirts Alanya in the Antalya Region. The cascading water falls from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea are only a short bus or taxi ride away from the busy seaside town. While the natural vegetation and trees provide shade from the blazing summer sun, the restaurants along the waterside serve up traditional Turkish foods and drinks. Relax at tables nestled in the trees, perch at the water’s edge, or take a dip in a pool filled with icy mountain water – if you dare!
Natalie

Kayaking off the coast of Lycia from Fethiye

Experience the thrill of sea kayaking on Turkey’s wild, south-west coastline from Fethiye. Kayaking along the wild south-west coast of Turkey is an unforgettable experience. Fethiye, nestled between mountains & the sea and a rich cultural town, is the ideal starting point for your trip. You’ll find paradise here if you want beauty, peace and authenticity.
Mikey

Termessos ancient ruins are a must-see hike

It was a brilliant experience to visit Antalya during February and see the ancient sites with a crisp, sunny morning, snowy mountains in the backdrop. But the highlight of our trip was taking a hike in the Mount Güllük-Termessos national park to see the ancient Solymi city of Termessos, and particularly the stunning theatre, set atop the mountain with panoramic views. On the way up you pass many interesting ruin sites, but the theatre is the real jewel. If you’re looking to spend the day exploring, I recommend joining a hiking club.
Alison

Winning tip: timeless charm at Akyaka

On a spontaneous road trip through Turkey’s south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka – a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak river, which was so crystal clear that it appeared unreal, ran past cafes on the banks of the river where I watched turtles drifting by. Locals welcomed us like family. Evenings were filled with fresh seafood, golden sunsets and warm welcomes. The architecture – wooden houses with carved balconies – gave the town a timeless charm. A moment I will always remember was paddleboarding in the calm ocean at sunrise. Debbie Skudra