Places to Explore

• Bodrum and the Bodrum Peninsula

  Bodrum, known as Halicarnassus in antiquity, is one of Turkey's leading resorts. The modern town stretches along the shores of two crescent-shaped bays and has for years been the favorite haunt of the Turkish... (more)

• Çesme

  Çesme, originally a local beach getaway for Izmirians, has now also become a popular summer destination for Istanbul's elite. Despite rapid development, much of the town retains its provincial feel... (more)

• Ephesus Archaeological Site

  Ephesus (Efes in Turkish), the showpiece of Aegean archaeology, is probably the most evocative ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean, and one of the grandest reconstructed ancient sites in the world... (more)

• Izmir

  At first glance, this large city on the Gulf of Izmir surrounded by mountains seems modern and industrial—it's the site of many trade expositions and home to NATO's Southeast headquarters—and... (more)

• Kusadasi

  Kusadasi long ago lost its local charm to invasive, sterile buildings and overpopulation, and the huge yacht marina, the largest in the region, has only exacerbated the situation. Kusadasi is also a port... (more)

• Lake Bafa

  The lake is relatively small and undeveloped, especially away from the main road. For a change of pace, rent a boat (which will cost you around $45 round-trip) to go across the lake, or drive the rough... (more)

• Milas

  Milas is one of the underrated stops on the way to Bodrum: it's usually just visited for its airport, the largest in the region, but the town is rich in history and charm and worth an afternoon, if not... (more)

• Pamukkale (Hierapolis)

  Pamukkale (pronounced pam-uck-al-lay) first appears as an enormous, chalky white cliff rising 330 feet from the plains. Mineral-rich volcanic spring water cascades over basins and natural terraces, crystallizing... (more)

• Priene, Miletus and Didyma

  These three towns make up part of Ancient Ionia. They're all within 40 km (25 mi) of each another, and if you get an early enough start, you can visit them all in one day. If you have more time, and want... (more)

• Selçuk

  Selçuk, the closest city to the archaelogical site of Ephesus, lies beneath an ancient fortress and is unfortunately, often overlooked. The former farming town has interesting sights of its own... (more)

• Sirince

  Sirince, one of Turkey's wealthiest villages, is another worthwhile excursion from Selçuk. Its picturesque cluster of two-story houses is set on a lush hill; the rows of houses create a long string... (more)