It has been almost 10 years since I did my first outside-my-country trip with Turkey as destination. I must confess that looking back then I didn't care that much for the goal itself but for the opportunity to take a flight and start an adventure somewhere else. And it was! After such a long time, I still have the best memories of this trip and of what I experienced. Me and a good friend of mine - Joana - decided to start in Istanbul and then travel south, using different kinds of busses, boats and a rented car. Istanbul is an amazing capital and city to explore. With two waterfronts - the European and Asian sides - and the Bosphorus river as a touristic attraction, the city grows rapidly and it is already one of the biggest in Europe. Many mosques and other religious places, restaurants, bazaars, palaces and viewpoints are to be found throughout the city and along the river. My utterly favourite - the Basilica Cistern - should not be missed! It is a powerful and extensive column structure, located beneath the city and not that far away from the Hagia Sophia Church.
Tip: for the animal lovers, cats can be found everywhere!
Tip: for the animal lovers, cats can be found everywhere!
AROUND KUSADASI
After a few days, we left Istanbul behind and took a bus and somehow during the night a ferry boat to Kusadasi. There we were able to rent a car through a touristic agency in order to start our road trip. We went from Kusadasi until a place south of Turkey called Kalkan, which is considerably touristic. Kusadasi also receives many tourists per year, mainly because of 3 sites - the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary and Pamukkale. The last one is totally worth a visit - mineral-rich thermal waters running down a hill in different levels, where people can bath and enjoy the sun directly. Close by there are some well-preserved ruins, which refer to the former Roman spa city called Hierapolis.
After a few days, we left Istanbul behind and took a bus and somehow during the night a ferry boat to Kusadasi. There we were able to rent a car through a touristic agency in order to start our road trip. We went from Kusadasi until a place south of Turkey called Kalkan, which is considerably touristic. Kusadasi also receives many tourists per year, mainly because of 3 sites - the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary and Pamukkale. The last one is totally worth a visit - mineral-rich thermal waters running down a hill in different levels, where people can bath and enjoy the sun directly. Close by there are some well-preserved ruins, which refer to the former Roman spa city called Hierapolis.
AROUND FETHIYE
Driving to Fethiye and afterwards Kalkan was a long but beautiful route. Between towns, we stopped frequently and visited many archeological sites, like Pinara, Patara and Letoon. Most of them cannot be reached without a car, because of its dirt roads and high grounds. Good walking shoes are mostly recommended!!! Tlos, for example, is an ancient hilltop citadel around Kalkan and for you to be able to visit it, you need to cover some ground.
AROUND KALKAN
While in the Kalkan region try not to miss the town Kas and the lovely blue beaches nearby. Further away from the seashore and on the way back to Fethiye, you will find one of the best natural spots in Turkey - the Saklikent National Park. The park is located exactly between Kas and Fethiye and can be reached by car or by bus. The huge canyon is walkable all year around but most tracks only after April due to the water level, as it may rise in the winter season. The full length of 16km is possible with professional guidance. Even the short route of about 4km will make you feel like a pro, while discovering the unique shapes, stone cliffs and clear fresh waters of the "Hidden City".
Driving to Fethiye and afterwards Kalkan was a long but beautiful route. Between towns, we stopped frequently and visited many archeological sites, like Pinara, Patara and Letoon. Most of them cannot be reached without a car, because of its dirt roads and high grounds. Good walking shoes are mostly recommended!!! Tlos, for example, is an ancient hilltop citadel around Kalkan and for you to be able to visit it, you need to cover some ground.
AROUND KALKAN
While in the Kalkan region try not to miss the town Kas and the lovely blue beaches nearby. Further away from the seashore and on the way back to Fethiye, you will find one of the best natural spots in Turkey - the Saklikent National Park. The park is located exactly between Kas and Fethiye and can be reached by car or by bus. The huge canyon is walkable all year around but most tracks only after April due to the water level, as it may rise in the winter season. The full length of 16km is possible with professional guidance. Even the short route of about 4km will make you feel like a pro, while discovering the unique shapes, stone cliffs and clear fresh waters of the "Hidden City".
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