Bucket list experience:
Turkey
In Greco-Roman terms it pays to think of southwest Turkey as eastern Greece, as the extraordinary profusion of ancient cities, temples and other sites demonstrate.
These lands, home to Herodotus, Homer and Heraclitus among other major historical figures, are an archaeological paradise, with tumbledown theatres, bathhouses, temples, fountains, defensive walls, and tombs at every turn.
The ruins, often wonderfully ‘unimproved’ in beautiful natural settings, generally show rich evidence of later civilisations including the Byzantines and Ottomans.
The crowds that comparable European sites attract are thankfully absent, and the access is largely unlimited.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Finike, Mediterranean Region, Turkey
This ancient Lycian mountain city dates back to the 5th or 6th century BC. Set on a series of terraces with exquisite views over the valley, it has an especially lovely theatre and some of the most extensive bath buildings in Anatolia.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Selcuk, Aegean Region, Turkey
Turkey’s top ancient site combines intact colonnaded streets, painstakingly restored facades and stunningly painted villa interiors to evoke Roman-era life in unparalleled richness.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Milas, Aegean Region, Turkey
Heraclea’s impressive Hellenistic-era defensive walls enclose not only ruined temples, theatre and agora but also the simple settlements of Kapikiri, a fishing community on the shores of Lake Bafa. The mountains behind the lake are scattered with ruined monasteries and ancient cave paintings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Denizli, Aegean Region, Turkey
An ancient and evocative Roman spa city dating back to AD 80 with a fabulous inland setting, above the famed calcite travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Turkey’s ancient sites can easily be discovered independently. The major sites are well signposted, though some less well-known gems may take some finding.
Sites are commonly manned by a ticket seller-cum-companion/guide who is likely to include his local knowledge and even a glass of tea in the ticket price. On-site information boards vary in quality. Expect to scramble in places.
Many excellent tour companies and tour guides operate in the region, offering expert-led holidays that take in the main archaeological sites. Editor: Jeremy Seal, our Turkey writer, is a Turkey expert with a special interest in archaeology. See his website for expert-led tours.
Long opening hours, in most cases seven days a week and all year round, often with free entry in the case of smaller sites.
Spring and autumn, ideally in the morning and late afternoon, is the best time to explore these exposed sites. Avoid the searing midday heat in July to August.
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Monmouth, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
Highly-regarded, multi-award-winning cultural tour and upscale gulet cruise expert operating a fleet of boats in Turkey, Croatia, Greece. There’s a range of expert-led themed tours available including foodie, archaeology, hiking and special family tours for small groups or private land-based tours or gulet charters.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Delightful small-group tours around Turkey, both by gulet and on land, personally led by two top Turkey specialists – leading Turkish travel writer Jeremy Seal, and Turkish archaeologist Yunus Ozdemir.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Aegean Region, Turkey
A vibrant resort area with the buzzy town of Bodrum at its heart, and picturesque smaller resorts and villages strung out along the adjoining peninsula.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast offers an unbeatable mix of mountain-backed beaches, classical ruins and adventure activities, with superb food and delightful owner-run hotels.
