All Ancient Sites on Turkey Trip Planner

Warning: Izmir is not a transit zone! Travelers far too often overlook fascinating Izmir’s untapped potential. Time to take a tour around this gem of Read more...

You will find Euromos along the road to Milas when driving from Miletus or Bafa. Most of this site still has to be uncovered, but Read more...

Kremna combines a beautiful hike with spectacular vistas and a unique temple tomb. If you like ancient sites in a stunning setting, add this one Read more...

Sura is unknown to most travelers. It features a superb necropolis and is home to a fascinating fish oracle near its Apollo Temple. Looking for Read more...

When it comes to natural beauty & mystery, you’re spoiled at Gerga. You will leave this awe-inspiring cult-site dazzled, but with more questions than answers. Read more...

Nysa is an olive grove & an ancient site. This place is home to olive farmers, antique buildings & the 2nd most important library in Read more...

Lyrbe, also known as Seleukeia, will blow you away with its spectacular & undiscovered ruins set in a pine-scented forest in the Tauros Mountains. Check Read more...

When 21st-century roads overlap with old caravan roads, you spot a mind-blowing caravanserai like Susuz Han. Join us for a sneaky throwback to Seljuk times! Read more...

Ariassos lies hidden in the mountains above Antalya. This off-the-beaten-track ancient city is the perfect spot for hiking and walking ancient Roman roads.   Little-known Read more...

Looking for a road stop with a plus? Tabae ancient site has cave houses, a painted mosque, and hidden tunnels. A great place to stretch Read more...

Tripolis ancient site is overlooked by tourists but loved by archaeologists. At only 20km from Pamukkale, this places deserves a spot on your Turkey itinerary. Read more...

Laodicea on the Lycus offers distant Pamukkale-views and a great insight into the intriguing world of archaeology. This is where history is being reconstructed!   Read more...

A visit to Alında adds a bit of magic to your day. This site effortlessly combines impressive ruins, with a stunning setting. A must visit Read more...

Alabanda is just lying there in between the village & the meadows: modest & grand at the same time. Discover its grand theatre & intriguing Read more...

Want to know how to be happy? Head up to Oinoanda in Turkey! That’s where researchers found an Epicurean inscription from Diogenes that sets out Read more...

Rhodiapolis remained under the radar for a long time, until the restoration scandal. Is it really this bad? Check out our photos and judge for Read more...

Swim in Limyra’s Basilica ruins or while away the day in the shade of the many trees on this idyllic ancient site near Finike.   Read more...

Have you been to Iasos near Bodrum? If not, check it out in this post. You’ll start making plans for a visit right away! Waterside Read more...

If you like offbeat destinations and history, Kibyra should be on your list when you’re in Turkey! Take a look at what you’re missing out Read more...

Tralleis should be on your list if you’re near Aydın and into off-beat places. Apart from a famous selfie-spot for locals, there are also secret Read more...

Teos is a brilliant combination of antiquity, sea & beach, and a dose of mythology with a temple dedicated to Dionysus: God of wine & Read more...

Beçin Castle is a place that most people admire from a distance. Visible from the main Milas – Muğla road, this gem offers so much Read more...

Are you looking to discover the non-touristy Muğla? Lagina ancient site and its Hekate Temple are under the radar places waiting to be seen!   Read more...

The Apollo Temple in Didyma, near Didim, is a sacred site and a quite spectacular one too! When visiting, go explore the village surrounding it, Read more...

When visiting Stratonikeia in Turkey you step into Greek and Ottoman history, but also in today’s village life. Well worth a stop!   Stratonikeia, a Read more...

Side, Turkey: the Mediterranean resort that effortlessly combines antiquity, a typical old-town, and state-of-the-art wining and dining.   Side, Turkey: modern tourist resort meets antiquity Read more...

Kyaneai is a site that appeals to real explorers. The terrain is rough, the infrastructure non-existing, but the number of sarcophagi is beyond comparison.   Read more...

Granted, 2.200-year-old Amos isn’t a resort, far from it. But if you are touring the peninsula, you might want to head up the hill of Read more...

Looking for out-of-this-world views near Fethiye? Follow the long-distance footpath to Af Kule Monastery, between Gemiler & Kayaköy!   Af Kule Monastery: spectacular views after Read more...

Sardis church is not a church, it’s an ancient site with an impressive gymnasium and one of the best-preserved Roman Synagogues in the world.   Read more...

Want to see the best-preserved antique stadium in the world? Look no further, Magnesia has it & much more! Discover it along with a map Read more...

Put Perge on your list! Its colonnaded streets, Roman Baths & theatre are just a few of the things that will intrigue you. Here’s what to Read more...

Visit this fascinating ruined church with an ossuary in the garden. You’ll be baffled, whether you’re into urbex or not. Make the detour, it’s worth Read more...

Priene offers a perfect mixture of serenity and grandeur. It’s the most studied ancient city after Pompeii. Discover these fascinating ruins!   Priene, Aristotle’s ideal Read more...

Looking for an impressive site in Antalya that is off the beaten path? Check out Arykanda! You’ll probably be the only ones there!   Uncovering Read more...

Talk about bucket list experiences! Visit Aphrodite at Aphrodisias in Turkey and check another UNESCO site off your bucket list.   Visit Aphrodite at Aphrodisias Read more...

Chasing beauty in Cleopatra’s footsteps visiting her sunken hammam near Göcek, only accessible by foot or by boat. A great day trip from Fethiye!   Read more...

In Phaselis, you can have a swim in a naturally divine place full of history, next to historical artifacts from 309BC. Peaceful beauty at its Read more...

Crystal clear waters and your own private beach with ruins as a backdrop? You’ll find it in a former pirates’ nest: Kalabantia!   Visiting a Read more...

There are plenty of ruins in Turkey, but Termessos must be among the most fascinating ones. If you want to feel like a real explorer, Read more...

If you haven’t heard of Sagalassos yet, keep reading, because you’re missing out! You need to visit this ancient site in Turkey!   Sagalassos: ancient Read more...

Myra combines the biggest Lycian theatre with impressively stacked rock tombs and Medusa’s and ornamental masks scattered around the place. Check it out!   Why Read more...

Looking for a fun cultural day out with kids in Kalkan or Kas? Go to Andriake! The old harbor is a great place to introduce Read more...

The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers is a lovely road stop during your ventures around Ephesus. Check out where to find it here.   Exploring Read more...

Selçuk is so much more than the gate to Ephesus. This little Turkish town has a lot to offer, including one of the wonders of Read more...

Ephesus is overwhelming & very crowded at times. To make the most out of your Efes visit, come prepared. Easy, peasy with this ultimate guide Read more...

Visiting Olympos is perfect if you’re looking for a lovely mix of romantic vibes to meet ancient sites. It’s pretty, it’s seaside, and it’s not Read more...

When in Antalya and in need of a culture shot, Aspendos theatre will blow you away. It is the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world. Read more...

Kaunos, Turkey should be on your list; not just to sail past its Lycian Tombs. Go and explore it! If you don’t, this is what Read more...

Cadianda is a perfect escape from the sun. This almost hidden site up in the woods behind Fethiye, Turkey is a fairy tale on its Read more...

If you like a bit of cult, Letoon is the sacred cult center of ancient Lycia. That & its proximity to sister-site Xanthos is enough Read more...

Is Unesco site Xanthos worth your time when in Turkey or should you have a look at the alternatives? Find out for yourself in this Read more...

Tlos is the oldest Lycian city in Turkey. It houses the tomb of Pegasus, but more importantly, it’s a site you shouldn’t miss. Check out Read more...

Precious moments can be modest, like eating a sandwich amidst the cows & Lycian Sarcophagi in Sidyma, Turkey. Probably the most serene site in the Read more...

Ever dreamt of swimming in Cleopatra’s pool? Then make sure your trip to Pamukkale includes enough time to discover Hierapolis.   Hierapolis: the underrated site Read more...

No need to be a pilgrim or even to have an adoration for Zeus to visit Labraunda. This hidden gem between Bodrum and Lake Bafa Read more...

Knidos ancient site sits at the edge of the Datça peninsula. It’s an explosion of turquoise waters, 2 harbors, a windswept lighthouse, and sea view Read more...

Bodrum, Turkey has many landmarks and plenty to offer. Few travelers know about Pedasa, a hidden gem high up in the Bodrum hills.   Why Read more...

Visiting Patara in Turkey is combining a day at the beach with an immersion in history and culture. Check out this article and you’re convinced! Read more...

Lycian tombs, fragrant forests and a mystical and tranquil atmosphere are the ingredients of Pinara near Xanthos. Another one on your Turkey bucket list!   Read more...

Want to visit Cappadocia as if you were the first one to discover it? With these tips, chances are you’ll have it all to yourself, Read more...

Want to visit Cappadocia as if you were the first one to discover it? With these tips, chances are you’ll have it all to yourself, Read more...

Planning a visit to Cappadocia? Not too keen on waiting in line and sharing your experience with loads of other tourists? Then read this article! Read more...

Planning a visit to Cappadocia? Not too keen on waiting in line and sharing your experience with loads of other tourists? Then read this article! Read more...

Planning a visit to Cappadocia? Not too keen on waiting in line and sharing your experience with loads of other tourists? Then read this article! Read more...

Walking the Lycian Way is the experience of a lifetime. When hiking, it’s always good to come prepared. We’ve done the legwork for you!   Read more...

Looking for a culture trip in Turkey without busloads of other tourists breathing down your neck? Miletus has a lot that Ephesus has no longer… Read more...

Lake Bafa is located at a stone’s throw from major tourist locations. It combines ancient sites, rock tombs, pristine nature, mountains, and a beach.   Read more...