Top Things To Do In Urfa (Şanlıurfa), Turkey: How To Explore One Of The World’s Most Important Historic Centers

Discover the best things to do in Şanlıurfa, Turkey’s ancient “City of Prophets,” from the 12,000-year-old temples of Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe to the sacred carp of Abraham’s Pool, the beehive houses of Harran, and one of the most authentic bazaars in the country

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with history. Growing up in Canada, a country that’s only a little over 150 years old, the idea of standing somewhere that has been continuously shaped by people for more than 12,000 years felt almost impossible to wrap my head around. Then I traveled with my family to Şanlıurfa.

This is a region of Turkey that gave rise to some of the most important moments in human history, and yet almost no one, at least people from North America, travels here. We arrived at the tail end of a four-week journey through Turkey. An epic travel adventure that brought us through Istanbul, Selcuk and Ephesus, down through Kas and Fethiye among other places, trimmed by a week-long cruise through Greece. Our travels in the country so far had been epic, and Şanlıurfa turned out to be the perfect finale.

Şanlıurfa feels like a city that has seen it all. And in the scope of modern human history, it pretty much has. And as much as the city feels ancient, it somehow has managed to hold on to the many ages of humankind it has borne witness to, and rather than wipe the slate clean and start again, all of that history has been wrapped into itself and put on display for all to see.

In a nutshell, Şanlıurfa is one of the most fascinating cities that I have ever traveled to. And after more than 60 countries across five continents, that’s saying a lot.

On this trip, Christina and I had dragged the boys out of bed at the crack of dawn more than once, and not one of those mornings was wasted. Standing at the edge of Göbekli Tepe with my family, letting that number, 12,000-years, settle in, was one of the most profound moments of our three weeks in the country.

This guide covers my favorite things to do in and around Şanlıurfa, the day trips worth taking, where to stay, and the practical details you need to plan a visit to one of the most rewarding corners of Turkey.

About Sanliurfa

Şanlıurfa, often just called Urfa by locals, is a busy city of around two million people, with crowded streets, markets, bazaars, shops, mosques, and cafes. Life here feels a little like Istanbul on a micro-scale, only far less touristy.

The city’s history has been a staging point for some of the most staggering events in history, and it shows. Şanlıurfa is old, and it feels that way. Not in an “everything is falling apart” kind of way; instead, every corner seems to offer a quiet story that dates back to time periods that seem almost unimaginable.

Göbekli Tepe, just outside the city, is around 12,000 years old, older than human farming. By tradition, the Prophet Abraham was born in a cave here more than 4,000 years ago, which is why Urfa is known as the “City of Prophets.” It was fought over by the Persian and Roman empires, conquered by Alexander the Great, and renamed Edessa. The city became one of the early centers of Christianity, and fell under Arab control in the 7th century. The Ottomans called it Urfa, and in the 20th century it was honored with the name Şanlıurfa, “Glorious Urfa,” for its resistance during the Turkish War of Independence.

To say that this city has seen a lot is an understatement.

The city also stands at a crossroads of religious importance. The history here stretches back to the early days of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, making Şanlıurfa one of the most important historical places in the world for three of the world’s largest religions.

Our Visit to Şanlıurfa

My family based ourselves at the Şehrazat Konağı Hotel in the heart of the old town, and we were guided through the city by Taho, a fantastic guide we found on Tours by Locals. The day before, Taho had taken us to Mount Nemrut for sunrise, then on to the Severan Bridge, the Karakuş Tumulus, Arsameia, and a sunset cruise past the sunken city of Halfeti.

Our first full day in Urfa started early, with a drive out to Göbekli Tepe. We spent two hours there, and I’ll never forget Dylan, halfway up the path to the ridge, turning around to announce, “You can see everything from here.” Before we left, we even met Ridvan Yıldız, the grandson of Şafak Yıldız, the farmer whose field turned out to hold the oldest known temple on earth.

From there we drove to Harran, where the boys raced through the maze of mud-brick beehive houses, amazed by how cool the air stayed inside. Back in the city, we fed the sacred carp at Balıklıgöl, peered into the Cave of Abraham, climbed up to Urfa Castle, and lost a happy few hours in the bazaar, where Christina and the boys hunted down the perfect Turkish scarves. We finished at Şanlıurfa Airport, flying home to Canada through Istanbul, exhausted and completely won over.

What stays with me most is the welcome. The locals here have a warmth toward kids that surpasses most places we’ve ever visited. It’s not a politeness or tolerance, but a genuinely warm, pull-up-a-chair, here-is-some-baklava, let-me-show-you-my-shop kind of way.

Our Southeast Turkey Travel Video

Interested in exploring more about travel in Sanliurfa and the rest of Southeast Turkey? Check out our YouTube video that shares our experiences through Mount Nemrut, Arsameia, the Severan Bridge, Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe, and Harran.

Things To Do In Şanlıurfa

Walking through Şanlıurfa is a step into authentic Turkey. Few travelers make the journey this far east, and those who do are rewarded with a city that feels lived in rather than performed for visitors.

Walk Among The World’s Oldest Temples At Göbekli Tepe

Located about 20 minutes outside of Şanlıurfa, Göbekli Tepe is roughly 12,000 years old, older than Stonehenge by around six thousand years and older than the invention of farming and writing. It’s the oldest known monumental structure ever found, a hilltop of stone enclosures built by hunter-gatherers who, until its discovery, weren’t thought capable of creating anything remotely like it. In essence, the discovery of this place changed the modern perception of human history.

When we reached the main enclosures, we were immediately blown away by the sheer size of the massive pillars. The central T-shaped stones stand around 18 feet (5.5 m) tall and weigh eight to ten tonnes, and we were so gobsmacked by their scale that it took a few moments to notice the intricate carvings of foxes, boars, snakes, and vultures covering them. Today a modern visitor center sits at the base of the ridge, and a short path leads up to the excavations, which you view from elevated wooden walkways beneath a huge protective canopy.

• Best for: history lovers and anyone who wants to feel very small in the best way.
• Don’t miss: the central pillars of Enclosure D and the carved animals on their sides.
• Good to know: foreign visitors pay around €20, and the Museum Pass Türkiye is accepted. Go at opening to beat the heat and the tour buses, and allow at least two hours. A guide transforms the experience; I highly recommend Taho from Tours by Locals.
• Popular tour: You can book through Tours by Locals or get a private tour here.
• Read more: You can read my complete guide to visiting Göbekli Tepe here.

Discover The Carved Faces Of Karahan Tepe

Göbekli Tepe turned out to be only the beginning. When my family was visiting, this archaeological site was just being uncovered. Now, it’s been found to be just one of a dozen or so similar sites in the region, known together as the Taş Tepeler, or “Stone Hills.” Its most astonishing sibling is Karahan Tepe, about an hour east of the city in the Tektek Mountains. Believed to be just as ancient, it’s famous for a chamber carved straight into the bedrock, where a human head emerges from the wall, and a forest of stone pillars rises from the floor.

We didn’t make it to Karahan Tepe on our visit, and it’s right at the top of my list for when we return. It’s now open to visitors with designated walking routes, and fewer people make the trip than to Göbekli Tepe, so you may well have it almost to yourself.

• Best for: history lovers who want to go beyond Göbekli Tepe.
• Don’t miss: the Pillar Shrine with its carved head emerging from the rock.
• Good to know: it’s remote with limited transport, so go with a guide or a hired car, and confirm access and ticketing before you set out, since excavation work can change what’s open. Allow about two hours on site.
• Popular tour: This tour combines both Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe on a full-day outing.

Feed The Sacred Carp At Balıklıgöl (Abraham’s Pool)

In the heart of Şanlıurfa, Balıklıgöl, the Pool of the Sacred Fish, is the top attraction in Şanlıurfa. It’s both a major pilgrimage site and the city’s most beautiful urban park. The long pond is fed by fountains and filled with hundreds of fat, sacred carp, framed by the Rızvaniye Mosque and madrasa and the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque.

Legend says the wicked King Nimrod had Abraham hurled into a fire for smashing the city’s idols, but God turned the flames into water and the burning logs into fish. The carp have been protected ever since. The boys had a fantastic time feeding the fish (you can buy food from vendors along the edge of the water for a few lira) and wandering the connected pathways, streams, and rose gardens. Just nearby is a second sacred pool, Ayn-ı Zeliha, tied to the legend of Nimrod’s daughter, who is said to have leaped into the fire after Abraham.

• Best for: everyone, and especially younger kids.
• Don’t miss: feeding the carp, then getting an ice cream by the water.
• Good to know: it’s busiest and most atmospheric in the early evening, when local families come out to stroll.
• Popular tour: This private tour hits all of the major stops in Şanlıurfa.

Visit The Cave Of The Prophet Abraham (Hazreti Ibrahim Halilullah)

Within the same complex as the sacred pool, beside the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, lies the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. According to tradition, his birth was kept secret because King Nimrod had ordered the death of all of the region’s newborn boys, and Abraham was hidden here in his early years.

It’s free to visit and an important pilgrimage site for Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and it’s a site that many Muslims visit before making the Hajj to Mecca. There are separate entrances for men and women, and pilgrims collect holy water from a running faucet inside.

• Best for: a meaningful cultural and religious experience.
• Don’t miss: the quiet moment inside the cave itself.
• Good to know: dress modestly; women will need a headscarf, which can usually be borrowed at the entrance.

See The Cave And Complex Of The Prophet Job

In the southern part of the city stands the complex where the Prophet Job (Eyyüp) is said to have rested during his long affliction with a terrible skin disease. According to Christian, Islamic, and Jewish tradition, God commanded Job to strike the rock, and healing water gushed forth. Pilgrims still come every year to bathe in and drink the water from the well, and the peaceful complex is a quieter counterpoint to the bustle around Balıklıgöl.

• Best for: a calm, reflective stop away from the crowds.
• Don’t miss: the well said to hold Job’s healing water.
• Good to know: as with all religious sites, dress modestly and visit outside prayer times.

Explore The Şanlıurfa Archaeology And Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museums

The Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum tells the epic story of the province, from the Stone Age to the Ottomans, and it’s the perfect way to make sense of everything you’ll see in the region. Its treasures include finds from Göbekli Tepe and a full-scale reconstruction of one of its enclosures, along with the Urfa Man, a roughly 11,000-year-old statue that’s considered the oldest known life-sized sculpture of a human.

Right next door, under a huge dome, the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum protects the floors of a Roman-era villa uncovered by accident during construction work. Its mosaics are some of the finest in the region, including remarkable scenes of Amazon warrior queens and a famous portrait of Orpheus. A single ticket covers both.

• Best for: rainy days, hot afternoons, and anyone about to visit Göbekli Tepe.
• Don’t miss: the Urfa Man and the Amazon mosaics.
• Good to know: give yourself two to three hours for both; foreign visitors pay around €10 for the combined ticket, and the Museum Pass Türkiye is accepted.

Wander The Rock-Cut Tombs Of Kızılkoyun Necropolis

Just east of the archaeology museum, Kızılkoyun Necropolis is a hillside honeycombed with rock-cut burial caves from the Roman era. There are more than 70 of them, holding over a hundred burial chambers, some decorated with carved reliefs. It’s free to wander, and lit up at night, it makes an atmospheric, slightly spooky stop that kids love.

• Best for: curious kids and an easy add-on to the museums.
• Don’t miss: a visit after dark, when the tombs are lit.
• Good to know: the ground is uneven, so wear good shoes.
• Popular tour: This private tour hits all of the major stops in Şanlıurfa.

Climb To Urfa Castle

Looming over Balıklıgöl, Urfa Castle is so old that no one is quite sure when the first fortress went up here; legend ties it to King Nimrod himself. The outer walls date to the early medieval period, protected by a deep trench cut into the rock at the cliff’s base, and Greek, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman builders all left their mark. The two tall Corinthian columns at the top, known as “Nimrod’s Throne,” are the city’s most famous silhouette.

We followed the winding switchback trail up from Gölbaşı Park for spectacular views over the old city. Note that the castle has since closed for restoration work, so check whether it has reopened before you plan on the climb. Even from below, and especially lit up at night, it’s a striking sight.

• Best for: views over the old city, when it’s open.
• Don’t miss: the columns of “Nimrod’s Throne” lit up at night from Balıklıgöl.
• Good to know: closed for restoration at last check; confirm locally before you go.

Get Lost In The Şanlıurfa Bazaar And Gümrük Hanı

The Şanlıurfa bazaar is the most authentic market experience anywhere in Turkey. It offers a maze-like glimpse into local life. The bazaar features covered lanes packed with sacks of herbs and spices, meat and fish, clothing, fabric, and artisan metalwork, and the coppersmiths’ and blacksmiths’ lanes ring with the sound of hammering. It’s easy to lose a couple of hours here, and Christina and the boys emerged triumphant with the perfect Turkish scarves.

At the heart of it all sits Gümrük Hanı, a beautiful 16th-century caravanserai whose courtyard is crowded with tea tables, backgammon games, and the city’s social life. This is the place to try the local pistachio hot chocolate, also known as a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate. This is a local favorite and one of the best things I drank in all of Turkey. Cohen and Dylan were on the fence about whether they liked it or not.

The bazaar is an easy walk from the sacred pool.

• Best for: shopping, people-watching, and soaking up local life.
• Don’t miss: a pistachio hot chocolate in the Gümrük Hanı courtyard.
• Good to know: bring cash, and haggle with a smile.

Admire The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

The Grand Mosque, or Ulu Cami, is a stunning reminder of how many cultures have called this city home. The site is said to have held a Jewish synagogue before becoming the Church of St. Stephen in the 5th century, and it was later rebuilt as a mosque in the 12th century. Its tall freestanding tower (once the church’s bell tower) and quiet, cypress-shaded courtyard make it a cool refuge from the midday heat.

• Best for: history and architecture.
• Don’t miss: the courtyard and the old bell tower turned minaret.
• Good to know: dress modestly and avoid visiting during prayer times.

See the Selahaddin Eyyubi Mosque

We ran out of time on our travels in Şanlıurfa before we could visit, but locals told us that Selahaddin Eyyubi is the most beautiful mosque in the city. It was once the Church of St. John the Baptist (not to be confused with the famous basilica in Selçuk), and when it was converted into a mosque, it kept much of its Christian architecture, which gives it a look unlike any other mosque in the city. It’s well worth a visit if you have extra time.

• Good to know: as with all mosques, dress modestly and visit outside prayer times.
• Best for: travelers with a spare hour in the old town.
• Don’t miss: the blend of church and mosque architecture.
• Popular tour: This private tour hits all of the major stops in Şanlıurfa.

Wander The Old Town Lanes To The Reji Church

Beyond the big sights, some of Urfa’s best moments come from simply wandering its old stone neighborhoods, with their honey-colored houses, low arched passages, and hidden courtyards. Aim for the Reji Church, a restored 19th-century church that later served as a tobacco warehouse (the “Régie,” which gave it its name) and is now a cultural center, with a lovely courtyard and a graceful double staircase.

• Best for: photographers and slow wanderers.
• Don’t miss: the Reji Church courtyard and staircase.
• Good to know: it’s a short walk from Balıklıgöl and makes a quieter end to a busy day.

Eat Your Way Through Urfa

Urfa is one of the great foodie cities of Turkey, and the flavors here are distinct from anywhere else in the country. Start with the famous Urfa kebab, a hand-minced lamb kebab that’s milder than its fiery Adana cousin, seasoned with the city’s signature smoky, raisin-dark isot pepper. Try çiğ köfte, spicy bulgur rolls wrapped in lettuce, and finish with şıllık, a crisp, walnut-filled local pastry soaked in syrup, or a plate of künefe.

Then brace yourself for mırra, the region’s ultra-strong, bitter coffee served in tiny cups, a ritual of hospitality you’ll be offered more than once. Historic caravanserai restaurants like Cevahir Han and terrace spots overlooking Balıklıgöl make atmospheric settings for dinner. For more ideas, here are some of my favorite foods to eat in Turkey that I wrote for Flavor the Globe.

• Best for: adventurous eaters (and kids who love kebabs).
• Don’t miss: Urfa kebab with isot pepper, and a tiny cup of mırra.
• Good to know: alcohol is hard to find in this conservative, religiously significant city, so plan accordingly.

Experience A Traditional Sıra Gecesi

For a true taste of Urfa culture, join a sıra gecesi, a traditional evening of food, conversation, and live folk music. Guests sit cross-legged on cushions around low tables in a historic stone mansion while musicians play the region’s soulful, rhythmic songs late into the night. Several konak restaurants in the old town host them, especially for groups, and they’re a memorable way to spend an evening with older kids.

• Best for: families who want a cultural night out.
• Don’t miss: joining in with the clapping and singing.
• Good to know: ask your hotel or guide to book one for you, since they’re often arranged by reservation.

Explore The Beehive Houses And Ancient University Of Harran

About 40 minutes south of central Şanlıurfa, Harran has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years and was one of our favorite places near the city. It’s famous for its beehive houses, conical mud-brick buildings whose design has been used here for thousands of years, though each one only lasts a few decades, so the ones you’ll see today are relatively recent. The kids had an incredible time zipping through the maze-like rooms, and we were all amazed by how naturally cool the air stays inside, thanks to the brilliant airflow design.

Harran was also home to one of the world’s early great centers of learning, where scholars studied astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. Today it’s mostly ruins, badly damaged by earthquakes over the centuries, including the devastating quakes of February 2023, but its astronomy tower and ancient city walls still stand, and restoration work continues.

• Good to know: it’s hot and exposed, so go early or late in the day with plenty of water.
• Best for: families, architecture lovers, and history buffs.
• Don’t miss: exploring inside the beehive houses.
• Popular tour: This tour combines Harran with a visit to Gobekli Tepe and Balikligol

Venture Out To The Ancient Temples Of Soğmatar

About 50 miles (80 km) from Şanlıurfa, the remote village of Soğmatar holds ancient wells, rock tombs, stone reliefs, and open-air temples to the moon and sun gods, a remnant of the region’s pagan past. Archaeologists have even found a 5,000-year-old children’s toy here, and tradition holds that the Prophet Moses fled here from the Egyptian pharaohs. It pairs well with Harran for a full day out.

• Best for: adventurous history lovers.
• Don’t miss: the carved reliefs on the sacred hill.
• Good to know: it’s remote and has few facilities, so go with a guide or a driver who knows the way.

Day Trips From Sanliurfa

There are plenty of attractions in Şanlıurfa to keep you busy for a couple of days, but if you have time to stretch your legs, these are worth the drive.

Halfeti Sunken City

About an hour and a half from Şanlıurfa, near the border with Gaziantep province, Halfeti is a beautiful riverside town partly drowned by the waters of the Birecik Dam in 1999. Today, a minaret and the tops of several buildings poke up out of the water, and a boat trip past them is hauntingly lovely. We took a brilliant sunset cruise along the river, passing the 1,500-year-old Rumkale fortress on its cliff. One key tip: make sure you’re heading to Eski (Old) Halfeti, not Yeni (New) Halfeti, about 10 km away, which has no lake. This popular tour combines both Harran and a Halfeti Sunken City boat tour.

Severan Bridge

About two and a half hours from Şanlıurfa, the 2,000-year-old Severan Bridge (also known as the Cendere Bridge) was built in the 2nd century CE on the orders of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in honor of his sons. It has withstood two millennia of earthquakes, floods, and human use, and it carried vehicle traffic until only recently. It spans a beautiful gorge on the Cendere Stream that’s a popular local picnic and camping spot, and we dipped our toes in the water below. Sadly, many visitors leave glass, garbage, and smoldering fire pits behind, so pack out everything you bring.

Karakuş Tumulus

About 15 minutes from the Severan Bridge, the Karakuş Tumulus is a burial mound built by Mithridates II, son of King Antiochus I, in honor of the royal women of his family. It’s ringed by columns topped with figures including an eagle and a bull, and while the tomb was looted long ago, the views from the circular trail around it are spectacular.

Arsameia

Arsameia dates back to the 3rd century BCE and served as the summer residence of the rulers of Commagene, including Antiochus I. Its underground chambers are mostly inaccessible due to earthquake damage, but its highlight is a remarkably detailed stele relief believed to be the first depiction of the god Mithras-Helios. Access can be restricted, so check locally; our guide used his contacts to get us in for a look. It’s about an hour southwest of Mount Nemrut.

Mount Nemrut

About three and a half hours from Şanlıurfa, the 7,000-foot summit of Mount Nemrut holds one of the most magnificent monuments in eastern Turkey: the 2,000-year-old tomb of King Antiochus I, guarded by colossal stone heads of Greek, Armenian, and Persian gods. It’s remote and best visited as part of a tour. We drove partway up and hiked to the summit for sunrise, and it was unforgettable. You can read my complete guide to visiting Mount Nemrut here.

Is Şanlıurfa Safe To Visit For Families?

We felt safe and wonderfully welcome throughout our time in Şanlıurfa, and the city is increasingly well set up for visitors thanks to Göbekli Tepe’s growing fame. That said, a little context matters here. Şanlıurfa sits about 50 km (30 miles) north of the Syrian border, and governments including Canada and the United States advise against all travel within 10 km of that border. The city itself, Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and Harran all lie outside that zone, but it’s essential to check your government’s current travel advisory before you go and to stay informed while you’re there.

A few practical notes. Once you head this far east, English becomes rare, so download Google Translate for offline use. This is a conservative, deeply religious city, so dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and bring a headscarf for women and girls visiting mosques. And as I learned, the far east of Turkey is not the place to wing it. Distances are large, and the difference between a memorable trip and a frustrating one often comes down to a single person who knows what they’re doing. Hire a good local guide.

When To Visit Şanlıurfa

The best times to visit are spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when days are warm and evenings pleasant. Summer is brutally hot, regularly climbing above 40°C (104°F), which makes exploring exposed sites like Göbekli Tepe and Harran genuinely tough with kids. Winter is mild but can be damp. If you do visit in summer, start at dawn, rest through the afternoon, and head back out in the evening when the city comes alive.

How To Get To Şanlıurfa

Most visitors fly into Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, about 45 minutes from the city, with connections through Istanbul and Ankara; shuttle buses and taxis run into town. Alternatively, fly into Gaziantep, about two to two and a half hours away by road, which pairs nicely with a visit to Halfeti. We arrived from Mount Nemrut with our guide and flew out of Şanlıurfa’s airport back home to Canada via Istanbul.

Where To Stay In Sanliurfa, Turkey

Şanlıurfa is a big city, so there’s no shortage of places to stay, but a central location near Balıklıgöl and the old town makes exploring far easier.

Sehrazat Konagi Hotel

This is where we stayed, and it made a perfect base, about a 15-minute walk from Urfa Castle. It’s clean and comfortable, with a large open courtyard and an excellent Turkish breakfast. There are no family-sized rooms, so we booked two rooms side by side. You can check prices and availability for the Şehrazat Konağı Hotel here.

Astarte Hotel

Less than half a mile from Balıklıgöl, the Astarte Hotel is built around a traditional outdoor courtyard with a terrace and garden. Its rooms are large and air-conditioned; it’s consistently one of the best-reviewed stays in the city, and there’s a 24-hour front desk. You can check prices and availability for the Astarte Hotel here.

Tessera Hotel

One of the top-rated hotels in Şanlıurfa, the Tessera is less than a mile from the city center and known for its excellent Turkish breakfast. Its bedrooms are extremely comfortable and open, with air conditioning and sitting areas, and it offers an airport shuttle for an additional charge. You can check prices and availability for the Tessera Hotel here.

Travel Resources for Families Visiting Turkey

For practical planning, safety considerations, and logistics, these dedicated guides provide deeper support:

Tips For Family Travel In Turkey

Family travel in Turkey, especially in places like Sanliurfa and the Southeast, requires some planning and a little bit of luck. Some areas of this country can be closed due to political unrest, so it’s always a good idea to check out current travel advisories and stay informed of the current travel status.

Check out our Turkey Family Travel Blog for everything that you need to know about family travel in Turkey, and watch our Tips for Family Travel in Turkey video below to help you plan an unforgettable visit to this mesmerizing and wonderful country.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Şanlıurfa

Enjoy Your Time in Şanlıurfa, Turkey

With a history stretching back 12,000 years, Şanlıurfa is one of the most incredible places to visit in the country. It sees far fewer visitors than Fethiye or Cappadocia, which means you get an authentic taste of real Turkish life, a vast range of things to do, and a welcome you won’t forget. It’s a worthy off-the-beaten-path destination and an unforgettable place for a family adventure.

For more, explore my list of the best places to visit in Turkiye, and join the Family Travel Support Group on Facebook.

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