Scenic Wonders and Cultural Treasures: 9 of Türkiye’s Best Hidden Gems

With its wealth of natural beauty and cultural allure, Türkiye offers travellers a treasure trove of hidden gems. From a lush green haven overlooking the Bosphorus to a natural wonder of a bay, here are nine of the very best.

Wander through Tophane Pavilion’s enchanting corridors

The Tophane Pavilion was built by order of the Sultan Abdülmecid and completed in 1852 (Photo: Getty Images)

The Ottomans called the residences of their sultan rulers kasr, and each of these historic buildings was furnished in a unique architectural style. Located in Karaköy, one of the most bustling quarters of Istanbul, Tophane Kasrı once hosted foreign state officials who came to Istanbul by sea, but in October 2024 the impressive interiors and golden halls of this extraordinary Baroque palace were opened up to visitors.

After a fascinating journey into the Ottoman past, stroll to your temporary home at JW Istanbul Bosphorus, which offers breathtaking Bosphorus views, a charming courtyard and 180 years of history. The hotel also boasts two excellent restaurants and a wine cellar that is regarded as one of Istanbul’s finest. 

Follow the trail of pirates in Karakaya Village, Bodrum

Karakaya Village is another of Turkey’s many hidden gems, located on the Bodrum Peninsula (Photo: Getty Images)

Located outside Bodrum on the slopes of the Peksimet Mountains, Karakaya Village is a true hidden gem, which takes visitors’ breath away with its 800-year history. Built to protect against pirate attacks from the sea, the village houses sixty historical stone buildings that bear traces of Greek architecture. Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views of Gümüşlük Beach after climbing to the top.

Those staying at The Bodrum Edition can enjoy the private pools and gardens of this exquisite hotel located near Yalıkavak Marina, Bodrum Castle and the Ancient Theatre. Enjoy a Turkish bath in the hotel’s unique spa, while watching views of the magnificent Aegean Sea. Another alternative in Bodrum, Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum is an 84-room haven with its own private beach. Each of the hotel’s finely furnished rooms has its own private terrace or balcony.

Experience Istanbul’s impressive marina life

Famously the meeting point of the East and the West, Istanbul is also one of Europe’s great yachting centres, and Ataköy Marina is an attractive starting point for those who are curious about the city’s long-established yacht culture.

One excellent accommodation option is the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea. Located in the heart of Ataköy, a few minutes’ drive from Ataköy Marina, the hotel boasts world-class cuisine, a superb spa featuring La Vallée products, and awe-inspiring sea views at every turn. 

Discover Istanbul’s unexpected Bosphorus views

The Bosphorus Bridge, which boasts impeccable views of Istanbul, was the first bridge to physically connect the European and Asian sides of the city (Photo: Getty Images)

Where should one go to find Istanbul’s most enchanting views of the Bosphorus river? The answer, as locals will tell you, is Ulus Park, one of the most memorable hidden gems the city has to offer. From the tranquil terraces of its lush green gardens, you can gaze at ships riding gently over the currents, before enjoying brunch at the park’s trendy cafe. If you want to extend your exploration of the city’s natural landscapes, head for Belgrade Forest, an hour’s drive north of the city. 

The rooms at Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, a ten-minute taxi ride from Ulus Park, offer some of the most beautiful Bosphorus views in this region. Wind down after the day’s adventures in the hotel’s traditional hamam, and order a drink to sip in your luxurious cabana by the open-air pool.

Ride the Historical Elevator to discover Izmir’s unique views

Izmir’s Historical Elevator, standing tall at 190 feet, was built to connect the lower and upper parts of the Karataş neighborhood (Photo: Getty Images)

With its unique perspective on the city, you'll be forever glad you sought out Izmir’s Historical Elevator. Built in 1907 to connect the high grounds of Karataş district with the narrow coastal road, the Historical Elevator takes you on a magical journey that feels like something out of a fantastical Jules Verne novel. At the top, enjoy the unique views of the city at one of the cafes lined up side by side.

Those staying at the Izmir Marriott Hotel, a thirty-minute stroll from the Historical Elevator, will find themselves surrounded by the unique beauty of the Aegean Sea, which is especially stunning from the hotel's rooftop bar – and don't forget to catch the sunset from the infinity pool.

Witness Çeşme’s stunning Delikli Bay with your own eyes

Çeşme Alaçatı is a local haven famed for its cobblestone streets and colourful stone houses (Photo: Getty Images)

Full of restaurants, bars and cafes, Çeşme Alaçatı is familiar to many. Then there are the curious travelers who make it to Delikli Bay, one of Alaçatı’s hidden gems. The word delikli means ‘pierced’, which will make perfect sense when you arrive. Where the shore meets the sea at Delikli Bay, an enormous rock rises up, its centre eroded by the ceaseless movement of the ocean. Take a dip and ponder just how long this natural process must have taken!

A short drive from the bay, Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Çeşme offers superb restaurants serving Italian and Aegean dishes, and the expansive Spa Reges. Let the day’s experiences soak in as your body receives a well-deserved dose of therapeutic attention. 

Walk in the footsteps of Turkish literary greats

“I sometimes think that life can’t be that bad. After all, one can always take a walk on the Bosphorus," says Turkey’s Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk. Aşiyan, which means “home” in Persian, is a neighbourhood located between Bebek and Rumelihisarı, where the waters of the Bosphorus flow just a few steps away, producing a calm, uplifting atmosphere.

After enjoying one of Aşiyan’s breakfast venues, visit the Aşiyan Museum which opened in 2012. The great Turkish poet Tevfik Fikret lived here for ten years, and you can examine the personal belongings and writing materials of Tevfik as well as other Tanzimat writers. Afterwards, browse the Bebek boutiques that line the Bosphorus and offer a variety of products such as jewellery, handmade souvenirs, and textiles.

A fifteen-minute taxi ride from the museum, Sheraton Istanbul Levent waits to greet you. The hotel’s Shine Spa will soothe any aches from your day’s exploring, while Levantino Restaurant will nourish and delight with its expertly prepared Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

Take a walk in Patara, the cradle of democracy

The Roman Triumphal Arch, built in the late 1st century AD, is a fascinating artifact that has to be seen to be believed (Photo: Getty Images)

Watching the sunset on the sand dunes of Patara near the Kalkan town of Kaş is an unforgettable experience. Among the historical artifacts here are the Roman Triumphal Arch, built in the late 1st century AD, and the Byzantine basilica, which you can see after climbing the hill.

Afterwards, stroll among the sand dunes on Patara Beach – at 18 kilometres, Türkiye’s longest – to take in the Mediterranean shrubs and the areas where loggerhead sea turtles nest.

After a day of adventure, it’s time to return to your base at Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara, which offers gorgeous views and exclusive access to Lara Beach.

Visit a storied calligraphy studio in the Historic Peninsula

Formerly the studio of calligraphy artist Emin Barın, the tucked-away Barın Han is an easily missed building in Çemberlitaş that now hosts fascinating art exhibitions. Even better: when you go up to the terrace of the building, you’ll be able to take in some unique views of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula. 

A stay at Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul, built in 1895 in a neo-classical style, puts you close to Barın Han. You can chat about Barın Han’s artworks while sipping masterful cocktails at the hotel’s Library Bar, and check out the hotel’s art corner, which features photographs by the Turkish artist Harun Doğan.

Published: February 13, 2025