One of the most vibrant cities in terms of nightlife, Istanbul offers different opportunities to nightlife enthusiasts 24/7. With all kinds of events ranging from nightclubs to festivals, from concerts to parties, from live music bars to street parties; Istanbul never sleeps.

Exciting Nights

Istanbul entertains its visitors all day. The nightlife, both dining and going out has never been more abundant. Within a range from affordable to ultra luxury, Istanbul offers world’s best tastes and entertainment for its guests. Various alternatives are available such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and clubs that are located across the city and serve both in summer and in winter.

Sometimes a sophisticated nightclub with dazzling view nearby the sea, sometimes an underground bar with non-stop headbangers or just a relaxing café serving you hookah and also open all night long. Every summer, worldwide known DJ’s visit the city and perform fabulous shows to enthusiastic crowds.

In Istanbul, there is something for everyone; bars playing rock, jazz or blues, dance clubs, traditional taverns called meyhane.

Shortly, Istanbul is just the right city to party and to experience the colourful nightlife. We said Istanbul never sleeps, so it will not let you sleep too.

Istanbul’s 24/7 Nightlife
Nightlife in Istanbul is multifarious, ranging from some rooted establishments to hip clubs, from partying by the sea to underground rock cafes, from gigantic venues to cosy live music bars. All these nightlife choices are scattered around the city, which boasts several centers when it comes to nightlife.

Galata: The music scene around the bohemian Galata neighbourhood attracts international jazz aficionados.

Golden Horn: There are several rooftop terraces, where you can enjoy nice music while watching the beautiful sunset across the fascinating scene of Halic (Golden Horn).

Bosphorus: If you rather dance to house music and looking for a fancy clubbing experience, the upscale clubs along the shores of the Bosphorus stand out with their exquisite ambience. Featuring lush waterfront terraces facing the glittering Bosphorus Bridge and an unforgettable sight, the venues in Ortakoy, Kurucesme and Bebek welcome internationally renowned DJs and live performers throughout the year.

Karakoy: Karakoy area is the new up and coming area for trendy nightlife as well.

Kadikoy: The Asian side of the city, known as Kadikoy, is known for the local music scene. Alongside of hip bars featuring a large variety of music, including jazz, reggae, world music, electronic, Latin or Turkish vibes, there are numerous underground clubs and bars and live performance venues.

Beyoglu: Beyoglu is one of the unique places in which you can listen to the Turkish traditional music bands whereas the crowd next door is headbanging and smashing electric guitars.

Have you ever watched a bird soaring high in the sky and wondered how it would feel to fly? Turkey’s Cappadocia and Pamukkale regions are the best places on earth for hot air balloon ride, where nature and history come together most beautifully within the world.

Ballooning
Hot air balloons in Turkey are licensed, regulated aircraft. Pilots must meet certain standards of training and experience to be licensed. Hot air balloon companies must carry insurance coverage.

In Turkey, the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is the licensing authority for hot air ballooning companies, just as it is for airlines. The 25 balloon companies in Cappadocia fly with an average of 260 days a year with 239 hot air balloons. Pamukkale has the 8 companies for balloon tours.

Ideal Time for Taking Off
Early mornings are the best time for taking off in a hot air balloon. Hot air ballooning usually takes place at wind speeds of up to 10 miles an hour. Also the winds have to be stable, otherwise you will end up feeling giddy in a balloon swaying to and fro like a pendulum.

Hot Air Balloon Tourism
Would you like to rediscover the sky, get closer to the clouds and experience a different excitement? Turkey is one of the countries in the world where hot air balloon transportations. Not only in Cappadocia, but also in many other provinces of Turkey, hot air balloon tourism is being done.

Cappadocia, Nevsehir
Pamukkale, Denizli
Karamanli, Burdur
Frig Valley, Eskisehir
Ahlat, Bitlis

Cappadocia: While geographic events are forming strange rock formations, during the historical period, humans had carried the signs of thousand years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within these earth pillars and decorating them with frescoes.

Hot air ballooning is the best way to view the amazing landscape and early history of Cappadocia.

Pamukkale: Every year thousands of local and foreign tourists come to Pamukkale, which is famous known for its white travertines, hot springs and ancient cities. Pamukkale is also very popular spot for visitors going up in a hot air ballon to witness beautiful and unusual landscape of the area.

Turkey is the magical land, that has the unique ability to convert the humble bicycle into “a time machine”. The opportunity to ride through this fantastic land that bridges the west and the east is not to be missed, where every stroke of the pedal leads to the fulfillment of the promise, the promise of viewing and experiencing exotic vistas, fantastic civilizations, to receive the warmest of hospitality and be welcomed with open arms as family.

Cycling provides the optimum pace at which to truly appreciate this mesmerizing dance of the magnificence of the history all around and the spellbinding beauty of the land that is Turkey. Be prepared to be transported back in time to pedal in the footsteps of Neolithic man right through till the modern world.

Whether you are a keen rider looking for a pleasant road bike ride along the turquoise coast or an adventurer in search of some physical activity with plenty of sightseeing, or just a traveler who is exploring in comfort and responsibly, route options are endless in a geography where East literary meets West.

Taurus Mountain range along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a heaven for mountain bikers with climbs up to almost 1800m (5900 ft) high where you will be dazzled with thick cedar and pine forests and ancient cities hidden among them.

The western coast of Turkey is a wonderland for all cyclists. The Aegean Turkey offers unique and contrasting regions to experience by bicycle. You will find all of the quintessential attractions to explore on two wheels —historic villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Citta Slow towns, more than a dozen ancient cities of Ionia, beautiful coastlines, and delicious Aegean food accompanied with local wine.

Who could resist to winding through on two wheels along the fairy chimneys of magical Cappadocia? The geological phenomena create a lunar like landscape fractured by deep valleys that justly earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Cappadocia is not only a great mountain bike destination, it is just as blessed when it comes to gravel and road biking. Amazing network of trails will surprise you with cave dwellings and hidden churches of early Christianity.

Fantastic scenery of coastal vistas and forested mountains along the large stretch of Black Sea coast of Turkey is well worth the effort of going up and down on a bicycle in this evergreen region. You will meet the hospitable people of the Black Sea over a glass of local “çay”, brewed black tea of the region.

Istanbul, a bustling city that spreads over two continents, a melting pot of cultures and religions… Cycling in Istanbul runs the spectrum from a stunning ride through imperial monuments in the historical peninsula to a romantic escape from the city to Princes’ Islands on a day trip. Whether you are visiting the city for a day, or in between business meetings, you will find that cycling is the most pleasant way to discover this beautiful and huge city. Istanbul is full of historical and natural surprises for two-wheeled explorers. The Bosphorus, the natural strait that divides Europe from Asia, will accompany you from the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea in the north with jewel-like wooden shore mansions, purplish Judas trees along the shores, and with some dolphins, if you are lucky.

Turkey is a fascinating land to explore, with its deep and long history with an unbroken line of civilizations from the Neolithic times till the modern world. Filled with nature that humbles one with its beauty and people who welcome all with open hearts and arms.

We welcome you to discover Turkey on your bicycle. Captain your time machine and marvel at the wonderful experiences that await you!

İSTANBUL

Even if you are a local in Istanbul, it will be an endless deed to explore the whole city.

Imperial palaces, unique monuments such as Hagia Sophia, gardens on both sides of the Bosphorus, forests in the north of the city, bridges and bustling bazaars, Prince’s Islands and many more to discover in the city of 8000 years.

Cycling is indeed the best way to discover Istanbul and reveal its layers.
Have you ever cycled on two continents on the same day? Istanbul offers you this unique experience with a pleasant 15 minute ferry ride across the Bosphorus while feding the seagulls following you.

İZMİR

Izmir is the first city in Turkey to be included in European Cycling Route Network. Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean Route connects ancient cities, natural and local values along a 500 km route.

A slow pace city with the most favorable climate, Izmir is an important port city on the western coast of Turkey. The city is well connected through its harbors, modern airport and highways, welcomes visitors with its relaxed Aegean character. Izmir is the third largest metropolis of Turkey with a population of a little over 4 million extended to a larger peninsula including many coastal resorts and inland villages.

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean…birthplace of the epic poet Homeros, a city with 8500 years of history, latest known as Smyrna. Famous historian Herodot describes Izmir as “a place where the most beautiful sky and climate known on earth”. A coastline of unmatched beauty of over six hundred kilometers is embroidered with magnificent ancient cities, two of which are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pergamon and Ephesus

Izmir, as ancient Smyrna, was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and hosted many important centers of early Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is located on the slopes of Bulbuldag, just a few kilometers from Ephesus.

CAPPADOCIA
A fairy land, indeed…How would one describe Cappadocia?

One of the most interesting geological formations of the world…
A place with a stunning scenery of fairy chimneys and rock formations…
Land of beautiful horses…
A mysterious haven of early believers and saints…

A single sentence will be insufficient to describe your experience in Cappadocia.
Immerse yourself in the region’s magical beat and keep cycling!

Mountain and road bike routes passing through valleys offer plenty of options for all kinds of riders. Wake up to a morning full of adventure while hot air balloons are flying over you.

EUROVELO 8 MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE
Cultural heritage…
Smell of the sea…
Natural beauties…
Agriculture route…
Local tastes…
Turkish hospitality…

Eurovelo 8 route, also known as The Mediterranean Route, is a 5,888-kilometer-long that passes through 11 different countries. Turkey is one of the 11 countries and 498 km pass through İzmir, Turkey’s third largest city.

The Port of Dikili in the north of İzmir and Çeşme Port, located in the westernmost of the Izmir Peninsula, are the entering points of the route.

Eurovelo 8 Route has 23 world heritage sites, two of them are in Izmir: Pergamon Ancient City and Ephesus Ancient City.

In addition to these two world heritage sites, 15 more ancient cities are located within 498 kilometers:
Atarneus, Pitane, Elaia, Gryneion, Myrina, Kyme, Larissa, Smyrna, Agora, Limantepe, Erythral, Teos, Lebedos, Colophon, Klaros

MARMARİS

The junction point of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, the forest and the sea, the green and blue…

It is a destination for those who want to relax, explore the natural beauties and the deep history of the region, enjoy turquoise sea and golden sands and make sportive activities in the nature.

Marmaris is a very popular summer resort for both domestic tourists and foreign visitors, and the region has developed enormously over the years. Marmaris is a remarkable place with its past as well as today. One of the oldest residential areas of the Aegean Region. Here, settlements begin in the 1200s BC. The ruins of The Nimara Cave, located on Heaven Island, just south of Marmaris, prove it. The Carians were the first hosts. Then the Rhodesians, Egyptians, Persians, Ionians, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans lived here.

You can see the ruins of many ancient cities in Marmaris: Physkos, Amos, Bybassos, Kastabos, Syrna, Larymna, Thyssanos, Phoenix, Loryma, Kasara, Kedrai, Euthena, Amnistos. The city center of Marmaris is where the castle, port and marina are located. Marmaris Castle is an ancient castle, now a museum, overlooks the area around the harbor and offers a taste of the old town’s character. It’s possible to see that these historical structures are preserved as they are.

The marina is one of the largest and modern marinas in the Southern Aegean. Because Marmaris was at the port of trade between Rhodesians and Egyptians in ancient times. So, the sea transportation here was quite advanced. Today, this large and modern marina is frequented by luxury yachts and boats. These boats are available for visits to the islands and bays around its coast.

KEMER
Kemer is a region founded by ancient Rhodesians, developed by Lycians and Ottomans, and is one of the holiday paradises of Turkey today.

It is a Mediterranean town on the southern slope of the Taurus Mountains which are located in south of Anatolia. This Mediterranean town offers us the sunshine 300 days of the year and the opportunity of swimming in turquoise waters for almost eight months.

The settlement in Kemer begins in the seventh century BC. The first visitors of this earth’s paradise are ancient Rhodesians. Then the Lycians add Kemer to their territory. That’s why a significant part of the 500 kilometers long Lycia Road passes through Kemer. The Lycians call Kemer as “Idryos”.

Discovery of Kemer by Turkish people dates back to early 13rd century. This area is named “the Old Village” because of its history. After a few centuries of Ottoman sovereignty, at the end of the 20th century,it becomes one of the most beautiful touristic regions in the Mediterranean.

Kilometers long beaches which connect Anatolia with the Mediterranean, Tahtalı (Olympus) Mountain where you can reach its peak with one of the longest telpher line in Europe and watch the entire Mediterranean Sea; may be your break point in Kemer. Çıralı, a breeding ground for endangered sea turtles, located along a three-kilometer bay, and it’s not a bad alternative.

The sunshine during 300 of the year and one of the world’s most beautiful blue flag beaches make Kemer a must-see place. But also, the history of the area which is too deep to briefly describe in these pages gives us dozens of reasons to visit Kemer.

The settlement in Phaselis Ancient City, one of the first living areas in Kemer, begins in the 690s B.C. This ancient city is one of the oldest residential areas on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia, as well as Kemer.

Turkish culinary culture is renowned as one of the world’s best. It is considered to be one of the three main cuisines of the world because of the variety of its recipes and flavours. Fresh, local and seasonal produce are at the heart of Turkish cooking culture.

TURKISH CUISINE CULTURE

It is said that three major kinds of cuisine exist in the world; Turkish, Chinese, and French. Fully justifying its reputation, Turkish cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor.

Turkish people are passionate about food; indeed, Turkish cuisine is world renowned for its diversity and flavour, drawing influences from all corners of the former Ottoman Empire, and each region today boasting its own specialities.

Generally, food is spicier and richer the further south and east you travel, whilst in the west, olive oil, seafood and vegetable dishes are more prevalent.

Food in Turkey is first and foremost a social occasion and always to be enjoyed with gusto. From home cooked meals shared by family and friends to symbolic religious or celebratory feasts and the street theatrics of roadside sellers, food is closely intertwined with the fabric of society.

TRADITIONAL TURKISH DRINKS
Alcoholic Drinks: The traditional tipple is Raki, a clear, strong aniseed based spirit. Local beer, vodka, brandy, whisky and gin are also available.

Soft Drinks: Turkish tea is flavoursome and aromatic when freshly brewed. Turkish coffee is an indulgent pleasure and the perfect way to finish off a good meal. Ayran, mineral water, cherry juice and peach nectar are also popular soft drinks.

TRADITIONAL TURKISH FOODS
Soup has a special place in the Turkish diet and is drunk at any time of day. Turkish people have a big diversity of vegetables and of course this reflects on the dishes.

Kebab is the common name for a dish where meat is coated around a skewer and grilled over a charcoal fire. Don’t forget taste the delicious Turkish desserts and sweets.

COOKING COURSES
Why not combine a holiday to Turkey with a cooking course or culinary tour, where you could enjoy anything from speciality wine and cheese tasting and learning home cooking techniques to sourcing fresh local ingredients from local farmers markets.

Most popular music festivals, nightlife events, sport and outdoors events, cultural festivals, national and religious festivals, lifestyle events, wonderful Turkish festivals and more. As a country hosting millions of people, Turkey has to enliven up the days and nights of its beloved residents with various events and festivals. Also, learn more about the religious feasts and national festivals that unique to Turkey.

TURKEY’S MUSIC FESTIVALS
If you want to listen to some of the most incredible music in the world and enjoy then you will want to attend the international or local music festivals in Turkey. Experience the all music festivals for jazz, pop, classic, dance, blues, rock, hip-hop, latin or traditional music.

NATIONAL FESTIVALS
Turkey enthusiastically celebrates 4 important national festivals evey year. August 30 Victory Day, October 29 Republic Day, April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, May 19 Commemoration of Ataturk Youth and Sports Day.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Turkey enthusiastically celebrates two important religious festivals every year. Ramadan Festival and the Festival of Sacrifice are two of the oldest and most important Islamic festivals in Turkey.

TRADITIONAL TURKISH FESTIVALS
There is nothing like Turkey’s wonderful traditional festivals, absolutely fantastic and famous. Experience Turkey’s wonderful festivals, from historical Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival and Mesir Paste Festival to spectacular Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival.

TURKEY’S LIFESTYLE EVENTS
Turkey hosts a variety of lifestyle events and festivals, from shopping festivals to fashion weeks. Always stylish, lifestyle events in Turkey include fashion, food, drink and healthy markets.

TURKEY’S SPORT EVENTS
Turkey is one of the world’s most lively countries with its international sports competitions. Turkey hosts various national and international sports events such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, athleticism and extreme sports throughout the year.

CULTURE AND ART FESTIVALS
Turkey is one of the most important centre of international culture and art festivals and sponsored festivals in the world. Film and theatre festivals, ballet, book fairs and more.

Places To Go in Turkey

Where would you like to go? Turkey has the best places for your heart’s desire, whatever your wish. Geographical regions, Turkish cities, popular holiday destinations, chic seaside towns and lovely villages. In Turkey, every destination has a wealth of discoveries.

Turkey is a truly fascinating country, and great place to visit culturally and historically. There are millions of ways to fill your holiday with incredible things. Beautiful nature, fantastic beaches, outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, shopping alternatives, great tourist attractions and more.

Mediterranean Region

Mediterranean Region is known as Akdeniz in Turkish. Bordered by the Aegean to the west, central Anatolia to the north and South-Eastern Anatolia to the east. This lush mountainous region that features the Toros mountains, has a semi-arid climate with dry summers and mild winters. Very popular with tourists, as not only does it host magnificent beaches but also perfect for the explorer and adventure lover.

Antalya
With ancient cities hidden among forests with oxygen-rich air, Antalya is a holiday paradise offering much more than one might expect.

Adana
While history buffs can enjoy exploring the ruins of ancient cities, nature-lovers find repose breathing the cool, clean air in the Taurus Mountains.

Burdur
Burdur has ruins from many civilizations, revealing a true combination of various aesthetic tastes.

Aegean Region

Aegean Region of Turkey has its beautiful landscapes, dazzling coastlines, immaculate beaches, pine woods and olive groves. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, history buffs and adrenaline junkies. Many popular holiday villages and fishing harbours are scattered up and down the coast.

İzmir
The beautiful İzmir pulls you into a world of picturesque modernity and traditions, with its refreshing touches to the human souls.

Aydın
The city of Aydın, the homeland of tasteful figs takes you to the centre of ancient sculptures that inspire the modern arts.

Denizli
Eye-catching artefacts around the astonishing white miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Muğla
Muğla brings together the perfect combination of culture, history and sun-soaked relaxation on crystal clear waters.

Marmara Region

Marmara Region where east indeed meets west. To the north west, Greece and Bulgaria add to local traditions. Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most vibrant city stands, a bustling, vibrant, cosmopolitan hive of energy. Soaked in history and reminisce of the Ottoman times. The ancient Ottoman capital of Bursa is known not only for its historic architecture but also where Turkey’s elite spend their winters skiing on the mountain of Uludağ. A must visit region for every traveller.

Edirne
Located north of Tekirdağ, Edirne (Adrianople) was the Ottoman capital for many years.

Çanakkale
Çanakkale is the honourable resting place for the soldiers who lost their lives in Gelibolu.

Bursa
The city of Bursa, southeast of the Sea of Marmara, lies on the lower slopes of Mount Uludağ (Mt. Olympos of Mysia, 2543m), with the city deriving its name from its founder King Prusias of Bithynia.

Balıkesir
In the province of Balıkesir interesting historical sites seem to harmoniously blend with nature.

Southeastern Anatolia

If you want to escape the sun-sea-sand holiday makers and experience Turkey’s more traditional side, then this is the region for you. A crossroads of civilizations in biblical times. The Syriac monasteries in Mardin and Midyat still chant in Aramaic. The summers are long and dry. As the region is perfect for agriculture, you won’t be surprised that the best kebabs and vegetables are part of everyday life as you feast on the local cuisine.

Şanlıurfa
Predating Stonehenge by 6000 years, Şanlıurfa’s Göbeklitepe upends the widely-held views on the rise of civilization.

Mardin
With an architectural heritage that bedecks the steep slopes with elegantly built golden houses, Mardin guides you to a rich cultural and religious diversity unfolded in every corner.

Central Anatolia

Central Anatolia, known as the cradle of civilization is home to many museums, the capital city Ankara, the famous chimney rocks of Cappadocia and the land of Mevlana in Konya. Many of the carpets that you’ll see around the country are woven in small villages in this region. This plateau like area usually has very hot and dry summers.

Sivas
As an important commercial centre during the Middle Ages, Sivas stood at the junction of the caravan routes to Persia and Baghdad.

Niğde
Nahita of Hittite times sheltering ancient civilizations and natural beauties.

Nevşehir
The apple of Cappadocia’s eye inspiring human imagination with its heavily-populated glittering fairy chimneys.

Black Sea Region

Tea, hazelnuts, cherry orchards and fresh sardines is what the region is known for. A chilly sea to the north and lush green mountain slopes to the south. A favourite area for avid cyclists and adventure seekers. Lined with seaside towns and mostly undeveloped beaches. This region is perfect for those who want to enjoy stunning back-drops in small sleepy fishing villages.

Trabzon
An inspiration for world-renowned travellers like Xenophon, and Evliya Çelebi who immortalized Trabzon in his travel book.

Sinop
The northernmost tip of Turkey welcomes you to the homeland of the famous philosopher, Diogenes the Cynic.