Exploring the Nearest Neighbors to Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. With a rich history and vibrant culture, it attracts visitors from around the world. But Turkey doesn’t exist in isolation – it borders several other fascinating destinations that are well worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the nearest places to Turkey that should be on your travel radar.

Greece

Just across the Aegean Sea to the west of Turkey lies Greece. The two countries have been linked throughout history, with many cultural and architectural similarities. The closest part of Greece to Turkey is the East Macedonia and Thrace regions in northeastern Greece.

The city of Alexandroupoli is a little over 100 miles from the Turkey-Greece border It’s a port town with a laidback seaside vibe Wander the pedestrian streets and waterfront promenade before visiting early Byzantine monuments like the Lighthouse of Alexandroupoli.

Nearby is the floodplain forest and wetland ecosystem of the Dadia–Lefkimi–Souflion National Park. It’s one of the best birdwatching destinations in Europe, home to rare species like the endangered imperial eagle.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria shares a land border along Turkey’s northwest. The closest major Bulgarian city is Plovdiv, about 155 miles from Istanbul. With roots dating back to the 6th millennium BC, it’s one of Europe’s oldest continually inhabited cities.

Today, Plovdiv seamlessly blends together its ancient heritage and modern energy. Marvel at the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater before exploring the cobblestone lanes and colorful Bulgarian Revival architecture of the Old Town.

Just over the mountains from Plovdiv is the mountain resort town of Pamporovo, Bulgaria’s most popular ski destination. The peaks provide beginner-friendly slopes and plenty of après-ski options.

Georgia

Turkey and Georgia share a border crossing high in the mountains, but reaching the nearest major Georgian city of Batumi involves a longer journey. Batumi lies on Georgia’s Black Sea coastline, about 250 miles northeast of Trabzon, Turkey.

With a subtropical climate Batumi has a vibrant seaside resort vibe. Relax on palm-lined beaches visit the hilltop Batumi Botanical Garden, and stroll the charming European-inspired Old Town. Look out over the city from the soaring Alphabetic Tower.

Batumi is also emerging as a hub of contemporary architecture, including eye-catching structures like the Moving Architecture Building and the wavy Music Tower.

Armenia

Armenia is Turkey’s neighbor to the northeast, though the border between them remains closed. To visit, you’ll transit through Georgia. The closest Armenian city to Turkey is Gyumri. It’s about 155 miles from the Turkish border, not far from the historic ruins of Ani on the Armenian side.

Gyumri has an urban vibe with wide Soviet-era boulevards lined by ornate 19th century buildings. The city persevered through a tragic earthquake in 1988 and has rebuilt itself while retaining its unique character. Visit the Victorian-Gothic architecture of the Kumayri Historic District and savor Armenian cuisine.

The Shirak Plateau offers great hiking amid wildflower meadows with views of Mount Aragats, while winter brings skiing at Tsaghkadzor resort.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies just 40 miles south of Turkey, though the northern third has been under Turkish control since 1974. The closest major city is North Nicosia, capital of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Wander past mosques and Turkish markets in North Nicosia’s walled Old City, surprisingly different from the southern part of the island. Then cross the UN buffer zone to enter the lively streets of South Nicosia in the Republic of Cyprus. Experience both the Turkish and Greek sides of Cyprus in one city.

Nearby, you can enjoy the beaches of Kyrenia on the northern coast alongside imposing Crusader castles. Or visit Famagusta to see renowned examples of Gothic architecture.

Syria

While Turkey’s border with Syria remains closed due to conflict, it’s still interesting to look at the major Syrian cities near the Turkish frontier. The port city of Aleppo is located about 55 miles south of Gaziantep, Turkey. It was once a bustling commercial center along the Silk Road.

Aleppo’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, though damage from the Syrian Civil War has placed it on the endangered list. Hopefully peace will one day return so Aleppo can rebuild and reopen to tourism.

Iraq

Iraq and Turkey share a short border in the mountainous southeast. The closest major Iraqi city is Mosul, around 140 miles from the Turkish frontier. It was a prominent trading hub on the Silk Road route.

Mosul’s Old City showcases a blend of ancient architecture styles, from the leaning minaret of the 12th century Great Mosque of al-Nuri to the ruins of mosques, churches, and tombs dating back centuries. Though Mosul’s historic sites also suffered heavy damage during conflicts in recent decades.

Exploring This Crossroads Region

As this overview shows, Turkey is surrounded by a diverse collection of destinations. Each country around Turkey offers its own appeal, from Greece’s beaches and ruins to Georgia’s vibrant seaside resorts. And venturing to these places provides opportunities to understand the interconnected histories and cultures of the region.

So next time you plan a trip to Turkey, consider tacking on a few days to visit neighboring countries as well. Absorb the romantic decay of Bulgaria’s Veliko Tarnovo, hike Armenia’s wild Geghama mountains, or chill out in Cyprus’ Fig Tree Bay. You’ll gain a broader perspective on this fascinating part of the world.