Dwelling in the gorgeous Aegean and Mediterranean Sea, Turkey is an incredible travel destination that definitely has something for everyone! After visiting Turkey a couple of times, I’ve now got you covered with some favorite places to stay in Turkey. It’s one of the most exotic countries that really has something for everyone – natural beauty, anicent history and incredible cultural vibes await.
Whether you are seeking a cosmopolitan experience in Istanbul or a hefty dose of chill vibes in Bodrum, I’m geared up to share exactly where to stay in Turkey.
This is a country where adventure awaits, beautiful beaches call your name, and mind blowing architectural wonders stand tall and proud.
Turkey is a destination that has something for every type of traveler. With stunning landscapes, ancient ruins cosmopolitan cities, and beautiful beaches, it can be hard to decide where to go and stay. As a frequent visitor to Turkey, I want to share my insider knowledge on the best places to stay to make the most of your visit.
Istanbul – The Cosmopolitan Hub
As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is a must-visit. This metropolitan area straddling Europe and Asia has an awe-inspiring mix of historical sites, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and more Some top attractions include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar
I recommend staying in the Sultanahmet neighborhood to be centrally located near the main tourist attractions The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxurious option with views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. For a more affordable but charming stay, consider the Neorion Hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet. It has a rooftop terrace with amazing views
Cappadocia – Otherworldly Landscapes
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings carved into rock. It’s like being on another planet! Some top things to do here are exploring underground cities, seeing cave churches, and going on a hot air balloon ride for epic views sunrise views.
The best places to stay are Goreme or Uchisar, centrally located among the rock formations. For a luxury cave hotel, Sacred House in Goreme is stunning, with rooms built into ancient caves. Or for a budget-friendly option, Tatilya’s Cave Rooms in Goreme offers simple cave rooms at affordable rates.
Ephesus & Izmir – History and Beaches
The Aegean region is home to the incredible ancient ruins of Ephesus as well as beautiful beaches along the coast. The port city of Izmir serves as a base to explore both.
Some top sites in Ephesus include the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. The coastal towns of Cesme and Kusadasi also have stunning beaches to relax on. In Izmir, stay along the seafront promenade for amazing views and proximity to cafes and restaurants. The Hilton Izmir is a nice luxury option with wonderful waterfront views. For a budget choice, the Hotel Baylan Suite is centrally located and affordable.
Kas – Charming Coastal Town
For a more laidback beach getaway, the town of Kas on the Turquoise Coast is idyllic. It has a charming harbor lined with restaurants and small boutique hotels. The water here is stunning, with excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
I recommend staying near the harbor in the center of town. Hotel Villa Turka has beautiful rooms right on the waterfront. For a budget-friendly stay, the friendly Hideaway Hotel offers a central location with a nice garden and pool area.
Bodrum – Beach Resort Town
Bodrum on the Aegean Coast is a popular beach destination, with an active nightlife and resort scene. In addition to relaxing beach days, you can visit the medieval Castle of St. Peter and the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
For an affordable and convenient place to stay near the city center, the Anfora Hotel has a pool and lovely garden terrace. For easy access to the nightlife and marina, book a room at the luxe Le Meridien Bodrum Beach Resort. It sits right on a private beach with amazing views.
Kas – Where to Stay in Turkey for Adventure
Kas is a darling seaside town perched on the Mediterranean coast. It’s actually a historic fishing village that was once the ancient city of Antiphellos. Lucky for visitors, there are still incredible ruins to explore including the majestic Lion Tomb that dates back to the 4th century BC.
Make sure you check out Kaputas beach, which is tucked away in a mountain cove. It’s one of my favorite beaches— ever! It actually has a stunningly unique color of water as it’s where freshwater meets the sea. Snorkeling or scuba diving in Kas is a must. Under the turquoise coast, you’ll get to check out underwater shipwrecks and even a plane wreck.
You know what else makes Kas the best city in Turkey to visit for adventure? Paragliding! If you are looking to get a huge hit of adrenaline, paragliding in Kas is the way to do it.
Since Kas is a relatively small town, everything is knitted pretty close together. Staying close to the beach is always a good idea though!
This top-rated Kas hotel has a stunning outdoor pool that overlooks the Mediterranean, which is part of the reason why it’s my top pick! The property also has a private beach which is pretty iconic if you ask me, all while being centrally located to other Kas locales. Enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning, and take in the epic view from the on-site restaurant’s seaview terrace where you’ll get your Mediterranean cuisine fix. Beach towels are provided, and you can also enjoy FREE beach chairs and umbrellas right on the shore!
1300 meters away from Kas’ busy downtown is this iconic oasis of a hostel. Top rated for a reason, it very much takes you far away from “city” vibes. As the first backpackers hostel in the area, this hostel has been trusted by travelers since 1985. The epic on site pool is not just a spot to relax – but also a place to get your PADI diving certification! Yoga classes take place on site under the olive trees and there’s also an Italian restaurant. You’ll get to choose between dorms, standard bungalows with fans and even AC bungalows.
This epic Airbnb is no doubt one of my favorite places to stay in Kas! It’s facing the sea, it’s incredibly well designed and it just exudes cool, cozy vibes. The roomy one-bedroom apartment features an eclectic mix of contemporary style and Turkish charm, complete with a well-designed living area and a cute lil’ kitchenette. Relax on the private balcony that overlooks the azure waters of the Mediterranean, or take a short stroll to the nearby beaches and trendy local cafes.
- Take a boat tour to Kekova Island Sunken City
- Check out the Myra Ruins and rock tombs some 40 minutes from Kas
- Wander the streets of Kas
- Spend a day at Kaputa? Beach
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Turkey’s Five Best Places to Stay In
From epic and sociable Turkish hostels to amazing Airbnbs and hotels of every shape and size, I know you’ll love at least one of these!
TOP Neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul from someone who lives here!
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