I first visited the Göreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia back in 2010 and my original account was blunt. I criticised guidebooks, complained about crowds and called the experience overrated. At the time I wrote: “Göreme Open Air Museum is 13 cave churches that all look the same. Add a shouting tour guide, an expensive … Read more

On the second night of our gulet cruise along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, we anchored in a small, picturesque bay. The evening followed the familiar routine: a delicious meal, plentiful drinks, good company and a night sleeping on deck beneath the stars. The next morning I woke before anyone else. To avoid disturbing the others I … Read more

I enjoy watching people and imagining their lives: where they come from, where they are headed, what hardships they have faced and what moments of joy they have known. One woman who often comes to mind is a Turkish woman I met named Hatica. Her life is very different from mine. I work online and … Read more

I had never been fond of walking; to me it used to feel like a waste of time when I could travel from A to B faster by vehicle. When people listed walking or trekking as hobbies, I would scoff and insist my time was better spent on other activities. My opinion changed after an … Read more

I know exactly why Hell’s Gorge has that name. It is not only about the deep canyon or the narrow, suffocating path cut between two towering mountains. To me, Hell’s Gorge describes how I felt after climbing through it. I had been through hell and back. I picked my way over large boulders, sweat running … Read more

Planning a trip to Turkey and want to stay connected? Here’s a clear, updated guide to the best SIM and eSIM options in Türkiye. Reliable internet is essential when traveling in Türkiye: you’ll need it to translate signs, open QR menus, navigate with maps, check ferry or flight schedules, and share photos. The easiest way … Read more

After working seven days a week for most of the summer to refill a travel fund I had drained to the last penny, I’m delighted to say I finally have enough saved for another trip. It didn’t take as long as I feared, so I’m giving myself a quiet pat on the back. Tomorrow morning, … Read more

On the border with Turkey and Armenia, the ruined city of Ani preserves several remarkable monuments, among them the Tigran Honents Church. Built in 1215, the church takes its name from the wealthy Armenian merchant who funded its construction. At first glance its modest size belies the complexity of the architecture, but a closer look … Read more

Guest post by Joel Stubbs If photography is your passion, a holiday is a chance to explore and capture, not just to relax. When planning a trip to Turkey, Istanbul — the country’s largest city — should be at the top of your list. Below are some of the best locations in and around Istanbul … Read more

Turkey is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, but many people mistakenly assume the country’s cuisine is dominated solely by meat dishes because of the global popularity of the doner kebab. In reality, vegetarian food in Turkey is abundant, affordable and full of flavour. Vegetarians and vegetable-forward eaters will find a wide variety of tasty … Read more