As I set goals for The Turkish Travel Blog, I reviewed past results and came across some amusing—and occasionally strange—Google search terms that led visitors here. Inspired by Michael at Go see Write, I decided to list a selection of those queries. Some will likely make you smile; a brief warning though—if you have a … Read more

Here is the thing about Patara. I liked this small, quaint village that forms part of the Lycian Way trekking route, but a string of misfortunes during my stay made me feel as if Patara did not want me on its doorstep. I’m someone who pays attention to intuition, and after a rather disastrous three … Read more

Dreaming of exploring the lush island of Lesvos or planning a short escape to the charming, lesser-known town of Ayvalık? Traveling between Greece and Türkiye is simpler than it seems, thanks to the Lesvos – Ayvalık ferry (Ayvalık Midilli feribot in Turkish). It’s an efficient way to visit two distinct destinations in one trip. This … Read more

Last month I made a spontaneous decision to stay in Selcuk, close to the ruins of Ephesus. I hadn’t planned or researched much, yet the trip turned out to be wonderful: I made local friends, visited recommended sites, enjoyed good food, and drank plenty of beer. Unfortunately, my visit was marred by an aggressive travel … Read more

One aspect of the Turkish travel market has always puzzled me. The ancient ruins of Ephesus on Turkey’s Aegean coast are among the country’s most visited attractions, drawing thousands of visitors daily in summer. Yet many overnight tour listings on travel agency sites scarcely mention Selçuk, the small town that serves as the gateway to … Read more

If you want an authentic Turkish bath experience but aren’t sure where to begin — should you choose the hamam with the most beautiful tiles? Wear a swimsuit or go au naturel? Expect gentle relaxation or an invigorating scrub? — this guide will help. Read on for a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the traditional Turkish … Read more

When I first published this list in 2010 it was a personal top ten of my favourite Turkey blogs. Since then blogging about Turkey has grown considerably, with many talented writers sharing travel tips, cultural insight, and practical advice for living in the country. Limiting the list to only ten would overlook numerous useful voices, … Read more

Whirling dervishes have long intrigued me. Part of the Sufi tradition within Islam, they commit to simple lives and the practice of spinning as a meditative ritual. While I admit the physical act of continuous turning seems odd at first—some people seek altered states through drugs, others through prayer and movement—the deeper history and spiritual … Read more

Did you know Türkiye ranked among the world’s top visited countries? In 2023 it welcomed over 55 million international tourists. To handle this influx and make travel between cities easier, Türkiye has invested heavily in airport infrastructure. As of 2025, there are 51 passenger airports in Türkiye, including both international and domestic-only airports. You’ve likely … Read more

Four years ago I discovered a passion for Turkish carpets and rugs. These are not the mass-produced, machine-made carpets you see everywhere. Traditional Turkish carpets are handmade, steeped in regional tradition and symbolism. Just as Cuba is famed for cigars, Turkey is renowned for its carpets and rugs. It was no surprise to my friends … Read more