The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is dotted with remarkable ancient ruins, many of them remnants of the Lycian civilization. Among these is Olympos, located beside a small, bohemian village that attracts backpackers with its rustic tree-house accommodations and relaxed atmosphere. I planned to explore the ruins and briefly considered staying overnight in the village to … Read more

Kas in Turkey embodies everything you expect from a Mediterranean seaside town. Whitewashed houses tumble down winding hills toward beautiful beaches and a picturesque harbour, creating an atmosphere that invites relaxation. On my first evening in Kas, after a long day of travel, a rooftop terrace, an ice-cold beer and a calm sunset quickly convinced … Read more

Sometimes the most memorable and delightful experiences come when we step outside our routine. That happened to me on my most recent trip to Cappadocia, where I discovered a new favourite boutique hotel. On previous visits I usually stayed in Göreme, Ürgüp or Uçhisar. This time, Suat — an online acquaintance of two years — … Read more

Don’t be misled by the flowery trousers and warm smiles—these five women are far more than typical Turkish housewives. They patrol the streets of their village with quiet authority, and even the men seem to step back into doorways as the women pass. I met this determined street crew while driving through the old village … Read more

You’ve packed your bags and booked your flight — but then you notice a long layover at Istanbul Airport (IST). Don’t worry. This guide to the best hotels near IST Airport will help you find the right place for a short stopover, an overnight stay, or an early departure. Whether you want an airside room … Read more

Across Turkey there are many former Greek villages, some now inhabited by Turkish residents and others left empty, like the well-known ghost village of Kayakoy on the Mediterranean coast. These changes followed the population exchange agreement between Greece and Turkey at the end of the Turkish War of Independence, which required Greeks to return to … Read more

Galata Tower in Istanbul offers one of the finest panoramic views over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the city skyline. I first visited the tower six years ago for a nighttime Turkish show and enjoyed the scattered city lights and moving traffic below. That visit left me wanting a daytime return to fully appreciate … Read more

I had pictured the beehive houses of Harran as small and uncomfortable, but seeing them changed that impression. The domes link together through arched passageways to form a larger dwelling clustered around a central courtyard, creating a communal living arrangement rather than isolated tiny huts. They are not luxurious, yet they are far from merely … Read more

Mazi underground city is one of many subterranean settlements scattered across Cappadocia in central Turkey. Entering an underground city can feel dramatic at first, but after visiting a few it becomes clear that these complexes share common features. In times of invasion, local people retreated into these carved spaces and lived there for extended periods. … Read more

On the surface, Kozalan Köyü may appear to have few attractions and some travelers choose not to stop. Yet the village has a quiet appeal for those seeking a different kind of experience. If your trip is about golden sand beaches, lively nightclubs and international restaurants, continue on. But if you prefer an off-the-beaten-path destination … Read more