3 Places Solo Travelers Need to Check Out on a Trip to Turkey

Turkey is a popular holiday destination thanks to its beautiful golden beaches, rugged mountain ranges and rich culture.

It’s a brilliant spot for solo travelers because the locals are known for their great hospitality, and this makes it really easy to find your way around and meet new people. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey alone, be sure to check out these three popular places.

1. Istanbul

As the biggest city in Turkey, Istanbul is a cultural hub that attracts millions of travelers every year. It is built across two continents, with the Bosporus strait serving as a natural divider between Europe and Asia.

The eastern side of the city is highly traditional in nature and the perfect place to learn about Istanbul’s rich history. Over the course of 1600 years the city has served as imperial capitals for the Byzantine, Latin, late Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Meanwhile, the western side of Istanbul is significantly more modern and cosmopolitan and a brilliant way to lose yourself in contemporary Turkish culture and nightlife.

Be sure to check out the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque thanks to the 20,000 blue tiles that decorate its inside. The mosque is by far Istanbul’s most iconic landmark. You’ll recognize it right away by its incredible domes and minarets which are lit up against the horizon at night.

2. Cappadocia

The region of Cappadocia sits in central Turkey and its beautiful rocky landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for a peaceful, introspective solo trip. Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers some fascinating insights into Turkey’s history. Dwellings, sanctuaries, villages, churches and artworks carved into its rocky landforms showcase signs of monastic activity dating back to the 4^th century.

One of the most popular ways to explore the region is by hot air balloon so that you can take in the magical sight of the rocky cones, pillars and pinnacles which were formed naturally by wind and rain. If you enjoy hiking you’ll love walking the trails surrounding Güllüdere Vadisi (Rose Valley) which give fantastic views of the region’s iconic fairy chimneys.

3. Bozcaada

Solo travelers looking for hidden gems will love the idyllic island of Bozcaada which sits on the northeastern coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. It’s a popular holiday destination for Turkish city-dwellers because its quaint properties, traditional taverns and rolling vineyards give it a peaceful quality that’s perfect for unwinding. The island was formerly under Greek administration and this gives it a distinctly Greek aesthetic and feel.

Be sure to sample plenty of wine on your visit to Bozcaada since the island is renowned for its vineyards and has a heritage of viticulture that goes back 3000 years. You’ll also want to visit Bozcaada Castle and the island’s main museum to learn about the complex history of this region.

Now you know about these three must-see places to visit in Turkey, it’s time to plan your travel itinerary for your next solo adventure.