Choosing a honeymoon place in Turkey can be hard. Blue water, colourful bazaars, historic sites and views make Turkish honeymoon spots hard to price.
You will find nature and culture together. Bodrum, Kas, Cesme, Istanbul and other fine towns can colour married life. Use the list below if you want an unforgettable trip as a couple.
1. Istanbul
Turkey’s largest city, where east meets west: architecture, nature, culture, nightlife and food in one place. A honeymoon here fills a photo album. There is always something new to find.
- There is plenty to do in this meeting of east and west.
- September to November is a strong time to go.
- See both European and Asian shores on a Bosphorus cruise.
- Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets.
- See the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
- For nightlife, spend time in Ortakoy.
- Enjoy live music and sunset at Galata Bridge.
- Try a Turkish bath.
2. Kas
A pretty town on Turkey’s turquoise coast, with beaches, food, nature and ruins. A good honeymoon if you want something less ordinary.
- Swim in the cold blue water at Kaputas Beach.
- April or June is a good window.
- Visit Antiphellos Ancient City.
- See Kekova’s sunken city and dive if you like.
- Visit Xanthos, the largest nearby ancient city.
- Go to Patara Beach, one of Turkey’s finest.
- Walk in Saklikent Canyon.
3. Pamukkale
One of Turkey’s icons: white travertine terraces and historic remains. A strong pick if you want a surreal natural setting.
- The white calcite terraces formed by thermal water wait for you.
- April or October is a good time.
- See Hierapolis theatre and the ancient city.
- Visit the Temple of Aphrodite, Hierapolis Museum and Laodicea.
- Relax in the Antique Pool.
- See Pamukkale Castle.
4. Bodrum
The Bodrum Peninsula looks over a clear stretch of the Aegean and holds a rich archaeological past. Excellent for a beach honeymoon. For archaeology plus romance you might also look at Marmaris.
- Visit St Peter’s Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- June or September is a good window.
- Take a boat trip from the local harbour.
- Visit villages such as Derekoy and Dagbelen.
- Spend time at Gumbet and Yalikavak beaches.
- See Halikarnas, the open-air nightclub by the marina.
- Swim in the healing waters of Kara Ada.
5. Kusadasi
One of Turkey’s liveliest resorts, with beaches and nightlife. Good if you want a yacht-style honeymoon.
- See the ruins of Ephesus, once the second-largest city of the Roman Empire.
- May to October is a good window.
- Relax at Pamucak, Long Beach, Silver Sands and Love Beach.
- Explore Pigeon Island near the harbour.
- Visit Dilek (Kalamaki) National Park for wildlife and coastal views.
6. Marmaris
A famous Mediterranean harbour town. Bar Street is among the busiest nightlife spots. A classic romantic getaway.
- Visit Icmeler Beach under the Taurus Mountains.
- See loggerhead turtles at Iztuzu and take a boat to Dalyan.
- Visit Kaunos Ancient City.
- See Cleopatra Island with its beach and theatre.
- Tour Marmaris Castle and its museum.
7. Antalya
A beautiful choice for newlyweds: beaches, ruins and nature. Ideal if you want ancient cities in the mix.
- Walk Kaleici, where old and new meet.
- April or October is a good window.
- Visit the old harbour, its restaurants and yachts.
- See the competing holiday resorts along the coast.
- Go up Tahtali Mountain for coast and Taurus views.
- Visit Phaselis, Olympos, Xanthos and other famous ancient cities.
8. Fethiye
Clear water, pine valleys and mountains. Extra privacy makes it a strong honeymoon base. Do not leave without seeing Oludeniz.
- Paraglide from Babadağ for the best view of Fethiye and Oludeniz.
- April, June, September or October work well.
- Sunbathe at the Blue Lagoon and swim in clear water.
- Take a trip to nearby Rhodes.
- Explore Patara’s villages and sand-covered Roman remains.
- Join day boat trips from Fethiye, Patara Beach or Fethiye Bay.
9. Cappadocia
Valleys and unique rock forms, plus lovely towns around them, make it a standout honeymoon region.
- Take a hot-air balloon ride over the landscape.
- April, June, September or November are good months.
- Consider a cave hotel in Goreme.
- Explore underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.
- See cave churches and frescoes at Goreme Open-Air Museum.
- Walk in Love, Rose and Pigeon valleys.
10. Cesme
Castles, villages, coves and beaches. Plenty of nature and history if you honeymoon here, especially if you want a seaside setting.
- Visit Cesme Castle, the town’s symbol.
- May or October is a good window.
- Enjoy Pirlanta, Altinkum and Buyuk Beach.
- Take a gulet to Karaada and Esek Island.
- Visit Pyrgi on the Greek island of Chios.
- Relax at Sifne thermal springs.
- See ancient Erythrai with a view of coves and islands.
