Four Turkish Cities That Surprise Even Seasoned Travelers

Most visitors experience Turkey through Istanbul’s skyline or Antalya’s beaches. Central and western Turkey remain quieter, slower — and far more intimate.

Here, history isn’t fenced off behind crowds, and landscapes unfold without spectacle. I put together a self-drive route through four lesser-known Turkish cities, passing through Sufi cultural centers, ancient ruins, Ottoman fortresses, national parks, and thermal waters that flow straight into hotel rooms.

Bergama

Three kilometers outside modern Bergama, a steep hill rises abruptly from the valley. At its top lie the remains of Pergamon, once one of the most important cities of the ancient world. In the 3rd century BCE, it became the capital of the Attalid dynasty — a center of science, architecture, and learning that rivaled Alexandria.

The ruins are spread across dramatic terraces carved into the mountainside. At the summit stand the remains of the Temple of Emperor Trajan and the foundations of the legendary Pergamon Library, which once held up to 200,000 scrolls. According to tradition, this is where parchment was first developed, made from treated sheep skins when papyrus became scarce.

The hillside theater is unforgettable. Carved directly into the rock, it once seated 10,000 spectators and still feels improbably steep. Above it stood the Temple of Athena, the city’s oldest sanctuary. Nearby are the remains of the Great Altar of Zeus, once decorated with scenes of gods battling giants. From here, Pergamon seems to hover above the plain below.

The archaeological site of Pergamon is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its importance in the ancient world. More information is available on the official UNESCO listing.

The acropolis can be reached by car via a winding mountain road or by cable car for pedestrians. In 2024, entry cost about $11, with the round-trip cable car priced around $16. Expect prices to rise annually. Plan at least four hours and bring water, snacks, and sun protection — shade is limited.

Afyon

Afyon is dominated by a massive volcanic rock, its flat summit crowned with a fortress. Construction began in the 6th century BCE and continued, slowly and sporadically, for nearly 2,500 years.

There is no road to the top. Despite optimistic guidebooks, the climb takes closer to forty minutes, rising 226 meters over steep stone steps. After a short stairway with railings, the final ascent follows narrow steps carved directly into the rock. In summer heat, this climb is best avoided by elderly travelers.

A short drive northwest of Afyon leads to one of Turkey’s oldest thermal regions, known since Roman times. Today, the area is filled with spa resorts and medical retreats. From the outside, many resemble uniform apartment blocks, but inside you’ll find spacious, apartment-sized rooms.

Some hotels offer private thermal pools directly in the room — hot mineral water available at any hour, without ever stepping outside.

Isparta

Isparta rewards travelers who linger. Start with the Ethnographic Carpet Museum, home to nearly 3,000 carpets, tapestries, saddle bags, blankets, and woven household items from across Turkey. One of the most unusual pieces is a 19th-century carpet woven from sheep wool dyed before shearing.

Galleries in the city sell high-quality vintage carpets. A large piece typically costs between $400 and $700. Markets and small shops offer more affordable alternatives, especially if provenance is not a priority.

Isparta is also Turkey’s rose capital. For centuries, surrounding fields have supplied the perfume industry. Rose water, oils, and cosmetics are everywhere, and few visitors leave without something scented in their bag. Even the city’s emblem reflects this history — a rose woven into a carpet, its two defining crafts since the 14th century.

Twenty kilometers away lies ancient Sagalassos. Forgotten for centuries and remarkably well preserved, it sits at 1,600 meters above sea level. Even in summer, the air is cool. Visitors can explore its theater, temples, streets, and fountains with few crowds. Entry in 2024 cost around $11.

Background on Sagalassos and its excavation history can be found via the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In winter, Mount Davraz offers skiing at elevations between 1,500 and 2,600 meters. Lift rides cost about €1, with ski and snowboard rentals starting from €5. The season runs from December through April.

Nature lovers should also visit Lake Eğirdir and the Kızıldağ National Park along its northern shore, home to swans, pelicans, and flamingos. Nearby are the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz and the 720-meter-deep Tınaztepe Cave.

Konya

Konya is often underestimated. It is Turkey’s spiritual heart and the birthplace of the Mevlevi Sufi order, founded by followers of the poet and philosopher Jalal ad-Din Rumi. With more than 9,000 years of recorded history, it is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Here, layers of civilization overlap — from the Hittites and Phrygians to the Seljuks and Ottomans. With over two million residents, it’s best to stay near the historic center.

• Mevlana Museum — Rumi’s tomb beneath its turquoise dome, along with dervish cells, manuscripts, and musical instruments
• Sultan Selim Mosque — a 16th-century example of classical Ottoman architecture
• Ince Minare Medrese — a richly decorated 13th-century building, now a museum of stone and wood carving
• Karatay Medrese — famous for Seljuk tilework, now housing a ceramics museum
• Alaeddin Mosque — Konya’s oldest mosque, built on the site of a Byzantine basilica and containing Seljuk tombs

Official visitor information for the Mevlana Museum is available via Turkey’s national museum portal.

Konya’s Archaeological Museum is also worth time, with Hittite relics, Roman sarcophagi, and artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

The Route

• Istanbul → Bergama: 3.5 hours via toll roads (350 km) or 5 hours via regular highways
• Bergama → Afyon: 380 km, about 4.5 hours through mountains and plains
• Afyon → Isparta: 164 km, roughly 2 hours
• Isparta → Konya: 250 km, approximately 3.5 hours
• Konya → Istanbul: 610 km, up to 7 hours

Total distance: 1,500–1,700 km. Road conditions are good, and the route is suitable for any standard car.

Practical Tips

• Fly into Sabiha Gökçen Airport — it’s easier to head south from there
• Second-tier rental companies often accept cash and require no deposit
• Off-season car rentals start around €25 per day, usually including insurance and toll systems
• Fuel prices were around $1.45 per liter at the time of writing
• Highway gas stations in central Turkey often have excellent bakeries and cafés
• Outside tourist areas, alcohol is sold only in specialty shops marked with blue signs