Neşe Avcıl / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

The palaces and historical sites of Turkey draw tourists in from around the world by their millions every year. It’s no surprise, given Turkey’s unique geographic and cultural location, split evenly between the east and the west; it has so much to offer from both sides. The resulting mix is something that can only be experienced if you visit yourself.

Istanbul is, without doubt, one of Europe and the Middle East’s most sophisticated and cosmopolitan cities, rich with culture, art, history and its share of edgy, urban culture, too. However, it’s not alone in its appeal – so read on to get the lowdown on some other glittering Turkish destinations that are more than worth a visit.

Bodrum

Like many of the great popular resorts, Bodrum- both a town and a cypress-covered, rugged and rocky peninsula – has gone from being a tranquil place to a hugely loved and bustling tourist attraction, most evidently in the case of its titular port city, and it’s all happened in less than 50 years. Set on the shimmering Aegean coast, this place is a haunt and favoured destination of painters and writers as well as various other practitioners of the lively arts. It also has a lively social scene as well as multitudes of historical sites with castles and coves ahoy – there’s even a Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Dalaman

This region is often referred to as Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ which quite correctly conjures up vivid images of the stunning oceans and pearly-white sands, which you will certainly find if you visit the many resorts, all of which have their unique charms and quirks as well as beauteous and paradisical beaches. Icmeler is a purpose-built resort nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain range, but has somehow stayed true to its origins as a tranquil fishing port, offering a level of authenticity reflected in the much-discussed cuisine served by the many restaurants there. Mamaris is the metropolis of the region: a beautiful port with an old town and Ottoman fortress, but also a bustling cosmopolitan hub, with the nightlife to match. Olu Deniz though, it its exact opposite: a small, lush resort, its pine-covered hills sloping gently down to a turquoise bay lapped at by the Blue Lagoon.

Antalya

This ancient Mediterranean city – believed to have been settled around 150 BC as a naval base – is one of the fastest growing in Turkey; indeed it is a huge internationally popular place, playing host to over 10 million tourists annually. Here, you’ll find a mixture of beauteous beaches with azure seas and charming coves, history in the form of the old town (as well as Hadrian’s Gate), a multitude of late-night bars and restaurants as well as opera and ballet at the outdoor Aspendos amphitheatre. Truly, this place meshes ancient and modern to superb effect.

Don’t just take our word for it though – book flights to Turkey through Monarch today and you’ll find yourself at one with all the sensual and exciting pleasures the Turkish experience has to offer.