Amazing Weekend Getaways Near Konya

Ankara

Ankara, as the capital and second-largest city of Turkey, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernism. Having hosted many civilizations throughout its history, the city continues to be the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country today.

Görme Engelli Müze Eğitim ve Deneyim Alanı

In order to make museums accessible for visually impaired individuals, replicas of the artworks are touchable, audio descriptions are available, and innovative technologies are used to provide a holistic experience. This experience space, located at the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, is a must-visit. It’s a museum where art is made accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Don’t forget to call ahead and make an appointment before visiting.

Anıtkabir

The magnificent atmosphere of Anıtkabir offers visitors the opportunity to be intertwined with history and feel the respect for national unity. This site is not only dedicated to Turkey but also to the global struggle for freedom and independence. At the entrance of Anıtkabir, monumental Lion's Road sculptures stand, leading into a vast area. The corridors surrounding the mausoleum house valuable documents, photos, and items that tell the life of Atatürk and the modernization process of Turkey.

Hamamönü

Hamamönü, one of Ankara's historical neighborhoods, is known for its cobbled streets, traditional houses, and boutique shops. As you stroll here, you can discover local handicrafts, sit in quaint cafes, and take a journey into the city's past.

Atatürk Orman Çiftliği

Located just outside the city center, this expansive farm is known for its natural beauty and various activity opportunities. You can take bike tours, relax in picnic areas, and visit the animals on the farm.

Etnografya Müzesi

The Ankara Ethnography Museum hosts a rich collection showcasing various aspects of Turkish culture. Here, you can find intriguing items ranging from traditional Turkish handicrafts and clothing to weapons and household items.

Ankara Kalesi

Located in the historical center of the city, Ankara Castle dates back to Ancient Rome and offers an important historical site with a panoramic view of the city from a high vantage point. If you want to explore the streets around the castle and enjoy the city's scenery, be sure to climb up to the castle.

Where to Eat in Ankara?

Ankara Tava is one of the city's essential regional dishes. Made with lamb, this dish includes onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, vermicelli, and spices, creating a unique flavor. It’s a must-try for visitors to the city. To taste Ankara Tava, be sure to visit Meşhur Tavacı Recep Usta.

When it comes to Aspava in Ankara, the first place that comes to mind is Meşhur Özçelik Aspava.

One of the regional delicacies of Ankara cuisine is bulgur pilav. The best place in the city to enjoy this dish is Çukurağa Sofrası. You can have it with dishes like Adana kebab and Çukurağa Special.

Ankara Kebab is a kebab made with beef, served with a stuffing of rice pilaf with pistachios and liver, along with eggplant, onions, and garlic. Both its flavor and elegant presentation make it a frequent presence at local tables. The best place to try Ankara Kebab is Hacı Arif Bey, where visitors can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

Ankara Simidi is a must-have for breakfast in Ankara with its crispy texture. You can enjoy the warm, fresh taste of Ankara simidi at the famous Meşhur Ankara Simitçisi.

Tamtak Tirit is one of the lesser-known local delicacies of Ankara, not widely recognized in other regions.

Where to Stay in Ankara:  https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/ankara-hotels

Antalya

Located on Turkey's southern coast and embracing the blue waters of the Mediterranean, Antalya stands out for its historical wealth, natural beauty, and the harmonious coexistence of modern life. Attracting millions of tourists each year, Antalya is not only one of Turkey’s top tourism destinations but also a globally recognized one.

Düden Waterfall

One of Antalya's natural beauties, Düden Waterfall is located close to the city center. It is a dazzling natural wonder. From the park area at the top of the waterfall, you can watch the water's descent and explore the cave beneath the falls.

Ancient Cities

Perge

Famous for its Roman ruins, Perge was one of the important cities of the Roman Empire. Its ancient theater, stadium, and agora are some of the impressive ruins that captivate visitors.

Aspendos

The world-famous Aspendos Ancient Theater is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters. In addition, Aspendos' ancient city and aqueducts are also worth seeing. The theater’s excellent acoustics and well-preserved structure make it an iconic landmark, and you can attend various events held here during the summer months.

Kaleiçi

Kaleiçi, with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and ancient structures, is a place where you can walk through history. In Kaleiçi, you can explore ancient walls, stay in boutique hotels, and relax in local cafes.

Termessos Ancient City

Located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, Termessos Ancient City is an enchanting historical site with its natural beauty and well-preserved structures. Termessos, an important city in the Pisidia region, features ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

Olympos and Yanartaş

Olympos and Yanartaş are perfect places for those wanting to explore Antalya’s natural and historical richness. These two places, full of legends, offer visitors both adventure and moments of tranquility. Olympos is famous for its ancient ruins, beaches, and unique atmosphere. Yanartaş (Chimaera) is known for its natural flames.

Where to Eat in Antalya?

1- Antalya-style piyaz, distinguished by its tahini sauce, stands out from other versions of piyaz. Made with boiled beans, onions, tomatoes, and boiled eggs, this dish is particularly served alongside köfte. You must try the tahini piyaz at Piyazcı Sami.

2- The pumpkin dessert unique to Antalya is served with walnuts and tahini. This light and delicious dessert is especially preferred after meals. One of the best places to enjoy this pumpkin dessert is Meşhur Antalya Kabak Tatlıcısı.

3- Yörük Kebab, a part of Yörük culture, is made by marinating meat with various spices and arranging it on a skewer. This kebab, cooked over embers, is incredibly flavorful. 7 Mehmet, one of Antalya's most famous restaurants, makes Yörük Kebab perfectly.

4- Antalya cuisine also bears traces of Cretan cuisine. Especially the Cretan mezes, seafood, and olive oil dishes are famous. Giritli Meyhanesi is a tavern where you can find the best examples of Cretan cuisine and should definitely be visited.

Where to Stay in Antalya: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/antalya-hotels

Eskişehir

A city that is brought to life by the Porsuk River, standing out with its historical texture and modern face. This beautiful city attracts both local and foreign visitors, captivating them with its cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant social life.

Porsuk Stream

Considered as the heart of Eskişehir, Porsuk Stream is one of the most vibrant spots in the city. You can walk along the banks of the stream, sit in the cafes by the stream or explore the city with gondola tours. Especially in the evening hours, the walks along the stream and the view are quite impressive.

Odunpazari Houses

Odunpazarı Houses, one of the symbols of Eskişehir, witness the history of the city. With its stone streets and wooden houses, this region takes visitors on a journey to the past. While wandering here, you can visit antique shops, taste local delicacies and buy handicraft products.

Sazova Park

Sazova Park, also known as Eskişehir Science, Art and Culture Park, is an ideal sightseeing spot for families. Here you can take a walk in a fairytale atmosphere, have fun with your children in the amusement park and watch shows in the open-air theater. The zoo in the park also attracts the attention of visitors.

Eskisehir Eti Archeology Museum

Eskişehir ETİ Archaeology Museum is the first museum in Turkey to be realized with the support of the private sector. Located in the city center, this museum is the first of its kind in Anatolia since prehistoric times.

Kent Park

You can sip your coffee after a nice stroll in Kent Park where there is an artificial sea, a first in Turkey. One of the largest parks in the city, Kent Park is ideal for those who want to relax in the greenery. Here you can take a walk, ride a bike around the lake or sit in the cafes by the lake.

Eskişehir Fairy Tale Castle

Eskişehir Fairy Tale Castle, a great sightseeing spot for children, is full of statues of fairy tale heroes and interactive playgrounds. You can have fun here with your children.

Zuhal Yorgancioglu Fashion Design Museum

The museum features 52 of Yorgancıoğlu's designs that emphasize Turkish culture and art. In the museum, Yorgancıoğlu's designs of modern and Turkish smelling clothes with our own local fabrics by reviving our Turkish embroidery art are included.

Where and What to Eat in Eskisehir?

1- You can eat the famous flavor of Eskişehir, çibörek, at Çibörekçi Ali Baba . Ali Baba's çibörek are especially famous.
2- You can go to Fırın Halva Lokantası to taste oven halva, one of the indispensable flavors of Eskişehir. Made with plenty of butter and walnuts, this halva is one of the most delicious flavors of the city.
3- Hamamönü, the historical district of Eskişehir, is famous for its beautiful restaurants and cafes. Here you can find local flavors as well as national and international cuisines. Saray Lokantası and Historical Odunpazarı Houses Restaurant are famous for their local flavors.
4- Another place where you can taste the famous Balaban meatballs of Eskişehir is Köfteci Ahmet Usta. Balaban meatballs are one of the famous flavors of Eskişehir. These meatballs are prepared with finely chopped beef, blended with special spices and cooked in embers. Potatoes and greens cooked in the embers are usually served with the meatballs.

Where to Stay in Eskisehir: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/eskisehir-hotels

Mersin

Mersin is also known for its natural beauty. Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, its long coastline turns the city into a holiday paradise. Popular beaches like Kızkalesi Beach, Susanoğlu Beach, and Ayaş Beach offer visitors a delightful seaside vacation with their clean waters and golden sandy shores.

Anamurium Ancient City

One of Mersin’s treasures of history and culture, the Anamurium Ancient City is located in the Anamur district and offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its rich history. The city, with ruins dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, is located on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, surrounded by natural beauty. You can see ancient structures like the theater, baths, and monumental gates here.

Kızkalesi

Located in the Erdemli district of Mersin, Kızkalesi is a historic castle built in the middle of the sea. This fairytale-like castle greets visitors with a magnificent view over the cool waters of the Mediterranean. The castle has been the subject of many legends and stories throughout history, offering visitors a mystical atmosphere.

Silifke and Cennet-Cehennem Caves

The Cennet and Cehennem Caves, located in the Narlıkuyu district of Silifke, are famous for their natural beauty and mythological stories. These caves are natural formations created as deep sinkholes. Cennet Cave is about 135 meters deep and has a large sinkhole. There is a 450-step staircase that leads into the cave, where an underground river flows. Inside the cave, there is also a small church, built in the 5th century in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Cehennem Cave is narrower and steeper, so it is not possible to descend into it.

Tarsus

Tarsus is known as the birthplace of the legendary Saint Paul. The house where Saint Paul is believed to have been born is an important landmark for the city’s tourism. This ancient city, meeting the blue waters of the Mediterranean, carries the traces of many civilizations and hosts significant historical artifacts. Mentioned in the Bible and featured in various legends, Tarsus promises visitors an unforgettable journey through history and culture.

Where to Eat in Mersin?

1- Tantuni is one of Mersin's most famous dishes, made by combining finely chopped meat with spices and wrapping it in lavash. It can be served either in bread or in open lavash. You can try a delicious tantuni at Tantuni Evi.

2- Kerebic is one of Mersin's regional sweets, often consumed during Ramadan. It is made by stuffing thin dough with walnuts, hazelnuts, or apricot paste and is typically served with syrup. Kerebic holds an important place among the street foods of Mersin and can be found in various pastry shops and sweet shops. You can try the famous kerebic at Şakir Usta Tatlıları or Haydar Usta.

3- Midye Dolma, a seafood delicacy in Mersin, is made by stuffing mussels with rice and spices. You can enjoy midye dolma at Midyeci Ahmet Usta, a popular spot in Mersin.

4- Topalak is one of Mersin's unique dishes, often preferred for breakfast. It is a type of meatball made by kneading fine bulgur, adding spices, shaping it, and then frying it. It is typically served with local cheese or salad. Büyükkaraman Cezerye is one of the go-to places to try this sweet made with a special blend of walnuts and carrots.

5- Batırık is another regional delicacy, especially favored at breakfast. It is a type of meatball made with fine bulgur, shaped with spices, and then cooked. It is often served with local cheese or olive oil. You can try it at Kebapçı İbrahim Usta.

6- Mavi Yengeç (Blue Crab) is one of the leading seafood restaurants in Mersin. The blue crab, found only in a few places, including Dalyan in Mersin, is served with a sauce made from red pepper and lemon juice.

Where to Stay in Mersin: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/mersin-hotels