Planning a perfect honeymoon is exactly what every newly married couple yearns for, as it is one of the best ways to celebrate your marriage by turning it into an unforgettable experience. Therefore, picking out you’re a perfect honeymoon destination is an essential part after your wedding. However, before you can make that decision, you need to be assured that the place will not only help you to relax but also provide you with a chance to make beautiful memories.
If you are one of those couples who are looking for a honeymoon trip that has a perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, spectacular historical sites, crowded markets, and incredible architecture, then Turkey should be on the top of your list of ideal places for your honeymoon.
With a romantic holiday with your loved one on your mind, a trip to Turkey promises to spell bound you with its multicultural cities. Whether it is the flashing lights of Istanbul, spectacular beaches of Antalya, or the adventurous stay at Cappadocia, Turkey has something for everyone. You can find your accommodation at any of its romantic hotels that are especially designed for the honeymoon couples.
For a great experience of exploring Turkey on your honeymoon, have a look at the list of the top 10 honeymoon destinations in Turkey that have been compiled for your convenience.
1. Istanbul
This imperial city boasts of rich history, culture and mouth-watering cuisines, making it the 6th most visited city in the world. Couples must not miss the Bosphorous cruise to explore the city.
For a better experience, it is recommended that you go for a dinner cruise so that you can enjoy the delectable Turkish cuisine while cruising along the coast. Another thing that is not to be missed is the tour of the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. It would also be a great idea to go to Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, and get extraordinary hand-made crafts, at unbeatable prices.
If you are planning a relaxing day at Istanbul, then you can book yourselves a Turkish bath at Suleymaniye Hamami at ~$68 Australian Dollars. This is the only bath house in Istanbul that allows couples to enjoy the entire bath for about 90 minutes which will be unlike anything. You can also have a romantic evening planned with your partner either at charming villages of Bebek and Ortaköy or Galata Bridge, and then enjoy the lively cafes and restaurants at night.
Istanbul is renowned for some of its best hotels that offer great packages for honeymooners. Soho House, Four Seasons Hotel and Raffles in Istanbul are just one of the few hotels that can be booked for your honeymoon trip.
>> Hotels in Istanbul
2. Antalya
Antalya, known as the land of golden sands, is one of the most sought after places in Turkey by the newly married couples.The sun-kissed beaches, historical ruins and other attractions of Antalya are enough to attract the couples to this exotic place. One of the first places to visit is Kaleici, which offers a perfect atmosphere of romance with its maze-like town, its ancient harbour and a vast range of luxurious hotels and restaurants. Tuvana Hotel and Gloria Serenity Resort are just one of the few hotels that promise a luxurious stay for the honeymoon couple.
Couples can also spend a relaxing day at the spectacular Lara beach and visit one of the beach villages, Cirali or Olympus. While couples who are looking for an adventure, a ride in the cable car on the Mount Tahtali for the breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains and coastline, is just what will keep their adrenaline pumping.
>> Hotels in Antalya
3. Pamukkale
Famously known as ‘cotton castle’, this destination beckons the newly weds to witness the sheer beauty of its location and historical remains. With an indulgent stay at Alida Hotel or Venus Suite Hotel, you can explore this incredible town with your spouse. There is nothing better than kicking off your honeymoon with a dip in the Travertines, exploration of the city of Hierapolis, ancient Pamukkale Castle and the Temple of Aphrodite. Looking for a romantic and a soothing time at Pamukkale, then plan to spend a fun day at its antique pool, with its hot spring.
>> Hotels in Pamukkale
4. Bodrum
Amanruya, Mandarin Oriental and Jumeirah Bodrum Palace are one of the best places to stay during your visit to Bodrum. This destination offers many places that can be explored like the Bodrum Castle, Underwater Archaeology Museum and Bodrum Bay.
Couples can also stroll down the Bodrum marina under the romantic moonlight and dance at the Halikarnas Night Club, for a fun-filled night. For beach lovers, Gumbet beach and Yalikavak Beach provide the perfect opportunity for the couples to spend a memorable afternoon. A swim in the springs of Kara Ada could also provide a wonderful relaxing time for the newly weds.
>> Hotels in Bodrum
5. Marmaris
Better known as a hotspot of nightlife, Marmaris, is undoubtedly considered to be a paradise for newly-weds, owing to its sandy beaches, fascinating architecture, mouth-watering food, and electrifying nightlife.
There are so many things that you can plan to do with your spouse. You can go for a boat ride to Dylan and have a great day at the Iztuzu beach or the Icmeler beach on the coastline. You can plan a day of exploration with your partner to either the beautiful Marmaris Castle or Turunc village. Whatever you have planned, make sure that you stay at one of Marmaris’ luxurious hotels like the Casa de Maris Spa & Resort Hotel, so that your stay at Marmaris continues to be a memorable one.
>> Hotels in Marmaris
6. Kusadasi
Kusadasi, being the busiest cruise port of Turkey, is yet another exotic destination that attracts honeymooners with its sun-kissed beaches, shopping venues and a booming nightlife.
Couples will love to spend their day at the Pamuk, Long Beach, and Silver Sands Beach. You can also book a private tour on a yacht and explore the Pigeon Island or go to the beautiful Kalamaki National Park to watch the famous Anatolian cheetah. Do not miss out on witnessing the astounding ruins of the second largest Roman city, Ephesus.
>> Hotels in Kusadasi
7. Cappadocia
Cappadocia with its mountain biking, ATV rides, and walk through the Göreme Open Air Museum, is considered to be a go-to place for adventure seeking couples. Rightly famous for its ‘fairy chimneys’, you can go for an exotic ride on a hot air balloon, where the sheer beauty of the landscape will take your breathe away. This type of romance is enough to sweep your wife off her feet. You can also spend a relaxing and romantic evening in a private cave tub.
Do not miss out on the adventure of exploring the Bronze Age homes and the 100 meters deep Ihlara Canyon. Go for mountain biking or ATV rides with your beloved, for a day full of thrill and excitement. Make sure to stay at any one of the honeymoon designed hotels like Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Museum Hotel, Argos and Cappadocia Cave Suites, for a great honeymoon experience.
>> Hotels in Cappadocia
8. Cesme
The resort town of Cesme, has great deal to offer to everyone. Whether you are looking for an adventure, a relaxing day or an opportunity to get in touch with history, this destination has it all. Plan a trip to Cesme on your honeymoon as it promises to provide sun-bathing on the beaches of Pirlanta Plaj, Altinkum Plaj and Buyuk Plaj, luxurious boat trip on gülets (Turkish wooden yachts) to Donkey Island and Black Island and a relaxing day at the Sifne hot thermal springs. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the historical Cesme Castle, ancient city of Erythrai or the medieval village of Pyrgi.
>> Hotels in Cesme
9. Hierapolis
Being an ancient city with old, preserved theatre, temples, baths, natural hot springs, and the remains of the Attalids dynasty, Hierapolis will be a favourite among couples who love adventure and want to explore the history.
You will be utterly spellbound by the magnificence of the Temple of Aphrodite and spectacular Hieropolis Museum. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Laodikeia. Thinking of planning a fun day, then clear your schedule for a relaxing bath in the natural hot springs, which will be nothing short of pure delight.
>> Hotels in Hierapolis
10. Oludeniz And Fethiye
The name ‘Turquoise Coast’ truly does justice to Oludeniz and Fethiye, as they have clear turquoise waters, pine-clad valleys and mountains in great abundance, making it an ideal place for your honeymoon.
Couples can spend a relaxing day while sunbathing in the Oludeniz Lagoon or go for a cruise around the Gulf of Fethiye, while enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of Butterfly Valley and Patara Beach. Couples can also pick an adventure like paragliding from Babadag Mountain to see Fethiye or something as delightful as exploring the underwater caves and ruins in the Gulf of Fethiye. Most of all do not miss to go on a horse riding trip at Patara, which will surely be favourite among the ladies.
>> Hotels in Oludeniz And Fethiye
Conclusion
Before visiting this exquisite country, you need to be well aware of the best time to make your trip. Although, Turkey can be visited all year round, your journey to Turkey will depend on the places that you intend to visit. Since the summers can be incredibly hot, it is best to visit either during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November). You can visit Pamukkale, Antalya, Marmaris, Cappadocia, Kusadai, Cesme, Oludeniz and Fethiye during these months.
While Istanbul is best visited during the months of either September or November. For couples who are beach lovers and want to spend their exotic holiday splashing in water and sunbathing, then summers (June-September) should be an ideal time to go to Turkey. Bodrum would be a great place to visit during this time.
With an insight into these 10 incredible honeymoon destinations in Turkey, you can plan to visit any one of them with your spouse during your honeymoon. There is no doubt that your honeymoon in Turkey will guarantee a journey that has a beautiful balance of East and West, while providing luxury, relaxation and adventure at the same time. So do not think twice before choosing Turkey for your honeymoon, especially if you want to make unforgettably sweet and lasting memories.