Be amazed by the cosmopolitan cities, magnificent mosques and delicious cuisine in the Marmara Region. This enchanting pocket of Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and recalls the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Attractions like Uludag National Park and the Gallipoli Peninsula showcase the natural beauty of the region.
Things to do in Marmara Region
East meets West in enchanting Istanbul, the beating heart of the Marmara Region. Shop, dine and play in Taksim Square and visit a constellation of museums, galleries and historic sites. The Blue Mosque towers over the city and features a meringue of graceful domes and minarets. An Ottoman sultan commissioned the mosque in the 1600s and spared no expense. Glazed tiles decorate the interior and will dazzle you with hundreds of shades of blue.
Head south to Bursa, a modern city filled with ancient architecture. Beautiful mosques, mausoleums and monuments recall the city’s past as an Ottoman Empire stronghold. Most are beautifully preserved and have earned the entire city UNESCO World Heritage status. Get lost in the bustling markets, then catch your breath in the city’s leafy public parks and gardens. Head to the Cekirge neighbourhood to relax in traditional thermal hammams.
Winter snowfall transforms Mt Uludağ into Turkey’s top ski resort. It’s part of Uludag National Park and offers groomed trails for all levels. In summer, the mountain is carpeted in colourful wildflowers. Follow hiking trails to sparkling glacier lakes and tumbling waterfalls.
Çanakkale overlooks the Dardanelles Strait and is a gateway to the battlefields of Gallipoli. Day trip to the peninsula and visit harrowing sites like Anzac Cove and the Lone Pine Ceremony. Back in the city, you’ll find cafes, bars and restaurants clustered around the clock tower and along the breezy waterfront promenade. Troy is another easy day trip and one of Turkey’s most famous archaeological sites, where you can walk around ancient ruins and climb the enormous replica of the famous Trojan Horse.
Getting around Marmara Region
All major cities in the Marmara Region are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances, while Istanbul has an excellent public transport system featuring buses, metros, trams and ferries. Istanbul Airport is the main gateway to the Marmara Region.