2025 marked one of Türkiye’s strongest years for tourism, drawing renewed global attention across culture, cuisine, and history, but it’s 2026 that signals a deeper shift toward experiences defined by place, season, and intention. From MICHELIN dining in ancient stone caves to wind-shaped coastlines and wellness enmeshed in nature, these five experiences position Türkiye as one of the world’s most compelling destinations to visit in the year ahead.
Cappadocia’s Michelin Moment: A Rising Gastronomy Destination
Cappadocia is one of Türkiye’s most iconic regions, recognized globally for ancient cave settlements and inspiring hot air balloon flights over the picturesque fairy chimneys. Amongst the region’s rich history and spectacular scenery, the wine-producing region is also an emerging culinary hotspot. Last month Revithia, located inside a UNESCO-designated historic cave, became Cappadocia’s first MICHELIN-starred restaurant alongwith five Bib Gourmand and 12 MICHELIN Selections. Additionally, Babayan Evi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, received a MICHELIN Green Star, awarded for innovation and impressive sustainability standards.
Night Skiing in Palandöken: Türkiye’s Premier Winter Destination
Situated in the east is Türkiye’s leading ski resort: Palandöken. It features an exceptionally long ski season, typically running from November through May. The mountain offers reliable snow quality and a wide range of slopes suitable for all levels, including long, uninterrupted runs, all supported by modern lift infrastructure. As twilight descends on the horizon, the mountain glows under floodlights making night skiing a magical experience and a major draw for visitors. Many hotels at Palandöken provide true ski-in/ski-out access, anchoring the destination’s reputation as a winter resort.
Pamukkale: Discover Wellness Amid Ancient Ruins
Located in southwestern Türkiye, Pamukkale’s landscape is dotted with striking travertine terraces, formed over thousands of years, gradually creating the white, stepped pools that define the landscape. Once home to ancient healing centres such as Hierapolis and Pergamon, Türkiye is one of the world’s leading thermal spring destinations today. Pamukkale draws visitors seeking to bathe in thermal waters for deep relaxation in an extraordinary setting among the Roman ruins.
Diving In Kaş, Where Diverse Marine Life Converges with Underwater Archeology
Situated on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastline, Kaş is the country’s leading scuba diving destination, with exceptional visibility that often exceeds 25-30 metres, making it ideal for both first-time divers and advanced certifications. What distinguishes Kaş is the convergence of vibrant marine life, underwater archaeology, and historic shipwreck sites. Kaş has a strong network of professional dive centres, enabling divers to choose from a variety of dives, from shallow reefs and sheltered entries to steep drop-offs and wreck dives, all within short distances. On land, the village of Kaş is small and unspoilt — full of coastal character, charming low-rise architecture, cobbled streets and stunning views.
Sümela Monastery: Where History and Faith are Carved Into Dramatic Cliffs
On Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, Sümela Monastery is one of the region’s most significant cultural landmarks. Dating back to the fourth century, the former Greek Orthodox monastery features stunning Byzantine architecture carved directly into a sheer cliff face, suspended above a forested ravine within Altındere National Park. The visit itself is part of the experience: a scenic mountain drive, a shuttle transfer, and a short uphill walk to reach the monastery complex. Stops at Zigana Mountain Summit and Torul Glass Terrace are recommended to round out the experience, a powerful combination of history, faith, and dramatic landscape that defines the cultural depth of Türkiye’s Black Sea region.
