8 Countries Near to Turkey and the reasons you must visit
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If you’re curious about the countries near to Turkey, you’re in the right place.
The Republic of Turkey, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a member of NATO and the United Nations. It’s divided into seven regions and 81 provinces, each offering its own unique culture and charm.
After living here for several years and exploring five of these regions, I find myself continually inspired to travel even more, especially to the countries that share a border with Turkey.
I’ve visited Greece and Azerbaijan and Georgia is next on my list!
With its central location, Turkey shares borders with eight countries. This was one of the first things I learned when I moved here, and it highlights Turkey’s important role in both regional politics and the global economy.
In this post, we’ll explore the eight countries near Turkey and how the diverse culture here is influenced by its position between East and West.
neighboring countries
While Türkiye (Turkey) is technically a Middle Eastern country, it doesn’t feel like most other Middle Eastern countries. The capital city, Ankara, is the second largest city.
As a former part of the Ottoman Empire, it has a rich cultural heritage with many ancient sites, including Troy, where Greek mythology states that Helen of Troy was taken by Paris.
Thanks to its central location, Turkey is bordered by eight countries, each offering a unique gateway into a different region.
Whether you’re planning to visit Greece, Azerbaijan, or any other country near Turkey, you’ll find rich cultures and histories that are deeply intertwined.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies just northeast of Turkey along the Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria is home to many ancient ruins from both the Roman and Byzantine Empires as well as stunning natural landscapes like Rila National Park with its vast meadows of wildflowers in summertime.
Bulgaria also boasts some of Eastern Europe’s best skiing destinations during winter months making it a popular tourist destination year-round.
Georgia
Georgia is situated at the crossroads between Asia Minor and Europe on the eastern shoreline of the Black Sea next door to Turkey’s eastern borderlands.
Georgia is known for its lush green hillsides dotted with vineyards producing delicious local wines.
It also has many quaint medieval towns filled with cobbled streets lined with old churches still standing since early Christian times long ago when Georgia adopted Christianity back in 337 AD.
Greece
Greece, a member of the European Union since 1981, borders Turkey on its northwestern side and has been an important cultural center for centuries.
It also shares the Aegean Sea. This incredible country is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and rich history.
Its diverse landscape includes mountains, valleys, forests, and islands that make it a great destination for travelers looking to explore nature and culture alike.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan lies east of Turkey, along the west coast of the Caspian Sea (which immediately makes me think of Chronicles of Narnia).
It is known as the Land of Fire because of its numerous natural gas and oil supplies, Azerbaijan is a diverse land with dramatic mountain ranges to explore as well as ancient cities and cultural sites that tell stories about its long history.
One Lonely Planet author described its capital as “the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background.“
I couldn’t believe how true this was until I visited!
Armenia
Armenia borders Turkey on the east side and is home to some of the oldest archaeological sites in the region.
It is well known for its stunning landscapes and churches with an amazing culture that blends ancient traditions with modern ways of life.
Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, is a great place to explore history and architecture.
Syria
Syria lies southwest of Turkey, bordering both Iraq and Jordan.
Syria is known for its rich cultural heritage with many historical sites like the famous ancient city of Palmyra, as well as beautiful landscapes including desert oases and river valleys that are perfect for exploring.
Iran
Iran to the East of Turkey runs along the coast of the Caspian Sea, which also touches Azerbaijan.
For travelers interested in experiencing a unique culture, Iran is a must-see destination.
With its rich history dating back thousands of years, it has some breathtaking sights such as the amazing ruins of Persepolis and other monuments from different dynasties scattered around the country.
Iraq
Iraq lies south of Türkiye and is home to some of the oldest cities on earth such as Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh.
From archaeological sites to stunning natural landscapes, Iraq offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore its fascinating culture and history.
These two countries connect at Turkey’s southeastern corner and the northern Iraq border.
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Bordering Bodies of Water
Turkey is located in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean, surrounded by three major bodies of water – the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the north.
Each body of water provides unique opportunities for exploration and discovery as each has its own unique features that make it special.
The Aegean Sea
It is a beautiful body of water located off the coast of Türkiye. It is bordered by Greece to the east and the island of Crete to the south.
With crystal clear waters and stunning views, it makes for an ideal location for swimming and beach activities like relaxing on deck chairs while admiring stunning views of its coastline.
In addition to its beauty, it is home to some of the most famous ancient cities in Turkey like Izmir, Antalya, Konya, Adana, and Bursa.
It’s also a great spot for sailing and fishing trips as there are plenty of fish species to be found here.
The Mediterranean Sea
This body of water is located south of Turkey and borders Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Lebanon.
It is known for its idyllic climate, stunning views of the shoreline full of white sand beaches, calm waters, and picturesque islands, making it an ideal spot for sailing or fishing trips.
This body of water is also a great destination for sailing, as it offers breathtaking views of famed coastal cities such as Izmir, Antalya, and Konya.
It is also home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world such as Rhodes and Santorini which have become a couple of favorites after visiting them.
The Black Sea
It is located on the Northern coast of Turkey. It is bordered by Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
This body of water is known for its picturesque shorelines and rich culture. It’s a great spot for explorers wanting to learn more about the area’s history as well as admire the stunning views of the coastlines.
It is also home to many species of fish making it a great destination for anglers looking to catch some big catches.
Two Turkish Straits
Turkey is home to the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, both of which are narrow waterways connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.
Their unique geography and cultural significance, also make for an amazing sightseeing experience for any traveler visiting Turkey.
Bosporous Strait
The Bosphorus separates Europe from Asia and has been a significant maritime route since ancient times.
Istanbul is partly in Europe and partly in Asia, making it the only major metropolitan city in the world that is considered a part of two different continents.
It’s also an incredibly important waterway that has been used for trade and travel since ancient times. It separates the Black Sea from the Mediterranean and is considered to be one of the oldest in the world.
It has experienced numerous battles and wars over its long history, most notably during World War I and II.
Nowadays, it is an incredibly important part of Turkish life and serves as a connection between Europe and Asia.
Consider taking a Bosphorus Cruise to enhance your experience!
Dardanelles Strait
The Dardanelles is a historically significant waterway located in northwest Anatolia, Turkey. It connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and is one of the most important strategic points in the region.
It has been used by various empires throughout history, including the Ottoman and Roman Empires.
It runs approximately 40 miles (64km) in length and lies between two peninsulas – Gallipoli on the northern side and Gelibolu on the southern side. Its width varies from 1.2 miles (2 km) at its narrowest point to 4 miles (6 km) at its widest point.
It has several islands located within it, including Imbros and Tenedos which are now both part of Turkey’s European province, Edirne.
During World War I, it was a strategically important battleground between Allied forces and Ottoman troops in 1915-1916.
In addition, it was an important trading route during the Byzantine Empire and beyond, connecting cities along its lengths such as Constantinople (former capital of the Ottoman Empire), Adalia (now Antalya), Samsun, and Çanakkale (Gelibolu).
Today, it serves as both a commercial trading route as well as a popular destination for tourists looking to explore this fascinating region’s amazing culture and history.
7 Regions of Turkey
Turkey is a country of immense diversity, not only in experience but in climate, culture, and history.
Spanning two continents, Europe and Asia, it has seven distinct regions that offer travelers the opportunity to explore its unique culture, history, and landscapes.
From the Marmara region in the northwest to Eastern Anatolia in the east, each area offers something different for visitors looking for an unforgettable experience.
Marmara Region
This region is located in northwestern Türkiye and contains the biggest city in the whole country. Nearly 80% of the country’s GDP is produced in Istanbul.
It is home to a myriad of cultural attractions, from world-class museums and monuments to bustling bazaars and vibrant nightlife scenes.
Marmara also has some stunning beaches along its Aegean coast for visitors looking for a more relaxing experience.
Black Sea Region
Located on the northern side of Turkey and bordering the Black Sea, this region is renowned for its beautiful countryside, lush forests, and unique wildlife.
The cities in this area are great destinations for travelers interested in culture as they offer plenty of fascinating historical sites such as monasteries, churches, and castles.
When I took a week-long road trip to this region I truly fell in love with the region. It is like being in a different country in many ways if you compare it with the western parts of Türkiye.
Read more about the Black Sea Region here.
Aegean Region
This part of Turkey is located on the western coast and is known for its stunning coastline dotted with picturesque beaches and villages.
It’s a great spot for sailing or kayaking trips, hiking in ancient ruins, and exploring hidden coves. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, this is an amazing region to visit!
I have probably visited this region more than any other. It is home to Fethiye and some of the most beautiful beaches.
Mediterranean Region
Located on the southern side of Turkey, this region is home to the Turquoise Coast and is bursting with culture. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore traditional markets, colorful street art, and delicious local cuisine.
Now that ferries are open again post-pandemic, you can easily hop over to a few of the Greek islands from this region.
The water of the Mediterranean is some of my favorite in all the world!
Central Anatolia Region
Home to many important cultural attractions like the Ancient City of Hattusa and Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys.
This region also offers travelers plenty of amazing opportunities to explore outdoor activities such as trekking or exploring ancient ruins which are a door to the country’s past.
It is one of the most vibrant and beautiful regions in Turkey, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Southeast Anatolia Region
This part of Türkiye is known for its stunning nature and amazing wildlife, most notably its beautiful national parks like Mount Nemrut and Lake Bafa Nature Park.
It’s also a great spot for those interested in outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, or even hot-air ballooning.
Eastern Anatolia Region
Located in eastern Turkey, this region offers travelers breathtaking landscapes with towering mountains, serene valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
The cities in this area also provide an excellent cultural experience as it contains some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world.
From historical cities to breathtaking nature spots, Turkey has something special around every corner.
So, why not explore the seven regions of Türkiye and discover something new today?
Some FAQs about the countries near Turkey
What countries next to Turkey are worth visiting?
The places close to Turkey that are worth visiting are quite vast. If you look at a map, you will see that it is right in the middle of many options. You can easily get to Europe, Africa, and Asia, all from Istanbul.
What is the nearest country to Turkey?
Since Turkey is bordered by 8 countries, it would be safe to say those 8. If, however, you are wondering about the countries near Istanbul, then Greece and Bulgaria are the closest.
What is the closest country to Turkey by train?
There is no longer a direct train to Greece unfortunately and to get into Bulgaria by train is quite difficult as it requires many transfers. The best way to go is by bus or flying.
Final Thoughts on Countries Around Turkey
If you came here wondering “Which country is close to Turkey?” or searched “Turkey nearby countries,” I hope you found your answer.
There are 8 Turkey neighboring countries and they all have their own intrinsic beauty and appeal.
That being said, Turkey is a country of incredible diversity, stunning landscapes, and of course, the Turkish language.
Each city in Turkey offers something unique for visitors looking to explore its culture, history, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins or enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking or skiing, Turkey has it all!
So when you go to Turkey enjoy all it has to offer.
Read more:
- Looking for other countries to visit after Turkey? Consider Northern Cyprus
- Wanna visit places near Turkey using Istanbul as a home base? Check out the digital nomad visa Turkey just released
- Albania is just a two-hour flight away…
- Make sure you use the right dialing code when you call friends in Turkey
Turkey Vacation Basics
When I plan a trip these are the websites I use. I hope they help you plan your next adventure as well!
FLIGHTS: I am a huge fan of Skyscanner and WayAway.
VISAS: You can use the free e-visa portal here but for a few extra dollars you can use iVisa and someone else will handle any issues that may come up.
E-SIM: When I traveled to SE Asia I discovered e-sims and I’m never going back. Airalo has been easy and cheap!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I use TravelInsurance.com for my trips abroad.
CAR RENTAL: I have loved working with Discover Cars when I rent cars in country.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: I have used these transfers many times and they are always great. If you’d like more options, I also recommend GetTransfers.com as they allow you to compare companies.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: You can browse GetYourGuide’s website to find just the tour you’re looking for! We also recommend the MegaPass for major cities.
