avoiding crowds

Miletus is a quieter site than the great Aegean showpieces, but it still has its crowded hours.

Sardis is one of the quieter ancient sites of western Turkey, but quiet is a relative word.

Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most visited attractions, and its terraces can feel crowded on summer days. But the crowds follow patterns that are easy to understand and easy to exploit.

Hierapolis shares its gates with the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and together they form one of the most visited attractions in Turkey.

Aphrodisias is quieter than Turkey’s most famous ancient sites, but it is still a UNESCO World Heritage destination, and the crowds come in waves.

Pergamon is one of the calmest of Turkey’s great ancient sites, and for most of the year crowds are a minor consideration.

Troy is one of the quieter great sites of Turkey, and for most of the year the crowds are modest, but they still exist, and they cluster in predictable patterns.

Ephesus is the most visited ancient site in Turkey, and on a summer morning its marble streets can feel like a city again, packed with tour groups from Kusadasi and beyond.