Afyonkarahisar Province is home to fantastic museums, soaring mosques and beautiful Ottoman architecture. The city of Ayfon is known for its Hittite castle, historic district and authentic Turkish cuisine. Venture out of town and you'll find mineral-rich hot springs and mud baths.
Things to do in Afyonkarahisar Province
Afyon is set at the foot of Afyon Kale, an ancient castle dating back to 1350 BC. Climb up onto the ramparts for sweeping city views, then explore the atmospheric Ottoman Quarter. Its cobblestone lanes are dotted with beautiful mosques, colourful spice stalls and dimly-lit teahouses.
The Mevlevihane Museum offers a glimpse at Turkey's ancient past. It's housed in Mevlevihane Cami, a 13th-century Seljuk mosque, and displays a colourful exhibition on Turkey's mesmerising whirling dervishes.
Sandikli is a laid-back town known for its thermal hot springs and mineral-rich mud baths. Locals believe the therapeutic water can cure a host of ailments. The town is also dotted with luxury spa hotels offering thermal pools, steam rooms, mud baths and indulgent treatments.
The Afyonkarahisar Province highlights Turkey’s tantalising cuisine. In Afyon, locals flock to Mihrioglu Konagi, a characterful restaurant set in a beautifully restored Ottoman house. It serves up delicious Anatolian cuisine, including flaky borek pastries, spicy veal sausage and Turkish ravioli. Wash it down with a glass of local raki.
Getting around Afyonkarahisar Province
Local buses run throughout Afyonkarahisar Province and reach Ankara in four hours and Istanbul in eight hours. The city of Afyon is easy to get around on foot, especially within the Ottoman Quarter. You can also use local "dolmus" minibuses and taxis.