Şanlıurfa is a thousands-of-years-old open-air museum of history, home to Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest temple, and the sacred Balıklıgöl pools. From Istanbul you can fly direct to Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY) with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet in about 1 hour 55 minutes. Known as the city of prophets, it is celebrated equally for its rich cuisine and traditional bazaars.
Looking for cheap flights or installment air tickets to Şanlıurfa?
Suso is a travel-planning platform that turns your Şanlıurfa trip from Turkey into a buy now, pay later flight package: the ticket is issued by travel agencies, booking sites or airlines, and the payment plan runs on consumer credit from partner finance institutions. One click in the basket completes the purchase and the financing together; you pay over 3 to 24 months. No credit card limit needed.
See flights to Şanlıurfa →When to visit Şanlıurfa
The best time is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October); summers are very hot.
Things to do in Şanlıurfa
Göbeklitepe
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Göbeklitepe is the world's oldest known temple, dating back roughly 12,000 years. Its giant T-shaped pillars and carved reliefs have reshaped how we understand human history.
Balıklıgöl and Halil-ur Rahman
According to legend, the sacred Balıklıgöl formed where the Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire; its pools teem with carp considered holy. The lakeside Halil-ur Rahman and Rızvaniye mosques create a serene setting.
Şanlıurfa Castle
Rising on the hill just above Balıklıgöl, the historic castle is marked by its two great columns and ramparts. From the top you get sweeping views over the city and the sacred pools.
Harran
South of the city, Harran is famed for its traditional beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and its ancient university. As one of Mesopotamia's oldest settlements, it carries thousands of years of history.
Halfeti
Known for the old village submerged beneath the dam lake, Halfeti is best explored by boat tour. A minaret rising from the water and rare black roses give the area a dreamlike atmosphere.
Gastronomy and the Coppersmiths' Bazaar
Şanlıurfa's cuisine is famed for çiğ köfte, lahmacun and şıllık dessert. In the historic covered bazaars you can watch coppersmiths at work and shop for local isot pepper and spices in a traditional setting.
Flights from Turkey to Şanlıurfa
Direct flights run from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY). The airport lies about 35 km from the city centre, reachable by taxi or shuttle service.
Şanlıurfa FAQ
Can I split Şanlıurfa flights into monthly payments with Suso?
Yes. With Suso you can split your Istanbul-Şanlıurfa flight package into monthly payments from 3 to 24 months, and no credit card limit is required.
How far is Şanlıurfa Airport from the city centre?
Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY) is about 35 km from the city centre. You can reach the centre easily by taxi or airport shuttle.
Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa?
You can fly direct from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet. The flight takes about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Buy now, pay later flights to Şanlıurfa
Fly now, pay later. Plan your trip, pay over up to 24 months. One click at checkout sets up the plan, no credit card limit needed.
Search flights to Şanlıurfa →