Konya holidays

How to reach Konya

Flight time: Flights to Konya from London and other major UK airports take around 4 hours and require a short transfer via Istanbul.

Transfer time:

• From Konya Airport, the easiest way to reach the city centre is by a shuttle bus, taking around 20 to 30 minutes, or by taxi which takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Price:

• The shuttle bus costs around TRY30–TRY50 (£0.7–£1).

• For a taxi from the airport to Konya’s centre you’ll pay TRY130–TRY170 (£3–£4).

Best time to visit Konya

As the city sits on a high plateau, it experiences hot summers and cold winters, so time your holidays to Konya depending on your preferences.

• April to June is the ideal time to visit if you’re after outdoor attractions or sightseeing, as spring brings mild and pleasant weather, with 8 to 11 hours of sunshine a day. Average temperatures hover between 15°C and 25°C, and rainfall is low, around 20 to 35mm.

• July to August can be quite hot, with daily temperatures averaging 28°C to 32°C. Rain is rare in summer, and the city sees around 12 to 13 hours of sunshine every day, making it an ideal time for sunseekers but not for tourists keen on sightseeing.

• September to November brings cooler autumn weather with average temperatures from 20°C in September to around 10°C in November. It’s an ideal time for outdoor visits, with fewer tourists and 6 to 9 hours of sunshine per day.

• December to March are cold winter months, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C to 8°C. Snowfall is possible, adding a unique charm to the city. If you don’t mind the cold, Konya in winter is very atmospheric, but be prepared for just 4 to 6 hours of sunlight.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language in Konya.

• Local habits and customs: Turkish people are generally warm and hospitable. Removing shoes when entering homes or mosques is a standard courtesy. Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites.

• Currency: The Turkish Lira is the local currency. ATMs are readily available and major credit cards are widely accepted, though cash is often preferred in smaller shops and cafés.

• Getting around: The public transport system includes trams, buses and dolmuş (shared minibus). Single rides start at TRY5 (£0.1), and you can load up a KonyaKart for easier, cheaper travel. Taxis are affordable and convenient, though it’s better to confirm fares before setting off.

• Electricity and plug types: Turkey uses 220V, with two-round-pin plugs so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Konya uses Turkey Time, which is GMT+3.

Best things to do in Konya

From ancient monuments to beautiful parks, there are a lot of attractions that shouldn’t be missed during your holidays to Konya.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Aladdin’s Hill: This small hill in central Konya offers a peaceful escape with panoramic views over the city. It’s home to the historic Aladdin Mosque, surrounded by a lovely park.

• Mevlâna Museum Gardens: Offering a picturesque view of the turquoise dome of the Mevlâna Museum, these gardens are a tranquil spot for a walk. If you’re romantic at heart, come in the evening when the gardens are softly illuminated, adding a touch of magic to your view.

The best districts

• Mevlâna District: Known as the spiritual heart of Konya, this district is where you’ll certainly find the famous Mevlâna Museum but the area also brims with cafés, artisan shops and market stalls, and is a perfect place for a leisurely walk.

• Karatay: For history buffs, the Karatay district is well worth a visit as it’s home to the city’s several major landmarks, including the Karatay Medrese, with its intricate Seljuk-era tile work and the Ceramics and Tile Museum inside. The area is quieter and offers a glimpse into local life, away from the city’s busiest spots.

Historical monuments

• Mevlâna Museum: Every visitor to Konya wants to see its top landmark, the lovely turquoise-domed Mevlâna Museum, the home of the whirling dervishes. At the heart of the complex is the tomb of Mevlâna (Celaleddin Rumi), the founder of the order, the 13th-century poet and mystic.

• Aladdin Mosque: Located atop Aladdin’s Hill, Alâeddin Camii is one of Turkey’s oldest mosques, dating back to the Seljuk period. The 13th-century mosque has a forest of 42 interior Roman columns and is surrounded by lush greenery.

• İnce Minaret Medrese: The İnce Minaret Medrese, a former Islamic school, is graced with an elegant Seljuk portal ornately tiled in geometric patterns and – a reminder that this was among the first structures built by the nomadic Seljuks – resembling the entrance to a tent.

• Sahip Ata Museum: Originally a mosque, this historical building with a lovely courtyard now serves as an ethnography museum showcasing Islamic and Seljuk art.

Day trips in the area

• Çatalhöyük: Çatalhöyük, about 35km southeast of Konya, is among the most significant Neolithic sites in the country and well worth a visit. From about 6250–5400 BC, this was a prosperous town of some 5,000 people and the first place in the world whose residents are known to have used irrigation and kept domesticated animals.

• Lake Beyşehir: An hour’s drive from Konya, Lake Beyşehir is Turkey’s largest freshwater lake. Surrounded by mountains and national parks, it’s a haven for birdwatchers and a lovely spot for picnicking. The area also has well-marked walking trails and cycling paths for those keen to get active.

• Sille Village: About 10km outside Konya is the former Greek village of Sille, with the cobblestone streets, the Aya Elenia Church and the remains of the Church of St Michael. It’s a great place for a delightful family day trip.

Activities for families in Konya

Konya is very family-friendly, with plenty of options to entertain both children and adults.

• Science Centre: Konya’s Science Centre has great interactive exhibits covering topics from space to biology. It’s both educational and entertaining so if you have kids in tow, this is your place.

• Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden: Just 10km outside Konya, the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden, the biggest butterfly flying field in Europe, boasts 15 species of butterflies. It’s both fun and educational, offering a chance for kids to observe several thousand butterflies flying freely in their natural habitats.

• Kulturpark Konya: This large urban park is perfect for an afternoon picnic and offers plenty of space for children to run around. During the summer, there are often local events and activities to enjoy.

Free things to do in Konya

Travelling on a budget? Konya has a lot of free attractions to offer.

• Free events: Konya hosts an annual Sufi music festival in December to celebrate Rumi’s legacy. The festival includes live performances, and visitors can witness – at no cost at all – the mesmerising Whirling Dervish ceremony, which has not lost its religious significance to the present day.

• Free museums: Some of Konya’s museums are free to enter, including the excellent Mevlâna Museum. Use the opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture without spending a kuru.

• Free guided tours: Several local organisations offer free tips-only walking tours of the city, focused on Konya’s historical sites, architectural highlights or other topics. So have your eyes peeled for a tour that interests you most and join in!

Local dishes in Konya

One of the highlights of Konya holidays is sampling its distinctive cuisine, which reflects the rich culinary traditions of Central Anatolia.

Some typical dishes

• Etli Ekmek: Similar to a pizza, this classic thin and crispy flatbread is topped with minced meat, tomatoes and spices. Simple but delicious!

• Mevlana Böreği: This popular pastry is filled with a tasty mixture of cheese and herbs. Found in most bakeries and cafés across Konya, this favourite local snack is definitely a must-try.

Meat dishes

• Fırın Kebabı: This slow-cooked lamb dish is traditionally prepared in a wood-fired oven, giving it a tender texture and rich flavour, and served accompanied by flatbread.

Tapas dishes

• Meze: A classic Turkish experience, meze is a selection of small appetisers like hummus, baba ganoush and cacık (yoghurt with cucumber and garlic). It’s a great idea for sampling different local flavours.

Sweets and desserts

• Höşmerim: This semolina-based dessert topped with walnuts and honey, offers a perfect mix of crunch and sweetness.

• Cezerye: Konya definitely has a sweet tooth and one of its iconic, totally delicious desserts is cezerye. It’s made from grated carrots, nuts and coconut, and is both unique and surprisingly light.

Local drinks

• Ayran: When in Konya, do like the Konyans do and drink this refreshing yoghurt-based drink. It’s served with many meals, especially in warmer months.

• Şıra: A slightly fermented grape juice, şıra is mildly sweet with a gentle tang. Definitely a must-try during your visit to Konya!

• Turkish Tea: As in much of Turkey, Konya’s cafés and tea gardens serve steaming glasses of Turkish tea. The tea is black, served in small tulip-shaped glasses, with sugar on the side.