Turkey Holidays

Best time to go to Turkey

Turkey is a popular summer holiday destination for sun, sea and sand. With temperatures averaging 25–30 degrees from June to September, it’s easy to see why. There’s also very low rainfall during these months, certainly in the most popular coastal regions. If you want to get nice temperatures in the coastal areas, but avoid the peak crowds and prices, the shoulder season is April/May and late September to early November. The sea near Antalya is still a balmy 21 degrees in November, with an average of seven sunshine hours and air temperatures hovering just below 20 degrees.

If you want to hike, visit the sweltering city of Istanbul to explore its cultural richness, or indeed ski – winter, the off-season, is preferable. Istanbul is pleasant to explore in the winter months (November–March/April) and inland locations like Cappadocia get a magical dusting of snow. In general, if you visit the mountains, expect exceptional snowy scenery and in the cities nearer the coast, it’ll be ‘long-trousers-and-coat’ weather, but the antiquities will be much more bearable when it’s not plus-thirty. And you’ll get the benefit of cheaper prices too.

How to get to Turkey

Most people fly to Turkey from the UK, and the two most popular airports are Dalaman and Antalya, as they land you right on the south coast, close to many popular beach resorts. Flights run direct from London airports, Birmingham and Manchester, for example, and take around four to four-and-a-half hours. For Istanbul, it makes sense to fly directly into the city’s main airport. You can fly directly from Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and London, for example, to Istanbul in around four hours. You could also get to Turkey via ferry from a Greek island. Some of the most popular routes include Rhodes to Fethiye or Marmaris, Kos to Bodrum and Thessaloniki to İzmir.

Getting around Turkey

After a bus transfer from an airport to a beach resort, many people don’t need to go too far once they're in Turkey. However, if you are looking to explore, local bus services run between most towns. You can also take boat trips up and down the coast to explore other towns and small islands, as well as make ferry day trips to Greek islands. If you’re travelling to major tourist locations, like Cappadocia or Pamukkale, you’ll probably find multiple coach and bus journeys available. For off-the-beaten-track destinations, very inland in Turkey, you may prefer to hire a car. Turkey also has an extensive train route that connects major cities and towns up and down the country, and tickets can be purchased at stations in Turkey.

Explore Popular Holiday Destinations in Turkey

Turkey is a vibrant country offering a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and lively resorts. Here’s a guide to some of the top destinations for a memorable holiday in Turkey, each offering unique experiences for every type of traveller.

Istanbul Holidays

Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modernity. Explore ancient mosques and palaces, bustling bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, and vibrant nightlife. Istanbul is a feast for the senses, with countless experiences ranging from the historical to the hedonistic. Consider Istanbul holidays for a deep dive into Turkey’s cultural heart.

Cappadocia Holidays

Famous for its surreal landscapes dotted with fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, Cappadocia is an enchanting destination. Enjoy hot air balloon rides at sunrise, explore underground cities, and stay in unique cave hotels. Cappadocia holidays offer a magical escape into a land of natural wonders and historical mysteries.

Marmaris Holidays

Marmaris is a lively resort town on the Turkish Riviera, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and scenic marina. It’s a popular choice for those looking for fun in the sun with plenty of activities on land and water. For a holiday that combines relaxation with adventure, look into Marmaris holidays.

Antalya Holidays

The Antalya region is a gem on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, featuring stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and lush landscapes. From the golden sands of Lara Beach to the Roman ruins in Side, this region offers a perfect blend of relaxation and historical exploration. Explore Antalya region holidays for a sun-soaked escape with a touch of antiquity.

Bodrum Holidays

Bodrum attracts visitors with its mix of cultural sites, such as the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and chic lifestyle offerings including yachting and upscale dining. With its vibrant town centre and beautiful bays, Bodrum is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment. Discover Bodrum holidays for a stylish getaway.

Kalkan Holidays

Kalkan is known for its charming old town, exquisite sea views, and high-end restaurants. This idyllic town is more laid-back and is renowned for its hospitality and sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat with a luxury feel, Kalkan holidays provide a serene setting with beautiful Mediterranean views.

Alanya Holidays

Alanya offers a lively holiday experience with its beautiful beaches like Cleopatra Beach, bustling bazaars, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great destination for families and young travellers alike, featuring historical sites such as the Alanya Castle and the Red Tower. For a holiday that offers both historical depth and modern amenities, consider Alanya holidays.

Each of these destinations in Turkey provides a unique setting for a holiday, whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or simply a relaxing break by the sea. With such diverse offerings, Turkey promises a memorable holiday experience for all who visit.

All-Inclusive Holidays in Turkey

Discover the convenience and luxury of all-inclusive holidays in Turkey, the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free getaway in this vibrant and diverse country. With everything from your meals and drinks to entertainment and activities included in the price, you can indulge in Turkey's delights without worrying about the details.

Embrace the ease of an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey and spend your days enjoying the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of this unique country. Perfect for those looking to fully unwind and indulge, all-inclusive packages allow you to enjoy every moment of your Turkish holiday without a single worry.

Best beaches for families in Turkey

Turkey’s entire coast is to die for – you can’t go wrong when the sea temperatures hover above 20 degrees year-round.

• Ölüdeniz is one of the most popular family resorts. It’s a long, sand-and-shingle shore backed by a thriving resort town with budget-friendly hotels in Ölüdeniz, family-friendly restaurants and shops. Paragliding is also a very popular activity here, with tourist gliding trips landing regularly at one end of the beach, almost every day.

• Side is another popular destination in Turkey, with the beach resort stretching away from the pint-sized town on the peninsula. The hotels in Side, each have a dedicated spot on the sandy shore, with access to its shallow sea, and there’s a public stretch of beach too.

• Flanked by mountains and backed by trees, Çıralı beach, close to hotels in Antalya, is a haven for people and wildlife. Its pebble shore has a rustic feel and in summer it’s home to protected turtle nests.

• Just south of Ölüdeniz, you’ll find pretty and petite Kabak beach tucked between dramatic, tree-covered hills. It’s another rustic, stony beach with still, clear and shallow water.

• Kaputas Beach is endlessly popular with families and solo travellers, thanks to its slightly sandier shore and its epic views, especially at sunset.

• Butterfly Valley is frequently cited as a must-visit beach on Turkey’s south coast. The beautiful cove is reached either by a substantial hike, or via a boat trip that will drop you right in the crystal-clear waters.

• Close to the under-the-radar resort town of Kas, Patara Beach is something to behold. This long, sandy expanse is truly epic – if sometimes a little windy – backed by rolling dunes and even its own ruins. Don't miss our offer of hotels in Kas.

Exploring the Rich Flavours of Food & Drinks in Turkey

Turkey's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and aromas, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. British travellers will find a delightful array of must-eat dishes that offer a true taste of Turkish cuisine.

Mezze and Starters: A Social Affair Begin your culinary journey with a variety of mezze, the small dishes that are central to Turkish dining. Enjoy classics like hummus, tabbouleh, and ezme, a spicy tomato dip. Don't miss out on trying dolma, vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs. These starters are not just about food; they're a social affair, perfect for sharing.

Kebabs: The Heart of Turkish Cuisine Kebabs are synonymous with Turkish cuisine, and for good reason. From the succulent shish kebab (skewered and grilled meat) to the iconic döner kebab, these dishes are a must-try. In coastal areas, indulge in balık ekmek, a simple yet delicious fish sandwich, showcasing the freshness of local seafood.

Baklava and Turkish Delight: Sweet Temptations No visit to Turkey is complete without sampling its famous desserts. Baklava, with its layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup, is a heavenly treat. Turkish delight, known locally as lokum, comes in a variety of flavours, from rose to pistachio, and is a perfect souvenir to bring back home.

Turkish Tea and Coffee: A Cultural Experience Beverages are an integral part of Turkish culture. Turkish tea, served in small tulip-shaped glasses, is a staple and often enjoyed in the numerous tea gardens scattered across the country. For coffee enthusiasts, Turkish coffee is a must-try. This strong, unfiltered coffee is served in small cups and is known for its rich, intense flavour.

Regional Specialities: A Diverse Palette Explore regional specialities that vary from coast to coast. In the Aegean region, enjoy fresh olive oil-based dishes with vegetables and seafood. In the southeast, the spicy kebabs and mezes reflect the influence of neighbouring Middle Eastern cuisines.

British travellers will find Turkish food and drinks not just delicious but also a window into the country's soul. Each dish tells a story of regions, traditions, and the warmth of Turkish hospitality, making your culinary adventure an integral part of your travel experience.

Sports in Turkey

Turkey, a country where East meets West, offers a rich tapestry of sports activities for tourists seeking both traditional and modern sporting experiences. From ancient sports steeped in history to contemporary adventures, Turkey's diverse landscape serves as a perfect backdrop for a wide range of athletic pursuits.

Traditional Sports: Oil Wrestling and Archery

Turkey's heritage in sports is best symbolized by oil wrestling, known as 'Yağlı Güreş', a sport that dates back to Ottoman times and is celebrated at the annual Kırkpınar tournament in Edirne. Archery, another ancient sport, has a significant place in Turkish history, with several archery fields and events held across the country.

Football: A National Passion

Football is the most popular sport in Turkey, with intense local and national leagues. Visitors can experience the electrifying atmosphere of a football match in major stadiums in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The passionate fan base and the high-quality football make it a thrilling experience.

Outdoor Adventures: Paragliding and Mountaineering

Turkey's varied landscape makes it an ideal destination for outdoor sports. Paragliding over the stunning scenery of Ölüdeniz or mountaineering in the Taurus Mountains offers both adrenaline and breathtaking views. These activities cater to both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Water Sports: Sailing and Scuba Diving

With its extensive coastline, Turkey is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Sailing in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Antalya and Bodrum allows visitors to explore the rich marine life and underwater landscapes.

Winter Sports: Skiing and Snowboarding

In winter, Turkey's mountain ranges, particularly in Eastern Anatolia, offer excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Resorts like Uludağ, Palandöken, and Erciyes provide world-class facilities and slopes suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Whether it's embracing traditional sports or seeking thrilling adventures, Turkey offers a unique and diverse range of sporting activities, making it an ideal holiday destination for sports enthusiasts.

What to do in Turkey

Turkey is vast, and there’s no end of activities to occupy you in this beautiful country. Autumn and spring are seasons for taking in the cultural sites, while in winter, some come to ski. In summer, of course, the number one activity is to visit the beach (more on that below), to sunbathe, swim and partake in watersports. Here are some other things to do in Turkey:

• Visit Cappadocia to see the hot air balloons rising over the Martian-esque landscape

• Visit the terraced salt pools at Pamukkale

• Hike the Lycian Way, a cultural route with 25 special sites, skirting Turkey’s south coast

• Go island-hopping as a day trip. Turkey has myriad tiny islands just off its coast that are fascinating to visit by boat. You could even take a day trip to a Greek island like Rhodes.

• Visit Istanbul’s cultural monuments, like the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (to name but a few).

• See the Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye.

• Explore the vast ancient site of Ephesus

• Journey to Mount Nemrut National Park

Things to do in Turkey for free

While key sites like the Topkapi Palace, the big museums in Istanbul, Mount Nemrut and Pamukkale (~€11) have an entrance fee, many activities in Turkey are free to experience. The most obvious free activity is, of course, to head to the beach and enjoy the bath-like sea, completely free of charge. In Istanbul many of the markets, like the Grand Bazaar, and the mosques and other religious sites are free – but you may wish to visit with a guide anyway to help you navigate these areas. One of the great things to do for free in Turkish towns or cities is to wander and take in the architecture yourself, soaking up the atmosphere. You could also join a walking tour to get extra local insight.

Things to do in Turkey for couples

Turkey is a haven for couples, offering a mix of romantic experiences set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and rich history. Picture yourselves enjoying a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, taking a serene sunset stroll along Istanbul's Bosphorus, or unwinding in the thermal waters of Pamukkale's terraces. Whether it's exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus or cruising along the picturesque Bodrum coastline, Turkey promises unforgettable moments for every couple.

Things to do in Turkey for families

Turkey is a fantastic destination for families, offering activities that cater to all ages. From the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, where hot air balloon rides provide an awe-inspiring view of the fairy chimneys, to the vibrant streets of Istanbul rich with history and culture. Families can enjoy interactive experiences at Istanbul's Miniaturk, showcasing miniature replicas of Turkey's most famous landmarks. The beaches of Antalya and Bodrum are perfect for sun, sea, and sand, with numerous water sports available. Historical sites like the ruins of Ephesus and the underground cities in Cappadocia offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, perfect for educational family outings. For a more relaxed experience, the thermal pools of Pamukkale are not only visually stunning but also great for a family dip. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Turkey provides an enriching and enjoyable holiday experience for families.