Turkey Holidays (TÜRKİYE)

Find your perfect holiday

A feast of culture and beach life

Turkey holidays are an intoxicating combination of flavours and cultures – this is, quite literally, where east meets west. Combining the influences of both the Middle East and the Mediterranean, there’s a fascinating mix of things to see, do, eat and drink.

From the miles of dazzling coastline in the south, to some of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites in the west, via the buzzing food markets of Istanbul and Izmir – holidays to Turkey have so much to offer.

Turkey holidays for beach lovers

For beach lovers, holidays in Turkey are a dream. Close to the southern resort city of Antalya, long stretches of powder-soft sand are lapped by jade waters – it’s not called the Turquoise Coast for nothing.

To the west, on the Aegean Coast, you’ll find serene coves and forest-clad peninsulas dotted with fishing villages, making it the perfect place to explore by boat. Beyond the beaches, there’s a staggering amount of history to discover – from the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus, near Izmir, to rarely-seen sites in the countryside.

Sightseeing and adventuring in Turkey

With its mountains, rivers and canyons, Turkey is also a place for adventure. For hikers, the long-distance Lycian Way weaves through limestone peaks and along the Mediterranean coastline, while the national parks are hotspots for high-octane pursuits. And of course there are coastal water sports.

Meanwhile, all that sunshine makes for some fantastic local produce. Olive oil, seafood, freshly baked bread and cheese are just some of the delicious ingredients that make up a Turkish feast. So dig in, and find your perfect holiday.

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Need to know

Language
Turkish

Currency
Turkish Lira

Time zone
GMT +3

Flight Time
4hrs

*Average time from London Gatwick to Istanbul

All regions in Turkey

Antalya

Bodrum

Dalaman

Istanbul

Izmir

Explore our map of Turkey

Best things to do Top tips Key dates Beaches Cultural Highlights Food & drink Kid-friendly activities Places To Visit Shopping

Sail the coastline
Boat life is a key part of Turkish culture, so hire a boat or hop on a ferry to enjoy the change of perspective, and maybe even a passing dolphin or two.
Eat in the meyhanes
Meyhanes are traditional Turkish tavernas that originally catered for merchants. Today, they’re a great place to try inexpensive and authentic dishes, plus local wines and spirits.
Go back in time
Turkey is dotted with spectacular archeological treasures. The ancient city of Perge, near Antalya, dates from 1000 BC, while the ruins at Ephesus are a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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Your questions answered

What is the best month to visit Turkey?

If you love to feel the heat, then June, July and August are the hottest months in Turkey. These are great times of year to visit the country’s beaches, relax, and take things at your own pace. But if you’re keen to spend long days sightseeing in the cities, you might find April and May – or September and October – to be slightly more comfortable. You can also hit the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts over winter. Winters in these parts are pretty mild. And as it’s outside the peak season, it can be a bargain, too.

What part of Turkey is best for a holiday?

If you want to see a little bit of everything, cool cities, historic sites, and a bit of nature, then the south and west coasts are probably best. In these parts of the country, you have great old cities like Antalya that are nestled in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. It’s worth thinking about making yourself a base in Dalaman so that you can take day trips to the little towns dotted along the coast. Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, and Olu Deniz have some good attractions to visit.

Which part of Turkey has the best beaches?

Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is absolutely the best for beaches. The stretch from Bodrum on the southwest corner to Alanya covers some of the country’s most beautiful sandy spots. Kabak Beach in Fethiye is one of them. It’s only accessible on foot, up a rather steep trail, so it’s rarely crowded. Icmeler Beach is another top spot. If you enjoy relaxing with great views of pine-covered mountains, this is the beach for you. And for a more active beach with tons of activities, try Cleopatra Beach in Alanya.

What’s the best holiday resort in Turkey?

Down on the Mediterranean coast alone, there’s a huge range of fantastic resorts that appeal to different types of traveller. For example, if you just want to unwind, then Altinkum has no shortage of beaches. And Marmaris is top for nightlife. Some like to stay in the quieter resort of Icmeler and venture into Marmaris in the evenings. The journey only takes 10 minutes by taxi. Shuttles sometimes run, too.

What is traditional Turkish food like?

There’s not really one single traditional style of Turkish cooking. Each region has its own classic dishes. Traditional foods in European Turkey are influenced by the Balkans, while in other areas there’s more of a Western Asian influence. And down in the south, there’s a Mediterranean feel with lots of veggies and olive oil. On the whole, expect lots of kebab-style marinated meats, served with bulgur or a local bread. There’s a Turkish version of Spanish tapas called meze which is great for trying new things.

What is Turkey known for?

Turkey is probably most famous for the three S’s: shopping, sands, and sweets. For shopping, the country is home to some of the most well known traditional bazaars in the world. They’re bursting with colour and filled with the rich smells of fresh spices. And for sands, Turkey’s Mediterranean coast boasts some of the best beaches you can imagine. Foodwise, Turkey is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. A really tasty choice is baklava; honey and pistachios sandwiched between layers of filo pastry.

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