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It’s east meets west on holidays to Turkey – with added sun, sand and ancient cities.
All the beaches
Turkey’s got a 2-for-1 on continents. It sits pretty between Europe and Asia – with coastlines on the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Med – so it’s a win for beachy trips. Along the Aegean Coast, Bodrum, Izmir, and Kusadasi are big names with buzzy beaches and cliché-clear water. It’s a similar story on the Turkish Riviera, which stretches from Antalya to Fethiye. This part’s a popular pick for All Inclusive resorts, like the ones along lively Lara Beach. Further west, the Dalaman area, AKA the Turquoise Coast, is home to beaut hillside hotels and the Blue Lagoon – one of the most-papped beaches in Turkey.
Outdoorsy life
If you’re a sporty type, Turkey’s all yours. We’re talking mountain hikes, golf days, parasailing, and diving to coral reefs and shipwrecks. You’ve got all the classic watersports on the menu here, too, like windsurfing and kiteboarding, and you can even head inland to the waterfalls for rafting and kayaking. For something a little more laidback, the hills around Antalya are packed with walking trails that take you along coastal clifftops and past ancient sights – the Lycian Way route is a firm fave for its dreamy scenery.
City scenes
This pick’s got that sweet combo of the Mediterranean lifestyle mixed with Middle Eastern vibes, and the best place to soak it all up is in the cities. Istanbul’s literally split in half by the Bosphorus Strait, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. You’ll see a Roman aqueduct and Byzantine churches next to Ottoman palaces and grand mosques, like the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with its six minarets. For a closer look at local life, head to the bazaar for some street food and Turkish tea.
Best resorts in Turkey
On the Turkish Riviera, Antalya’s a solid shout for a sea-and-sand holiday. It’s all five-star, All Inclusive stays right on the city’s two sweeps – Lara Beach is a fave for its family-friendly resorts. The town itself covers every holiday vibe, from wholesome strolls through the old town to all-nighters in its bars and clubs. Plus, it’s the perfect base for easy access to the hills for hikes and daytrips to the waterfalls.
The Dalaman area sits in a crescent-shaped scoop of Turkey’s south-west coast. Thanks to its bright blue waters and Insta-worthy beaches, it’s actually known as the Turquoise Coast.
In the Dalaman area, Marmaris packs in a palm-fringed beach, a centuries-old castle and a cute waterfront lined with buzzy bars and restaurants. The town’s backed by lush mountains, so hikes with stunning views are so on. It’s also a prime pick for boat trips out into the bay and beyond to nearby Rhodes.
Bodrum’s got big boujie energy. Its Aegean Coast postcode gives it that Greek Island aesthetic – picture buildings covered in bougainvillea, a super chic marina filled with yachts and a line-up of glitzy restaurants, bars and clubs. Throw it back at the Ottoman castle on the waterfront, take it easy on the shingle beach or sail to secluded bays for snorkelling.
This beachy babe’s a big name in the Dalaman area. It serves up two sweeps – one’s a shingle situation, and the other’s the famous Blue Lagoon, an unreal sandbar that wouldn’t look out of place in the Maldives. Want to see it all from above? Babadag Mountain’s the perfect place for paragliding. The village itself’s got a pretty low-key feel, but it gets a lot livelier at night in the main street’s bars.
In the Izmir area, Kusadasi has a bit of everything. Sandy beaches, waterparks and ancient ruins have got your days sorted, then the town’s bars and clubs take over once the sun sets. Turkish culture is covered here, too, with mosques, family-run tavernas and bazaars giving you a look at local life.
Turkey’s capital has the best of both worlds. There’s so much urban exploring to do across all its districts – Sultanahmet’s where you’ll find the old quarter and the Blue Mosque, Bakirkoy brings the modern shopping malls and chic wine bars, and Beyoglu is the go-to for markets, café culture and nightlife. And you don’t have to miss out on beach time – there’s one on both sides of the city.
If you like history, you’ll love Side. Along the coast from Antalya, it’s got Roman-era sites for days, from an amphitheatre and bathhouse to the Temples of Apollo and Athena. But it’s not all ancient here – things are so 21st century down by the waterfront, which is lined by modern restaurants, clubs and rooftop bars. And if you need a break from the sightseeing, you’ve got two beaches.
Top Turkey holiday deals
Twenty Hotel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 17 November 2025
Elijah Hotel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 17 November 2025
Belle Ocean Hotel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 24 November 2025
Wien Star Hotel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 17 November 2025
Maricya Apartments
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 1 July 2025
Babadan Apartments
London Southend - 5 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 9 July 2025
Kivilcim Hotel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 29 June 2025
Saadet Hotel
London Gatwick - 5 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 4 July 2025
Lavender Otel
London Luton - 5 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 30 June 2025
Why pick Turkey holidays
GOAT of beaches
Hot on history
Active crowd
Cool culture
Your guide to Turkey
Turkey’s coastline is covered in beaut beaches, but they come in all shapes and sizes. These picks are our faves for a reason…
- Lara Beach, Antalya area – This sandy beach one-ups all the shingly spots along the Turkish Riviera. It stretches for 15 kilometres, with some parts backed by huge hotels and other bits left more au naturel.
- Konyaalti Beach, Antalya area – Backed by the Beydeglari Mountains and Antalya’s city skyline, this beach has some serious scenery. It’s a mix of sand and pebbles, but there are loads of places to hire a lounger when it’s time to top up the tan.
- Icemeler Beach, Marmaris – With pine-covered hills and green mountains as a backdrop, this pick’s setting is super peaceful. Plus, it’s been given Blue Flag status for its neat and tidy looks.
- Blue Lagoon, Olu Deniz – Turkey’s most iconic beach is giving island oasis. The bay is sheltered by the surrounding hills, so the shallow water is gentle and ideal for swimming and paddle-boarding.
Shallow water, gentle waves and easy access to handy facilities – these beaches were made for family holidays.
- Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan – AKA Turtle Beach. This spot’s calm water is perfect for kids. It’s also a turtle nesting site so you might see some babies, and the little ones can learn more at the turtle rescue centre nearby.
- Sarigerme Beach, Dalaman area – This pick’s soft sand is ideal for building sandcastles, plus it feels quieter than some of the buzzier beaches nearby.
- Patara Beach, Antalya – You’ll have plenty of space to spread out on this 18-kilometre-long stretch. Lay out your towels on the sand or hire loungers with shady parasols. Plus, there’s a café for a Fanta Lemon and ice-cream.
- Cleopatra Beach, Alanya – This sandy beach is great for families, and it looks great, too. It’s lined by palms and a massive cliff shelters the bay. You’ve also got handy facilities and waterparks here, too.
Pay a little extra to level-up your lounging at a beach club.
- Kalamar Beach Club, Antalya area – Built on a terrace above Kalkan’s rocky shore, this beach club is all about convenience. For a fee, you’ll get a lounger and a parasol right next to the water, access to a restaurant, showers and a water trampoline, plus free watersports hire.
- Palm Beach Club, Antalya area – There are loungers on the decking for sun lovers, and some more on the grass in the shade. You can book boat trips from here, try watersports, or just soak up the waterfront scenes at the bar and restaurant.
- Ship Ahoy Beach Club, Bodrum – Known as the ‘St Tropez of Turkey’, Golturkbuku is home to some of the most glam beach clubs in the country. Ship Ahoy feels pretty glitzy, with its chic bar, gourmet food and private beach drawing in the celebs.
Turkey packs in the old stuff, from Roman and Greek ruins to Byzantine castles and Ottoman mosques.
- Hagia Sophia –First a Byzantine Church then an Ottoman Mosque, this museum gives you a good look at life in Istanbul over the years.
- Bodrum Castle – Or the Castle of St Peter. This is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Turkey. Check out the underwater archaeology museum, then head back outside for unreal scenery over Bodrum Bay.
- Temple of Artemis, Ephesus –Once a thriving city in ancient Greece, Ephesus is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll past crumbling columns and arches and imagine what it was all in its glory days.
- Beldibi Cave – This 300-metre-long cavern goes back more than three million years. Wander around the cave’s two art-filled chambers, where paintings on display were created by cavemen who lived during the Palaeolithic era.
Build out your break and book trips, tours and tickets on First Choice Experiences to see more of Turkey.
- Istanbul Old City tour – Tick off six iconic buildings in the Sultanahmet quarter, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Plus, you’ll have your own guide who can spill the tea of each sight.
- Turkish mosaic lamp workshop – Get crafty in this class where you’ll be taught how to make your very own traditional Turkish lamp, and learn all about the history behind them.
- Wine tasting and Izmir ancient city tour – This trip includes a tour of a Roman metropolis, before heading to a local winery to try some Turkish vino.
- Side Blue Cruise – Live your best boat life on this cruise along the Manavgat River and out to the Med along the Turkish Riviera. You’ll get swim and snorkel stops along the way, and there’s a bar and lunch on board.
Go hard on the thrills at Turkey’s theme parks, waterparks or watersports hubs…
- The Land of Legends, Antalya area – This mega theme park features wild rollercoasters, themed rides for little ones, a 5D cinema and a shopping avenue, plus luxe hotels like The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel.
- Aqua Fantasy waterpark, Kusadasi – Packed with tube slides, chutes and multi-lane flumes, a wave pool and lazy river. There’s also a Treasure Island splash park for younger kids. Holiday hack – stay at Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel & Spa and you’ll get unlimited free entry.
- Watersports – Kaş is the spot for scuba diving – it’s got shipwrecks, underwater caves, and coral reefs to explore. Near Izmir, Alacati’s strong winds make it a world-class pick for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and Koprulu Canyon in the Antalya area is perfect for white-water rafting.
You’ll find big shopping malls in Istanbul and Antalya, but here’s where you can do some retail therapy like the locals.
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul –One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewellery to spices. Embrace your inner haggler and pick up some treasures to take home.
- Antalya’s Old Town –Full of cute boutiques and artisan shops selling handmade crafts, like mosaic tiles, ceramics and lamps.
- Fethiye Market – Cop a new bag or pair of sandals, and head over to the fresh produce section for all kinds of fruit, fish and veggies, as well as local olive oil and honey.
Two continents = twice as delish. Turkey’s cuisine is a combo of flavours from the Med AND the Middle East, so you’re gonna eat good…
- Kofte – Turkey’s take on meatballs made from ground lamb or beef mixed with spices, onions, and herbs. They’re usually served with rice and flatbread, but each part of Turkey puts their own spin on the dish.
- Kebabs – This isn’t kebab like you know it back home… Pick from lamb, beef, chicken or veggies, which is served with flatbread, bulgar wheat, rice and salad. Yum.
- Baklava – These slices of flaky pastry goodness are going to take over your trip. Layers of filo are filled with chopped nuts and a super sweet syrup.
- Lahmacun – This is Turkey’s version of pizza, and it’s just as good. Thin flatbread is used as a base and topped with beef or lamb mince, veggies and fragrant herbs and spices. Baked until crisp, it’s the kind of dish you won’t want to share.
Here are the kind of drinks you’ll see the locals drinking outside bars and cafés…
- Turkish tea – Known as ‘cay’ by the locals, this is a national staple. It’s a strong, black tea, normally drunk without milk but with lots of sugar. People drink it all day long, especially after meals, and it’s usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses.
- Turkish coffee – Made by finally ground coffee beans which are simmered in a pot called a cezve. It’s served unfiltered, so the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup. You’re supposed to sip it slowly, and if you’re feeling spiritual, you can turn the cup upside down after to have your coffee grounds read by a fortune teller.
- Pomegranate juice – Forget OJ… freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is a fave in Turkey, and you can normally get it in markets and street stalls. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a refreshing, sour flavour.
- Raki – This spirit is the national alcoholic drink. It tastes like anise – similar to ouzo and pastis – and turns a milky white when you add water. It’s a big part of socialising in Turkey, and it goes well with mezze and fish. It’s not supposed to be drunk like a shot, though – sip on it slowly over a long meal.
Why we love Turkey
What's on in Turkey?
Plan your stay around these festivals and events. Or, if you’re already booked, see what’s on while you’re out there. Powered by OccasionGenius
Popular holiday types
Turkey and All Inclusive trips are a perfect match. The Dalaman and Antalya coastlines are covered in beachfront resorts, and lots of them come with their own private stretches. You’ll have all the food, drink and facilities you need, but if you fancy switching it up, most spots are within walking distance from a lively town.
Turkey is pure family holiday material. Most hotels have kids’ clubs and activity programmes, and some even come with their own waterparks. Parent of the Year is so yours…
Looking to get away as soon as poss? Check out our last-minute deals to see our availability from now. Summer’s on in Turkey from April to November, so you’ve got loads of time to top up the tan.
Antalya’s got five-star stays with those OTT-luxe vibes, and Bodrum’s your pick for that refined, chic aesthetic. Wherever you go, spas, golf courses and swim-up suites make regular appearances.
Turkey FAQs
It depends on the weather you want. If you like it HOT, June to August meets the brief, but it will be busier during the school holidays. For milder temperatures and fewer crowds, April to May or September to October are a good shout.
Your passport will need to be valid for at least 150 days (5 months) from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist purposes can travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY), but other currencies are widely accepted.
It depends on what kind of holiday you’re after. On average, a meal will cost you about €10-15 per person. Budgeting around €50-60 a day should be enough for eating out, plus a few drinks and ice-creams.
If you want to go all in with All Inclusive, you can find some great budget-friendly three or four-star hotels and you won’t have to take any other spending money, unless you want to eat outside of your hotel, pay for any activities or buy souvenirs. If you go Half Board, Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering, it’ll be even cheaper when you book, but you’ll need to budget for food and drink when you’re there.
Like lots of other countries in the Middle East, Turkey’s an Islamic country, so it’s considered respectful of the local culture to dress modestly when you’re sightseeing. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites or government buildings.
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Turkey travel advice
Passports and Visas
Your passport will need to be valid for at least 150 days (5 months) from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist purposes can travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
We recommend you visit the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/health
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HOT PICK
The five-star TUI MAGIC LIFE Beldibi in Turkey is for 16+ adults only, and the place backs onto a Blue Flag beach.
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