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
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Your guide to Turkey
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
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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
Places similar to Turkey
Antalya area
Bodrum area
Dalaman area
Istanbul
Izmir area
