Turkey holidays
A magnificent land full of delights, Turkey boasts fabulous golden beaches, ancient history, and mouthwatering cuisine. Pick a modern beach resort brimming with top-class entertainment, or perhaps a tranquil bay as the base for your Turkey holiday. Alternatively, take to the seas and see Turkey on a relaxing gulet cruise. With a foot in both Asia and Europe, the country brings you the best of both continents, from Istanbul’s 21st century nightlife and fashions, to the mystic Sufi culture in Konya.
Things to do
If you're visiting Istanbul, don't forget to see the city's impressive mosques such as the Baroque Revival style Ortaköy Mosque or the 17th century Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The city is also famous for its Hagia Sophia Byzantine basilica and busy and noisy markets, and is the world’s only transcontinental city. Other popular Turkey destinations include the ancient city of Ephesus, the breathtaking 'fairy chimney' rock formations of Cappadocia in the interior, and the Sandland sand sculptures in the Antalya area
If you're a photographer, spend a couple of nights in Cappadocia, which is known for its striking rock formations and hot air balloons. Watch an amazing sunset, and stay in one of the enchanting stone cave hotels for an experience you'll never forget. Alternatively, see the enormous Roman Theatre of Aspendos near Antalya, or visit the equally astounding Greco-Roman ruins of Pergamum in Bergama. In fact, there’s so much to snap, you may need to bring a couple of extra memory cards!
Places to stay
Wherever you stay you will be tempted by sandy beaches, perhaps the most famous of which is Olu Deniz. The white sand beach and beautiful blue lagoon have been designated a national park. Turkey’s picturesque Turquoise Coast dotted with Roman remains is a huge draw; city resorts including Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris offer a mix of family fun, historic culture and funky nightlife. Further east on the Aegean coastline lies the ancient Greco-Roman town of Ephesus, one of the Roman Empire’s greatest cities and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
10-34 ℃
Expect glorious sunshine in the summer months, and mild temperatures during the winter. The main resorts along the Turquoise Coast, otherwise known as the Turkish Riviera, have very long, hot summers, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-30s °C by July and August. Along this coast, rainfall is rare from around June to August, and in the sunniest month, July, there’s an average of about 11 hours of sunshine per day. It can get very hot in July and August especially in the Antalya area and Turkey destinations inland, although most hotels have air conditioning.
Approximately four to five hours.
There are many international and domestic airports in Turkey. Airports served by the UK include Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Dalaman and Bodrum.
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
The climate in Turkey varies between the regions, but if you’re visiting during the summer, you can be sure of glorious, beach-friendly temperatures wherever you are. Highs of 34°C are common in Bodrum and Antalya during July, while more comfortable temperatures in the mid-teens °C make spring a popular time to visit. To benefit from more pleasant weather, book your holidays during spring or autumn, when you can also get great deals on cheap holidays to Turkey.
Istanbul is cooler than the resorts on the southern coast, with frequent cold spells in the winter and much more pleasant temperatures in the summer, with average highs of about 28°C in July or August.
Turkey is best for…
Celebrity spotters: Party with the international jet set at the waterfront Halikarnas in Bodrum, which is the world’s largest outdoor club.
History lovers: From beautiful Greek and Roman ruins to Byzantine masterpieces, Turkey holidays are perfect for history enthusiasts.
Adventure seekers: Watersports abound in Turkey, with some of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean. Head inland during the winter for some top skiing that’s far less crowded than the usual Alpine destinations.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken in Turkey is Turkish. English is spoken to a basic level in many hotels and attractions in popular Turkey destinations, although it’s a good idea to download our handy language app or carry a phrasebook with you and try out a few useful Turkish words and phrases.
Currency: The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL).
Local time: Turkey is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Antalya Airport for Alanya, Goynuk and Side; Bodrum Airport for Altinkum, Gumbet and Turkbuku; Dalaman Airport for Dalyan, Fethiye and Kalkan; Izmir Airport for Marmaris and Kuşadası. Transfer times are 30 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to Turkey is 4 hours.
Tourist Information: If you’d like more tourist information on Turkey destinations, please click here.
Visa / Health:
Before you travel, click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health requirements for your Turkey holidays. Apply for your Turkish visa online here.
Events
Anzac Day: Aussies and Kiwis gather for Anzac Day, marking the anniversary of the World War I Gallipoli landings (25 April).
For culture seekers: Come to the International Istanbul Film Festival in April, the International Izmir Festival in June, or the International Ballet Festival in Bodrum if you’re booking your Turkey holiday for August.
For yachters: Everything nautical is celebrated at autumn’s Marmaris International Race Week. You’ll see sleek yachts racing from the busy harbour.
Look up!: See colourful parachutes and paragliders in daredevil flights from Babadağ mountain for October’s Ölüdeniz Air Games.
Getting around
By taxi: All resorts have metered taxis; there are also some fixed-route charges, for example to and from Dalaman airport. However, it’s always a good idea to agree the taxi fare before you set off.
By minibus: For journeys between major tourist destinations and within Turkey’s cities and larger towns, minibuses, known as dolmuş, are a convenient way to travel. Hop on and hop off at any time so you can travel at your own pace to your next destination.
By hire car: Hiring a car can be handy for travelling independently and exploring Turkey’s breathtaking coastline.
By coach: Sleek, speedy coaches are the best way of getting about, especially if you’re planning cheap holidays to Turkey. Benefit from fast, frequent, services covering every town and city. There are many private operators, but buy your ticket in advance if you’re travelling in high season to avoid missing out
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Turkey, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/safety-and-securityThings to do
From awe-inspiring ancient ruins to spectacular sandy beaches and lush mountain valleys, this country is a haven for culture seekers and nature enthusiasts. If you fancy a break away from the beach, or need something for the kids to keep them happy, here are some of the best things to do in Turkey.
Yivli Minare
While on holiday in Antalya, a visit to the iconic Yivli Minare is a must. It’s one of the most impressive landmarks in Turkey. Standing tall above the city, the fluted minaret was originally built in the 13th century, and is now one of the most photographed attractions in Turkey. This gorgeous tower is 38 metres high, and it’s home to the Antalya Ethnographic Museum. Climb the 90 steps to the top and you’ll be rewarded with superb views of the coast and the city centre.Hadrian’s Gate
Transport yourself back to the Roman era as you walk through Hadrian’s Gate; one of Antalya’s most impressive archaeological highlights. It’s spectacular, so make sure you’ve got your camera with you!Things to do in Turkey
Cool off with a day at Troy Aqua Park
For a day of fun and exhilaration why not head over to Troy Aqua Park and Dolphinarium. Have hours of fun whizzing down 15 different slides, a … Find out moreDay trip to Kusadasi from Ozdere
If you’re in need of a slightly livelier atmosphere, why not head over to bustling town of Kusadasi? Between the attractive beaches and the … Find out moreVisit Izmir’s Kadifekale Castle
Hike or drive to Kadifekale Castle which lies on a hillside in the city. The castle dates back to the Roman times and was created when Izmir was … Find out moreImmerse yourself in the history of the Castle of St. Peter
History buffs will enjoy this relaxing day visiting one of Turkey’s most famous landmarks, located on the Bodrum coast. The huge 15th century … Find out moreExplore the ancient ruins of Ephesus
For a break away from the beach, take a day trip to the impressive archaeological site of Ephesus, which is just a 35 minute drive away in the … Find out moreExplore The Lycian Rock Tombs Turkey
Standing tall above Dalyan’s flowing river are the 2,000 year old Lycian Rock Tombs. The surrounding area just adds to the magnificence of … Find out moreChill out at the Meydan Bar in Turunc
One of the best things about Turunc is the people and some of the friendliest locals can be found at Meydan Cocktail Bar. Find out moreExplore Beldibi Cave
Beldibi has a rich history and much of this is evident at the Beldibi Cave. The cave has been home to many different civilisations that have … Find out morePatara Beach Turkey
If you feel like a change from Olu Deniz Beach, head further south around the coast and spend a day relaxing in the golden sunshine at Patara Beach. Find out moreKemer Market Turkey
To get a real taste for Goynuk and the surrounding area, spend some time wandering around Kemer Market; you’ll find lots of local products … Find out moreAntalya Golden Orange Film Festival
The only thing better than relaxing on one of Antalya’s beautiful beaches is a visit to the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Find out moreKayaking in Goynuk Canyon
For a fun and memorable adventure, experience kayaking in the cool waters of Gynk Canyon Park. From the moment you arrive, the natural beauty and … Find out moreCurrency
Turkey travel money
The currency of Turkey is the Lira.
If you buy Turkish currency at the airport or your hotel, you’re likely to get much less for your sterling, as rates at these venues tend to be much less competitive. However, even if you do run out of Lira, you’ll find many shops, restaurants and other venues in tourist destinations will accept Euros, although it’s always best to have local currency with you in any case.
Withdrawing cash
A cash machine or ATM is known as a bankamatik in Turkey, and is a convenient way to withdraw Liras when you’re in a hurry. There will be a charge for every withdrawal you make, although this shouldn’t be more than a small percentage of the transaction. Be vigilant whenever you withdraw money from a cash machine, as fraud is common, so don’t allow anyone to see your pin number, and make sure the keypad is not removable. In more remote areas such as the interior, cash machines may not be widely available, so always bring enough cash in case there’s an emergency. If you need to exchange sterling to buy Turkish currency, you can visit a bank or travel agent, although remember to have your passport to hand.Other handy tips for your holiday to Turkey
It’s best to avoid using traveller’s cheques during your holiday in Turkey, as these are not usually accepted and are no longer necessary due to the availability of cash machines. If you think you’ll need to withdraw cash regularly during your holiday in Turkey, make larger withdrawals and fewer trips to the cash machine to minimise the fees for converting Turkish Lira into sterling. Before you set off to Turkey, don’t forget to notify your bank that you will be travelling abroad. Occasionally, banks may block transactions if they suspect suspicious activity, especially if you’re using your card several times a day.Top destinations in Turkey
Featured accommodation
Side Crown Serenity
Turkey, Antalya, Colakli
from£273pp
from£273pp
Alp Pasa Hotel
Turkey, Antalya
from£232pp
from£232pp
Sun City Apartments
Turkey, Antalya, Side
from£128pp
from£128pp
Orka Club Hotel & Villas
Turkey, Dalaman, Oludeniz
from£225pp
from£225pp
Alp Pasa Hotel
Green Nature Resort & Spa
from£384pp
from£384pp
Club Atrium Marmaris
Turkey, Antalya, Side
from£186pp
from£186pp
Istankoy Hotel Bodrum
Turkey, Aegean Coast, Bodrum
from£227pp
from£227pp
Titan Select
Turkey, Antalya
from£274pp
from£274pp
Side Papaya Apart Hotel
Turkey, Antalya, Side
from£160pp
from£160pp
Popular holiday resorts
