Overview
Turkey is one of the world's most extraordinary travel destinations — a country that straddles two continents and blends Islamic architecture, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, pristine Aegean and Mediterranean beaches, and a food culture that rivals any in the world. Istanbul alone is worth the trip: a megacity of 15 million with mosques, bazaars, Bosphorus cruises and a culinary scene that has taken the world by storm.
Beyond Istanbul, Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are among Europe's most beautiful. The Turkish Riviera — Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye — offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, spectacular rocky scenery and superb all-inclusive resorts that offer exceptional value compared to Western European alternatives.
Inland, the surreal lunar landscape of Cappadocia — with its fairy chimneys, underground cities and unmissable hot-air balloon rides at sunrise — is completely unlike anywhere else on Earth. Turkey offers a unique combination of beach holiday, cultural adventure and historic wonder all in one trip.
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Istanbul is one of the world's truly great cities — the only metropolis to span two continents. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar (home to 4,000 shops and 250,000 daily visitors) are unmissable. A Bosphorus cruise at sunset, watching Europe and Asia slip by on either side, is a genuinely unforgettable experience.
The landscape of Cappadocia, sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity into towering fairy chimneys, underground cities and cave dwellings, is completely unlike anywhere else on the planet. Floating above it all in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, with dozens of other colourful balloons dotting the sky, is one of the world's great travel experiences.
Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts combine crystal-clear turquoise seas with dramatic mountain backdrops and a superb hospitality industry. The Antalya region is famous for its world-class all-inclusive resorts. Bodrum offers a more upmarket, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a beautiful harbour, ancient castle and legendary nightlife. Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are stunning.
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world and one of Turkey's most visited archaeological sites. The marble-paved main street, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre (capacity 25,000) and Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — make this a genuinely extraordinary place to walk through history.
Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle") is one of Turkey's most surreal natural wonders — a hillside of brilliant white calcium terraces and thermal pools, formed over millennia by mineral-rich hot spring water. Visitors can wade through the warm, milky-blue pools. At the top of the hill, the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis adds a remarkable historical dimension.
Plan Your Trip
One of the best times to visit Turkey. Temperatures of 20–25°C on the coasts, landscapes green and blooming, and dramatically lower prices and crowds than summer. Perfect for Istanbul sightseeing, Cappadocia and exploring Ephesus without the scorching heat.
Peak beach season on the Turkish Riviera, with sea temperatures of 27–29°C and almost guaranteed sunshine. Inland areas like Cappadocia and Ephesus can be very hot (35–40°C) and extremely busy. Istanbul in July and August is hot and humid but buzzing with life.
Arguably the finest time to visit Turkey. September offers summer temperatures without summer crowds or prices. The sea is warm through October. Cappadocia is magical in autumn light. November is cooler and ideal for Istanbul city breaks — the city's museums and food scene are outstanding.
Coastal resorts mostly close or run at minimal capacity. Istanbul is cool (7–12°C) and occasionally rainy, but far less crowded and excellent for exploring culture, food and markets. Cappadocia in snow is strikingly beautiful — balloon flights continue year-round (weather permitting). Ski resorts in Uludağ near Bursa operate December to March.
Top Areas
Turkey's cultural and commercial capital deserves at least 3–4 days. The historic Sultanahmet district contains the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace within walking distance of each other. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are unmissable. Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side for a completely different, more local atmosphere.
The Antalya region on Turkey's Mediterranean coast is the heartland of the Turkish package holiday industry — and for good reason. World-class all-inclusive resorts, turquoise seas, spectacular mountainous backdrops and a reliable summer climate make this the top choice for British families and couples seeking a beach resort holiday with excellent value.
Turkey's most glamorous resort town sits on a peninsula on the Aegean coast. The whitewashed harbour town, dominated by the imposing Castle of St. Peter, is lined with boutique hotels, superyachts and excellent restaurants. Bodrum attracts a wealthier, more international crowd than the Antalya resorts and is known for its sophisticated nightlife.
Central Anatolia's Cappadocia region is utterly unlike anywhere else in Turkey — or the world. The cave hotels of Göreme and Ürgüp, carved directly into the volcanic rock, are some of the most extraordinary places to stay anywhere. Combined with underground cities, ancient rock churches and the world's most spectacular balloon flights, it's a uniquely memorable destination.
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