Turkey Holidays

From mesmerising Islamic monuments to bustling markets trading local wares, there are tons of attractions and activities to discover in Turkey. Just grab your camera and get exploring.

• Visit a mosque: Officially named the Sultanahmet Mosque, Istanbul’s majestic Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s most visited monuments. Admire the intricate detailing on the interior’s 20,000+ tiles and 200 stained-glass windows. Nearby, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia) Mosque is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 CE, this domed structure has remained the world’s largest church for 1,000 years.
• Pamukkale: One of Turkey’s most spectacular natural wonders is the thermal hot springs of Pamukkale. Close to the ancient spa town of Hierapolis, you’ll find white travertine terraces that cascade downhill, all filled with milky mineral waters said to do wonders for your skin. Spend an afternoon swimming and floating in the upper pools before exploring the Greco-Roman village.
• Cappadocia: Characterised by surreal swooping rock valleys and cliff ridges formed by millennia of wind and water action, the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia is a must-visit. The best views are on a sunrise hot air balloon ride, where you, and a bunch of other balloons, will float above canyons and ‘fairy chimneys’ creating a colourful aerial display. If you prefer your feet on solid ground, you can explore the cave dwellings and labyrinthine tunnels that make up the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, where people used to take shelter from invaders for months at a time.
• Grand Bazaar: While shopping malls have made their way into Turkish society, traditional culture still remains strong, with most historic centres having at least one maze-like marketplace. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the most famous souk in the country (and one of the oldest in the world), sells everything from souvenirs to metal crafts to high-end jewellery. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of this buzzing retail space and try out your haggling skills on a friendly local vendor.
• Butterfly Valley: Brimming with wildflowers, fruit trees and the odd wild goat, the enchanting Butterfly Valley is like something out of a storybook. Only accessible by boat, this hidden paradise in Fethiye is zig-zagged with natural trails leading you to numerous waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Keep an eye out for the valley’s namesake butterflies and when you need a rest, hunker down on the pebble-strewn beach.

From the Romans to the Byzantines and Ottomans, Turkey is layer upon layer of historical empires, each adding its own unique stamp to the country’s culture and landscapes, many of which survive until this day. Here are some fascinating historical sites you simply have to visit:

• Ephesus: Experience what life was like during the golden age of the Roman Empire at this ancient city that dates back to the 10th century BCE. You’ll be able to meander well-preserved streets lined with the remains of shops, schools, public toilets and temples. Check out the Library of Celsus and the ornate terraced houses. Once home to the Roman elite, they’re full of delicate mosaics and elegant marble.
• Topkapı Palace: Get a glimpse into the opulent world of the sultans at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Once an Imperial Council building – where the Ottoman empire’s business was conducted – this sprawling, lavish-jewelled structure is now home to an impressive arms treasury, a miniature art collection and must-see private Harem rooms.
• Mount Nemrut: Found in eastern Turkey, this funerary mound was once filled with mammoth statues of deities and mythical beasts commissioned by a Hellenistic king from the 1st century BCE. Today, the scattered remnants of these once-imposing sculptures lie at the bottom of the hill, including the giant stone heads of gods. Hike to the summit for surreal views across this peculiar archaeological site, or visit at dawn to experience the majestic sunrise.
• Aspendos: Just south of Antalya you’ll find another ancient city, home to one of the world’s finest surviving examples of classical-age theatre. Built during Marcus Aurelius’ reign, Aspendos’ 15,000-seater amphitheatre is one of the Roman Empire’s greatest pieces of architecture, which still hosts performances to this day. Other ruins worth checking out are the acropolis, aqueduct and basilica.
• Pergamum: Looming over modern-day Bergama, the dramatically perched remnants of ancient Pergamum are often overlooked by holidaymakers, but they’re a must-see. Uncover the acropolis that was once the beating heart of the powerful Hellenistic city, and check out the ruins of one of the ancient world’s most important libraries, once home to 200,000 books.

Turkish food is much more than doner and shish kebabs. Taking notes from its connections to Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Balkans, Turkish cuisine is rich and varied, with vast flavours exploding off the plate. Here are just a few dishes you need to try while on holiday in Turkey:

• Borek: Turkey’s national savoury pastry is a flaky filo-like dough filled with spinach and cheese (or minced beef) and either layered like a lasagne, served as puffs or rolled like cigars. Many Turks eat borek for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack, so you’ll find them at cafés and bakeries across the country.
• Kofte: Coming in meat and veggie varieties, each type of kofte (or meatball) brings its own style and taste to the plate. Inegol kofte is a sausage-shaped creation made with beef or lamb, breadcrumbs and onions, while Mercimek kofte are nuggets of red lentils, bulgur wheat, onion, tomato and aci biber salca (hot pepper paste). You’ll often find kofte in casseroles, over salads or in sandwiches or flatbreads.
• Pide: Speaking of bread, pide is a bread dough that’s stretched out into a boat-like shape and loaded with fillings and cooked in a wood-fired oven. One of the most popular pide is sucukla yumurta (spicy sausage and egg mixed with yellow sheep cheese). Another popular bread is lahmacun (or Turkish pizza) – a round flatbread topped with a lamb-mince paste mixed with tomatoes, garlic and spices, and served with a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Lokum: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to try some Turkish Delight. Dating back centuries, these jelly-like cubes were a hit with the Ottoman sultans. Water, starch and sugar are boiled together to produce delicate sweets enriched with rose water, pistachio or a variety of other flavours.
• Kunefe: Also popular across the Middle East, kunefe is a sweet and sticky treat made with shredded pastry soaked in syrup. It’s then layered with cheese (watch out for the epic cheese pull), nuts or clotted cream and finished off with a scattering of pistachios. We can guarantee you’ll be back for seconds.

There’s no better way to experience Turkey’s varied cultural make-up than in its nightlife. From belly dancing shows to hookah (Turkish tobacco) bars, energetic nightclubs to seafront cocktail joints, there’s something on offer for all tastes. Here’s a quick round-up of what you’ll find in a handful of destinations:

• Bodrum: Dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum is famed for its hopping clubs, beachfront bars and live music venues. Start your evening with drinks at the laidback Moonlight, where you can sip on ice-cold beers while sifting sand between your toes. Afterwards check out Club Catamaran – a floating nightclub perfect for booze-fuelled nautical fun – or Bodrum Marina Yacht Club, a swanky establishment where you can boogie away until daybreak.
• Antalya: Concentrated around the marina and the old town of Kaleici, Antalya’s nightlife is one for late-night revellers. Lively bars, clubs and karaoke haunts stay open until the early hours, while the medley of British and Irish pubs offer somewhere to watch the sports. Sip on cocktails and listen to live music at Filika Café Bar before unleashing your best moves at Club Inferno, where pumping music, go-go dancers and the occasional foam party go hand-in-hand.
• Marmaris: Late-night discos, cabaret bars and a selection of tattoo parlours are what you’ll find along Marmaris’ two main bar streets. Go for cocktails at B-52, enjoy comedy drag shows at Talk of the Town, dance under the stars at Club Areena or sway along to acclaimed DJs until the early hours at Crazy Daisy Bar & Nightclub.
• Istanbul: Like New York, Istanbul is the city that never sleeps – even its shops are open way past midnight. If you want a laid-back evening, watch a traditional Whirling Dervish show at the Hodjapasha Culture Centre or share a bottle of vino at the scenic Mikla Rooftop Bar. You’ll find quirky cocktails at Monkey Istanbul while late-night shenanigans can be found at trendy XLarge Club, a celebrity hotspot where the parties don’t tend to kick off until 2am.
• Kusadasi: You’ll find charming Irish pubs in abundance at this beach resort on the west coast, alongside karaoke dens and high-end beach clubs. Stop for a pint of Guinness at Paddy’s Irish Bar or a sing-song at Dubliners Karaoke before making your way to Miracle, a seafront gem that’s open until sunrise. Or why not book tickets to Ex-Club, a popular nightclub with shuttle service that’s open until sunrise?

The smell of suncream, the sound of the sea and the feel of scorching sand on the soles of your feet – there’s nothing like a day on the beach. And with hundreds of coves, bays and stretches to choose from, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Turkey when it comes to beautiful beaches. Here are some of our favourite seaside hotspots:

• Patara Beach, Antalya: Backed by wild dunes and the ruins of Ancient Patara, the blissfully empty Patara Beach is the longest in the country at 18 km. It’s so long that you’re likely to find a spot all to yourself, where you can set down your towel and spend the day sunbathing and swimming with almost nobody else in sight. There’s also a protected area where Loggerhead turtles are known to lay their eggs.
• Kabak Beach, Fethiye: Surrounded by pine forests and hills, this idyllic half-moon bay on the Turquoise Coast can only be reached on foot. A mix of white sands and pebbles carpet this peaceful cove, which is mainly frequented by locals.
• Içmeler Beach, Marmaris: Caribbean vibes are alive and well at Icmeler Beach, a 6 km6-kilometre stretch of sand set against a backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. Soak up the sun, enjoy refreshing drinks at one of the beach’s many bars and restaurants or blow the cobwebs away with a parasailing, jet-skiing or diving trip.
• Kaputaş Beach, Kas: Nestled between the resorts of Kas and Kalkan, Kaputaş Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful beach in Turkey. The only way onto the Blue Flag pale-pebble sands is via a 187-step staircase, but the journey is more than worth it. Marvel the views from the top before finding a base and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters.
• Alacati bay beaches, Çeşme Peninsula: In the market for water sports? Head to Alacati on the Aegean coastline, where you’ll find steady winds and flat waters – perfect for an afternoon of windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Active types will not be bored on a holiday to Turkey. With high-octane excursions at every turn, there’s plenty of water, land and air-based activities to keep you on your toes.

• Paragliding in Ölüdeniz: Fly across Turkey’s most famous beach on a graceful paragliding trip over Fethiye’s Blue Lagoon. Made famous by Daniel Craig’s cliff jumping in Skyfall, this awe-inspiring inlet is best seen from above. Strapped in with a well-seasoned guide, you’ll take off from Babadag (Father) Mountain before gliding across the coastline, with a welcoming breeze brushing your face.
• Kayaking: Mix sightseeing with adventure when you join this kayaking activity around Kekova Island. Paddling along the island’s south coast, you’ll uncover the remains of a Sunken City that has been submerged for over 2,000 years after an earthquake caused severe flooding. After you’ve had a glimpse of the former town, you’ll have a chance to snorkel with turtles and devour Kaleköy’s famous goat milk ice cream.
• Scuba diving: Dive beneath the sea’s surface to discover caves, canyons and wrecks as well as thriving aquatic life on a diving trip in Turkey. The 200 km of coastline between Tekirova and Alanya is a popular diving hotspot, where you can spot the likes of eels, rays, octopus and colourful sea sponges. Water babies, this one’s for you!
• Canyoning: Venture into the depths of Turkey’s unspoiled landscapes on this action-packed adventure in the Gӧynük Canyon. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, you’ll climb, jump, slide and abseil your way along a cascading river, getting a rare glimpse of nature as you go.
• White water rafting: Prepare for unexpected drops, twists, turns and lots of belly laughs on a rafting adventure along the Dalaman River. Daredevils from as young as 12 years old can get involved too, learning how to steer with a paddle and navigate the rushing rapids.

The former capital of the Ottoman Empire is chock-full of historical and cultural delights, but if you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, Turkey also delivers on that aspect too. Here are a few family-friendly places and activities worth exploring:

• Theme parks: All you’ll hear is squeals of delight on a day out to one of Turkey’s theme parks. Istanbul’s indoor Legoland – built with more than five million bricks – has a 3D cinema, LEGO factory tour and laser shooting ride, while Sazova Park is home to a charming Disney-like castle, pirate ship and huge dinosaur slides. The Land of Legends Theme Park, however, is the place to go for epic rollercoasters, water rides and VR simulators.
• Waterparks: Splash about in shallow pools or brave sky-high slides at Water Planet Aquapark in Alanya or take on water coasters, lazy rivers and wave pools at Adaland Aquapark in Kusadasi. For waterpark fun right on your doorstep, check into one of Turkey's top waterpark hotels.
• Kid-friendly museums: If the kids aren’t keen on visiting historical sites, they may prefer getting their dose of history at Miniaturk, an open-air museum full of mini versions of Turkey’s most famous monuments. From castles to bridges, mosques to palaces, there are 135 monuments to discover, as well as an adventure playground for burning off some extra energy.
• Boat trips: From bird spotting to sea swimming and onboard edible goodies, a boat trip is sure to be a winner. And while the kids soak up the views, you can soak up the sun! You can nab tickets for boat and catamaran trips from most beach resorts in Turkey, with many operating several services each day.
• Trying Turkish ice cream: Now, while you may think this isn’t very imaginative, Turkish ice cream isn’t like normal ice cream. Known locally as Dondurma, this stretchy ice cream is not only delicious but warrants a bit of a show. And that’s certainly what you’ll get. Dondurma vendors are known for their tricks and slick ice cream-preparing skills that are guaranteed to have the kids in fits.

With soft-sand beaches, buzzing cities and adult-only all-inclusives, you won’t regret escaping to Turkey on your next romantic getaway. Here’s a snippet of what you can expect:

• High-end hotels: Base yourself at one of a swathe of adult-only hotels. The 4-star Ideal Pearl Hotel in Marmaris is within walking distance from the beach, while the 5-star Faros Premium Beach Hotel in Icmeler is the epitome of luxury with a private beach and opulent spa. Or escape to the 5-star, all-inclusive Rixos Premium Gocek – surrounded by lush pine forests and housing four restaurants and two pools, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
• Indulgent spa treatments: A trip to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without visiting a hammam (Turkish bath). Decked out with sky-lit domes, steamy chambers and marble interiors, these age-old bathhouses are the perfect place for a spot of pampering. Opt for a full treatment which involves getting scrubbed and massaged by a same-sex therapist – some of the most lavish hammams in Istanbul include Cemberlitas Hamami and Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami.
• The Valley of Love: Escape the crowds in Cappadocia on this romantic walk through The Valley of Love. Surrounded by flowers and intriguing rock formations (that influenced the valley’s name – you’ll see what we mean when you get there), it’s a top spot for a picnic, especially when you’ll only come across a handful of other hikers.
• The Eternal Flames: Wrap up warm and venture out at sunset to discover a natural phenomenon near the ancient city of Olympos. The eternal flames, known as Chimera, burn naturally in the Cirali mountains, caused by methane gas oozing from the crevices. Best seen at night, these natural fire pits are the perfect place for roasting marshmallows and cuddling up to enjoy the spectacular night sky.
• Pottery making: Live out your Ghost fantasies with a pottery-making class in Avanos. The village, close to Cappadocia, is famous for its long-standing tradition of making ceramics, with lots of family-run vendors crafting all kinds of crockery. Join a workshop and create a bespoke piece to take home with you.