Turkey
Turkey is a destination full of colour, contrast and warmth, where golden beaches, ancient ruins, lively bazaars, dramatic landscapes and generous hospitality come together in one unforgettable holiday.
Turkey
Turkey is best known for its beautiful coastline, rich history, excellent food, traditional hammams, bustling markets and remarkable cultural mix, but what makes it so rewarding is the way it bridges so many different experiences in one trip.
Along the Turquoise Coast, places such as Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye offer long sunny days, clear water, boat trips and resort-style comfort, while Istanbul brings mosques, palaces, rooftop views and the energy of a city that sits between Europe and Asia. Inland, Cappadocia feels almost otherworldly, with cave hotels, rock formations and sunrise hot-air balloons drifting over the valleys.
Turkey is ideal for travellers who want sunshine, good value, culture and a holiday with real personality. It works beautifully for beach holidays, family escapes, couples’ breaks, spa stays and longer trips that combine relaxation with a sense of discovery.
Latest Offers
Discover our latest Turkey holiday offers, from beach resorts on the Antalya Coast and Aegean escapes around Bodrum to city breaks in Istanbul and scenic stays in Cappadocia. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly resort, an all-inclusive holiday, a couples’ getaway or a longer trip with more to explore, our Turkey offers are designed to help you find a holiday that feels sunny, easy and excellent value.
Visa
British citizen passport holders can usually visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business. To enter Turkey, your passport should have an expiry date at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
Travellers holding other types of British passport may need a visa, and entry rules can change, so it is always best to check the latest official travel advice before booking or travelling.
Climate
Turkey has a varied climate, but the main holiday regions along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts enjoy hot, dry summers and mild shoulder seasons. June to September is the classic beach holiday period, with long sunny days, warm seas and lively resorts, while July and August are the hottest and busiest months.
May, early June, September and October are often especially appealing for travellers who want warm weather with a more comfortable feel. Istanbul is excellent in spring and autumn for sightseeing, while Cappadocia can be beautiful outside the peak summer heat, especially when the mornings are clear and the landscapes feel calm.
Available Transport Options in Turkey
Turkey is a large country, so the best way to travel depends on where you are staying and how much you want to explore. Beach holidays are often easiest with airport transfers, taxis and organised excursions, while city breaks, coastal touring and multi-centre trips may involve domestic flights, buses, car hire or a combination of transport options.
Air Travel
Turkey has a strong airport network, with major airports including Istanbul Airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, Antalya, Dalaman, Milas-Bodrum, Izmir Adnan Menderes and Ankara Esenboğa. Antalya is a key gateway for Mediterranean resorts, Dalaman works well for Marmaris and Fethiye, Bodrum is useful for the Aegean coast, and Istanbul is ideal for city breaks and onward domestic connections.
Train
Train travel in Turkey is useful on selected routes, especially between some major cities, but it is not usually the main transport choice for beach holidays. High-speed rail services connect places such as Istanbul, Ankara and Konya, while other rail routes can suit travellers with more time and a stronger interest in overland travel. For coastal resorts and holiday areas, flights, transfers, buses and car hire are usually more practical.
Bus
Intercity coaches are widely used across Turkey and can be a good-value way to travel between towns, cities and resort areas. Local buses and minibuses are also common in many holiday regions, helping visitors reach nearby beaches, town centres and markets. Journey times can be long between regions, so for shorter holidays it is usually better to use buses for local travel rather than trying to cover too much ground.
Car Rental
Car rental is a good option for confident drivers who want to explore beyond one resort, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. A hire car can make it easier to visit quieter beaches, ancient ruins, hill villages and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. In larger cities such as Istanbul, driving can be busy and parking can be difficult, so car hire is usually better suited to coastal and countryside exploring.
Our Top Destinations in Turkey
Turkey offers a rich mix of beach resorts, historic cities, coastal towns and dramatic inland scenery. These four destinations show the range of holidays the country does especially well, from relaxed sunshine stays to cultural breaks and scenic adventures.
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities, known for the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus views. It is a city of layers, where historic neighbourhoods, ferry crossings, rooftop restaurants and lively markets create a holiday full of atmosphere. Istanbul is ideal for travellers who want culture, food, shopping and unforgettable city scenery.
Antalya Coast
Antalya Coast
The Antalya Coast is one of Turkey’s most popular beach holiday regions, known for its warm climate, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels and long stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Resorts such as Lara Beach, Belek, Side and Alanya offer plenty of choice, from luxury stays and golf holidays to relaxed beach breaks. It is a strong option for travellers who want sunshine, comfort and easy resort facilities.
Bodrum and the Aegean Coast
Bodrum and the Aegean Coast
Bodrum and the surrounding Aegean coast bring a stylish, relaxed side of Turkey, with marinas, beach clubs, whitewashed buildings, clear bays and a lively but elegant summer feel. Bodrum itself is known for its castle, harbour and nightlife, while nearby coastal spots offer quieter stays and beautiful sea views. This region is ideal for couples, groups and travellers who want beach days with a more polished atmosphere.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most distinctive destinations, known for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels, underground cities and hot-air balloon flights at sunrise. It feels completely different from the coastal resorts, making it a memorable addition to a longer Turkey holiday. Cappadocia is best for travellers who want scenery, photography, history and a sense of adventure.
Travel Tips for Visitors in Turkey
Turkey is large and varied, so choose your region carefully rather than trying to see too much in one short holiday.
Cappadocia hot-air balloon flights are weather-dependent and popular, so book early and allow flexibility where possible.
Cards are widely accepted in many tourist areas, but small cash is useful for markets, tips, local transport and smaller cafés.
When visiting mosques or religious sites, dress modestly and carry a light scarf or cover-up to make entry easier.
Rome
Rome is full of timeless charm, with ancient ruins, beautiful piazzas, world-famous landmarks and a lively food scene.
Sicily
Sicily offers a wonderful mix of beaches, history, culture and dramatic scenery. From golden coastlines and traditional villages.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal escapes, known for colourful cliffside towns, sparkling sea views and romantic Mediterranean charm.
Venice
Venice is a magical city of canals, bridges, historic buildings and unforgettable views. Perfect for couples, city-break travellers and culture lovers.
Italian Islands
Italy’s islands are known for their beautiful coastlines, rich culture, clear waters and relaxed Mediterranean way of life. Each island has its own character, from glamorous coastal escapes and historic towns to peaceful beaches, volcanic landscapes and family-friendly resorts.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, offering a wonderful mix of sunshine, culture, beaches and dramatic scenery. Visitors can explore historic towns, enjoy traditional food, relax along the coast and discover landmarks such as Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most famous active volcanoes.
Sardinia
Sardinia is loved for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and laid-back island atmosphere. From luxury coastal resorts to quiet coves and charming villages, it is ideal for travellers looking for a beautiful beach holiday with a peaceful Mediterranean feel.
Capri
Capri is one of Italy’s most iconic island escapes, known for its stylish atmosphere, sea views and dramatic coastline. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, pretty piazzas, boutique shopping and famous natural sights such as the Blue Grotto.
Ischia
Ischia offers a more relaxed and traditional island experience, with sandy beaches, thermal springs and scenic coastal towns. It is a great choice for travellers who want sunshine, wellness, local charm and a slower pace away from the busiest tourist spots.
Why Visit Turkey?
Sunshine, Culture and Coastal Beauty
Turkey is a must-visit destination because it offers a rare blend of beach holiday ease and cultural depth. You can spend a week at a coastal resort with warm seas, boat trips and long lazy days, or build a richer itinerary that includes Istanbul, ancient ruins, traditional markets and Cappadocia’s unforgettable landscapes. It is a destination that can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be, which is why it suits so many different travellers.
What makes Turkey especially memorable is its warmth and generosity. There is character in the food, the landscapes, the bazaars, the coastal towns and the welcome you often receive in family-run restaurants and local shops. From the call to prayer echoing over Istanbul to the quiet glow of sunset on the Aegean, Turkey has a way of making every day feel full of atmosphere. For sunshine, value, history, scenery and a holiday with real personality, Turkey is one of the most rewarding destinations to explore.
