Holidays in Turkey
A holiday in Turkey means delicious food, delicious company, beautiful sunshine, spectacular beaches, and superb history. It’s also one of the cheaper holiday destinations for that perfect combination of things to do and places to see. Just on the edge of Europe Turkey is well known for its hospitality, its residents proud to share their spectacular coastline and historical attractions. The developing reputation of its cities, hotels and resorts as first-class alternatives to other sun drenched locations is another reason to consider a trip to Turkey.
Visit Turkey
Why not take a boat cruise down the Bosphorus, visit ancient Mosques or Roman remains, enjoy the first class hospitality and sizzling dining in Turkey’s legendary restaurants? And that's just for starters. The Mediterranean coast includes beautiful beaches and secluded coves and a wide range of lively resorts, including Antalya, Turkey’s holiday sensation. Other popular Turkey hot spots include: Marmara, a region with a breathtaking atmosphere and endless rolling hills. Turkey’s Aegean coastline is at least its equal with stunning beaches. Central Turkey has much to offer too, including the capital city of Ankara; and there is also the truly cosmopolitan, Istanbul, with its combination of night clubs, restaurants and stunning visitor attractions.
Cheap Holidays Turkey
Why not experience your own Turkish delight? With so much beautiful coastline and famous destinations to explore the extra good news is that cheap holidays are available for many popular holiday resorts in Turkey. Cheap flights to Turkey are not that hard to find and once you are there wining and dining is relatively affordable for many UK travellers. Airport transfer times for many resorts are fast too, so you have plenty of options to choose from. You will find the choice of quality hotels, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodations are abundant and affordable, no matter what your price range.
Things I Should See and Do in Turkey
- City of Ephesus
- Marmaris Resort
- River Tigris
- Istanbul
- Black Sea Coast
- Ankara
Things to do in Turkey
With its dramatic history, unique culture and captivating landscape, Turkey offers a great selection of things to do and experience. You can spend your whole holiday at the beachside sipping cocktails. Or rummaging through the many bazaars, you’re sure to find a variety of things to keep you occupied.
Here are some of our favourites.
Sip tea and while watching the sunset
Take a trip to the traditional cafes beneath Istanbul’s Galata Bridge to sip tea and/or smoke a nargile (Turkish water pipe) with the locals while watching the sun go down over the city.
Lay back and relax
You can’t go to Turkey without experiencing an authentic Turkish bath (Haman). They can be found all over Turkey, but the most popular are located in Istanbul. You’ll be scrubbed within an inch of your life and emerge feeling invigorated.
Many of the top hotels have their own Hamans available to their guests.
Nature’s health benefits
The warm therapeutic waters of the natural travertine pools, located in Pamukkale in the Aegean region are a relaxing alternative to your hotel swimming pool. Popularised by the Romans, thermal baths are still being used today for their health benefits.
Up, up, up and away!
Take a morning hot-air balloon ride over the fantastical moonscape of Cappadocia in central Anatolia. The weather has eroded the landscape made of soft volcanic rock, into hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and ‘fairy chimneys’. This extraordinary land is best seen from the sky and a balloon flight is a serene and delightful experience.
Witness the great Whirling Dervishes
Watch the members of the Mevlevi Order perform the famous whirling dance, known as Sema. The stunning ceremony can be seen in Konya, where it originated, or in Istanbul.
Shop ‘till you drop
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the world’s largest covered market. It sells all sorts of fabulous Turkish wares, including spices, rugs, clothes and jewellery. Its sprawling stalls will fill your senses with their abundance of sights and smells. Remember to haggle for the bargain. It is not just commonplace, but expected as a part of the shopping experience.
Thrill-Seekers hit the river
If adventure is what you’re after, then why not try white-water rafting on the Dalaman, Koprulu, Coruh or Zamanti Rivers? Professionals rate Coruh River as one of the top rafting locations in the world.
And the animals went in two by two!
Noah’s Ark is reputed to have washed up on the slopes of Mount Ararat, in Turkey’s far eastern region. Guided treks are available through the area with specific tours for the Noah’s Ark enthusiast.
Food in Turkey
Fresh fish is an acclaimed dThe food eaten in Turkey is similar to the typical Western fodder, especially at breakfast, when bread is served with jams and cheeses, washed down with Turkish teas. A special breakfast pastry in Turkey is stuffed with cheese and parsley and served warm. Many people in Turkey prefer to have their main meal in the evening, when it’s cooler, however this is not the case everywhere. Salads are a staple at the Turkish table and are present at the beginning of every dinner and lunch.
Seafood is a particular favourite, especially along the coast, where the fish is caught fresh daily. Fish is usually fried or poached and served with vegetables and lemon juice. The cliché Kebab is another Turkish must have. Usually charcoal grilled and served in pitta bread with salad and sauce.elicacy in Turkey. The catch of the day, seasoned with exotic spices, teamed with small dishes known, as Mezze are a real treat. You can find food almost anywhere, from roadside cubbyholes that are generally safe and serve inexpensive yummies to top-notch restaurants to rival any others. Turkeyian eating patterns can seem erratic; the main meal is usually served between 2-5pm, with a light snack or supper in the evening. If you’re lucky enough to befriend some locals and be invited to a dinner party, you are unlikely to be eating before 11pm.
Nightlife in Turkey
Most hotels will have their own evening entertainment, however if you’d prefer to venture from your resort, there are many other things to do in the evening. There are various discos to be found, especially around the popular coastal towns and inner city areas. These discos will cater well for the Western visitor and you’ll have no problem blending in and recognising the music! There are also laid back beachfront bars where you can lay in hammocks and listen to live music while the waves hit the shore.
