Turkey Holidays

Things to do in Antalya:

Perfect if you’re heading to resorts like Side, Kemer, Alanya, Belek or Lara Beach. Check out our blog on what the top 5 things to do in Antalya are.

• Düden Waterfalls – Antalya situated on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is filled with natural beauty. These waterfalls are just one example of the lovely sights to see!
• Hadrian’s Gate – Call yourself a history buff? This gate is in memory of the Roman emperor who visited in 130 CE.
• Aqualand Antalya Dolphinland – Head to this waterpark where you can whizz down slides and watch dolphin and seal shows.

Things to do in Dalaman:

Great if you’ve planned a trip to Marmaris, Olu Deniz or Icmeler.

• Atlantis Water Park – The perfect trip for a family day out, there are water slides, swimming pools and mini golf available here. There are also bars and restaurants here if you’re feeling peckish!
• Pamukkale – Full of thermal spas and natural pools, Pamukkale is wonderful for a relaxing break in Dalaman. Soak up the minerals from its waters and admire the views.
• Butterfly Valley – Located in Fethiye, Butterfly Valley offers idyllic views, a restaurant, beach and of course, butterflies.

Things to do in Aegean Coast:

Check out these places if you’re heading on a holiday to Kusadasi, Gumbet or Bodrum.

• Bodrum Castle – Situated right by the ocean, Bodrum Castle was built in the 1400s. It includes a museum featuring archaeology.
• Temple of Artemis – If you’re into archaeology, check out the ruins of the Temple of Artemis for a truly fascinating trip.
• Adaland Water Park – This waterpark is perfect for families. It boasts various pools, water slides as well as the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

There is an abundant amount of family-friendly Turkey attractions. Plus, all inclusive hotels in Turkey make family holidays easy! For a real family adventure, take the kids on a magical hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region of Turkey. For another kind of ride, take a cruise on a gulet around the coast of Antalya or on other boat excursions. Grab the kids for a day of exploring ruined cities like Xanthos and beautiful canyons brimming with picture-perfect vantage points while learning about the many cultures of ancient Turkey. Of course, nothing beats an old-fashioned day at the beach, and from Izmir to Olu Deniz and Lara Beach, the country is full of beaches. Altinkum on the western coast is just a short drive out of Bodrum. Its family-friendly beaches make for a good spot to set up holiday-shop. 

Top family-friendly hotels:

• Limak Lara Deluxe Hotel & Resort
• Side La Grande Resort & Spa
• Kusadasi Golf and Spa Resort
• The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel
• Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort & Spa Side

Turkey’s vast history extends to more than just the ancient Greeks, it is also the site of several older and advanced civilisations from the cuneiform writing Hittites in Hattusa who ruled several millennia ago to the famous sites of Gobekli Tepe in the east and Catalhuyuk located northeast of Antalya, both fascinating archaeological sites that are almost 11,000 years old.

Istanbul is the place to start with the amount of archaeological and cultural things to do in Turkey. Stand in awe of the dome of the beautiful Ayia Sophia in the heart of the city and explore the Ottoman Topkapi Palace. Go back to the time of the Greeks and Romans with a visit to one of the most famous sites in Turkey, Ephesus on the Aegean coast near Kusadasi.

Time your visit to Turkey to coincide with Mesir Senlikleri Festival in the spring, a celebration dating to over 450 years ago, or another fun spring fair, the International Istanbul Tulip Festival. There are also plenty of film festivals taking place throughout the year, from the Ankara Film Festival in March to the Golden Saffron Documentary Film festival in September. No matter why you come to beautiful Turkey, make sure to catch a festival if you can!

Nightlife on Turkey holidays is an exciting fusion of eastern and western influence.

Marmaris – A well-known resort when it comes to nightlife, Marmaris includes a range of bars and clubs. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere on the streets of Marmaris as loud music keeps the nearby bars pumping. Enjoy open air nightclubs like Club Areena or enjoy the live music at Rock Bar Marmaris.

Bodrum – This resort has a great blend of fun nightlife and relaxing day-time activities. You’ll find a number of bars in Bodrum where you can enjoy a few drinks. Whilst clubs don’t usually bring in crowds until around 1am. Dance the night away at the Halikarnas Disco, it’s a great choice if you’re seeking a real buzz during your holiday.

Side – A fantastic choice to experience Turkey’s nightlife. There are a range of bars and nightclubs in the area. The town centre is where it is all happening as well as the western beach area. The Apollo nightclub is often a popular choice for a fun night out in Side.

There are few locations across Europe that will rival Turkey when it comes to beach holidays, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in the country alone given its endless coastline and stunning beach resorts. Find out Turkey’s best beaches here. Turkey's Aegean Coast, and particularly the northern resort of Izmir, is renowned for its warm atmosphere and beachfront cafes.

Antalya - An immensely popular spot, combining the typical allure of the beach with the curious presence of archaeological discoveries. Bask in the sun at beautiful Lara Beach, an area also blessed by the presence of the intriguing medieval fortifications of Alanya. Belek is one of the top choices for a resort in Antalya thanks to its golden beaches. Belek, with its Mediterranean coast, gives you a taste of Turkey whilst retaining the warm seas and lovely beaches you've come to expect from a European beach holiday.

Marmaris - The perfect destination for night owls, boasting a vibrant nightlife and dining scene which is guaranteed to inject a lively atmosphere into your trip, while those looking for action and adventure by the water would do well in spending their holidays in Olu Deniz, famed for its gorgeous Blue Lagoon and a vibrant water sports scene.

Bodrum - Also ticks all the boxes of a sun, sand and sea-filled escape, combining the allure of gorgeous beaches, exciting water sports and a bustling nightlife to deliver an unprecedented holiday experience by the ocean. Our top pick of the resorts in Bodrum has to be Gumbet. Its famous beaches are golden and sandy, ideal for families.

Holidays in Turkey offer it all to couples in search of adventure, culture and romance. Sitting relaxing and enjoying a sunset as you take in views of the Bosphorus from a terrace restaurant in Istanbul, through to snorkelling around the remains of a submerged village in Gumusluk in Bodrum, holidays in the wonderful country of Turkey will amaze you.

Sample some stunning Byzantine inspiration in the Hagia Sophia Museum, or a splendid array of Ottoman treasures housed in Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Follow Turkey’s coast and you’ll quickly swap the raw buzz of Istanbul for the wonderful Aegean resorts of Bodrum, Turgutreis and Marmaris in which you’ll find delicious beachside restaurants and cafes, shopping among chatter of the markets, and tastefully themed bars and vibrant nightclubs.

Top hotels for couples:

• Side Premium Hotel
• Marti Myra
• Crystal De Luxe Resort and Spa Kemer
• Baia Lara
• Granada Luxury Okurcalar

Turkish cuisine:

Turkey is a country on the brink of East and West, and its cuisine greatly reflects its geography. Home of the kebab, one of the top Turkey attractions is eating! Start off with some yoghurt-like soup, cacik, and delectable sarma, or stuffed vine leaves that are perfect on hot days. Try a bit of kofte mincemeat meatballs along with some stuffed vegetables, or dolma. You can also try a range of mezze platters before your main dishes, just like in Greece, Cyprus, or the rest of the Eastern Mediterranean. Have some Turkish delights with your Turkish coffee, or settle for some amazing baklava for dessert. Explore foodie heaven in Turkey with our blog. 

Cost of eating out:

Eating out in Turkey can be quite cheap, you can get good value for money in several cafes and restaurants. Sometimes, you may even get a three-course meal for around 20 lira. On the other hand, cities like Istanbul might be a little more expensive. But bear in mind that Turkey can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it!

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

Yes, British nationals do require a visa to visit Turkey. You will need to apply for it online through the Republic of Turkey e-visa website - an e-visa costs $20.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Turkey?

Some vaccinations are recommended for Turkey, but it is best to check with your GP if you would need any before your visit.

Is it safe to holiday in Turkey at the moment?

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) the vast majority of Turkey remains safe. However, it is always best to check the Turkey foreign travel advice before you go.