Turkey Holidays

Holidays to Turkey, for most visitors, are all about lazy days on golden sand beaches, sipping cocktails at chic marinas and tucking into succulent chargrilled kebabs… so it’s only right we tell you the best places to dip your toes into some seaside adventure. Visit Oludeniz Beach’s crystal-clear waters for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The nearby Babadag Mountain offers excellent paragliding opportunities for adventure seekers. Accessible by boat from Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley is a hidden gem surrounded by cliffs. This natural paradise is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Jersey tiger butterfly. Hike to the valley’s waterfall, relax on the beach, or camp under the stars. The charming town of Kaş is a gateway to some of Turkey’s best diving spots. Explore underwater caves, ancient shipwrecks, and vibrant marine life. Nearby Kekova Island is famous for its sunken city, which you can explore by boat or kayak. Patara Beach is one of the longest and most unspoiled beaches in Turkey. Its golden sands and turquoise waters are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach is also a nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles, so keep your eyes peeled! With so many Blue Flag beaches, you're bound to find a patch of perfect sand wherever you stay in Turkey.

Cappadocia is a unique and otherworldly place. Shaped over millennia by nature's elemental forces, the region offers a stunning vista of towering rock formations, deep valleys, and hidden caves. With underground cities, churches, and monasteries embedded in these unique rocks, exploring these underground marvels at The Göreme Open-Air Museum is like stepping back in time to a world of mysticism and magic.  Wander through their labyrinthine tunnels in the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Hike scenic trails through the surreal Red Valley dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Or simply take in the beauty from a rooftop brunch spot. But Cappadocia’s enchanting landscape is best appreciated from above. A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is a bucket-list experience, offering breathtaking views of the region’s unique fairy chimneys, and ancient cave dwellings. It’s a magical way to start your day.

From the stunningly beautiful mosques and palaces that dot the city's skyline to the bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures.  Visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Hagia Sophia. Its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and rich history make it a must-visit. Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This architectural masterpiece is famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. Step into the opulent world of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace and explore its lavish courtyards, ornate rooms, and the Harem. For a taste of Istanbul’s vibrant culture, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and souvenirs, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices! To truly appreciate Istanbul’s unique geography, take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. This natural waterway divides the city into its European and Asian sides. A Bosphorus cruise offers stunning views of historic palaces, fortresses, and charming waterfront neighbourhoods.

If you’re a lover of the ancient world, Turkey is a treasure trove of gems; and one of its shining diamonds is Ephesus. One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, wander through its marble streets and explore iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Journey just past Ephesus and discover the small stone house believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary. A place of pilgrimage for Christians and a serene spot for reflection, this site is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, built in the 6th century over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. The basilica’s impressive architecture and panoramic views of Selçuk and the surrounding area make it worth the visit. Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ani, an ancient city near the Armenian border. Once a thriving metropolis, Ani is now a ghost city with remnants of churches, mosques, and fortifications that tell tales of its storied past.

We know what you’re thinking, a bath on a summer holiday… Why? Turkish baths, or hammams, are more than a soak in warm water, they’re a key part of Turkish culture and an experience that offers both relaxation and a glimpse into the country's rich traditions. The hammam is a place of cleansing and socializing, where visitors can unwind in a tranquil, steamy environment. The process typically involves a series of heated rooms, starting with a warm room to relax and prepare the body, followed by a hotter room where the skin is scrubbed and exfoliated with a traditional Kese mitt, and finally, a cool room for relaxation. Beyond its physical benefits, the Turkish bath is a cultural immersion, where the architectural beauty of the bathhouses, with their marble interiors and domed ceilings, adds to the overall serene and luxurious ambience. But baths can come in many forms. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Walk barefoot along the terraces and take a dip in the warm, therapeutic waters. Whether you're seeking to detoxify, relax, or simply enjoy a unique traditional experience, a visit to a Turkish bath is an unmissable part of any trip to Turkey.

Holidays to Turkey are alive with delightful dishes and restaurants galore. With resorts offering everything from traditional Turkish cuisines to international family favourites, there is plenty to sink your teeth into on a holiday to Turkey. Plus, with all-inclusive hotels taking centre stage in Turkey, we’re sure you’ll get to try it all!  
Indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast, known as kahvalti. Experience the ritual of Turkish tea and coffee served in small tulip-shaped glasses. Wander bustling markets sampling simit (sesame-coated bread rings), döner kebab, and börek (savoury pastry). Sit marina side and sample fresh seafood, kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Or indulge your sweet tooth with Turkish delight, a confection made of sugar and starch, often flavoured with rosewater, lemon, or pistachios. Whether you favour an elegant eatery, traditional restaurant, or street food stall, Turkey is a culinary adventure waiting to tickle your tastebuds.