Turkey: Travel Guide
Turkey is best for...
Couples: Gifted with rich heritage, Turkey is the perfect getaway for two with enchanting land, seascapes and fascinating cultural landmarks. Why not escape to the magnificent Istanbul's historical quarters to soak in the spectacular sights and traditional culture, visit the romantic Cappadocia or even a visit to one of many beautiful beaches of Antalya that you can discover with your partner.
Families: Find your ideal spot on one of many stunning beaches in Fethiye, Alanya and Didim. Filled with excellent restaurants and bars, they offered relaxed environment, azure waters and child-friendly surroundings. When you fancy a change of scenery, take a trip to the magnificent Istanbul. Surrounded by phenomenal historical heritage, why not venture on a family-friendly tour where you can discover one of the most amazing cities in the world. Turkey is also filled with theme parks offering exhilarating rides and adrenalin pumping rollercoasters.
Night Owls: Whether you want to dance to beats or spend your evenings like the local Turkish people do, Turkey has a lot to offer. Why not discover Raki nights with Turkish Art or traditional music in the background or visit one of Istanbul's many bars and nightclubs when you really want to party all night long. Turkey's nightlife is ideal for those who love cities that never sleep.
Getting around Turkey
By car hire: With an extensive and well-maintained system alongside picturesque villages and fascinating sights off the beaten track, hiring a car in Turkey is the ideal way of exploring the stunning country, with road- tripping making an exceptionally rewarding experience in Turkey.
By air: With almost 50 cities in Turkey ,home to active domestic or international airports, travelling by air is a convenient way to explore at your own pace as you can fly from one end of the country to the other in just under two hours.
By Metro: Although train travel in Turkey is limited, the options are improving, with larger cities providing a metro and tram system. The main exception to this is the busy high-speed line that connects Istanbul and Ankara together.
By bus: Buses take travellers between cities across Turkey at any hour of the day or night, which are supported by an extensive network of 24-hour rest stops. Many long-haul buses also stop every few hours, allowing passengers to eat, drink, smoke, pray and shop for local food produce and souvenirs. Some of the smaller villages are also served by at least one daily dolmus (shared taxi) .
travel advice
If you want to experience both oriental and European elements, Turkey is the place to have this experience. From shopping in Bazaar to taking your stress away in a Hammam, Turkey is somewhere to immerse yourself in culture.
Fast facts for Turkey
Language: Turkish, although English is also widely spoken and understood, particularly in the main tourist areas and hotspots. If you are considering heading off the usual visitor trails, make sure you pack a phrasebook or download a translation app.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Local time: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of UK time during the winter and 2 hours ahead of UK time during the summer.
Fly to:
- Antalya Airport for Alanya, Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Lara and Side
- Bodrum Airport for Bodrum, Gumbet, Torba and Turgutries
- Dalaman Airport for Dalyan, Fethiye, Icmeler, Olu Deniz and Marmaris
- Izmir Airport for Cesme, Kusadasi and Izmir
- Istanbul Airport has 2 airports
- Transfer times vary from 15- 120 minutes
Flight time from the UK: The flight time from the UK to Turkey is around 4 hours.
Tourist information: Find further information on various Turkey destinations at the official Turkey tourism website.
Visa/health: British citizens do not require a visa for Turkey holidays for visits up to 90 days in any 180- day period, but you do need a valid passport. Visit the UK government's Turkish travel advice for up- to-date visa and health recommendations.
More travel guides: We also have other travel guides available for destinations including Egypt | Greece | Portugal | Spain | Balearic Island | Canary Islands | United Arab Emirates
Your Guide to Turkey holidays
- Food & Drinks
- Beaches
- We Love
- At a Glance




