Destinations in Turkiye

From the Aegean’s beach towns to lively cities and the ancient heartlands of Cappadocia, Turkiye is a country bursting with history and culture. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkiye is shaped by both. It’s a meeting point of identities, landscapes and histories. Along the coast, white-sand beaches give way to olive groves and ancient ruins, while inland you’ll find mountain villages, broad plains and the “fairy” rock formations of Cappadocia. With regular direct flights from the UK, Turkiye is easy to reach. Yet once you arrive, it feels completely different.

If you’re planning a Turkey holiday, the best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is warm and the sea is at its best. Early spring and late autumn are ideal for sightseeing and hiking, while July and August are hot (30°C plus) – perfect for days at the beach.

Turkiye at glance:

Flight duration (from London): 4 – 4,5 hours
Main airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
Population: 85 mln people
Language: Turkish, English
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time zone: GMT +3

Top places to visit in Turkiye

Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents, that has been the meeting point of cultures for over 2,000 years. The skyline mixes Ottoman mosques and Byzantine domes with modern glass towers. You’ll hear muezzins’ calls to prayer drifting through the clangour of busy city life. Start with the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, two of the city’s most striking landmarks. Wander through the Grand Bazaar, explore the spice-scented markets or take a ferry across the Bosphorus for local restaurants and sea views. Watching fishermen catch and grill freshly caught sardines beside the Galata Bridge is a simple pleasure that captures the spirit of the city.

Antalya, known for its sparkling blue seas and palm-lined boulevards, is one of the most popular Turkey holiday destinations. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of Europe’s most reliable spots for summer getaways. Once a Roman port, Antalya’s old town (Kaleiçi) is a maze of narrow streets, Ottoman architecture and harbour views. The region stretches far beyond the city itself. To the east lie Lara Beach and Belek, home to world-class Turkey all-inclusive resorts. To the west, Konyaaltı Beach offers clear water and mountain views. Inland, you’ll find ancient ruins at Perge, Aspendos and cascading forest waterfalls.

Cappadocia’s wind and volcanic rock have sculpted the landscape into captivating cones and valleys, known as fairy chimneys. For centuries, people carved homes, churches and entire underground cities into the soft stone. In fact, vast and well-preserved underground cities like Derinkuyu (once home to thousands of people) lie just beneath the surface. Lucky visitors can stay in cave hotels, explore open-air museums at Göreme or Zelve or join hot air balloon flights drifting over the valleys. Evenings are quieter, with family-run restaurants serving Güveç (clay-pot stews) and Gözleme (stuffed flatbreads).

Bodrum is stylish and laid-back on the Aegean coast. Whitewashed houses adorn gentle hillsides, overlooking harbours full of bobbing yachts. It’s easy to reach from the UK, making it ideal for short Turkey package holidays. The area’s gorgeous beaches range from lively stretches near Gümbet to quiet coves around Torba and Bitez, with plenty of hotels on the beach in Turkiye to choose from. For a cultural break, Bodrum Castle overlooks the marina. It houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a fascinating look at shipwrecks and ancient trade routes. As a little-known fact, stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) were used in its construction.

Fethiye is known for its relaxed atmosphere and direct access to nature. With sandy bays and mountain backdrops, it’s perfect for both Turkey family holidays and active thrill-seeking travelers. Just along the coast, you’ll find Ölüdeniz, home to the famous Blue Lagoon. One of Turkiye’s most photographed spots, its striking turquoise waters (thanks to a rare mix of fresh springs and seawater) are part of a protected national park. The area is also a gateway to the Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail linking ancient sites and quiet beaches.