Turkey is a land of glorious beaches, colourful history, hospitable people and fascinating cultural contrasts that reflect its unique situation. Bordered by six countries and four different seas, it has one foot firmly in Europe and the other in the Middle East. Istanbul, former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, juxtaposes history and oriental splendour with contemporary style. Domes and minarets form a sparkling skyline alongside smart hotels, glamorous nightspots and trendy galleries. Turkey’s 8,000km of sandy coastline – developed in parts, untouched in others – is dotted with ruins from ancient civilisations. Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Med. The mountainous interior offers hiking, skiing and surreal volcanic landscapes. Turkey has a wide choice of good-value accommodation. Hotels in Turkey range from resort-style to exclusive retreats; Turkey villas from functional to sumptuous.
Sunbathing on the sandy beaches of the south-west and west
Swimming, sailing, snorkelling and diving
History fans
Haggling for carpets and crafts
Lively bars and nightclubs in stylish resorts like Bodrum, Antalya and Marmaris
Travel during Turkey’s major national holidays: the four-day religious festival of Kurban Bayrami and the three-day Ramazan Bayrami which follows a 30-day Muslim fasting period during daylight hours. Banks are closed, hotel rooms at a premium and transport crowded. Check the current dates with your Travel Counsellor
UK citizens need a visa for Turkey holidays of up to three months, obtainable when you arrive. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your arrival. Visitors need to dress modestly when visiting a mosque or religious shrine. The Turkish legal system carries severe penalties for drug use, possession or dealing (heavy fines, imprisonment of up to 24 years), drunk driving, insulting the Turkish nation or flag and defacing currency.
The weather in Turkey varies considerably by region. Coastal areas have warm or hot summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. The best time to visit Turkey’s coastline is April to October. Istanbul is a year-round destination, with average temperatures ranging from 5C/41F in January to 23C/74F in mid summer.
Flight times from the UK to the main holiday areas are approx four hours.
Most major car hire providers operate in Turkey. Beware poor driving standards, road conditions and lack of signage. Istanbul is known for appalling traffic and parking problems.