Why go to Turkey?
Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world and has long been a favourite for sun holidays from the UK. The south coast around Antalya has long beaches and a season that runs well into autumn.
But there is much more than the beach. Istanbul is a city with 2,000 years of history and a world-class food scene. Along the Aegean are ancient cities such as Ephesus, and inland lies Cappadocia, with rock formations, cave dwellings and balloons at sunrise.
Turkey sits between Europe and Asia. Below you will find our city guides.
Best places to visit in Turkey
In short: for a first trip, combine three or four days in Istanbul with two nights in Cappadocia, and finish on the coast around Antalya, Kaş or Bodrum. Spring and autumn are best for sightseeing, while the coast is warm from May to October.
1. Istanbul: two continents and a thousand restaurants
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in the old town, and the Bosphorus ferries to the Asian side. Read our Istanbul guide.
2. Cappadocia: balloons and cave hotels
Rock formations, cave churches and underground cities. Balloon flights depend on the wind and are often cancelled, so plan more than one morning. Read about cave hotels in Cappadocia.
3. Antalya: an old town by the sea
Kaleiçi, the walled old town above the harbour, long beaches and the resorts of Belek and Side nearby. Read our Antalya guide.
4. Alanya: a castle above Cleopatra Beach
A resort town with a clifftop fortress and long sandy beaches. Read our Alanya guide and the best hotels in Alanya.
5. Kaş and the Lycian coast: coves and ruins
A small harbour town with clear water for snorkelling and diving, boat trips to the sunken city at Kekova and stretches of the Lycian Way hiking trail.
6. Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: the blue lagoon
A sheltered lagoon below the Babadağ mountain, where paragliders land on the beach. It is very busy in high summer.
7. Bodrum: white houses and a castle
A harbour town on the Aegean with the Castle of St Peter, beach clubs and quieter villages around the peninsula.
8. Ephesus: the best-preserved ancient city
The Library of Celsus, marble streets and a great theatre, on the UNESCO list. Arrive at opening time in summer, as there is little shade.
9. Pamukkale: white terraces
Travertine terraces of white mineral deposits, and the ruins of Hierapolis above them. Shoes are not allowed on the terraces, so you walk barefoot.
Things to do in Turkey
Take the ferry across the Bosphorus and eat fish in Kadıköy.
Fly in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia at sunrise.
Walk the ruins of Ephesus early in the morning.
Swim in the warm sea around Antalya well into autumn.
Order a Turkish breakfast, with olives, cheese, eggs, honey and tea.
Where to stay in Turkey
Istanbul suits a city break, Antalya and the riviera a sun holiday, and Cappadocia two nights in a cave hotel. Each city guide has its own hotel picks.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
The coast has a season from April to November, and May, June, September and October are often best. Istanbul is loveliest in spring and autumn. Cappadocia can be cold in winter, but snow on the rock formations is a sight of its own. Check the current entry rules for Turkey before you travel. Looking for autumn sun? See where is hot in October.
Sleep inside the rock in Cappadocia
In Cappadocia you can sleep in rooms carved out of volcanic rock and watch the balloons rise from your terrace. We have picked three in our guide to Cappadocia cave hotels.
More destinations in Turkey
Alanya: A clifftop castle with Cleopatra Beach below.
Where to stay in Turkey
Our pick
Kayakapi Premium Caves: cave rooms carved into the hillside
Cave rooms carved into the hillside, a hammam in the spa and balloons over Cappadocia with your morning coffee. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10.
Frequently asked questions about Turkey
Where should I go in Turkey?
Istanbul is best for city life and history, Antalya and the riviera for sun and beaches, and Cappadocia for scenery and balloon flights. Many combine Istanbul with a few days on the coast.
When is the best time to go to Turkey?
May, June, September and October bring warm weather without the fiercest summer heat. The south coast has a season from April to November.
What currency does Turkey use?
Turkey uses the Turkish lira. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but it helps to carry some cash for markets and small shops.
Is Turkey good for families?
Yes. The coast has plenty of family hotels with pools and shallow beaches, and the flight from the UK is not long.
What is Cappadocia famous for?
Rock formations, cave houses, underground cities and sunrise balloon flights. Many stay in a cave hotel to get the full experience.
What is the most beautiful place in Turkey?
Many would name Cappadocia or the coast around Kaş and Ölüdeniz. Istanbul is the most rewarding city.