Whether you are after a relaxing summer beach break, a culture-filled holiday or even a skiing trip, you'll find something to suit you in Turkey.
Straddling two continents, Turkey offers up a multitude of options to tourists. It is possible to be pampered in a hammam or to visit a super club for a wild night out; to watch a belly dancing show or to haggle in a bustling bazaar. And there's a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets too - including five-star spa resorts, family-friendly hotels and budget self-catering choices.
If you're considering a family holiday to Turkey why not check out our top tips for travelling in Turkey with children. As well as giving you tips on where to visit and how to get around, there's even some local phrases to use when you get there.
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Istanbul is the place to visit for a city break with sightseeing opportunities, designer shops, and trendy restaurants and bars. Highlights include taking a boat trip along the Bosphorus, visiting the Blue Mosque and shopping in the Grand Bazaar - one of the oldest markets in the world.
With whitewashed houses, a smart marina and sophisticated nightlife, Bodrum caters for those who would like a sunny holiday with plenty to do. The medieval Castle of St Peter is a great place to visit with children, and the clubs in Bodrum Town and Gumbet are ideal for adults looking to let their hair down.
Those whose holiday priority is partying should head to Marmaris. There's a bar street, a seafront of restaurants and the largest yachting marina in Turkey. For some culture during the day there's also Marmaris Castle and Museum.
Part of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is set around a Roman harbour and old town and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. For more active travellers, there are plenty of watersports on offer including windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing too.
East of Antalya, Alanya is a destination for a relaxing break with beautiful beaches and a tempting selection of all-inclusive five-star resorts.
Other Turkish highlights include visiting the Dalaman region with its stunning beaches and lagoon at Olu Deniz; sailing in a traditional Turkish gület boat; travelling to Turkey's third-largest city Izmir and sipping Turkish coffee after looking around the museums; and sampling a mouthwatering Turkish mezze.
If you are planning a trip to Turkey this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
Weather
The summer months are extremely hot in Turkey - reaching 34C in Antalya and 33C in Bodrum - so spring and autumn may be better times to visit if sightseeing and exploring are on your agenda. Istanbul is slightly cooler with average temperatures peaking at 27C and generally only reaching 8C in January.
Events
Butterfly breeding season; Butterfly Valley (near Fethiye); April-June
Wildlife lovers can take a boat to the protected Butterfly Valley during breeding season to watch the creatures fluttering above. The valley is home to the rare Jersey Tiger Moth.
Istanbul International Film Festival; March-April; various venues in Istanbul
Established in 1982 as a film week, the Istanbul International Film Festival's aim is “to encourage the development of cinema in Turkey, to help Turkish cinema attain international recognition and to promote films of quality in the Turkish market”. Visit for exclusive screenings and panel discussions, and be sure to buy tickets in advance.
Ankara Tango Festival; April; Ankara
Tango lovers from around the world can hone their skills, meet fellow enthusiasts and dance to the music of renowned orchestras and DJs.
Sonisphere Festival; June; Istanbul
This huge touring music festival arrives in Istanbul in June 2012. Past acts have included Metalica, Slipknot and Iron Maiden.
Best of Turkey holidays for...
Relaxing: Take a trip to the spa town of Pamukkale and let your worries drift away as you unwind in its natural hot springs which are believed by some to have healing and restorative powers.
Active: Adrenaline junkies will be able to get their fix white-water rafting on the Dalaman River, while water-sports enthusiasts can enjoy diving and canoeing in Kas and windsurfing in Fethiye.
Romance: Stroll hand in hand along the white sands in the secluded bay of Olu Deniz. The turquoise waters of the blue lagoon backed by lush green mountains make this the perfect getaway for loved-up couples.
Kids and teens: Treat the kids to a jeep safari in Marmaris. All the family will love tearing over bumpy terrain, driving through rivers and cooling off from the hot sun under waterfalls.
Grown-up families: Take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the bizarre and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Get a bird's eye view of the unique rock formations for a truly memorable day out.
Free and cheap: Visit historic Alanya and spend a morning exploring this bustling town. History buffs can enjoy breath-taking views from its 13th-century castle.
Shopping: Get your haggling skills up to scratch and bag a bargain at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul -one of the largest covered markets in the world. Here you'll be able to pick up some typically Turkish souvenirs including textiles, fashion, jewellery and ceramics.
