- Currency: Turkish Lira (₺)
- Capital city: Ankara
- Language: Turkish
- Key phrase to learn: Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)
- Time difference: Turkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK
- Average flight time: 4 hours
- International phone code: +90
- Emergency services number: 112
- Public holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), National Sovereignty and Children's Day (April 23), Labour Day (May 1), Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (May 19), Ramadan Feast (1st day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar), Victory Day (August 30), Feast of Sacrifice (10th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar), Republic Day (October 29).
- Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey
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Why go to Turkey?
Whether your idea of the perfect break is lying on golden sands or exploring the streets of a bustling, exotic city, a holiday in Turkey has something for you.
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Delve into Turkey’s fascinating past
Turkey’s storied past has made it the fascinating place we see today – wave upon wave of domination, immigration and rebellion has created this melting pot nation.
From the glorious cultural artefacts dotted all over Turkey – think Roman ruins, ancient monasteries and 1,000-year-old cathedrals – to the traces of other cultures left behind in Turkey’s cuisine, it’s a country that rewards deeper exploration.
Get romantic in Istanbul
For a romantic long weekend getaway, it’s hard to top cosmopolitan Istanbul, where you’ll find some of the best five-stars hotels in Turkey.
The city’s reputation for great food, shopping and historic culture, plus excellent accommodation, makes it the perfect weekend destination. It’s not the country’s cheapest place to visit, but holidays to Turkey don’t get much more sophisticated.
Relax on a package holiday
If you’re after a package holiday, Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts are a fantastic option.
Whether it’s the golden sands of Oludeniz on the Med or the more upscale resort of Bodrum on the Aegean, Turkey’s coastline has everything you need for the perfect package trip – especially as holidays in Turkey are cheap compared to some of their Mediterranean counterparts.
Go hiking or surfing
Turkey’s interior can seem a world away from the package holidays and hotels of the coast. There are some great spots for hiking, especially in Cappadocia, an area of breathtaking but unusual natural scenery.
Surfing fans can find waves in Alacati, a charming fishing village on the Aegean that has a very different vibe to Turkey’s larger resorts.
When to go
Turkey is vast, so its seasonal climate varies depending on where in the country you are. Generally, Istanbul in the west is most bearable during spring and autumn – visit during the summer and you risk unbearably hot days in the city. During winter, you’ll be dealing with temperatures of around 6C.
If you’re planning on heading to the resort areas, then the ideal time to go is during June to September where you’re practically guaranteed good weather throughout. Turkey’s all-inclusives are likely to cost more during these months, though.
The mountainous areas in the east see the biggest temperature fluctuations, with temperatures hitting 40C in summer but dropping to -25C in winter.
Events for your diary
Istanbul Music Festival: This prestigious festival takes place every June. It’s one of the biggest cultural events on the calendar, with classical music performances from international orchestras.