Search for the best holidays in Turkey
With dazzling sunshine, glorious beaches, stunning scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, Turkey is the ideal choice for a fun-filled getaway. Holidays here offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or history.
Why go?
Whether you're dreaming of lazy days on sun-drenched beaches, a holiday exploring historical sights or a fun-filled family getaway, Turkey holidays have it all...
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.
Are you trying to decide where to go on a holiday to Turkey in 2016? Read on for our suggestions…
Istanbul is the place to visit for a city break with sightseeing opportunities, designer shops, 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 Turkey holiday in 2016 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 mouth-watering Turkish mezze.
When to go?
Are you looking to sizzle in baking temperatures or would you prefer to visit at a cooler time when resorts are less busy? Find out the best option for you...
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.
What's on?
Turkey is a vibrant destination and there's always something going on to keep you entertained. Here's our round-up of some of the best events and festivals...
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.
What to do?
There'll be plenty to keep you busy in Turkey, whether you fancy lounging on idyllic beaches, enjoying a jeep safari or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon...
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 watersports 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. If you're going on a family holiday to Turkey, read some top tips on travelling in the country with children.
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.
