A destination that has it all: Why Türkiye is perfect for your summer holiday

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If you're looking for a summer holiday that mixes sparkling coastlines with ancient culture, endless outdoor activities and fabulous food, it's time to take a closer look at Türkiye. This diverse destination delivers romantic city breaks, watersports by the bucketload, beautiful beaches and outdoor dining, all set under glorious blue skies.



Discover the highlights of Türkiye

Explore some of the destination's top attractions

Restaurant

Neolokal

This Michelin-starred restaurant, with a focus on sustainability, offers fantastic views over the rooftops of İstanbul. Authentic recipes are brought up to date with modern techniques and the occasional quirky twist.…
This Michelin-starred restaurant, with a focus on sustainability, offers fantastic views over the rooftops of İstanbul. Authentic recipes are brought up to date with modern techniques and the occasional quirky twist.

Restaurant

OD Urla

Set in the olive groves of Urla, this Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant grows most of the ingredients used in its menu. The rest come from within a 10km radius. Expect the freshest seasonal produce with zero wast…

Restaurant

Orfoz

This Michelin-starred bayside restaurant in Bodrum makes the most of its glorious location. The taverna-style terrace is the perfect spot for some of the finest fresh fish and seafood in the region.…
This Michelin-starred bayside restaurant in Bodrum makes the most of its glorious location. The taverna-style terrace is the perfect spot for some of the finest fresh fish and seafood in the region.

Restaurant

İsabey Bağevi

A highly-rated wine estate with a fabulous restaurant made all the more special by its magnificent terrace. The seasonal dishes are designed to complement the estate's wines.…
A highly-rated wine estate with a fabulous restaurant made all the more special by its magnificent terrace. The seasonal dishes are designed to complement the estate's wines.

Attraction

The Spice Market, İstanbul

A colourful and fragrant place to shop
The Spice Market sells more than just spice: pick up traditional Turkish teas, dried fruit and nuts, or mouthwatering Turkish Delight – the all-natural lokum made with local honey…

Experience

Windsurfing in Alaçatı

Alaçatı is a windsurfing hotspot with consistent winds, a large shallow bay, and warm summer waters. With several professional windsurfing schools, hiring equipment or booking a lesson is easy.…
Alaçatı is a windsurfing hotspot with consistent winds, a large shallow bay, and warm summer waters. With several professional windsurfing schools, hiring equipment or booking a lesson is easy.

Experience

Blue Voyage in Bodrum

Cruise the Aegean in a Turkish gulet, an elegant yacht traditionally built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. These sailing boats are the perfect way to explore the beautiful bays and turquoise waters.…
Cruise the Aegean in a Turkish gulet, an elegant yacht traditionally built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. These sailing boats are the perfect way to explore the beautiful bays and turquoise waters.

Experience

Cruise on the Bosphorus

Sail through the strait where East meets West
Whether it's a sightseeing cruise, a sunset cruise or a dinner cruise, there are plenty of options for sailing on the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy views of Europe and Asia, plus some pl…

Experience

Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Float silently over this breathtaking landscape
Sailing through the air above Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and ancient rock formations is a bucket-list experience you're never likely to forget. For added exuberance, opt for a cha…

Waterfront promenade

Kordon Promenade

Enjoy scenic walks at sunset
İzmir's iconic seafront kordon, or promenade, is a popular meeting spot. Walk or cycle down this one-mile stretch, flanked by the Aegean Sea on one side and cafes, bars and restaur…

Toeristische attractie

Day trip to Ephesus

Impressive ancient city one hour from İzmir
A truly jaw-dropping archaeological gem, Ephesus is a must for history buffs. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes an impressive open-air theatre, the awe-inspiring Library of C…

Toeristische attractie

Lycian Way day trip

This long-distance hiking trail offers some fabulous views along the Aegean coast. Pick up a section near Çıralı for the ancient city of Olympos, or head to the beautiful Butterfly Valley in Fethiye.…
This long-distance hiking trail offers some fabulous views along the Aegean coast. Pick up a section near Çıralı for the ancient city of Olympos, or head to the beautiful Butterfly Valley in Fethiye.

Toeristische attractie

Balçova Cable Car

The short ride on the Balçova Teleferiği gives you 360-degree views of İzmir and the Aegean Sea. Once at the top, enjoy the views from one of the restaurants or take a stroll in the cool pine forest.…
The short ride on the Balçova Teleferiği gives you 360-degree views of İzmir and the Aegean Sea. Once at the top, enjoy the views from one of the restaurants or take a stroll in the cool pine forest.

Toeristische attractie

Bodrum Castle & Underwater Archaeology Museum

The impressive medieval fortress overlooking Bodrum harbour is home to the intriguing Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Explore well-preserved finds from entire shipwrecks to ancient treasures.…
The impressive medieval fortress overlooking Bodrum harbour is home to the intriguing Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Explore well-preserved finds from entire shipwrecks to ancient treasures.

Islands

The Princes' Islands

This cluster of nine mainly car-free islands can be reached by boat from İstanbul. A tranquil escape from city life, visitors can explore by horse-drawn carriage (phaeton), bike, or on foot.…
This cluster of nine mainly car-free islands can be reached by boat from İstanbul. A tranquil escape from city life, visitors can explore by horse-drawn carriage (phaeton), bike, or on foot.

Restaurant

Neolokal

This Michelin-starred restaurant, with a focus on sustainability, offers fantastic views over the rooftops of İstanbul. Authentic recipes are brought up to date with modern techniques and the occasional quirky twist.…
This Michelin-starred restaurant, with a focus on sustainability, offers fantastic views over the rooftops of İstanbul. Authentic recipes are brought up to date with modern techniques and the occasional quirky twist.

Restaurant

OD Urla

Set in the olive groves of Urla, this Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant grows most of the ingredients used in its menu. The rest come from within a 10km radius. Expect the freshest seasonal produce with zero wast…

Restaurant

Orfoz

This Michelin-starred bayside restaurant in Bodrum makes the most of its glorious location. The taverna-style terrace is the perfect spot for some of the finest fresh fish and seafood in the region.…
This Michelin-starred bayside restaurant in Bodrum makes the most of its glorious location. The taverna-style terrace is the perfect spot for some of the finest fresh fish and seafood in the region.

Restaurant

İsabey Bağevi

A highly-rated wine estate with a fabulous restaurant made all the more special by its magnificent terrace. The seasonal dishes are designed to complement the estate's wines.…
A highly-rated wine estate with a fabulous restaurant made all the more special by its magnificent terrace. The seasonal dishes are designed to complement the estate's wines.

Attraction

The Spice Market, İstanbul

A colourful and fragrant place to shop
The Spice Market sells more than just spice: pick up traditional Turkish teas, dried fruit and nuts, or mouthwatering Turkish Delight – the all-natural lokum made with local honey…

Experience

Windsurfing in Alaçatı

Alaçatı is a windsurfing hotspot with consistent winds, a large shallow bay, and warm summer waters. With several professional windsurfing schools, hiring equipment or booking a lesson is easy.…
Alaçatı is a windsurfing hotspot with consistent winds, a large shallow bay, and warm summer waters. With several professional windsurfing schools, hiring equipment or booking a lesson is easy.

Experience

Blue Voyage in Bodrum

Cruise the Aegean in a Turkish gulet, an elegant yacht traditionally built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. These sailing boats are the perfect way to explore the beautiful bays and turquoise waters.…
Cruise the Aegean in a Turkish gulet, an elegant yacht traditionally built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. These sailing boats are the perfect way to explore the beautiful bays and turquoise waters.

Experience

Cruise on the Bosphorus

Sail through the strait where East meets West
Whether it's a sightseeing cruise, a sunset cruise or a dinner cruise, there are plenty of options for sailing on the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy views of Europe and Asia, plus some pl…

Experience

Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Float silently over this breathtaking landscape
Sailing through the air above Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and ancient rock formations is a bucket-list experience you're never likely to forget. For added exuberance, opt for a cha…

Waterfront promenade

Kordon Promenade

Enjoy scenic walks at sunset
İzmir's iconic seafront kordon, or promenade, is a popular meeting spot. Walk or cycle down this one-mile stretch, flanked by the Aegean Sea on one side and cafes, bars and restaur…

Toeristische attractie

Day trip to Ephesus

Impressive ancient city one hour from İzmir
A truly jaw-dropping archaeological gem, Ephesus is a must for history buffs. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes an impressive open-air theatre, the awe-inspiring Library of C…

Toeristische attractie

Lycian Way day trip

This long-distance hiking trail offers some fabulous views along the Aegean coast. Pick up a section near Çıralı for the ancient city of Olympos, or head to the beautiful Butterfly Valley in Fethiye.…
This long-distance hiking trail offers some fabulous views along the Aegean coast. Pick up a section near Çıralı for the ancient city of Olympos, or head to the beautiful Butterfly Valley in Fethiye.

Toeristische attractie

Balçova Cable Car

The short ride on the Balçova Teleferiği gives you 360-degree views of İzmir and the Aegean Sea. Once at the top, enjoy the views from one of the restaurants or take a stroll in the cool pine forest.…
The short ride on the Balçova Teleferiği gives you 360-degree views of İzmir and the Aegean Sea. Once at the top, enjoy the views from one of the restaurants or take a stroll in the cool pine forest.

Toeristische attractie

Bodrum Castle & Underwater Archaeology Museum

The impressive medieval fortress overlooking Bodrum harbour is home to the intriguing Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Explore well-preserved finds from entire shipwrecks to ancient treasures.…
The impressive medieval fortress overlooking Bodrum harbour is home to the intriguing Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Explore well-preserved finds from entire shipwrecks to ancient treasures.

Islands

The Princes' Islands

This cluster of nine mainly car-free islands can be reached by boat from İstanbul. A tranquil escape from city life, visitors can explore by horse-drawn carriage (phaeton), bike, or on foot.…
This cluster of nine mainly car-free islands can be reached by boat from İstanbul. A tranquil escape from city life, visitors can explore by horse-drawn carriage (phaeton), bike, or on foot.

Focus on food

Turkish cuisine mixes fresh Mediterranean flavours with centuries of Ottoman heritage. You'll also find Asian and Middle Eastern influences and regional variations that are as big as the country itself.  From the fusion street food and Ottoman feasts of İstanbul to the fresh Aegean flavours of İzmir and the sophisticated Mediterranean fare of Bodrum, your dining options are endless in Türkiye.

Don't miss...

Soaking up the atmosphere and sipping Turkish tea in one of İstanbul's many çay bahçeleri (tea gardens).
A famous, freshly grilled balık ekmek by the Bosphorus. This simple fish sandwich is perfect while wandering along the Golden Horn.
A table in İstanbul's fashionable Karaköy neighbourhood, a culinary hotspot for Turkish and international food.
Hot künefe, a cheesy, syrupy dessert that's best eaten straight from the grill outside one of İstanbul's künefeci (künefe shops).
Fabulously fresh seafood with stunning sea views at Bodrum Harbour. The octopus is particularly popular.
Stuffed courgette flowers, a delightful summer speciality on the Aegean coast.
Çökertme kebabı, a popular Bodrum dish of beef or chicken served over crispy fried potato matchsticks with garlic yoghurt and tomato sauce.
Any number of seasonal vegetables prepared 'zeytinyağlılar' or in olive oil, a uniquely Aegean appetiser.
The definitive İzmir breakfast of strong Turkish coffee and a freshly-baked boyoz, a tasty savoury pastry.
The street food delights of İzmir's historic Kemeraltı Market, including lokma (sweet fried dough balls), and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
Toptip

For authentic home-style Turkish cuisine, head to one of İstanbul's esnaf lokantası (tradesman's restaurants). These unpretentious eateries are where the locals go for fresh, local specialities at affordable prices.

Get outdoors

Türkiye's natural landscape, turquoise waters and ancient history provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Whether you're exploring ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites close to İzmir, cruising along the Turkish Riviera from Antalya, or scuba diving in the Mediterranean waters of Bodrum, there's plenty to keep you active.


Don't miss...

Exploring the fabulously well-preserved ancient city and World Heritage Site of Ephesus, with its marble streets and ruins, including the Great Theatre and Temple of Artemis.
The remarkable ruins of the ancient city and World Heritage Site of Pergamon, with an Acropolis and stunning views from the cable car ride.
The windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspots of İzmir, around Alaçatı and the Çeşme Peninsula.
Hiking the Lycian Way, a 500km route that starts near Fethiye and follows the coast towards Antalya. Popular sections include Kaş, Kalkan, and Olympos.
The thrill of white-water rafting in the Köprülü Canyon National Park or rock climbing in the steep canyon.
Trekking through the breathtaking scenery of the Taurus Mountains.
The vast range of watersports on offer around Antalya, including parasailing, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The 'Blue Voyage' boat tours from Bodrum through the stunning turquoise waters and secluded bays of the Gulf of Gökova.
Scuba diving or snorkelling through Bodrum's underwater world to explore reefs, caves, and shipwrecks.
Biking through Karagöl-Sasalı National Park, a protected area with diverse flora and fauna and a picturesque lake.
Toptip

Summer is nesting season for loggerhead turtles, known locally as 'caretta caretta'. Book a guided tour organised by a local conservation group to see them.

Summer in the city

A summer city break in İstanbul promises fascinating history, top-notch cuisine, lively nightlife, and a maze of boutiques and bazaars to explore. Plus, the sparkling Bosphorus, flowing through the heart of İstanbul, unites the vibrant metropolis while bridging two continents. The long, sunny days give you plenty of time to explore, unwind, and enjoy fabulous views. Look out for outdoor festivals and events, and enjoy İstanbul's melting pot of culture under blue skies.

Don't miss...

Strolling through history at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, whose story began in 537 as an imperial basilica, later became a mosque and continues to this day.
Browsing spices, carpets and gold in the Grand Bazaar, home to over 4,000 shops
Exploring the opulent Ottoman architecture and lavish interiors of Dolmabahçe Palace, where the founder of the Republic of Turkey died in 1938.
Discovering the 600-year history of Topkapı Palace and how Ottoman sultans once lived.
Climbing the Galata Tower for glorious views of İstanbul in all directions.
A trip to the Princes' Islands off the coast of İstanbul, with their peaceful car-free streets and beautiful beaches.
An authentic Turkish bath at one of the city's oldest hammams.
Watching the Whirling Dervishes in a traditional Sufi ceremony.
A short trip on the Tünel, an underground funicular railway that saves the steep uphill climb between Karaköy and Beyoğlu.
A ballet, opera, or classical music concert or a theatre performance at AKM - Atatürk Cultural Centre - in Taksim Square.
And if you’d like to experience a performance on the Asian side of the city, head to the historic Süreyya Opera House.
Toptip

Istanbul boasts a rich and diverse public transportation network. Pick up a rechargeable İstanbulkart for public transport, and make the most of the vapur (ferry) for great views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

Are you ready to visit Türkiye?

Türkiye offers so many options for unforgettable trips. From cool city breaks in İstanbul to family-friendly beach holidays in Izmir and Antalya, or sophisticated stays in Bodrum. Start planning your summer holiday in Türkiye now.

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