Set your out of office to “at the beach”! It’s time for a Turkey holiday filled with gorgeous sands, mind-blowing ancient history and feasts fit for a sultan!
Turkey’s turquoise seas have an incredible ability to glow up your Insta and inspire envy in your work colleagues. So between dips in the sea and sips of tasty cocktails, make sure to fill your socials with scintillating Turkey holiday snaps.
The Turquoise Coast is especially photogenic with its sherbet sands and the Blue Lagoon. Bodrum’s sparkling harbours, Istanbul’s scrumptious food and the colourful country-wide markets will fill the rest of your carousel. Instagram? Completed it mate.
Kick off your flip-flops and grab your trainers to explore Turkey’s historic hits. Just outside Antalya is Perge, an entire city in ruins. Baths, basilicas, a theatre and whole neighbourhoods (only without the neighbours) are all super close for the intrepid explorers among us. The architectural remains of Ephesus are also pretty epic.
Side is another top choice (column enthusiasts won’t be disappointed). It’s a good idea to see the ruins in the morning when it’s cool, then you can treat yourself to a slap-up lunch, spend the afternoon at Manavgat Waterfall, or while away the hours with some top-notch shopping.
Turkey serves some of the best grub you’ve ever dropped on your t-shirt. We’re talking definitely-not-first-date food – deliciously messy kebabs spilling with freshly grilled meat, veg-stuffed vine leaves and saucy shakshuka. Order a meze to share with your mates and you’ll get even more lush flavours for your lira.
Big night? Do yourself a favour with pide (Turkish pizza) and oh-so-sweet baklava (also an awesome gift idea for those languishing at home).
If you dress to impress, don’t skimp on your baggage allowance! Nightlife in Turkey is as good as it gets and you’ll definitely need those sparkly heels and a flash collared shirt.
Resorts here have restaurants, beach bars and some of Europe’s best nightclubs. For loud and proud, Marmaris is a must. Icmeler is way more chilled while Bodrum is a happy mess of good food and epic all-night clubbing.
Best for... Sun-lounging, time travelling and having an awesome night out 🎉
Go... In summer for beach holidays and spring or autumn for city breaks 🍁
You have to... Paraglide over the Blue Lagoon (we dare you!) 🪂

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Antalya
4.2
Very Good
Prices from

Delphin Imperial Hotel
4.7
Excellent
Prices from

Eftalia Splash Resort
4.2
Very Good
Prices from

Alaiye Resort & Spa Hotel
4.5
Excellent
Prices from
Prices from
£447 ppCurrency
Turkish Lira (₺)
Language
Turkish
Time difference
GMT+3
Cost of a beer
₺100-200
3-course meal
₺300-600
Flight time
4h
Take extra sunscreen for summer in Turkey – the weather is scorchio! June to August is best for beach breaks, but the school holidays are predictably pricey and crowded. You’re more likely to pick up a cheap Turkey holiday in June or September (and there will be way fewer kids too).
Istanbul is steaming in August. Instead, go in spring or autumn when the weather is milder and the festivals are kicking off. Check if your trip overlaps with important Muslim holidays (Ramadan, for example) as some shops and restaurants might close.