Whether you’re looking for history and culture, sunshine and beaches, or scenic outdoor adventures, last-minute holidays to Turkey are perfect for an impromptu grab-your-passport-and-go kind of holiday – at any time of the year.

Bountiful beaches

If you’re hoping for a last-minute holiday full of sun, sea and sand, a summer holiday to Turkey will have you grinning from ear to ear. Take your pick from the long blonde sands of Patara Beach in Antalya, the Insta-favourite Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz and the buzzy Akyarlar Beach in Bodrum.

Ancient history

With Turkey’s Lycian tombs, ancient amphitheatres and crumbling castles, a last-minute holiday will have you travelling way back in time. Top attractions include the Greco-Roman ruins of Aspendos, the Ancient City of Perge and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – which was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.

Cool cultural Istanbul

To visit the only city that straddles two continents, search for last-minute deals to Istanbul. This incredible destination is a proper mash-up, marrying eastern and western culture in one awesome spot. World-famous highlights include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. A cruise along the Bosphorus Strait – between Europe and Asia – is a must.

Natural attractions

Turkey is not short of natural appeal, and luckily, there are heaps of ways to enjoy it. Some bucklisters include sailing over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, soaking in the ethereal thermal terraces of Pamukkale and taking a boat trip to Butterfly Valley in Fethiye.

When to go

For spontaneous getaways to beachy destinations, visit Turkey's Aegean or Mediterranean coasts from May to October, when temps sizzle between 25C and 35C. For affordable last-minute deals whatever the weather, visit between November and March. It’s also the quietest time to explore the magic of Istanbul.