Turkey Holidays

Three reasons why Turkey holidays should be at the top of your travel wish list: Turkish baths, sizzling kebabs and Blue Flag beaches. Adding in amazing weather and stunning scenery, and you’ll be falling head over heels with this country in no time. Bordering two different continents, the blends of influences and diversity are what makes Turkey extra special. Basically, you get to indulge in Middle Eastern food whilst enjoying the laid-back Mediterranean way of life.

Turkey has everything you need to experience a relaxing yet adventurous holiday in the sunshine with your family. With a host of stunning hotels, Turkey is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway with your partner, too. We’re now offering deposits from as little as £30pp, so there's never been a better time to let those Turkish daydreams come true!

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Best beaches in Turkey | Best hotels in Turkey | All Inclusive holidays to Turkey | 2021 holidays to Turkey | Family holidays to Turkey | Luxury Turkey holidays | Nightlife in Turkey | Things to eat in Turkey | Culture in Turkey | Things to do in Turkey | What’s the weather like in Turkey? | Turkey Important information | Reviews |

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Best beaches in Turkey

With shores dotted with Blue Flag beaches, Turkey’s coastline is a gold mine when it comes to golden sands. In the region of Antalya alone, there are 202 Blue Flag beaches, which have been recognised for their great facilities and cleanliness. The border of Mulga and Antalya holds the country’s longest beach – Patara Beach - giving plenty of space for laid-back lounging. Oludeniz lagoon, Side, Alanya and Bodrum peninsula are just some of the more popular resorts, where the sand is smooth, the sea is inviting and the views are unbeatable.

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Take a look at some of our favourite beaches in Turkey here!

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Best hotels in Turkey

This destination is well known for its all-singing, all-dancing resorts and family-run boutiques, so it's hard to go wrong when you choose your place to stay in Turkey. From Alanya to Antalya and Kemer to Kusadasi, we've got an incredible range of Turkish hotels. For family fun and incredible All Inclusive offerings, try the five-star Grand Yazici Marmaris Palace or the seaside Club Hotel Falcon. Looking for a Turkey trip for two? Kickstart the romance at Kairaba Bodrum Princess Spa.

All Inclusive holidays to Turkey

Looking for an amazing All Inclusive getaway? Look no further than Turkey. Famous for its fantastic five-star All Inclusive resorts, Turkey boasts a stunning collection of coastal holiday resorts that offer an outstanding choice of hotels – so you can easily find your perfect sun-soaked, All Inclusive beach break. Dance the nights away in Dalaman, indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine in Izmir or head to Antalya for all-singing all-dancing family fun. With our All Inclusive holidays to Turkey, couples can find serenity together at the luxury spa hotels, friends can eat, drink and dance together all under one roof, and families can take their pick from the friendly resorts filled with waterslides, pools, kids clubs and activities for everyone.

2021 holidays to Turkey

Make jetting off next year extra-special by choosing Turkey for your 2021 getaway. If you’re a lover of dipping into the warm calm sea, relaxing on the soft sparkling sand, or even relaxing under the sizzling sun by the pool with an icy cocktail in hand – Turkey will tick all of your boxes. Turquoise waters meet golden sands along the coast and you can choose from an fantastic collection of beachfront hotels, so the sea is only ever a few steps away.With amazing restaurants both inside and outside of the hotels, you can truly indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine and discover the unbeatable flavours the local food has to offer. If you’re travelling with kids, or are a big kid yourself, Turkey has plenty of waterparks to pick from so you can slip, slide and splash under the sun! With resorts and hotels that are filled with shops, bars and exciting activities – Turkey really is the top place to go for all holidaymakers.

Family holidays to Turkey

Nothing quite beats a family holiday to somewhere hot, does it? With so many of the hotels in Turkey being family focused, you can find the dream break for you and your kids – whether they’re young or a bit older. Enormous All Inclusive resorts with aqua parks, activity programmes and awesome entertainment await - perfect for those who want to go all out with the fun in the sun and have a truly memorable stay. With the country boasting a whopping 463 Blue Flag beaches, you’ll never be short of finding a suitable spot in the sand for you and your little ones, making it the dream destination for families who love spending their days at the beach. If you’re travelling with older kids, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and spas, whether they’re in the hotel or in the local town, to keep parents, grandparents and adult kids smiling from ear to ear whilst spending some top quality time together in the Turkish heat.

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Read a little more about why Turley is great for families here!

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Luxury holidays in Turkey

From swoon-worthy Blue Flag beaches to exquisitely furnished accommodation and sprawling swimming pools with swooping waterslides - Turkey certainly doesn’t do things by halves. If you’re looking for some five-star luxury for your next beach break then we have plenty of deluxe Turkey hotels to take your fancy. Go all out at Grand Ideal Premium with its elegant rooms and beachfront location, dine like royalty at Eftalia Ocean - home to six on-site bars and five on-site restaurants, or jet off to Green Nature Resort & Spa in Marmaris - boasting an extravagant pool complex and a range of sports facilities, all nestled within gorgeous natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a romantic trip for two or a special family treat, between the kids’ clubs, a la carte restaurants and dreamy spa services, Turkey has everything you need for a luxury getaway without breaking the bank.

Nightlife in Turkey

When it comes to nighttime entertainment, Turkey doesn’t disappoint. Whether you fancy some quiet evening drinks or a night out on the town, with a chain of lively resorts under its wing, Turkey will have night owls swooning over the clubs, bars and pubs on offer.

Marmaris is renowned for its vibrant night scene, boasting two buzzing bar-lined streets that come to life after sundown - one in the heart of the city and another close to the beach. Bursting with lively bars, cocktail venues and nightclubs, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down.

Bodrum is another hotspot for some late-night entertainment, with a range of stylish bars and discos, keeping the party atmosphere alive from cocktail hour until the early hours. If you’re looking for something a little quieter though, then Antalya nightlife takes a more laid-back approach. Here you’re more likely to find cosy taverns, chilled-out cocktail lounges and gourmet food venues that double as bars in the evening. The Lighthouse Club in Side is a great spot for some live DJ sets, as well as drinks on the open-air terrace overlooking the breathtaking Aegean seascape.

Things to eat in Turkey

Combining flavours from Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Turkish cuisine is sure to get your taste buds tingling. In restaurants, you’ll likely come across specialties such as dolma - stuffed vine leaves, Ezogelin soup - a hearty, mint-flavored soup made with lentils, pepper paste and spices, and manti - a Turkish ravioli served with fresh yoghurt, melted butter, chopped herbs and chilli flakes. If you’re looking for quick eats then there are also plenty of delicious street food options in Turkey. Among the most popular is the Turkish Doner sandwich. A little more refined than the Doner that we’re used to from home, this kebab consists of thinly sliced meat stuffed into fresh bread along with tomatoes, onions, peppers and a cool dressing.

Craving something sweet? You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sugary treats in Turkey, but baklava is a firm favourite - made from layers of filo pastry stuffed with pine nuts and steeped in syrup or honey, making the perfect indulgent after-dinner treat. Why not wash it all down with some Turkish tea, or the national favourite - raki, if you’re feeling brave - a strong aniseed-based spirit sometimes also referred to as ‘lion’s milk’. Bottoms up!

Culture in Turkey

A harmonious mix of Asian and European lifestyle finds its way to Turkey. With the country bordering two different continents, there are both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences throughout the different areas of Turkey. A popular Turkish souvenir is the famous blue eye that you’ll find in many local shops and markets. The blue eye is traditionally said to protect against bad luck, so Turkish people tend to hang these lucky charms in their homes and even pin them on to new-born babies’ clothes. So be sure to pick one up whilst you’re on your travels. Like us in the UK, the Turkish are also big tea fans. It’s Turkish tradition to end a meal with glass cuppa of the heart-warming drink – so it’s an offer you can’t simply refuse. Turkey is also home to many ancient sites, with ruins and remains like the Perge Ancient City that will truly take you back in time; prepare to be amazed!

Things to do in Turkey

Visit the Turkish old towns

Tiled streets, cobbled paths and market squares. Quaint bars, garden seated restaurants and charming shops. These qualities are what attracts us to towns, wherever we go, and Turkey is a destination that does old towns oh so well. Marvel in the ancient ruins in Side or wonder at the Ottoman houses and stone tower in Kaleici. Where there’s a harbour, there’s fresh fish, so look for a nearby restaurant to try some delightful local seafood too.

Island hop around Gocek

Take a break from the mainland and discover the 12 beautiful islands of Göcek. The town, located between Dalaman and Fethiye, offers plenty of boat trips where you can explore the beautiful bays of the luscious, unspoiled islands. Apart from being an exciting adventure, it is a chance to dip into the clear waters and some boat trips even include snorkelling for experiencing the beauty of the underwater life.

Take a Turkish bath

Holidays are relaxing, especially in Turkey, but make sure you truly unwind in a traditional way with a Turkish bath (Hammam). This cleansing treatment is similar to spending time in a sauna, typically detoxing in a hot room, then either plunging into or being splashed with cold water. After this process, bathers can receive a massage or chill out in a cooler room, leaving you feeling rejuvenated in the true Turkish style.

Go chasing waterfalls

Take a step back from the beaches and the resort centres, and experience Turkey’s lush greenery. The Kursunlu, Manavgat and Duden Waterfalls offer a glimpse of the region’s wonderful nature, with Kursunlu being set amongst pine trees and connecting seven ponds. Manavgat is the most popular waterfall and has the options of boat rides and entertainment available to make the most of the visit. The Upper Duden Waterfall is a picturesque sight with the lush greenery surrounding it. As for the Lower Duden waterfall, this is a more sublime vision, engulfed in water clouds and with a height that makes it best viewed out at sea.

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Turkey tickled your fancy? Take a look at our top 10 things to do here!

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What's the weather like in Turkey?

Turkey has a warm climate with year-round toasty temps and plenty of sunshine. Winter average temperatures sit around 18 degrees whilst summer highs can reach 30 degrees regularly.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	10 °c	18 °c	5 h
Feb	11 °c	17 °c	7 h
Mar	13 °c	17 °c	7 h
Apr	16 °c	18 °c	9 h
May	20 °c	21 °c	11 h
Jun	25 °c	25 °c	12 h
Jul	28 °c	28 °c	13 h
Aug	27 °c	29 °c	12 h
Sep	25 °c	27 °c	11 h
Oct	20 °c	25 °c	9 h
Nov	15 °c	21 °c	7 h
Dec	12 °c	19 °c	5 h

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Important Information about travelling to Turkey

How long does it take to fly to Turkey?

It takes about four and a half hours to fly to Turkey from the UK.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Turkey?

Turkey is two hours ahead of the time in the UK.

What currency do they use in Turkey?

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira.

What language do they speak in Turkey?

The official language spoken in Turkey is Turkish.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

British tourists no longer need a visa to visit Turkey.

Is Turkey safe?

The landscapes of Turkey are incredibly vast and there is only a small area of the country close to the border of Syria, which tourists are advised against travelling to.

What about the beach resorts?

As Turkey’s beautiful beach resorts are hundreds of miles from these areas, the government advise that it is safe for British tourists to holiday here.

What does this mean for holidaymakers?

As with all trips abroad, they advise that holidaymakers should keep their wits about them whilst they’re away. Each year British tourists make 2.3 million visits to turkey, with the large majority being trouble free. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine.

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Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Turkey for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.