Turkey Holidays

Bordered by eight countries and straddling two continents, Turkey is one of a kind, and cheap Turkey holidays provide a heady mix of sights, sounds and culture. Previously reserved for history enthusiasts and fact fans, Turkey's bazaars, baths and beaches have now started to generate a more well-rounded and seasoned holidaymaker, making it the ideal getaway for those looking for more than just sun, sea and sand.

Our favourite Turkey hotels

Green Nature Hotel (Dalaman)

Tropicana Hotel (Dalaman)

Surmeli Efes (Bodrum)

Of course, if it is just a break on the beach you’re looking for, cheap holidays toTurkey cater for that in abundance too, with an incredibly impressive 258 Blue Flag beaches scattered along the coastline. In fact, it's the only country which features twice in our list of top beach holidays! 

From avant-garde Istanbul to the ancient city of Perge, the beauty of Turkey holidays lies in the fact that they can be tailor made with ease. Visit Byzantine battlegrounds one day, Roman ruins the next, and why not book in for a traditional Hammam experience while you’re at it? You can even use the country as your base to explore the surrounding areas, and depending on where you stay, you can book boat trips to several of the Greek islands – ideal for amateur explorers.

If you are, or happen to be on holiday with, a party animal, don’t panic! This Middle East influence keeps  the nightlife up to scratch, with Gumbet, Marmaris and Antalya all competing to give you the best night out possible!

Split into seven different regions, Marmara, Blacksea Coast, Eastern Anatolian, Southeastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Mediterranean and Aegean. Turkey’s climate is as diverse as its culture! Each region has a different climate depending on its location from the mountain ranges, seas and oceans.

Marmara, Aegean and the Mediterranean coasts boast Mediterranean climates with long, hot and inviting summers and mild, wet winters. This is why resorts such as Antayla, Alanya, Belek, Bodrum and Gumbet are the more popular sunshine resorts with tourists.

The east of Turkey is mountainous and has a more European climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Central Turkey has incredibly hot summers and all year round low rainfall with freezing cold winters. For example the mountainous regions of Malatya see temperatures change from 38ËšC in the summer to dramatically low temperatures of around minus 43ËšC.

For holidays in Turkey, be sure to double check the weather in the resort you’re heading to before you go, so that you pack the most suitable attire for your eastern jaunt!

Whether you want a relaxing beach break, a good old shop in the spice markets and bustling bazaars, or a history fest, Turkey holidays attract tourists and sun-seekers from every walk of life.

Along the Aegean coastline, you can while away the days sunbathing on feather-soft sands or for something a tad more energetic, take a boat trip to one of the neighbouring Greek islands. With Kos just a short ride away, if you want to mix and match your destinations, this is the perfect way to indulge.

Most coastal resorts in Turkey offer boat trips and catamaran cruises so you can explore this Middle Eastern maze from the water, and as an added bonus, it means you get the opportunity to absorb the Turkish coastline’s natural good looks from afar. At Kekova, there’s even a trip that takes you to see a sunken Roman town that’s settled on the sea-bed – a winner with both history buffs and water babies.

If you are a fan of ancient discoveries, you won’t want to miss out on the Lycian tombs at Myra, the ruined city of Ephesus, and the crusader’s favourite, St Peter’s Castle, which divides Bodrum’s two bays.

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in pampering than times gone past, make sure you experience a traditional Turkish bath. Full of bubbles, suds and steam, you’ll leave feeling squeaky clean, super polished and ready to hit the town. Unleash your lively side at Side with its unbeatable bars and clubs, head to Antalya and experience the Mediterranean’s largest floating nightclub, or keep it traditional with some belly-dancing in Bodrum.

Mainly Muslim territory, Turkey is open to a variety of different religions owing to its cultural combinations, although if you do want to visit a traditional Turkish mosque it’s always best to wear modest attire and remove your shoes – women are also expected to cover their hair. Turkish will be spoken at most mosques but the majority of locals can speak English and German too.

As a result of Turkey’s close proximity to Greece, the food here is on a par with any of the meals you might experience on a Greek holiday. Mezes of stuffed peppers, vine leaves, kebabs, olives and feta cheese all play their part on the menu, alongside a smattering of aubergine dishes – the Turkish national vegetable. Those with a sweet tooth should look out for the different varieties of Baklava on offer, or if you prefer to end your meal with a strong drink, make sure you sample the local Turkish coffee or the alcoholic aniseed-flavoured Raki. You might want to pack some stretchy pants for your holiday in Turkey! 

Unleash your lively side at Side with its unbeatable bars and clubs, head to Antalya and experience the Mediterranean's largest floating nightclub, or keep it traditional with some belly-dancing in Bodrum.

From isolated pockets to overpopulated cities, nature reserves to red clay river banks, volcanic sites to stretches of sand, Turkey’s landscape can’t be pigeonholed and will often differ from town to town. Make sure you always pack a pair of comfy shoes so you can explore your surroundings thoroughly to get the most out of your Turkey holiday!

On the Beach offers cheap flights to Turkey and discount Turkey hotels during the summer, so that you can take the family away for as little as possible. Alternatively, escape the summer rush by escaping to your Turkish paradise during our off-peak holiday months- it's up to you!

Whether you're on a budget, or looking for that luxury break that you have always wanted, On the Beach has the Turkish holiday for you!