Visit the Turkish old towns
Tiled streets, cobbled paths and market squares - Turkey is a destination that does old towns oh so well. Discover 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.
A sunny day out at a waterpark
With Turkey’s heat and a choice of fun-filled waterparks, this one’s a no-brainer. In Antalya you can choose from Aqualand, Aqua Fun City or the Land of Legends waterpark for a day of fun under the sun. Over in Dalaman, take your pick from Atlantis Water Park and Aqua Dream Water Park in Marmaris, Sultans Aqua City in Fethiye or Oludeniz Waterworld Aquapark – there are so many to choose from!
Paraglide through Turkey’s skies
Discover the stunning sights of Turkey from the sky. Those who live for an adrenaline rush will love paragliding in Turkey, as it’s not only an amazing experience but gives you the best view of the Turkish coast that you could ask for – from above! Paragliding is available in many resorts across Turkey, but the most famous spot for it is Olu Deniz.
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 rural scene whereas the Lower Duden waterfall is engulfed in water clouds and with a height that makes it best viewed out at sea.
Things to do in Turkey for families
A family holiday to Turkey is always going to be filled with fun. The Land of Legends theme and water park in Antalya is a must-visit for all families, offering endless fun with plenty to see and do as well as lots of restaurant options so you can enjoy a nice bite to eat together too. Adrenaline junkies can jump aboard the Typhoon Coaster for a nail-biting ride, or those who have little ones can take them to the Round the World or Happy Carousel for more peaceful fun. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear too for the wave pool and waterslides.
With the Turkish sunshine beaming above you, a trip to a waterpark is a fantastic day out for everyone. If you’re staying in or near to Olu Deniz, head to Oludeniz Waterworld for a day of slipping and sliding down the many waterslides and relaxing in the lazy river. Make sure to check their calendar too, as they sometimes host pool parties!
Those staying in Kusadasi can make their way to Adaland Aquapark, the local place for fun in the sun. Play in the activity pool, watch your little ones laugh and smile in the kids pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi. As the only place in Kusadasi where you can try it, why not go for rafting? Find a partner and jump in the raft to battle against the waves together on the 600m track.
Want to know more? Take a look at our article on why Turkey is great for families!
Things to do in Turkey for couples
With so many Turkish hotels boasting blissful on-site spas, it would be rude no to enjoy a couple’s spa day together on your romantic trip to Turkey. Dip into the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or head for a couples’ massage to truly unwind. One experience not to miss is the Turkish Bath, where you’ll be greeted by a steam, scrub and washed down to cleanse your skin and refresh your senses.
Although we’re usually all about the beach, Turkey also features some extraordinarily beautiful old towns which are perfect for a romantic stroll at any time of the day. Antalya and Fethiye are just two of the many stunning areas that feature historic buildings, cute cobbled streets and charm around every corner. Browse the boutiques, call into a cosy café or find a perfect restaurant for a romantic meal – a trip to a Turkish old town will make anyone fall in love.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a road trip to Pamukkale Springs, found around a 3 hour drive inland from Kusadasi, Dalaman and Antalya. These hot springs might be a bit of an effort to get to, but they are definitely worth it. The stunning thermal pools offer breathtaking views and are perfect for a lovely warm dip together when the weather is right. A truly unique experience that the two of you will never forget.
Things to do in Turkey for groups
Beaches, bars and buzzing nightlife, a mates’ escape to Turkey will tick all of your boxes. Groups who love to party all night can head to Marmaris and experience the vibrant nightlife that makes this resort so popular. Bar hop along bar street and discover your new favourite watering holes, then make your way to one of the nightclubs like the Back Garden Club or Joy Club, where you can have a boogie with your besties. Over in Bodrum, you’ll also find that the streets are bustling in the evenings with groups going out for the night. From rock bars, to karaoke pubs, to live music venues – there are plenty of places to enjoy a couple drinks and have a memorable night with your friends.
Not necessarily a ‘group activity’ but something that might need a group pep talk to do, some Turkish holiday resorts offer the amazing experience of paragliding, which is a once in the lifetime opportunity. A popular activity, especially in Olu Deniz, you can glide your way across the sunny Turkish skies and see the beautiful beaches and nature below you. If you do choose to paraglide in Olu Deniz, you can also spot the jaw-dropping Blue Lagoon from above, a magical sight.
There’s nothing better than being on holiday with your best mates and setting sail on a boat trip together. With most of the popular holiday resorts having a variety of boat trip companies to choose from, you and your friends can find the trip to suit you. Soak up the sun while sailing across the crystal-clear turquoise waters, enjoy a couple of on-board cocktails or take a dip into the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re wanting to explore the seas or simply want to relax on a boat together with a nice meal, a boat trip with your favourite people will not disappoint!
Things to do in Turkey for adventurers
Those who love to go on an adventure will love the exciting sites in Turkish nature. The eternal flames of Chimaera are a must-see for adventurers, located a 3km hike up from the town of Cirali these naturally occurring fires have been burning for over 2500 years. Take a trip there as the sun sets to truly see the flames and how mesmerising they are, it’s definitely a sight you’ll remember.
If you’re staying in the Antalya region, visit the Duden and Kursunlu waterfalls and let the beauty of the turquoise waters and lush vibrant greenery entice you. Nature lovers will love an adventure to the waterfalls, trekking through the hanging trees to find the breath-taking waterfall edge. Plus, it’s a perfect place for some fantastic photography to add to your album.
Located around 8km from Olu Deniz beach, Butterfly Valley is another beautiful nature spot that is perfect for those wanting a day out to explore the local area. Surrounded by 350m high cliffs, this valley is where greenery meets a soft sandy beach and is home to beautiful butterflies, hence the name. This little slice of paradise is a perfect place to adventure to on your holiday to Turkey.
