Turkey Holidays

Turkey holidays at a glance

Best for: Families, couples, beach holidays and laid-back Turkey holidays with warm coastal resorts and great-value packages
Flight time: 4 - 4.5 hours from the UK
Best months: May - October (warmest and sunniest)
Top regions: Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Istanbul, Izmir

Turkey holidays are often chosen over other Mediterranean destinations for better All Inclusive value, a longer season and larger beach resorts.

Turkey is best for:

Families - safe beaches, large resorts, kids’ clubs and waterparks
Couples - adults-only hotels, spa resorts and quiet coastal stays
Value seekers - All In resorts that often feel like better-value luxury
Beach holidays - long sandy stretches and warm, swimmable seas
Holidaymakers who prefer more affordable stays vs Spain and Greece

Turkey is particularly popular with UK families during school holidays thanks to its well-developed resort areas, while Istanbul city breaks appeal for their rich history, culture and distinctive east-meets-west vibe.

Types of Turkey holidays

Which Turkey resort is right for you?

👨‍👩‍👧 Antalya → families + All Inclusive
🎉 Bodrum → couples + luxury
🏞️ Dalaman → scenic + relaxed
💰 Izmir → value + quieter
🏢 Istanbul → city breaks

Turkey beach holidays

Beach holidays in Turkey bring together golden sands, turquoise waters and shaded palm groves, with most holidaymakers splitting their time between hotel pools and nearby beaches for a relaxed coastal escape.

Best for: Families, couples, groups and easy-going, sun-drenched stays.

Best resorts in Turkey:

Antalya

Antalya is Turkey’s main beach destination, known for large resorts, long sandy beaches and strong All Inclusive facilities. Holidaymakers often choose it for relaxed, resort-based beach escapes.

Top hotels in Antalya

👉 Explore Antalya hotels and All Inclusive resorts

Bodrum

Bodrum is a stylish coastal destination with marina views, boutique beaches and luxury vibes. It’s popular with couples and luxury holidaymakers.

Top hotels in Bodrum

👉 Explore Bodrum hotels and beach resorts

Dalaman

Dalaman offers a scenic coastline with sheltered bays, rivers and relaxed beach resorts. It suits holidaymakers looking for quieter coastal hideaways.

Top hotels in Dalaman

👉 Explore Dalaman hotels and resorts

Izmir

Izmir is a quieter coastal region with a more local feel, combining beaches with relaxed, value-focused resorts, ideal for budget-conscious travellers, families, and couples seeking a laid-back, authentic alternative to busier resorts.

Top hotels in Izmir

👉 Explore Izmir hotels and resorts

Istanbul city breaks

Istanbul city breaks combine history, culture and a vibrant east-meets-west atmosphere. The city is ideal for short stays exploring iconic landmarks, bazaars and waterfront districts.

Best for: Culture-focused city breaks and short stays

Top hotels in Istanbul

👉 Explore more Turkey hotels

Turkey resort review

Antalya: Large beach resorts, family-friendly facilities, long sandy beaches
Bodrum: Marina views, stylish beaches, boutique hotels
Dalaman: Scenic bays, relaxed resorts, natural surroundings
Izmir: Quieter beaches with local charm, good value stays
Istanbul: Historic city breaks, iconic landmarks, rich culture

👉 Explore Turkey beach holidays & resorts

All Inclusive Turkey holidays

All Inclusive Turkey holidays are designed for simplicity, combining meals, drinks, entertainment and accommodation into one easy-to-manage package.

Best for: Families, couples and All Inclusive resort stays

Top regions:

Antalya - large family resorts and beachfront hotels
Dalaman - scenic, relaxed All Inclusive stays
Bodrum - upscale beachfront All Inclusive resorts

Featured All Inclusive hotels:

👉 Explore All Inclusive Turkey holidays

Turkey family holidays

Turkey family holidays are built around space, safety and entertainment, with resorts designed for easy day-to-day living.

Best for: Families with children of all ages

What to expect: Waterparks, kids’ clubs, shallow beaches, family rooms and All Inclusive convenience

Top regions:

Antalya - best all-round family facilities
Dalaman - relaxed resorts and scenic surroundings
Izmir - quieter, good-value family stays

Featured family-friendly hotels:

👉 Explore Turkey family holidays

Turkey holidays for couples

Turkey couples holidays focus on relaxation, privacy and adults-only comfort.

Best for: Couples and adults-only escapes

What to expect: Spa hotels, quiet pools, beachfront dining and boutique-style stays

Top regions:

Bodrum - stylish marinas and luxury resorts
Dalaman - peaceful adults-only retreats
Antalya - beachfront luxury hotels

Featured couples hotels:

👉 Explore Turkey couples holidays

Turkey luxury holidays

Turkey luxury holidays combine high-end hotels with strong service and beachfront locations.

Best for: Premium holidaymakers and couples

What to expect: Private beaches, gourmet dining and spa facilities

Luxury hotspots:

Bodrum - boutique luxury and marina settings
Dalaman - secluded coastal resorts
Antalya - large 5-star beachfront hotels

Featured luxury hotels:

👉 Explore Turkey luxury holidays

Cheap & last-minute Turkey holidays

Turkey offers strong value, especially outside peak summer months.

Best months: May - June, September - October

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and flexible bookings

What to expect:

Lower prices outside school holidays
Strong package deals from UK airports
Variety of All Inclusive options for all budgets

👉 Explore last minute Turkey holidays

5 reasons to choose Turkey for your next holiday

Strong value vs Spain and Greece

Turkey offers consistently strong value compared with Spain and Greece, with competitively priced flights, a wide choice of accommodation and plenty of All Inclusive options to help keep costs manageable.

Beaches that cover all bases

From Antalya’s wide sandy beaches to hidden bays in Bodrum and Fethiye, Turkey’s coastline offers real variety, whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores or quieter places to switch off.

History that’s within easy reach

Ancient sites like Ephesus and Aspendos sit close to major resorts, so you can explore centuries of history without planning a full touring holiday.

Flexible holiday styles

From large All Inclusive resorts to smaller coastal towns and city stays, Turkey gives you the freedom to choose a holiday that suits your style.

Simple, straightforward holidays

Short flight times, well-used transfer routes, established resorts and a long summer season from May to October mean less guesswork. It’s a destination that’s easy to navigate, even if it’s your first visit.

Turkey vs other Mediterranean destinations

Spain: More developed, often pricier in peak summer
Greece: More island-based and boutique-focused
Turkey: Best balance of value, All Inclusive choice and resort scale

When to visit Turkey

Best time: May - October

May - June: Warm, quieter, good value
July - August: Hottest and busiest
September - October: Warm seas, better prices
Winter: Mild, best for short breaks and city stays

More Turkey travel guides

Find out more with our guides to these Turkey holiday hotspots: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Istanbul | Izmir

Our Turkey holidays guide was last revised and updated in April 2026

Map of Turkey

9-34°C

Expect glorious sunshine in Turkey's summer months and mild temperatures during the winter.

Turkey holiday weather forecast >

Approximately four to five hours.

There are many international and domestic airports in Turkey. Airports served by the UK include Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Dalaman and Bodrum.

Types of holidays in Turkey

Turkey is best for...

Beach lovers: Ölüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon and Antalya’s Cleopatra Beach
History lovers: Ephesus plus Roman, Greek and Byzantine ruins
Adventure seekers: Paragliding, rafting, skiing and jeep safaris

Must-try food in Turkey

🥙 Traditional snacks & street food

Simit - Sesame bread rings sold by street vendors, eaten on the go
Gözleme - Filled flatbread with cheese, spinach or meat cooked on a griddle

🍽️ Traditional main dishes

Kebabs (Adana, shish, Iskender) - Grilled meats served with rice, bread and salad
Meze platters - Small sharing dishes like hummus, vine leaves and dips

🍰 Desserts & sweet treats

Baklava - Layered pastry with nuts and syrup
Künefe - Hot cheese pastry soaked in syrup, topped with pistachios

☕ Local drinks

Turkish tea (çay) - Strong black tea served in small glasses throughout the day
Turkish coffee - Rich, thick coffee often served with something sweet

Travel tips for Turkey

Turkey is generally welcoming and tourist-friendly, but these simple tips will help you get the most from your trip.

☀️ Do in Turkey

Dress modestly at religious sites - Especially mosques and rural areas
Carry cash as well as cards - Small shops and markets may prefer cash
Try local markets and haggle politely - Bargaining is expected in bazaars
Use sunscreen and stay hydrated - Summers can be very hot, especially inland
Use licensed taxis or official apps - Safer and more reliable in resorts

🚫 Don’t in Turkey

Don’t photograph people without asking - Especially in rural or private settings
Don’t touch historical artefacts - Strict laws protect cultural heritage sites
Don’t rely only on cards - Cash is still widely used outside major resorts
Don’t ignore cultural customs - Respect local traditions and etiquette

Fast facts for Turkey

Language: Turkish is the official language. English is spoken in most tourist areas and hotels.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TL / TRY).

Local time: Turkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK in summer (BST) and 3 hours ahead in winter (GMT).

Fly to:

Antalya Airport: Alanya, Side, Kemer
Dalaman Airport: Fethiye, Marmaris, Dalyan, Kalkan
Bodrum Airport: Gumbet, Altinkum, Turkbuku
Izmir Airport: Kusadasi, Ephesus region resorts

Transfer times: 30 minutes to around 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the resort.

Flight time from the UK: Around 4 to 4.5 hours.

Tourist information: Visit the official Go Türkiye tourism website for destination details.

Top tip: Coastal resorts like Antalya and Bodrum get busy in summer - book early for best prices and availability.

Getting around Turkey

By taxi: Widely available in resorts and cities. Most are metered or can be booked via apps such as BiTaksi and Uber.

By dolmus: Shared minibuses on set routes between towns and resorts; a budget-friendly and easy way to get around.

By car: A flexible way to explore at your own pace and reach more remote areas.

By coach: Affordable and comfortable, with regular services connecting most major destinations.

Events in Turkey

Turkey hosts a variety of annual events showcasing its culture, history and coastal lifestyle, from national celebrations and sporting competitions to lively local festivals.

🎖️ Anzac Day (Gallipoli)
Month: April
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula
What it is: Commemorative ceremonies marking WWI landings attended by international visitors

🎶 Istanbul Music Festival
Month: June
Location: Historic venues across the city
What it is: Major classical music festival with international orchestras and soloists

⛵ Marmaris Race Week
Month: October
Location: Marmaris
What it is: Sailing and yacht racing event with international competitors

🪂 Ölüdeniz Air Games
Month: October
Location: Fethiye / Babadağ Mountain
What it is: Extreme sports festival featuring paragliding, base jumping and aerial displays

Turkey safety and security

Passport and visa requirements

UK holiday makers can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. Always check the latest UK government travel advice before departure.

Travel insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical costs and activities such as water sports, paragliding or excursions.

Local tips

Turkey is generally safe in tourist areas, but take care with valuables in busy places.
The emergency number is 112.
Respect religious customs, especially at mosques and during prayer times.

Worth knowing

Alcohol is available in tourist areas but may be restricted in some locations.

Tipping is customary in restaurants and for services.

Turkey weather

Turkey has a varied climate depending on region, but coastal areas are typically hot and sunny in summer and mild in winter.

Best time to visit Turkey

Spring (April-June): Warm but comfortable, ideal for sightseeing
Summer (July-August): Very hot, peak beach season
Autumn (September-October): Warm seas and fewer crowds
Winter (November-March): Mild on the coast, colder inland with snow in ski regions

Holidaymakers usually avoid peak summer months to enjoy quieter resorts and better value.

When to go (by holiday type)

Best for beach holidays
May-October
Hot weather and warm seas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts

Best for sightseeing
April-June & September-October
Comfortable temperatures for exploring historical sites

Best for cheap holidays
April, May, October
Lower prices and fewer crowds outside peak season

Best for fewer crowds
April & late October
Quieter resorts and attractions

Best time to go review

🏖️ Best for beach holidays → May-October
🏛️ Best for sightseeing → April-June & September-October
💸 Best for cheap holidays → April, May & October
👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 Best for fewer crowds → April & late October