Turkey holidays

Turkey remains one of our most popular destinations overall, with 20,099 Thomas Cook holidaymakers booking a trip here in the past year. From the Aegean coast to the beaches around Antalya, it offers a huge range of resorts, All Inclusive hotels, and fantastic value, making it an easy choice whatever kind of holiday you're after. A 7-night stay is the most common trip length, with 10 and 5-night options also proving popular.

September is the top month to travel, with October and August following close behind, giving good options for both peak summer sun and quieter autumn breaks. Our customers typically jet off from London Gatwick, Manchester and Luton, all with direct flights to get you there faster.

Popular hotels include Side Crown Serenity Ultra All Inclusive, Vikingen Infinity Resort & Spa - All Inclusive, and Granada Luxury Belek - All Inclusive. Holidays start from around £902pp, dropping to roughly £617pp over winter, or from about £962pp during peak summer. All flight plus hotel bookings are ATOL protected, with a low deposit to secure your trip.

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 Resorts

Antalya & Lara Beach Holidays

Antalya city is the main gateway to the Turkish Riviera, pairing a historic Old Town with large beach resorts along the coast. Antalya holidays tick off sunbathing, ancient sites and nightlife in one trip.

Lara Beach is a long, wide strip of sand east of the city centre, home to some of Turkey's largest 5-star All Inclusive hotels. Perfect for families and couples who don't like to wander far from their base, you'll find sprawling pools, multiple restaurants and spas inside the hotel complexes.

Side Holidays

Side is a resort on Turkey's Antalya coast where ancient Roman ruins sit right alongside wide, sandy beaches. Squeeze some history into your sunbathing schedule with Side holidays – from Roman temples that look like they’ve been plucked from the streets of Italy, to All Inclusive hotels for just about every budget and a duo of golden beaches.

Marmaris Holidays

Marmaris is an Aegean coast resort known for its long seafront promenade, music-filled nightlife, watersports and marina. Attracting groups who want a mix of beach days and big nights out, it's a great intro to the country's lively side. Take in the view from the promenade, dive into the watersports, or enjoy a boat trip on a traditional Turkish gulet – then hit Bar Street for some late-night dancing.

Bodrum Holidays

Bodrum is a stylish Aegean town built around a 15th-century castle and working marina, with whitewashed buildings, beach clubs and bars that are more boutique than brash. Set around the Aegean, it suits couples after a luxe beach break. Prefer something more laid-back? Head west to Turgutreis, where the pace is even slower.

Dalaman & Fethiye Holidays

Dalaman is the gateway to Turkey's western Turquoise Coast — the stretch of Mediterranean and Aegean coastline known for its turquoise waters — putting Fethiye, Marmaris, Dalyan and Ölüdeniz within easy reach. Settle into marina life in Fethiye, get your party fix in Marmaris, and spot loggerhead turtles in Dalyan. The Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey's most photographed beaches – a sheltered stretch of calm, turquoise water backed by emerald mountains. It's a must for couples who like serene beach days.

Alanya Holidays

Alanya is a great-value resort on Turkey's eastern Antalya coast, set beneath a 13th-century clifftop castle with a long sandy beach. You can't miss its duo of beaches, especially Cleopatra with its long stretch of golden sand. And when you're not on a lounger, there are plenty of shops and bars to work through. Families tend to favour the eastern side of Alanya for its great value All Inclusive hotels, many with kids' clubs and onsite waterparks.

Kemer Holidays

Kemer is a quieter, greener resort set between the pine-covered Taurus Mountains and the sea, around 40km south-west of Antalya. It's popular with couples who like natural surroundings and stylish hotels.

Istanbul City Breaks

Istanbul is Turkey's major city-break destination, split between Europe and Asia by the Bosphorus. Experience two continents in one trip, with landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar all within walking distance of each other on its European side. Or dive into the Asian side at Kadıköy Market, home to some of the city's best street food.

Types of Turkey Holiday

All Inclusive

Meals, drinks and snacks on tap – All Inclusive holidays to Turkey cover all the main costs so you can spend the rest of your budget on the fun stuff.

Package holidays

Turkey package holidays promise greater value, bigger discounts and better protection with your flight and hotel all under one booking.

Family holidays

From toddler-friendly beaches to teen-approved waterparks and incredible All Inclusive hotels in Side and Lara Beach, Turkey’s a top choice for family holidays.

Luxury holidays

Luxury Turkey holidays are top-notch. Find boltholes right by the beach, spa retreats in the mountains and huge All Inclusive complexes packed with 5 star facilities.

Cheap holidays

As one of the Med’s most budget-friendly destinations, cheap holidays to Turkey are easy to come by. And thanks to its mild climate, you can grab deals well into October.

Last minute deals

Last minute Turkey deals doesn’t mean you’re left with the scraps. With so many options to choose from, you can bag some real bargains on rooms and flights that haven’t been filled.

Adults only

Sun, sea and a whole lot of culture – Turkey is a great option for adult getaways with plenty of hotels around Kemer and Marmaris designed strictly for grown-ups.

Why Book with Thomas Cook

Wondering why you should book with Thomas Cook? As an ATOL holder and ABTA member, we offer you added peace of mind when you book a package.

And with everything falling under one booking, you know you’ll be dealing with the same company whether you need help before, during or after your holiday. We also give you a wide selection of airports to choose from, with flights from the UK’s busiest, Heathrow, right through to regional airports like Bournemouth.

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 July 2026

Map of Turkey

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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.

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).

Flying to Turkey

UK departure airports

Turkey holidays from the UK fly from airports right across the country, with direct routes available from:

  • Scotland – Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, with direct flights to top regions like Antalya and Dalaman
  • Belfast – plenty of direct flights from Belfast International into Antalya, Bodrum or Dalaman
  • England – most flights leave from Manchester, London Gatwick and Birmingham, with direct options also available from smaller airports such as Newcastle and Bristol

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 to Turkey

April–May

Temperatures are on the rise, often hitting 25°C in coastal resorts, but the sea can feel a little cool until May. It's also a great time to bag a bargain, with hotel rooms waiting to be filled and two school breaks to play with.

June–July

June/July is one of the best times to visit Turkey if you want guaranteed beach days, with temperatures sitting between 28 and 33°C. Resorts will be busier, so it's always best to book early if you're set on certain dates.

August

August is Turkey's hottest and busiest month, with the school summer holidays in full swing. Temperatures can peak at 36°C-plus, so you'll want to spend most days by the coast or pool, as it may be a little warm for sightseeing.

September–October

September and October are considered the sweet spots. Prices are lower, the sea's still warm, and crowds have dropped, with average highs still around 24–25°C and sea temperatures around 24–25°C. October also brings some of the lowest resort prices of the year – from half-term savings for families to luxury steals for couples.

November–March

November to March are Turkey's quietest months, with most beach resorts shutting their doors for the season. Days fall between 12–18°C, making it a great time to tick off big cities like Istanbul.

Best time to go, by holiday type

🏖️ 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

More hotels in Turkey

Discover the best destinations to visit in Turkey

Popular Turkey holiday resorts

FAQs

FAQs

What is the best resort in Turkey for families?

Side, Lara Beach and Alanya are the best resorts in Turkey for families, with calm seas, kids' clubs and large All Inclusive hotels where everything's in one place. Side adds family-friendly beaches and a car-free Old Town, while Alanya's east coast is packed with value All Inclusive hotels and onsite waterparks. Belek is also worth a look if you've got older kids.

What is the best resort in Turkey for couples?

If you want something stylish with a buzzing atmosphere, Bodrum’s the place to be, while outdoorsy couples may appreciate Fethiye and Ölüdeniz for their beautiful backdrops. Others may prefer Kemer, which is just as luxurious but with more of a peaceful feel.

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Early summer (June) when the average high is 31ºC or late autumn (October) when average highs are around 25–26°C. There are fewer tourists, the temperatures are mild with beach days very much still on the cards and the sea is warm enough for a dip.

Are Turkey holidays ATOL protected?

If you book a package holiday (flight + hotel) your holiday will be protected by ATOL. This means your money is safe if something goes wrong, and if you're already abroad, you'll be looked after and brought home.

What is included in an All Inclusive holiday in Turkey?

This can vary from hotel to hotel, but as standard your meals, drinks, snacks and some on-site entertainment are usually covered.

Which UK airports fly to Turkey?

We operate flights to Turkey's three main arrival airports: Antalya (AYT) for the Antalya Riviera and Side, Dalaman (DLM) for Fethiye, Marmaris and Dalyan, and Bodrum (BJV) for the Bodrum Peninsula. UK departures include Scottish airports (Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow), Belfast International and Cardiff, plus:

  • London Heathrow Airport
  • London Gatwick Airport
  • London Stansted Airport
  • London Luton Airport
  • Bournemouth Airport 
  • Exeter Airport 
  • Norwich Airport 
  • Manchester Airport
  • Birmingham Airport
  • East Midlands Airport
  • Newcastle International Airport
  • Leeds Bradford Airport
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport

How long is the flight from the UK to Turkey?

The flight time from the UK to Turkey is approximately 3.5 - 4.5 hours, depending on which airports you’re flying from and to.

What currency does Turkey use?

Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY), widely accepted on cards at hotels and larger restaurants, or preload a travel money card before you fly. Local prices are low: a pint of Efes is around £1.50–2, a street kebab £1–2, and a meal for two about £15–25.

Is Turkey hot in October?

Yes, Turkey is hot in October with average temperatures sitting between 23 and 26°C across many of its Aegean and Mediterranean resorts. The sea is a warm 25°C too, so there’ll be plenty of chances to take a dip.