Fancy a holiday that will have you topping up your tan on a gorgeous golden beach one day and floating over stunning landscapes in a hot air balloon the next? Pop Turkey at the top of your holiday list! It’s a country rich in history and culture, home to some of our favourite hotels and resorts. Read on as we explore eight reasons to tempt you to Turkey!
Exciting Excursions
There’s no end to the exhilarating excursions you can embark on in Turkey. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you certainly won’t be disappointed! Some of the high-action activities you can sink your teeth into include wild white water rafting, ziplining down shimmering rivers, paragliding above the waves, canyoning through towering rock formations and even heading out on a raucous jeep safari!
For those who love to explore the destinations they visit but would prefer something slightly more chilled, we would recommend you hit the blue water of the Med. There are some wonderful boat trips you can take to hidden coves with plenty of places to relax and enjoy the ride. On the other hand, you could get that bit closer to the waves and go sea kayaking. You’ll never run out of things to do in Turkey!
Mouth-Watering Cuisine
Tasty Turkish cuisine will take your holiday to a whole new level! You’ll find a delicious fusion of different influences, from traditional Mediterranean dishes to Middle Eastern and Central Asian food. Food is such a big part of your holiday, whether you’re feasting on an All Inclusive buffet or you’re out and about discovering local restaurants. Luckily, it’s a huge part of your holiday you won’t need to worry about in Turkey!
If you’re not sure where to start with Turkish food, we would recommend you visit a meze bar, where you will be able to enjoy a selection of small, authentic dishes and really get to know your way around your plate. Think hummus, babaganoush, falafel, halloumi cheese and tabbouleh. A taste sensation!
Otherworldly Sights
If you like something a little different to the norm – and a GREAT Instagram opportunity, we might add – Turkey has no shortage of fascinating sights to see. One of the most interesting places to visit in Turkey is the town of Pamukkale, which people visit for its breath-taking thermal pools. The striking aqua blue thermal water flows mystically down white terraces like something straight out of a fantasy movie!
Another must-visit spot for otherworldly experiences is the extraordinary region of Cappadocia. It’s dotted with distinctive fairy chimneys and swooping rock valleys, which make for an incredible photo opp! Cappadocia is also known to have enchanting underground towns and rock carved churches. It really is a treat for the eyes!
Fascinating History
Turkey is simply bursting with eye-opening historical sites. It’s one of the top countries in the world for archaeology, and those with an interest in history will love wandering famous attractions such as Mount Nemrut and ruins such as the Ancient City of Aphrodisias. With 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites and two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, there’s no wonder it’s one of the top tourist destinations for history enthusiasts.
The two Wonders to visit in Turkey are the Mausoleum of Mausolus, found in Halicarnassus near Bodrum, and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, located near the region of Izmir. The Mausoleum is an ancient tomb that was built approximately 350 BC. The Temple of Artemis is a huge structure dedicated to the goddess of the same name, made with an impressive 127 columns!
Beautiful Beaches
If you’re on the lookout for beautiful beaches, you’ll hit the jackpot with a holiday to Turkey. There are hundreds of tranquil bays and tucked-away coves to choose from, just perfect for sunbathing and cooling down in the water. When you picture your perfect holiday, it’ll likely include soft golden sand, bright blue skies and the sound of rippling waves on a peaceful and scenic beach. This is exactly what you’ll get in Turkey!
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to beaches on the Turkish coastline. Some of our favourites include Lara Beach in the amazing Antalya Region, Pirlanta Beach in the Izmir Region and the picturesque beach of Ölüdeniz (which translates to mean The Blue Lagoon) on the southwestern coast. It’s beach heaven!
Spectacular Spas
Holidays give you the ultimate time to relax. This is one of the many reasons we would recommend a visit to a Turkish spa. It may not be your typical spa experience, but it’s certainly one worth having if you want to really immerse yourself in Turkish culture. Your spa visit is what you make it – you could simply wind down in a vast Turkish bath or you could opt for an aromatic massage.
The most famous experience to have at Turkish baths is called a Hammam. It entails a 45-minute bath including a body scrub, a foam wash and finally, a massage. This unique treatment has been said to stimulate your immune system and improve mental wellbeing as well as totally relaxing you in the way all massages should. What more could you ask for?!
Hot Air Balloons
Many people associate Turkey with those dreamy backdrops of rolling hills scattered with floating hot air balloons. It’s not hard to see why this image sticks out in people’s minds – it truly is a sight to behold! If you’d believe it, the photos don’t even do these views justice. Perched on a hilltop overlooking a valley of bobbing balloons is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or two and really take in the atmosphere!
Feeling brave? You might want to go up, up and away in a balloon of your own rather than just watching them from the ground! Dozens of balloon rides take off each day in Cappadocia, showing tourists the wonders of the region from all angles. We’d recommend trying it at sunrise – there’s no better way to start the day than gliding through spectacular valleys, watching the sun come up in a hot air balloon basket!
Amazing Accommodation
When it comes to All Inclusive luxury, Turkey sets the bar HIGH (as you’ll see with our pictured hotel below, The Residence at TUI SENSATORI Barut Fethiye). You’ll find the swankiest resorts with everything from swim-up suites and infinity pools to serene spas and five-star restaurants. With a hot climate, gorgeous beaches and limitless refreshments, these stunning resorts offer the perfect place to switch off, unwind and enjoy yourself.
If you’d rather try something a little different on your Turkish adventure, you could try out a cave hotel. These tend to be in the Cappadocia region and offer an experience like no other! As you’d imagine, cave suites are nothing like normal hotel rooms. There are plenty of cave hotels to choose from, most offering cosy rooms with impressive views and plenty of facilities. Why not step out of the norm and try something new on your Turkey trip?
Tempted by Turkey? Of course you are! Browse our latest deals and book safe in the knowledge that you’ve got our UK customer service team to guide you, you’re financially protected with our COVID cover and your holiday will be covered with ABTA and ATOL certificates.