- Istanbul is one of the world's great city breaks
- The Turquoise Coast offers some of the best-value all-inclusive holidays from the UK
- UK visitors don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days
- Spring and autumn are best for sightseeing; the sea is warmest in August and September
- Airports
- Istanbul (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), Antalya (AYT), Dalaman (DLM), Bodrum (BJV), Izmir (ADB)
- Flight time
- about 4h from London to Istanbul or Antalya
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October; July-August for beach-only holidays
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)
Turkey offers more variety than almost any other destination within four hours of the UK. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia with Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces and bustling bazaars; the south-west coast has pine-backed bays, ancient ruins and great-value all-inclusive resorts; and inland, Cappadocia's rock valleys look like nowhere else on Earth, especially at sunrise from a hot-air balloon.
This guide covers where to go, when to visit, entry rules for British travellers and how to make your money go further.
Where to go in Turkey
Istanbul
Our Istanbul guide covers the city in depth, but the essentials are in the old Sultanahmet district: the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Take a public ferry along the Bosphorus, cross to the Asian side for lunch in Kadıköy and browse the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
The Turquoise Coast
The south-west coast is Turkey's beach holiday heartland:
- Antalya region: big all-inclusive resorts at Belek, Side and Lara, plus the attractive old town of Kaleiçi.
- Dalaman area: Fethiye, the lagoon at Ölüdeniz (famous for paragliding) and the quieter resorts of Kalkan and Kaş.
- Bodrum and Marmaris: lively harbour towns with nightlife, marinas and boat trips.
Traditional wooden gulet cruises along this coast are a wonderful way to explore hidden bays.
Cappadocia
In central Anatolia, Cappadocia is famous for its "fairy chimney" rock formations, cave hotels and early-morning balloon flights. Explore the rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Balloon flights depend on the weather, so plan at least two nights to allow for cancellations.
Ephesus and Pamukkale
Near Kuşadası and Izmir, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Inland, the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale sit beside the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
Best time to visit Turkey
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-June) | Ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia and ruins; the coast warms up from May |
| Summer (July-August) | Hot (often 35 °C+ on the coast), peak family season, busiest resorts |
| Autumn (September-October) | Warm sea, softer heat, great for combining beach and sightseeing |
| Winter (November-March) | Cool and rainy in Istanbul, snow in Cappadocia; many coastal hotels close |
Late September and October often bring excellent deals on the Turquoise Coast, with the sea still warm after the summer.
Getting to Turkey from the UK
Direct flights take around 4h from London to Istanbul, Antalya and Dalaman, and slightly less to Bodrum and Izmir. In summer, many UK regional airports have direct flights to the resorts. Istanbul has two airports: the main Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, which is often used by low-cost airlines.
British citizens can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, which is stricter than the rule for EU countries, so check it before you book.
Getting around
Domestic flights are cheap and frequent, and they're the easiest way to combine Istanbul with Cappadocia or the coast. Long-distance coaches are comfortable and inexpensive. In Istanbul, get an Istanbulkart for the metro, trams, buses and ferries. On the coast, local dolmuş minibuses link towns and beaches, and a hire car makes it easy to explore the ruins and quieter bays.
Money and costs
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). High inflation means local prices change quickly, and many tourist businesses quote prices in euros or pounds. Turkey can still be very good value, especially for all-inclusive holidays and eating in local restaurants, but Istanbul and the major attractions have become noticeably pricier. Paying in lira by card usually gets a better rate than paying in sterling, so decline currency conversion at the card machine. A small accommodation tax is added to hotel stays. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary.
Top attractions in Turkey
Turkey on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Turkey from the UK?
No. British passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days for tourism. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from your arrival date.
Is Turkey good value for an all-inclusive holiday?
Yes. Turkey is one of the best-value all-inclusive destinations from the UK, particularly in the Antalya and Dalaman regions in May, June, September and October.
When is the best time to go to Cappadocia?
April to June and September to October bring mild temperatures and the most stable conditions for balloon flights. Winter can be beautiful under snow but is cold.
How many days do I need in Istanbul?
Three days covers the main sights in Sultanahmet, a Bosphorus ferry and a visit to the Asian side. Four or five days lets you explore at a more relaxed pace.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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