Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel around Turkey
Turkey, also known as Türkiye, is undoubtedly one of the top countries in Asia and is recognised as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. The country is famous for its stunning turquoise Mediterranean coastline, which includes the Turkish Riviera, the Sea of Marmara, and the Black Sea. Picture beautiful beaches, excellent sunny weather, and crystal-clear ocean waters—Turkey has it all. It’s an ideal spot for families looking for a beach vacation. With its turquoise seas, breathtaking mountains, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Turkey showcases a diverse charm that appeals to many travellers. However, with so many unique destinations to explore, planning a trip to Turkey can be challenging. After visiting Turkey, I have decided to compile this Guide to Turkey to help you plan your best Turkey itinerary. My Turkey travel planner includes everything you need to know about the country’s top holiday spots.
2026 Plan your Turkey Travel Itinerary
Located at the crossroads of the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, Turkey serves as a barrier and a bridge between Europe and Asia. It has a land area larger than that of any other European country. For guidance on planning the perfect itinerary for Turkey and tips for budget travel, continue reading.
To make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to review my Turkey Travel Plan Guide and take note of the destinations that interest you. Afterwards, explore the detailed posts about each region; you might find a place you initially overlooked is a hidden gem worth visiting. If you have any questions or need more information about a specific town or your overall travel plans in Turkey, feel free to reach out for assistance.
Turkey Travel Advice
Best time to go to Turkey
Turkey is stunning year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. If you want to enjoy the beaches, summer is the ideal season to travel. For more information on the weather and climate, please refer to the Monthly Turkey Temperatures.
How many days for Turkey?
To explore Turkey’s vast country, with its numerous attractions and experiences, a month will only scratch the surface. Therefore, plan for at least three weeks.
Languages spoken in Turkey
Apart from Turkish, languages spoken in Turkey include Kurmanji, Arabic, and Zazaki. Learn Turkish before your trip, and a Turkish phrase guide is handy.
Currency and Affordability
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira, although US $ are acceptable in most stores. It is wise to always have some cash available, as it comes in handy at markets and street vendors. Therefore, withdraw a few Turkish Liras at the airport upon arrival. To check your currency, use the Currency Converter to convert to Turkish Lira.
Is Turkey Cheap? Turkey is quite affordable for South Africans, given the current exchange rate between the ZAR and the Turkish Lira. For tourists from countries using euros, dollars, and pounds, it is remarkably cheap.
Turkey Schengen Country: Turkey is not a Schengen country. Turkey and Schengen Countries: Not all visitors to Turkey need a Turkish visa; currently, citizens of 64 countries can enter visa-free. Before applying for a Turkish visa at the consulate, ensure you have all the required documents. Herewith the requirements for Turkey tourist visas – Apply at Tourist visa in Turkey.
Is Turkey a Safe Place to Visit?
Turkey is regarded as a safe country to visit. Like any other travel destination, it is important to use common sense while travelling. During our trip, we felt safe everywhere we went in Turkey, even when walking along the coast at night. Although many people perceive Istanbul as dangerous, I believe this view is influenced by action-packed movies that negatively portray the city.
Is Istanbul safe for women? Fay has lived in Turkey for almost two years. Read her article on Female Turkey Solo Travel.
Islamic Festivals and Celebrations in Turkey
Ramadan and Kurban Bayrami are major Islamic holidays. Ramadan starts at sunset on the first day of Ramadan and lasts until sundown the following day. Should you plan to visit Turkey during Ramadan, it gets very noisy at night, especially near the main Mosques and central streets.
Electricity & Travel Adapter Turkey: The electricity sockets in Turkey are 220V AC 50Hz, and power outlets are usually round or flat. Instead, take a Universal travel adapter so you can use all your gadgets.
Best Ways to Travel Around Turkey
Transport in Turkey is not only very affordable but also comfortable. Use the Complete Guide to Transport in Turkey as part of your Turkey Travel Planner:
- All the means of transportation that are available for travelling around Turkey.
- Turkey’s Hop-on-Hop-off bus/buses.
- Best Transport to and from Turkish airports.
- What to know when you book your Turkey Flights.
- Night buses in Turkey,
- Are the night buses in Turkey Safe?
- Day- and Night buses to Cappadocia and Antalya.
- Turkey Trains, Trams and Railways in Turkey.
Turkey Travel Planning Guide
Vibrant Istanbul
Turkey is known for its unique attractions and bustling markets where you can shop endlessly. Istanbul, one of Turkey’s must-visit places, is a vibrant city that offers much to tourists. To make the most of your visit and see the top attractions, include “The Best of Istanbul” in your itinerary.
Istanbul’s best Views and Sunsets
Head to the popular rooftop restaurants and bars for the best panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
While in Istanbul, learn more about the origin and Health benefits of Turkish Coffee and how to brew the perfect cup.
Captivating Cappadocia
Cappadocia, in the semi-arid Anatolia region of central Turkey, is a must-visit destination on everyone’s bucket list. No trip to Turkey is complete without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of this fairy-tale land.
Its unique rock formations, ancient caves, and churches carved into them are awe-inspiring. In addition to underground cities, you’ll find the most beautiful valleys and colourful mountain ranges with peculiar formations. When planning your trip to Turkey, ensure that Cappadocia is included in your travel itinerary. It is a spectacular destination that you will remember for a lifetime. Click on the link below and read all about this fascinating gem.
Antalya
The Pearl of the Mediterranean, Antalya, is considered one of the world’s top tourist destinations. It is also recognised as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, offering stunning turquoise waters, golden beaches, and breathtaking scenery. The Antalya region is an ideal holiday destination for couples, families, and solo travellers, with many historical sites and boundless adventure activities.
To learn more about this Turkish gem, the top attractions that await, how many days you need to stay, and how to get to Antalya, click the link below.
Olympos Village
The romantic village of Olympos lies eight kilometres southwest of Antalya, nestled in a natural valley next to the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Home to one of Turkey’s most famous beaches. Read more about this unique village and valley at the link below.
Turkish Sailing Holidays
One of the most enjoyable things in Turkey is sailing along the Mediterranean Sea on a Turkish boat. Besides being great fun, these sought-after cruises along Turkey’s coastline are the ideal way to experience the Country’s coastline.
Adventure seekers can find themselves literally between the clouds above beautiful Olüdeniz. If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, make sure to add a Paragliding experience to your Turkey travel planner.
Fly like a bird and touch the sky on a paragliding adventure in Oludeniz. Experience the magic of a tandem paraglider flight as you soar over the azure waters of southwest Turkey’s Aegean Sea.
This most famous and exceptional experience sells out fast. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, Book your Paragliding expertise in advance.
Sailing along the Lycian Coast in Turkey
Our unforgettable Sailing Trip along the Mediterranean Coast in a Turkish Gulet.
Sailing is the perfect way to explore the stunning Lycian Coast and its inhabited islands, as well as tiny fishing villages and historical treasures only accessible by sea. This way, you can admire the ancient Sunken City of Kekova up close and personal.
Glide over Olüdeniz
Holidays in Fethiye
The centrally located harbour town of Fethiye is a perfect place to start exploring the Turkish Lycian coast and is not to be missed. Read all about the best things to do in and around Fethiye, and check out the Top Beaches in and around Fethiye.
Dalyan in Turkey
I want to share my experience of visiting the cosy Village of Dalyan, which I was unaware of until I became a member of Fodor. I am grateful that I came across this place and decided to spend a night there. Dalyan is known for its natural beauty, Caretta turtles and its rich history. The town has unique historical ruins inhabited by various civilisations throughout the centuries, including Lycians, arrogant Romans, and Ottomans. I spent two nights in Dalyan during my trip to Turkey before heading to Ephesus. I highly recommend spending at least two nights in this cosy village to explore its surroundings. If you plan a trip to Turkey, include Dalyan on your itinerary and spend a night there before heading to Bodrum.
Ancient Ephesus & śirinçe
The ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey’s Aegean region is a place I had to visit twice, and I wouldn’t mind revisiting it. In iniquity, it was a significant commercial seaport with remains dating back to the Roman Empire.
Besides Ephesus, Śelcuk is an excellent town to stay in and don’t miss the pretty old Orthodox village of Sirinçe close by.
Śirince
Śirince, home to the Church of St. John the Baptist, is located in a charming, unspoiled, beautiful village and feels like a forgotten gem; however, a gem I’ll never forget. Located close to Ephesus in the Izmir Province of Turkey, it was named once Cirkince, meaning ‘ugly,’ by its inhabitants, hoping to keep tourists away from their peaceful, bucolic wooden haven. Unfortunately, the beautiful Village was re-discovered.
Travel Insurance for Turkey
I cannot emphasise the importance of travel insurance enough; no person should travel without it. Without hesitation, I cannot stress the importance of travel insurance and recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance.
Insanely affordable tours
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and if you decide to click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Experience Turkish Cuisine
The Turks are passionate about their tasty food and wine, and it is also part of Turkish culture. The Turkish people are known for their warmth and hospitality.
One of the most splendid experiences during your vacation in Turkey is to join a Turkish Cooking Class with Cookly. Make sure to include a cooking class in your Turkey Travel Itinerary.
Turkish Gözleme, or Ispanakli Gözleme, is a traditional flatbread stuffed with tasty lamb, beef, or Feta and Spinach. While we were in one of the bays during our sailing trip, a couple with a small rowboat came past selling fresh Gösleme filled with Chocolate.
Turkey Travel Guide
Best Turkey Travel Planner Booking Resources
Book a trip soon. These Companies consistently offer the best deals and excellent customer service, much better than their competitors. Moreover, they are the only ones to use when searching for travel deals.
- For the best flight deals with Qatar, Travelstart, or CheapOair.
- Ferry tickets with Ferryscanner, which offers the best range of Ferry services from over 80 Companies.
- Book the best hotels and other accommodations with Booking.com.
- For Hostel and budget rooms, book with Hostelworld.
- Book the best Trips and tours with GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook and G Adventures.
- Find the best car rental options with Discover Cars.
- To travel safely, with International Travel Insurance. Obtain a free quote using SafetyWing.
- Book a Cooking Class with Cookly.
I highly recommend you book with the free cancellation option on Booking.com. That way, you can always cancel your booking should your plans change or you find something better. Always read the fine print (terms and conditions) even if you opt for a ‘free cancellation’ booking, so you don’t get any surprises.
Citation: “Some parts in the article were edited using Grammarly’s AI power tool for spelling, grammar, and style.”
Glad you enjoy it and found it helpfull.
Lovely post! lots of useful information! Thanks for sharing