Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey, also known as Türkiye, is a stunning holiday destination that has captured the hearts of many travellers. The Mediterranean Coast spans from the Turkish Riviera to the Sea of Marmara and extends down to the Black Sea, where the two continents converge. With its idyllic summer weather, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is a prime location for families seeking a memorable summer vacation. Turkey is a country that boasts of turquoise seas, picturesque mountains, rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. It is one of Asia’s most diverse and beautiful countries, making it a privilege to travel around. However, with all its unique destinations, planning a trip to Turkey is quite a challenge. To help you plan your best Turkey travel itinerary, I have compiled a Turkey Travel Planner Guide, which includes information on the top Turkey holiday destinations.
2024 Turkey Travel Planner
Turkey is located at the crossroads of the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. It is renowned for being a barrier and a bridge between two continents, offering its visitors many sights and experiences. Due to its unique geographical location, Turkey is in Asia and Europe, with a land area more significant than any other European state. Its diversity makes it a unique destination worth exploring.
For a comprehensive Turkey travel experience, it is recommended that you read this Turkey Travel Planner Guide from beginning to end and identify the places that interest you the most. Then, delve into the detailed posts on each region, as you may find a place that seems uninteresting at first glance, but upon further research, it might turn out to be a hidden gem. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information about a town or your trip to Turkey.
Turkey Travel Advice
Best time to go to Turkey
Although Turkey is beautiful all year round, it depends on your desired experience. You might want to visit Turkey in the summer to experience the beaches. For what to expect from the weather and climates, go to Monthly Turkey temperatures.
How many days for Turkey?
With so much to experience, even a month won’t be enough. Turkey is a large Country, filled with trillions of attractions, places to see, and things to do. Try to go for at least three weeks.
Languages spoken in Turkey
Apart from Turkish, languages spoken in Turkey include Kurmanji and Arabic, as well as Zazaki. Learn Turkish before your trip, and a Turkish Prase 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 always to have some cash available, as money comes in handy at the markets and street vendors. Therefore, draw a few Turkish Liras at the airport on your arrival. To check your currency, check the Currency Converter to Turkish Lira.
Is Turkey Cheap? As South Africans, Turkey was very affordable considering the ZAR against the Turkish Lira. It is incredibly cheap for tourists from countries using euros, dollars and Pounds.
Is Turkey Schengen Country: Not all visitors to Turkey require a Turkish Visa, and currently, there are 64 Turkey Visa-free Countries. Ensure you have all the documents before applying for a Turkish visa at the consulate—requirements for a Tourist visa in Turkey.
Is Turkey a Safe Place to Visit?
Yes, Turkey is a relatively safe country to visit. But as with any destination, common sense should prevail. We felt safe everywhere in Turkey, even walking along the coast at night. Many people identify Istanbul as dangerous, but I assume it is because of several action-packed movies that depict Istanbul as a dangerous 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 plugs or flat sockets. Instead, take a Universal travel adapter to enable you to 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/busses.
- Best Transport to and from Turkey 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 Planner
Vibrant Istanbul
Turkey is known for its unique attractions and bustling markets where you can shop endlessly. One of the must-visit places in Turkey is Istanbul, a vibrant city that offers a lot 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, located in the semi-arid Anatolia region of central Turkey, is a must-visit destination that should be 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 stunning rock formations 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
Antalya is known as the “pearl of the Mediterranean” and is considered one of the world’s top tourist destinations. It is also recognized 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 great fun, these sought-after cruises in Turkey are the ideal way to experience Turkey’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 paraglide 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 civilizations 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 in your itinerary and spend a night there before moving on to Bodrum.
Ancient Ephesus & śirinçe
The ancient historical city of Ephesus in Turkey’s Aegean region is a place I had to visit a second time, and I won’t mind revisiting Ephesus. 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 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 and 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 emphasize the importance of travel insurance enough, and no person should travel without Travel Insurance. 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, but it is also part of Turkish culture, and the Turkish people are known for their heart-warming people 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 Planner.
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 in a search for travel deals.
- For the best deals on flight tickets, with Qatar, Travelstart, or CheapOair.
- Ferry tickets with Ferryscanner, who 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 a Booking.com free cancellation option. 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.
Glad you enjoy it and found it helpfull.
Lovely post! lots of useful information! Thanks for sharing