OVERVIEW
Turkey is a land of ancient mystery and modern-day exoticism, with stunning landscapes and architecture which reflects thousands of years of tumultuous history and diverse influences. Home to the vibrant city of Istanbul, pristine Aegean beaches, Roman ruins and lively bazaars, Turkey bewitches and beguiles at every turn and is the perfect place to explore whether you are backpacking on a budget or treating yourself to a luxurious vacation at this meeting place of East and West.
Depending on where you go in the country you will experience dramatically different landscapes, from the dramatic fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the windswept steppes of Central Anatolia and the pine-clad mountains of Mediterranean Turkey. If you’d love to enjoy a sun-drenched Turkish beach holiday then head to the likes of Patara, an 18km swathe of sand or Iztuzu Beach, a few kilometres south of Dalyan, nesting site of the local loggerhead turtle population. There is also stunning Ölüdeniz with its golden beach and shimmering lagoon.
However Turkey is home to many other natural delights besides its beaches; go trekking through the majestic Kaçkar Mountains, visit the legendary Mount Ararat and delve into the dramatically named Caves of Heaven and Hell not far from Narlikuyu.
For a more cosmopolitan holiday experience head into Turkey’s vibrant cities, such as Antalya, with its historic centre, Ankara with its café scene and fascinating museums, and, of course, Istanbul. This iconic city is home to the ancient Aya Sofya, commissioned by a Byzantine emperor, as well as the likes of Topkapi Palace, the spectacular Süleymaniye Mosque and the Kariye Museum, with its exquisite historic mosaics and frescoes.
During your stay in Turkey be sure to sample as much of its delectable cuisine as you can, from mouth-watering mezze to decadent baklava, washed down with cups of traditional Turkish coffee, and enjoy meeting and mingling with the friendly and vivacious locals, who are just as much of an attraction as the beautiful country itself.
What is the currency in Turkey?
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira.
How long does it take to fly to Turkey?
A flight from London to Istanbul is 3 hours 45 minutes in duration.
What is the time difference in Turkey?
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
The seasons of spring and autumn are the ideal time to visit Turkey, as the skies are bright and blue and the temperatures pleasant. Depending on where you go in the country, summers can be very hot and dry and the winters rather chilly; most of the annual rainfall occurs during winter too, another reason not to visit during that season.
What language is spoken in Turkey?
Turkish is the official language of Turkey.
