Turkey
Turkey Travel Information
Turkey is a vast, fertile, spectacular country full of history, ancient monuments and natural wonders.
A string of rapidly growing resorts along the Aegean and Turquoise coastlines make this one of the hottest holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.
A land steeped in myth and legend, described as an open air museum displaying the remains of 10,000 years of history. Ancient sites of epic proportions await you.
Also in this captivating destination you can explore beautiful beaches, unspoilt villages, undiscovered coves and bays, clear turquoise waters, breathtaking scenery including mountains that appear to rise out of the sea and cities that sparkle with life.
GULET CRUISING - "Taking it easy"
Explore the beautiful coastline aboard a traditional gulet boat.
Once built as fishing boats to ply the coastal waters these graceful vessels have been skillfully adapted for cruising (complete with sleeping cabins, toilet and shower facilities).
You can charter your own or have a skipper take you to picturesque ports. Swim in the azure seas and take in magnificent scenery as you sunbathe on deck.
Meals are generally served Al Fresco on the large rear deck. The crew know the waters intimately ensuring that you don't miss the many beautiful and interesting parts of the coast.
Choose activities to suit you including Diving, Golf, Parasailing, Shopping and much more.
DIVING - Fascinating fishes, historic wrecks and caverns are all waiting to be discovered when you plunge into Turkeys amazing underwater world.
GOLF - Take a swing on Beleks beautiful fairways with courses designed by Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.
SHOPPING - You will find haggling over prices is half the fun of the purchase. Bargains include carpets, leatherwear, textiles, silver and gold.
Many people also choose Turkey as the ideal paradise to get married, celebrating their special day by clear blue seas and unspoilt beauty.
Sightseeing In Turkey - Caunos Theatre
HIGHLIGHTS
CAPPADOCIA - "Lunar landscape"
Discover this incredible place where volcanic eruptions have shaped the land into bizarre forms. View the underground cities dating back to the 4th century and the "fairy chimneys".
EPHESUS - "Outdoor Museum"
Alongside Pompeii, this world heritage site is the best preserved classical city in the Mediterranean. It is home to the library of Celsus and the Great Theatre as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world.
PAMUKKALE - "Cotton Castle"
See one of Mother Natures phenomenon's, the amazing ice-like sculptures and rock pools which have formed over 1000s of years from calcium rich spring water. They are watched over by the city of Hierapolis’s ancient ruins.
DALYAN MUD BATHS - "Natural Wonder"
Revive your skin in these sulphuric mud baths known for their anti-aging properties, before sinking into a warm natural pool.
AEGEAN COAST
Mixing together shingle shores and pretty coves with historic buildings and vibrant markets. With so much to explore you'll be spoilt for choice. From many of the retreats you can take a boat to the Greek island of Kos.
CESME - Charming fishing village rapidly growing into a popular holiday resort favoured by Turkish high society. Offering sophisticated hotels, the marina and the main square - the real heart of the village. There are music bars on the outskirts of the town in high season.
OZDERE - A small traditional Turkish resort. Great place for a relaxing evening enjoying the wonderful Turkish food in its numerous restaurants.
KUSADASI - One of turkeys most extensive resorts. It is close to Ephesus offering an ideal location to explore the historical site. The resort is overloaded with beaches, bazaars, restaurants and nearby ancient sites.
ALTINKUM - meaning "golden sand", this resort is a beach lovers paradise. Stretching from the harbour at the end of the bay to a rocky headland at the other with two beaches and over a kilometre of sand. The pace really hots up after dark getting lively in high season when the holiday spirit is in full swing.
TORBA - a picturesque coastal village with mountain backdrop and a peaceful, typically Turkish atmosphere. Home to a small pebble beach and harbour from which an occasional ferry runs to Altinkum. Torba has a small selection of restaurants.
TURKBUKU - A highly attractive fishing village. Seafood is a speciality here, much of it caught by local fishermen working from the seafront. It has become a favourite destination of the fashionable and the famous in Turkish society, attracted by clear blue waters, excellent shore front restaurants and stylish hotels.
YALIKAVAK - A traditional fishing village still maintaining the local charm and character even with its development over the years. The views are spectacular as you pass the Yalikavak windmills and the new marina adds a modern twist with good quality bars and restaurants.
TURGUTREIS - surrounded by sea on one side and hills and mountains on the other. A large beach runs along the peninsula. Relaxing bars, restaurants and cafes surround the main square. On Saturdays this is where you will find the largest market on the Aegean Coast. Broadening the resorts appeal is the new marina introducing a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
ORTAKENT - home to one of the best beaches in the region this quiet peaceful town is located on the southern coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula. Bodrum is a twenty minute bus ride.
BITEZ - A small charming resort surrounded by tangerine groves. Bitez has a sand and shingle beach, good for families and ideal for watersports including windsurfing and sailing.
GUMBET - For lively nightlife and lazy days on the beach. Gumbets great selection of restaurants cater for all tastes especially British. At night Gumbet takes on a party atmosphere offering a wide choice of nightlife.
BODRUM - One of the prettiest resorts on the Aegean with narrow streets cascading down the hillside to the waters edge with a mass of whitewashed houses. Dividing the two bays is the romantic St Peters Castle dating back to the 15th century. A must on your sightseeing list. If the daylight hours are lively then the twilight hours are positively vibrant with a dazzling choice of bars and disco. The resort also has one small beach.
LYCIAN COAST
(also known as the Turquoise coast) - Pine topped hills sweeping down into neon blue waters. Inland there are snow topped mountains threaded with rivers and valleys. Visitors come for the fabulous resorts, traditional villages and age old ruins, rock tombs, Ottoman forts and roman baths (to name just a few).
ICMELER - its charming beach is the focal point of this cosmopolitan resort, contrasting sharply with a dramatic backdrop of lush green mountains rising behind the resort. Spend your days taking boat trips around bays, sunbathing or exploring Marmaris.
MARMARIS - large and lively with a vibrant nightlife on its famous "Bar Street". The resort is divided into three main areas. The harbour area with Turkeys largest marina and the main nightlife hub, the old town with small bazaars and the tourist area to the West stretching to Icmeler.
DALYAN - provides a holiday rich in peace and quiet close to nature and with a relaxing atmosphere.. Set inland on the banks of the Dalyan river this resort is unspoilt by mass tourism. The broad Delta area is a protected National Conservation Area home to over 100 species of birds and no less then three varieties of turtles. It is also home to some excellent examples of ancient Lycian rock tombs and the famous Dalyan mud baths.
There are a wide variety of bars and restaurants along the main street through the resort. For the more energetic hire a bike to explore the generally flat countryside or rent a canoe and explore afloat.
Lycian Rock Tombs
GOCEK - a traditional village with cobbled streets. Home to a beautiful marina, upmarket shops and tasteful restaurants.
DATCA PENINSULA - peaceful bay surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Visit the harbour, stroll through olive groves or head down to the beach.
GOKOVA - at the foot of the mountains overlooking the bay. For those looking to explore there are many scenic walks around the area.
FETHIYE - Overlooked by a ruined medieval fortress this traditional market town is nestled in a natural harbour and is protected by the small islands off the shore. The town exudes charm with excellent restaurants and a market town which is the biggest in the area. It has become very popular with those learning to scuba drive. The beaches of Calis and Olu Deniz are easily accessible.
OLU DENIZ - A picture postcard bay, clear turquoise seas with a tranquil lagoon, superb white sand and shingle beach, fringed by pine clad hills all contributing to its natural beauty. A popular resort with numerous lively bars, restaurants and shops. Boasting both an easy going and a lively atmosphere its ideal for all types of holiday maker whether you want to sit by the beach of take part in the many watersports, or explore the local area.
HISARONU - is a developing resort. Inland from Olu Deniz (4km) nestling in the cool, pine clad mountains. The cooler temperatures of the mountains welcome your return from long hot days on the beach.
KALKAN - A harbour town with an addictive charm. A laid back, lazy resort where time can pass doing virtually nothing except relaxing and enjoying your holiday. There is no real beach here so holiday makers head for one of the nearby beach clubs and bathing platforms reached by frequent shuttle boats across the harbour.
The town is still relatively uncommercialised, its pretty cobbled streets offer bazaar type shops, inviting restaurants and varied nightlife for the more discerning visitor. An excellent base for exploring the surrounding coast.
MEDITERRANEAN COAST
One of the most exciting holiday destinations you could visit. As well as being home to the ancient cities of PERGE and the Roman amphitheatre of ASPENDOS it also has superb beaches, traditional restaurants, lively bars and modern hotels with many facilities.
KEMER - combines the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its attractive marina with the more traditional Turkish cafes that line the beach. Based around two beaches with an exceptionally dramatic backdrop of pine-clad mountains.
KIRIS - Ideal for a relaxing break this is a small purpose built resort, seven kilometers west of KEMER where grand hotels line the sand and pebble beach.
ALANYA - filled with history, Alanyas medieval fortress and red city walls make it a great place to uncover a taste of Turkeys past, while its harbour, sandy beaches, pretty promenade and great watersports add to the easy going holiday vibe.
ANTALYA - One of the largest cities on the Mediterranean coast its focal point is its charming harbour. The beauty of the Turkish countryside is never far away with stunning waterfalls and dramatic scenery.
BELEK - One of Turkeys only "designer" resorts. Carefully planned and developed over the past twenty years to offer a real holiday paradise with everything you could possibly want for complete relaxation.
A favoured destination for Turkeys jetset as well as a wide range of international visitors. It is a paradise for golfers, boasting three top quality courses as well as tennis courts for the more athletic. At night most guests will stay at hotels, taking advantage of the excellent facilities on offer although there are a few bars and restaurants just two kilometres away.
A great resort for families and couples who value quality accommodation in a tranquil setting, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
LARA BEACH - this blossoming resort is scattered with luxury hotels and blessed with a beautiful golden sandy beach. A peaceful resort ideal for a relaxing and restful getaway.
SIDE - offers sun, sea, sand and culture. Walk in the footsteps of history and you'll find impressive well preserved Roman remains around every corner including two second century temples and an amphitheatre. There are great choices of restaurants, bars and shopping. Don't miss a walk by the remains of the Apollo Temple at sunset or the Manavgat Waterfalls for a day trip.
DENIZYAKA - with stunning views of mountain peaks and calm blue seas this resort is an up and coming holiday spot. The quiet resort is great for golfers with the first Links golf course in turkey. Ideal for day trips to SIDE and BELEK.
KARABURN - Another new up and coming resort right near the beach. With quality hotels and new shops and cafes opening this is an excellent choice for a beach holiday.
Visas: Citizens of New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and most of the countries of Western Europe, need only a valid passport for stays of up to 3 months. Australian, UK and US citizens, as well as those from Austria, Canada, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain - do need visas, obtainable in advance online or at a Turkish consulate.
Health risks: While no vaccinations are legally required, polio, tetanus, diptheria, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, rabies and TB are all present in Turkey: vaccinations should be considered. Travellers to Turkey's steamy regions (Marmara and the Black Sea Coast) should also stock up on their favourite anti-malarial gear. It's also worth mentioning that thousands of people die in traffic accidents in Turkey each year
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to go: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are best. The climate is perfect on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts then, as well as in Istanbul. In high summer the coastal resorts are stinking hot: your body may like to do as the locals do and take a siesta during the heat of the day. From late October to early April, the beach scene more or less shuts down. There's little rain between May and October except along the Black Sea coast, but from about mid-June, the mosquitoes come out in plague proportions in some areas. Eastern Turkey should really be visited from late June to September, as snow may close roads and mountain passes in the colder months.
Turquoise Coast - Flights to Dalaman
Turunc
Marmaris
Dalyan
Icmeler
Olu Deniz/Hisaronu
Patara
Bodrum Peninsula - Flights to Bodrum
Altinkum
Turgutreis
Yalikavak
Turkish Riviera - Flights to Alanya
Side
Alanya
