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.
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Turkey - Favorite Holiday, Flight and City Break Destinations |
Click on the link below for more in
formation on Istanbul. Travel, flight details and what to do and see
in Turkey's Largest city.
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Please find above
links to some of the popular holiday and flight destinations in
Turkey. There you will find more detailed information
regarding these destinations. What to do, what to see and
how to get there.
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Turkey Travel and Flight
Information
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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
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