Turkey

Turkey at a glance

Turkey sits between Europe and Asia, with coastlines along the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black, and Sea of Marmara. Its geography is remarkably varied, from major cities and long sandy beaches to mountains, valleys, forests, and vast inland landscapes.

Istanbul is the country's largest city and one of its main gateways for international travelers. Divided by the Bosphorus, it combines historic neighborhoods, Ottoman palaces, Byzantine landmarks, lively markets, modern districts, and a food scene that makes the city worth visiting even if you're only passing through.

Beyond Istanbul, Turkey has plenty of destinations to build a trip around. Antalya and the surrounding Mediterranean coast are ideal for combining beaches with ancient ruins and outdoor activities. Cappadocia is known for its unusual rock formations and valleys, while the Aegean coast is home to destinations such as Bodrum, İzmir, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Further east, travelers can discover a very different side of the country around destinations such as Gaziantep, famous for its food, and Şanlıurfa, with its deep historical and cultural heritage. Along the Black Sea, places such as Trabzon offer mountain landscapes and a cooler atmosphere than the Mediterranean coast.

English is widely spoken in hotels and popular tourist areas, although knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can be useful when traveling outside the main destinations.

Istanbul: the gateway to Turkey

For many travelers, Istanbul is the natural starting point. The city is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.

Getting from the airport to the city is one of the first practical questions to solve, particularly if you're arriving late or visiting Istanbul for the first time.

Once you're in the city, allow yourself enough time to explore beyond the major sights. Sultanahmet is home to landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, while neighborhoods like Galata, Karaköy, and Kadıköy offer a more contemporary side of Istanbul.

A Bosphorus ferry ride is another easy way to see how closely the city's European and Asian sides are connected.

Antalya and the Mediterranean coast

Antalya is one of Turkey's best-known coastal destinations and a popular base for a Mediterranean holiday. The city combines beaches and resorts with an attractive old town, archaeological sites, and easy access to the surrounding coast.

The wider Antalya region is particularly interesting if you want more than a beach holiday. Ancient cities such as Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos offer a glimpse into the region's past, while the coast provides opportunities for swimming, boat trips, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

For a different perspective on the city, our guide to Antalya's hidden gems highlights places and experiences beyond the standard tourist itinerary, while Antalya's one-day trips guide offers scenic routes if you feel like changing your location for a day. It's useful for travelers who want to see more of Antalya and its surroundings while still leaving plenty of time for the Mediterranean.

Cappadocia: landscapes and hot-air balloons

Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most distinctive destinations. The region's volcanic landscapes have been shaped into valleys, rock formations, caves, and the famous fairy chimneys that make it instantly recognizable.

Göreme is the most popular base for exploring the area, with Uçhisar, Avanos, and other nearby towns offering different perspectives on the region. You can hike through valleys, visit underground cities, explore cave churches, and watch the landscape change color around sunrise and sunset.

One of Cappadocia's signature experiences is seeing the region from above in a hot-air balloon. Our Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons: Complete Guide explains how the experience works, what to expect, and what to consider before booking.

Weather can affect balloon flights, so it's worth leaving some flexibility in your itinerary rather than scheduling the experience immediately before your departure.

The Aegean coast: beaches, ruins and seaside towns

Turkey's Aegean coast offers a different kind of trip, combining clear water and seaside towns with some of the country's most important archaeological sites.

İzmir is a useful base for exploring the region, while Bodrum is known for its beaches, marina, nightlife, and relaxed atmosphere. Further south, places such as Fethiye and Marmaris offer access to secluded bays, boat trips, and dramatic coastal scenery.

History lovers can make time for Ephesus, one of the most impressive ancient sites in Turkey. The ruins of the ancient city include the famous Library of Celsus and the remains of the Great Theatre.

The region works particularly well for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with time by the sea.

More places to discover in Turkey

Turkey is large enough that you can easily return several times and still find something new. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are only part of the picture.

Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces and thermal waters, while the nearby ruins of Hierapolis add an archaeological dimension to the visit. It's a natural stop for travelers exploring western Turkey.

Bursa, south of the Sea of Marmara, is known for its Ottoman heritage, historic mosques, traditional markets, and nearby Uludağ mountain. It can make a good addition to an Istanbul itinerary.

For something more off the usual tourist path, Trabzon and the Black Sea region offer lush scenery, mountain villages, and a completely different climate and landscape from the Mediterranean coast.

Meanwhile, Gaziantep is a particularly interesting destination for food-focused travelers. Its cuisine, especially its baklava and pistachio-based dishes, is an important part of the city's identity.

You don't need to visit all of these places in one trip. In fact, choosing two or three regions and giving yourself enough time to experience them is often more enjoyable than trying to cross the entire country.

Getting around Turkey

Turkey's size means that transport can have a significant impact on your itinerary. Domestic flights are often the most practical option for long distances, particularly when connecting Istanbul with Antalya, Cappadocia, Izmir, or other major destinations.

Intercity buses connect a huge number of towns and cities and can be a comfortable option when flights aren't convenient. Trains are useful on selected routes, including connections from Istanbul toward Ankara and other parts of the country.

Rental cars can be particularly helpful along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where beaches, archaeological sites, villages, and viewpoints are often spread out. They also give you more freedom when exploring regions such as Cappadocia.

Kiwitaxi also provides chauffeur services in Turkey for travellers seeking a private car and driver beyond a simple airport transfer. This can be useful for sightseeing days, business trips, family travel, or multi-stop itineraries where having a driver gives you more flexibility.

Within cities, public transport is usually the easiest option. Istanbul has an extensive network of metros, trams, buses, and ferries, while Antalya has trams and buses connecting many of the city's key areas.

Airport transfers in Turkey

Getting from the airport to your accommodation is one part of a trip where arranging transport in advance can make things simpler. This is especially useful if you're traveling with luggage, arriving late, or heading directly to a hotel outside the main city center.

When to visit Turkey

Turkey can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal time depends on where you're going and what you want to do.

The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are particularly popular from late spring through early autumn, with summer being the main season for beach holidays.

Istanbul is often most comfortable for sightseeing in spring and autumn, while Cappadocia can be visited year-round, with each season giving its landscapes a different character.

Planning your trip to Turkey

Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys. You might spend a few days exploring Istanbul before flying to Cappadocia, combine Antalya with a road trip along the Mediterranean coast, or travel through the Aegean region to discover beaches and ancient ruins.

The most important thing is to account for distances when planning your itinerary. Turkey is easy to explore, but trying to fit too many destinations into one trip can leave you spending more time in transit than enjoying the places themselves.

Whether you're interested in history, food, beaches, nature, or city life, Turkey gives you plenty of ways to build a trip around the experiences that matter most to you.