Turkey at a glance

Discover the real Turkey and laze on hidden coves, dive into some of the most wonderful snorkelling sites in Europe or, hire a yacht for a day to sail along the magnificent coastline to enjoy spectacular scenery. 

Choose from all-inclusive holidays, villas with pools or luxury hotels with sumptuous spas; there are packages to suit all tastes and budgets so whether it's a big family holiday or a couple’s romantic break that you're looking for, take advantage of Olympic Holidays great-value prices and unique low deposit offers for your 2023 holiday in Turkey.

Walk in the mountains and hillsides of this fascinating cultural land and perhaps explore rich archaeological gems such as the ancient cities of Ephesus and Troy.

As well as culture, tuck into Turkish cuisine; enjoy seafood and glass of wine as the sun sets over the sparkling sea or try a refreshing tea at a local bazaar and of course, the sweet Turkish delight!

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Where to stay in Turkey

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The Antalya Area

The Antalya region of Turkey, located on the Mediterranean coast of south western Turkey offers that perfect combination of pristine sandy beaches that slope gently into clear turquoise waters, great nightlife, natural beauty due to its location surrounded by…

Bodrum Sea

The Bodrum Area

Bodrum is a fascinating place that combines old and new with dramatic effect. Located in the Aegean region of Turkey it enjoys an immense, unspoilt coastline, year-round sunshine, exciting and often sophisticated nightlife and a landscape simply littered with…

Dalaman (1)

The Dalaman Area

The Dalaman region of Turkey aka the Turquoise Coast has all the key ingredients for a perfect holiday - outstanding sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, endless culture to absorb and great nightlife. In fact the list of things to do and see in this region of…

Izmir (1)

The Izmir Area

It’s a dynamic, modern city beside the Aegean Sea but Izmir hasn’t lost sight of an amazing ancient history. Whether you are young or old, shopper or swimmer, culture buff or country lover, foodie or fast-food fan you will find what you are looking for in Izm…

Weather

The southern coastal areas typically experience a Mediterranean climate. This means hot and dry summers, mild and rainy winters, and a pleasant spring and autumn. Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 

Max Temp C Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Turkey 21 24 29 32 32 28 26
London 13 16 20 22 21 19 13
Sunshine Hours Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Turkey 8 9 9 11 12 9 8
London 5 6 7 6 6 5 3

Our top hotels in Turkey

Eating

From street-side snack stalls to the finest food in a restaurant full of character, you will find something to your taste in Turkey. There is a wide range of dishes, with each region having its own specialities, and there are an equally wide range of places in which to enjoy them. Meat and fresh fish dishes are the norm, but vegetarians will be find a good number of lentil and rice dishes, and stuffed vegetables. The turks love vegetables almost as much as they do meat, and the aubergine is the favourite. Of course, the doner kebab is a popular along with the pied (Turkish pizza). In the morning stuffed pastries or börek can be bought street stalls. For the British traveller, there will be plenty of new culinary experiences.

An authentic Turkish experience can be combined with a raucous nights drinking at one of Turkey's meyhanes. These tavernas serve raki, beer and wine, along with an awe-inspiring selection of mezes (starters), succulent kebabs and fruits of the season. A favourite location for raki drinking, the atmosphere gets louder and merrier as the night progresses.

Turkey's recent economic growth and increasing prosperity had an enormous effect on the vitality, energy and variety of its nightlife. The range of night entertainment is huge, from traditional male-dominated birahanes to techno and rave nightclubs, with new venues opening by the week. As a result, Turkey's nightlife is quickly gaining recognition as one of the liveliest in Europe.

Shopping

Shopping during holidays in Turkey are a great adventure where you are able to buy special handicrafts which vary from one region to another. Authentic bazaars sell rugs, jewellery, Turkish delight and other handicrafts. It is acceptable, even expected, to haggle over price. Leather goods and fashion items are also available, but look out for copies of high-end designer goods.

Things To Do

Watersports: There is a wide variety of things to do down on the beach or inland. However, if you are feeling energetic and strong enough for something more adventurous why not try one of the many watersports available. It is a great place to learn to scuba dive: facilities are good and lessons inexpensive, and there are sites for all levels of experience and ability. For the more advanced, there are large areas of red coral and shipwrecks to be explored. The crystal-clear waters along the shores of Fethiye are ideal for deep-sea diving, which is one of the fastest developing recreational sports in the world. Windsurfing and kitesurfing benefit from the good strong breezes with a wide array of classes available. There are also some good spots for white-water rafting and canyoning, and kayaking and canoeing can take you to otherwise inaccessible parts of the country.

Jeep Safaris: A perfect half day out, or, for longer trips, a jeep safari to the wilderness and the nearby villages can be an exciting adventure over one or two days.

Horse Riding: Go back to nature and avoid the more crowded parts; ride in the forests of Marmaris on a guided horse safari through beautiful countryside, or experience the amazing landscape of Cappadocia on one of the numerous bridal paths.

Paragliding: Babadag, covering the eastern part of Oludeniz, is deemed as one of the best flying points in the world for paragliding. Babadag is on the list of "world heritage" due to its rich flora and presents the splendour of Oludeniz and its environs from a different perspective. To attempt a tandem jump accompanied by a pilot and with your camera to document the panorama of Oludeniz while gliding in the blue sky is an experience to add colour to your whole life.

Trekking: Following old nomad trails and ancient Lycian paths is a great way to see the floral richness of Fethiye and the pretty mountain villages where you will be greeted by the friendly locals. Every hundred meters or so are information boards about the area.

Golf: Belek, in the Antalya region is great for golfing holidays with 14 well-designed and equipped courses along the coast within a 15km radius. The views are simply stunning, the hotels are of a very high standard and the climate is perfect for the sport.

Gulet Cruise: The beautiful coastline, stunning sunsets, crystal waters and gentle breezes all add to the experience on a wonderful Gulet Cruise along the Turquoise coast, often known as a Blue Voyage for this reason. Gulets are traditional wooden sailing boats with 6 to 8 double cabins, between 60 and 90 feet in length. Often passengers sleep on the deck as the cabins are not air conditioned. There are showers, toilets and storage and food and water are usually included in the price. An experienced Turkish crew ensure your comfort and cook and clean. During the day you'll cruise along the coastline, sun bathing and snorkelling and during the evening, anchor at a small village where you can and explore.

Things To See

Aya Sofya: Istanbul's most famous monument was built by Emperor Justinian in 537 in an attempt to reassert the great Roman Empire. In 1453 Mehmet the Conqueror converted it to a mosque but in 1935, Ataturk proclaimed it a museum. With a magnificent domed ceiling, mosaics, and other stunning artefacts, it is well-worth a visit.

Bodrum Amphitheatre: On a hillside, overlooking Bodrum this huge ancient theatre, which held about 13000 people, was built during the Carian reign in the Hellenistic age (330 - 30 BC.). It became an open-air museum following excavations in 1973.

Cappadocia: Not to be missed are these extraordinary pinnacles of solid lava following a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Within the rock, the Byzantines constructed underground cities with frescoes and churches in the caverns, and today you will find restaurants, even hotels within some of them. Tours of the eerie valleys and unique landscape are very popular whether hiking, trail-biking or in a hot air balloon.

Ephesus: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and considered the best-preserved classical city possibly in Europe, Ephesus was once the capital of The Roman province of Asia with over quarter of a million inhabitants. It took 150 years to excavate and includes a temple devoted to the fertility goddess, Artemis, the marble-lined Curetes Way, the Library of Celsus and many more amazing insights into the lives of the city's inhabitants.

Gallipoli Peninsular: Site of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign in WWI, this beautiful, peaceful area acknowledges itself as the resting place of the 130,00 unfortunate troops who died, in countless ANZAC cemeteries and memorials. The most moving is possibly the Lone Pine cemetery where the youngest soldier to die, at just 14, is buried. Guided tours can be taken around the area with poignant talks about the tragic events.

Mausoleum: Lending its name to all similar constructions to follow, this monumental tomb was erected by Artemesia II in honour of her husband, King Mausolus and was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Destroyed by an earthquake in 12th century, today the attraction, near Bodrum in an area formerly known as Helicarnassus, includes an exhibition about what the Mausoleum would have looked like along with a large model of it.

Pamukkale: A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1988, this area, which translates as  'Cotton Castle' is made up of layers of hot springs and travertines - terraces of calcite deposit by the water which flowed down. On the top, ruins of a Greco-Roman spa city, Hierapolis, are to be found. Tourists come to bathe in the pools, some of which have now been replaced with artificial ones to prevent damage.

Safranbolu: This town, who name means saffron city, was a centre for growing and trading some of the worlds best quality saffron. It gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994 as it is made up of perfectly preserved Ottoman architecture.

St. Peter's Castle: The iconic Castle of St. Peter, Bodrum, dates back to the Knights of St. John and now is one the museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the finest museums in the region incorporating wonderful views of the town and seas. It includes several mighty towers, a chapel, a dungeon and Turkish bath, all set in gardens and linked by steep steps and passageways.

Transport

Buses: There is an efficient and inexpensive intercity bus service with modern, comfortable vehicles. Refreshments are available on board. Between the main tourist resorts is a hop-on, hop-off service known as the Fez Bus, popular among travellers but not so much with the locals.

Taxis: These are metered and in plentiful supply in the resorts. You can also agree a flat fare in advance. Also the Dolmus is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to get around. These are a kind of communal taxi with set routes, but usually no set timetable.

Trains: Train travel has undergone some updating in Turkey and consequently is becoming more popular on longer journeys, as you can be taken through some stunning countryside. An underground service is available in a few of the larger cities, and several cities have trams, which are a quick and efficient way of getting around.

Car and motorbike hire: You have to be 21 or above with one year's driving experience before you can hire a car in Turkey. The main operators can be found in the major cities and airports. Local fuel costs are quite high.

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