Posted on Wednesday, 19 June 2019

For the intrepid - and not-so-intrepid - traveller, Turkey offers a thrilling array of cultures, landscapes and cuisines to savour. From the ancient port city of Ephesus (Efes) to the mystical 'fairy chimney' rock formations and meandering valleys of Cappadocia; from the mighty Byzantine dome of Aya Sofya to Lycian ruins that edge long sandy beaches - there's something to cater the needs of everyone.

What do you need to know about Turkish culture?

While Turkey's national hero and founder, Kemal Atatürk, worked tirelessly to create a country with a distinct identity, the nation remains a dazzling mixture of cultures. Numerous empires and civilisations once covered parts of modern-day Turkey, including the Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians, Greeks, Hellenistics, Romans, Byzantines and Armeno-Georgians. And after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, refugees from neighbouring lands fled here. Today, many people still identify as Muslim Slavs, Albanians, Greeks, Daghestanis, Crimean Tatars, Abkhazians and Circassians.

What are the best outdoor activities in Turkey?

For those seeking tranquility in magical settings, Lake Eğirdir with its lofty mountains is a must, while the hinterlands of the southern peninsulas offer a myriad of hiking opportunities. For those seeking action, there's diving, windsurfing, rafting and canyoning - as well as dizzying paragliding flights in Ölüdeniz, presenting you with one of the most awe-inspiring views in Turkey. And then of course there are balloon flights over Cappadocia, a landscape unlike any other on the planet.

Are the locals friendly in Turkey?

While travel guides often over-do the 'friendly locals' angle, in Turkey it really is true. While in tourist areas some of this warmth may be a little contrived in order to make a sale, in non-tourist Turkey people are incredibly friendly. It's not unusual for foreigners to be invited for a cup of çay - and indeed it's considered rude to turn down such an offer. Making friends is easy in Turkey - and can happen in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Is Turkey expensive?

By Western standards Turkey is inexpensive. For those on a budget, hostels and guest houses are cheap, while low-cost street food is abundant. For those seeking a little more comfort, a four-star hotel can be booked for considerably less than in a UK city. Beach resorts such as Ölüdeniz, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya are a little pricier, particularly in high season.

How do you travel between cities in Turkey?

One of the most affordable ways to get around Turkey is by ‘dolmus' coaches. They are comfortable and nearly always have wifi. If you prefer more independence, you can rent a car - but be warned, Turks drive in a very 'assertive' manner. The train network is not extensive, but does include Izmir, Istanbul and Ankara. If you're planning to travel large distances across Turkey, you might opt to fly - a convenient and relatively inexpensive mode of transport.

What can you expect to eat in Turkey?

Turkish cuisine is reason enough to visit, fusing Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Balkan dishes. Turkish breakfasts are large by western standards, and usually feature cheese, butter, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, jam and honey. Main meals include meatballs (kofte), kebabs, mezes and baked potatoes (kumpir). Vegetarians are well catered for, with many meals comprising only vegetables. For example, menemen consists of fried peppers, onions, tomatoes and scrambled eggs. For those with a sweet tooth, baklava pastries are sure to hit the mark.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

In general Turkey is a very safe country. However, the political situation is changeable. The country is now relatively calm following an attempted coup in 2016. For the most up to date travel safety information, visit the FCO's Turkey page: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

Unmissable places to visit in Turkey

Istanbul

Straddling the mighty Bosporus, Istanbul famously lies in both Europe and Asia. Here you'll find remnants of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Don't miss the evocative Galata Tower, the sprawling 15th century Topkapi palace, or the unequalled Blue Mosque. And when you get the urge to go shopping, the Grand Bazaar offers a bewildering array of trinkets and gifts - but beware, haggling is a national sport here.

Ankara

Ankara is Turkey's lively capital city, where you'll find government buildings, universities and of course foreign embassies. It's a key transport hub too, so if you're traversing Turkey you'll likely end up here at some point. Pencil in a few days to sample the vibrant arts and culture scene, alongside museums such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.

Konya

Here you can take in the unique Seljuk architecture and see the magnificent Whirling Dervishes in action. Konya is also home to the must-see mausoleum of Rumi, the famous Persian theologian and Sufi mystic.

Antalya

Located along the Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is more of a classic beach destination, boasting a plethora of resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. Don't miss the oldy-worldy Kaleiçi - or Old Quarter. Mighty forest-clad mountains frame this family-friendly resort, where 'fun' is the watchword.

Ephesus

Located in Aegean Turkey, Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire by the 1st Century BC, and is Europe's most complete classic metropolis. Wandering these ancient ruins transports you back in time in a way that perhaps only Rome can match. Must-see ruins include: the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Marmaris

This classic Turkish destination has lost none of its charm for being so popular. Expect gas-blue waters and sandy white beaches, forested mountains and what is possibly the most vibrant nightlife in the entire country. Take a boat tour and enjoy the neighbouring bays and coastal villages. Marmaris is also within day-trip striking distance of Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cleopatra Island.

Bodrum

Competing with Marmaris for the most glitzy of Mediterranean resort towns, here you'll find the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And don't miss the magnificent Bodrum Castle, built from 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller. Fill your days with cafe visits and shopping; fill your evenings with restaurants selling freshly caught seafood and pulsing nightclubs.

Cappadocia

A spellbinding landscape of chimneys, cones and pinnacles, Cappadocia has to be seen to be believed. The best way to do so is by hot air balloon. The Hittites were the first to arrive, carving out intricate underground complexes to help keep them safe from invading Persians and Greeks.

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