Nestled snugly at the confluence of Asia and Europe, Turkey – or officially the Republic of Türkiye, has much to offer holidaymakers in the UK planning a trip in 2025. It’s the perfect time to explore this enchanting nation, especially if what you seek is unparalleled sun, fun, great food, and a ton of history. Turkey provides a rich tapestry of holiday experiences, from cultural bazaars to ancient ruins, gastronomical tours, natural wonders (think thermal pools akin to cotton castles in the air!), and pristine beaches on the breathtaking Turkish Riviera.
Our experts have crafted the following Turkey travel guide covering all pivotal bases, from food to culture, history, beaches, travel packages, planning tips, and the right time to head to Turkey. Whether you’re planning a peak summer getaway or a tranquil winter-sun escape, rest assured that Turkey in 2025 will not disappoint!
Turkey’s Timeless Culture & Rich History
Turkey boasts an eclectic and beautiful blend of the East and West, its history and culture shaped by millennia of all-encompassing influences of Ottoman, Anatolian, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Mediterranean civilisations. This rich tapestry of history and culture is evident in Turkey’s most fascinating attractions, including the following.
Must-Visit Historical and Cultural Sites in Turkey
- Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar: Dating back to the 1400s and boasting over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, the magnificent Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is ranked among the largest and oldest covered markets worldwide. Explore everything from handwoven carpets to silk textiles, gemstone jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, aromatic spices, traditional sweets like Turkish Delight, and so much more! When you’re tired from all the walking, take a break at one of the corner snack shops and enjoy a steaming cup of strong Turkish tea or coffee.
- Notable Turkey Mosques: The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also famously called the Blue Mosque is a must-see, renowned for its striking blue tiles and grand architecture. For a peek at Ottoman architectural mastery, visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, loved for its delicate interiors and elegant proportions. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a prime attraction, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, while the Rüstem Pasha Mosque is appreciated for its eye-catching Iznik tiles.
- Magnificent Ancient Archaeological Sites: Ephesus is among the best-preserved ancient sites ever, depicting the glorious Greek and Roman influences on Turkey. The old temple complex of Göbekli Tepe is another must-see, predating Stonehenge and featuring colossal T-shaped pillars covered in animal carvings. The ancient city of Troy and its role in the Trojan War is something everyone will remember reading about in their childhood. In Pergamon, you’ll find an ancient acropolis, a library, and a theatre.
- Pamukkale Hot Springs: With the name meaning “cotton castle”, these renowned stark-white travertine terraces formed by natural mineral-rich hot springs are a major attraction in Turkey. A UNESCO-stamped site, it’s believed that one (or more) of the pools here possess healing properties, and that the famed Egyptian Queen Cleopatra herself came to bathe here. Caution is advised, with the hot springs boasting temperatures between 35°C and 100°C. Visitors can also explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis located at the site.
- Mount Nemrut: Approximately 7,000 feet tall, this impressive mountain is the site of a temple and tomb complex constructed in 1st-century BC by King Antiochus I of Commagene. It is famed for its gigantic statues, some of which are 30 feet tall, and ancient ruins. It was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and is celebrated for its extraordinary historical and cultural importance.
- An Authentic Turkish Hammam Experience: Lasting for around 45 minutes, a full Turkish hammam experience is a must to understand firsthand the cultural richness and significance of this relaxing procedure, involving steam baths, scrubs or exfoliation, and massages by expert attendants. Turkish baths are famous for their highly humid environment, which opens pores and helps gain cleaner skin. Note that it is customary to leave a tip for your attendant, and certain hammams may have rules about clothing and behaviour.
Pro Turkey Travel Tip: Consider booking guided walking tours or a day trip with an expert to explain the nuances of each site you visit.
Coastlines That Rival the Caribbean for Less!
Popular Beach Resorts for Families
- Antalya: Konyaalti Beach is loved for its calm waters and family-friendly amenities, such as playgrounds and water parks. Lara Beach offers soft sands and shallow waters, allowing even young kids to have a safe time.
- Marmaris: It is renowned for its scenic, long pebble-strewn beach with a vibrant promenade home to a range of exciting restaurants, shops, bars, and water sports rentals. Additionally, Icmeler Beach is quite close by.
- Fethiye: Calis Beach is among the much-loved family holiday hotspots in Fethiye, offering calm waters, unhindered sun, and water sports like jet skiing, boating, diving, snorkelling, and much more.
Popular Beach Resorts for Couples
- Ölüdeniz: The world-renowned Blue Lagoon is the ideal spot for romantic escapes, offering tranquil waters, postcard-perfect scenery, and amazing water adventures. The region also has a protected national park, which animal enthusiasts will love exploring.
- Bodrum: Ranked among the most popular Turkey holiday destinations, Bodrum is well-known for its picturesque beaches lined by upscale resorts, together promising unparalleled romantic breaks. Other than beaches, the lively town guarantees great food and an eclectic nightlife scene.
- Kalkan: The small unassuming town is home to a beautiful pebble beach, perfect for solitude-seeking couples. It also offers quick access to other, livelier beaches like Patara and Kaputas, each recognised for its dramatic scenery and intimate ambience.
What to Enjoy at the Beaches in Turkey
Swimming in azure waters is a given when in Turkey, soaking in incomparable warmth and peace as you move about in clear waters. Scuba diving and snorkelling are excellent ways to explore the spectacular underwater world, particularly in Bodrum and Kas. Thrill-seekers will enjoy paragliding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, all of which are available in most beaches in Turkey. Whale and dolphin watching tours are best for young kids and teens alike.
How Long is the Sea Warm in Turkey?
The sea is generally delightfully warm enough to swim from May to November, with October being a popular time for affordable off-peak trips. July to September is ideal for maximum warmth, with average sea temperatures hovering around 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F).
Culinary Delight - Food That’s Affordable and Delicious
Iconic Turkish Specialties
- Rich Traditional Breakfast: A traditional Turkish Breakfast is extremely hearty, usually including beverages, pastries, eggs, jams, and cheeses.
- Endless Meat Choices: Considered meat-heavy, the local cuisine has been put on the world map by super-tasty dishes like Adana Kebab, Manti, İskender Kebab, Kofte, and fresh seafood.
- Delectable Desserts: Baklava is world famous, as are Turkish Delight (Lokum), Künefe, Muhallebi, and Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma) – known for its chewy texture and rich flavour.
- Vegetarian Food: Meze (small platters of many dishes) can often contain vegetarian specials like zucchini fritters, salads, and stuffed grape leaves. Popular items like Pide and Gözleme are also available in vegetarian options.
High Affordability
- Food and drink are cheap in Turkey, and a UK traveller may spend approximately £20 to £40 per day when eating at local mid-range restaurants.
- Street food is even cheaper and bargaining is acceptable in Turkey, so you can negotiate prices without worries.
- Note that dining at upmarket luxury restaurants will be pricier, so plan your food budget likewise.
Street Food Tip: Step away from your hotel menu and popular upscale restaurants to relish delicious dishes like simit, lahmacun, pide, and döner kebabs for cheap, tasty lunches.
Cheap Holiday Packages from the UK
- A Variety of Deals to Turkey in 2025: You can pick from affordable all-inclusive packages covering all your meals, snacks, and drinks for a relaxed getaway, or pick a half-board option to leave enough room for exploring the local cuisine. There is also free availability of full-board packages, self-catering aparthotels, beachfront resorts, luxury hotels, and spa retreats. Make use of last minute discounts for unplanned trips, or enjoy early-bird savings by booking your holiday to Turkey months ahead of time.
- Affordable Flights to Top Destinations: Secure beat-value cheap flights to major destinations like Istanbul, Antalya, and Dalaman. The air travel along the Turkey-UK route is even cheaper if you pick off-season holidays, allowing you to enjoy first-class flight travel with top airlines for a lot less than the usual cost.
- Tips for Booking Turkey Holiday Packages from the UK: Find a reliable travel booking agency that offers ATOL-protected cheap Turkey holiday packages from the UK, offering optimal savings. Consider the price, travel season, hotel star rating, holiday type (full board, self-catering, etc.), and other details carefully when you’re comparing packages.
- Book with Reliable OTAs: Consider securing an all inclusive Turkey Holiday from the UK with established travel package providers like PlanMyTour. You can book with confidence with experienced agencies like these, confirming their licenses, experience, reviews, expertise, and other pivotal qualifications online. Also, all their deals are ATOL-safe, so you can embark on worry-free travels.
- Budget Tips for Cheap Travel to Turkey: Book your package at least two to three months ahead or fly mid-week. Visit during off-peak or low season for cheaper holidays. Opt for economical all-inclusive deals for a simplified trip experience. All this will save you precious pounds in terms of overall travel expenditure.
Easy & Direct Travel from the UK
Direct Flights Available Year-Round
Major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester in the UK provide non-stop flights to important travel destinations in Turkey, including Istanbul, Dalaman, Antalya, Izmir, and Bodrum. You can also fly direct from Glasgow and Edinburgh with top airlines like easyJet, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Pegasus Airlines.
Visa-Free Entry for UK Passport Holders
- All UK passport holders are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for business or tourism for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Rules require that at least one page on the passport remain blank, with enough room for entry and exit stamps.
- You may need to apply for a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days, and if the trip is for purposes other than tourism or business.
Short Flight Time
A direct flight from the UK to Turkey typically takes just about 4 hours, making it one of the most sought-after short-haul breaks in Europe. A few factors may affect the flight time average, such as wind conditions, aircraft type, and air traffic.
Easy Airport Transfers
Shared and private airport transportation is available in most tourist cities, and can make the holiday hassle-free. Travellers can also flag down taxis at the airport or rent cars if they wish to drive themselves around during their stay.
Adventure & Nature Experiences
- Unique Experiences: Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, hot air ballooning over the lunar-esque landscape in Cappadocia, sea kayaking over Kekova‘s sunken ruins, deep-sea diving in Kaş, cruising the Bosphorus Strait, and canyoning in Saklikent Gorge are just some of many must-try adventure-cum-nature activities here.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Pick from a myriad of picturesque hiking trails in Turkey, including the renowned Lycian Way, popular for its charming villages, ancient ruins, and panoramic sea views. Paul’s Trail is a major draw for spiritual holidaymakers who’d love to trace the path of St. Paul’s first missionary journey. Other notable hikes include Yenice Forest, Mount Nemrut, Cappadocia, and Carian Trail.
- Natural Wonders: Gawk at the “Cotton Castle” travertine terraces in Pamukkale, discover fairy chimneys and cave churches in Göreme National Park, and explore Butterfly Valley, home to a colourful and diverse butterfly population. The crater-like lake, Lake Salda, is another wonder, brimming with pristine white-sand beaches and crystalline waters.
- Bonus: You can book from a wide selection of spa and wellness resorts in Turkey at budget prices, enjoying holistic spa treatments, rejuvenating massages, saunas, a hammam, beauty treatments, and lots more. Many also offer nutritional guidance, fitness classes, thermal springs, and relaxing indoor water circuits for optimal leisure and recreation.
Turkey Is Safe & Tourist-Ready in 2025
Safety in Major Tourist Areas
- Turkey remains a generally safe and tourist-friendly city, particularly in popular holiday areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal regions like Bodrum and Antalya. Most regions in the country remain unaffected by regional conflicts, operating normally.
- The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel and visits within 10 kilometres of the Syrian border, primarily due to safety concerns.
- It’s crucial to keep tabs on the latest tourism-related news and official travel advisories via legitimate agencies and government websites.
Quick Travel Tips
- Stay informed about potential natural disasters and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Keep a list of all emergency contacts that may come in handy, including the embassy, police, local hospitals, and your tour manager (if you’re travelling in a group)
- Use reliable translation apps to communicate with the locals. Learning a few essential phrases, greetings, and requests in the local language can also help.
- Ensure to purchase travel insurance for a safer, more secure holiday experience. Generally, booking agencies will include this in many package deals.
- Buy local mobile SIM cards in Turkey for more affordable call and data plans instead of relying on your UK service provider. The connection is reliable and offers better coverage.
Turkey is known for its English-friendly hospitality, with many areas home to vast expat communities, specifically Bodrum and Fethiye. So, first-time visitors can put their worries of communication aside.
Best Time to Visit Turkey in 2025
Best Time to Visit for Great Weather
- Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather – when it’s not too hot and not too cold! The average daily temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and crowds are fewer as well.
- Summer (June to August) is ideal for those seeking unhindered sun, sea, and sand, with the beaches witnessing maximum throngs at this time.
- Winter (December to February) is better for those who prefer colder, rainier climates, with the chance to try thrilling winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding in mountain ranges like Uludağ and Palandöken.
Best Time for Beach Breaks Vs Sightseeing
- For Beaches: The summer season of June to August is the most preferred time for sun-soaked beach holidays in Turkey. Expect the prices to be higher at this time, since it is peak season, but many attest it is the most suitable time to work on their tan or enjoy swimming in wonderfully warm sea waters.
- For Sightseeing: Visit during spring or autumn if you’re hoping to spend a lot of time outdoors, exploring historical attractions, visiting museums and cultural hotspots, and discovering street markets. These are also perfect months for water sports and walking tours, and to see tulips in full bloom if you’re visiting in April.
Shoulder Season for Best Value for Money
April (spring) and October (autumn) are popular months for fewer crowds, low-price accommodations, and a generally lesser travel cost, as they are off-season. If you book your package in advance, you may be able to save even more, and can also witness famous festivals held during these months. They include the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April and the International Antalya Autumn Festival held in Alanya.
Final Thoughts & Planning Tips
Turkey deserves a spot on the bucket list of every UK traveller in 2025, boasting a rich history and culture, diverse landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched local hospitality. Take your pick from the topmost experiences – from iconic historical sites like the Hagia Sophia and ancient Ephesus to mind-boggling natural wonders like the thermal pools in Pamukkale and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.
Quick Planning Checklist
Documents and Essentials:
- You must have a UK passport valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival.
- If you need a visa (for stays extending 90 days and for purposes other than business or tourism), apply in advance.
- Flight tickets are typically cheapest when booked well in advance, and you can get great round-trip deals as well.
- Currency exchange is key when travelling to any new country. Familiarise yourself with the Turkish Lira (TRY) and carry enough cash. Also, ensure easy access to ATMs whenever possible.
- Get travel insurance, as it is mandatory and will protect you against unforeseen emergencies and scenarios.
- Make copies of all your important travel documents or keep digital backups, so you’re prepared if they’re lost or misplaced.
Packing:
- Choose layers, as Turkey can be extremely hot or cold, depending on your travel season.
- Carry scarves to cover the head when visiting religious sites. In general, it’s ideal to dress modestly by keeping the shoulders and knees covered.
- Pack necessary toiletries based on the weather, such as sun protection for summers and rain gear plus jackets for a winter trip.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to filter water when outdoors, saving you money and ensuring safe drinking water.
- Add-ons include a cloth bag for souvenir shopping at souks, hats for daytime strolls, and a good camera to immortalize your trip in pictures!
Holiday Preparation:
- Learn a few Turkish greetings and common phrases to show your respect for the local culture.
- Beware of any unique customs and etiquettes, avoiding all unacceptable public behaviour.
- Check guides on how to use affordable local transport, including buses, metros, and rails, as they’re cheap with extensive network coverage.
- Connect with popular local organisations, whether women’s associations or human rights, ensuring you know whom to reach out to in case of unwarranted trouble.
- Follow all established safety protocols, being aware of your surroundings and keeping others informed of your whereabouts.
So, browse great deals to find that perfect package and explore Turkey in 2025. Start planning now to enjoy early booking discounts and flexible options on your dream Turkey getaway today!
