Turkey’s geographical and cultural diversity makes it a fascinating country to explore. Its cities, like Ankara, the capital, blend ancient landmarks with modern living, while Istanbul, straddling the Bosphorus Strait, is famous for its historical mosques and vibrant street life.
The countryside offers a contrast to urban life with its traditional villages where time seems to stand still. Cappadocia, known for its fairy-tale landscapes and cave dwellings, offers hot-air balloon rides that provide breathtaking views of the valleys and volcanic formations. The Black Sea region is known for its lush forests and traditional tea plantations, while the southeast features the rugged terrain of the Anatolian Plateau, with its ancient fortresses and vibrant Kurdish culture.
Turkey's coastal resorts cater to all tastes, from the bustling markets and marinas of Bodrum to the quiet, pine-fringed beaches of Olu Deniz. The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is famed for its clear waters, ancient ruins, and the Lycian Way hiking trail, which offers some of Turkey’s best scenery.
Turkey’s climate varies widely, as the country encompasses vast geographic differences. The coastlines of the Aegean and Mediterranean experience a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This makes the coastal areas extremely popular with both locals and tourists during the summer months. Istanbul and the Marmara region also enjoy a temperate climate but with more rainfall and humidity.
The interior of the country, including areas like Cappadocia and Ankara, experiences a more continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Eastern Turkey, towards the borders with Armenia and Iran, can be extreme with very harsh winters with heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures, and very hot, dry summers.
Travellers should be aware of the regional climate variations and plan accordingly. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are generally the best times to visit as the weather is mild across most of the country and the tourist hotspots are less crowded.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Difference: GMT +3 hours
Estimated flight time: Approximately 3.5-4 hours
Visa: Most travellers can obtain an e-Visa online before traveling or, for certain nationalities, a visa on arrival.
Spoken Language: Turkish is the official language; English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist resorts.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in Turkey, especially in restaurants and hotels. A tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service charge is not included.
