Turkey holidays

Meze, Turkey’s version of tapas, is made for sharing, and has to be tried at least once on any holiday to the country. Seemingly endless dishes are laid out in bite-sized morsels – expect olives, cured meats, marinated fish, fried aubergines, and much more. Bring your party, and an empty stomach! Turkey is home of the kebab, and you’ll find countless variations in every town and city. The Adana is one of our favourites – this spicy minced-meat kebab cooked on skewers makes for a delicious dinner or late night snack. Try it with a chilled glass of Efes Pilsen, the refreshing local beer. For a sweet after-dinner treat, don’t miss out on baklava, the fantastically flaky dessert made with crumbled pistachios. Topped with honey or syrup, baklava is perfect with a Turkish coffee or scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Don’t forget to bring a box home for friends and family – these colourful pastries make for great souvenirs.

Turkey’s most famous beach – the Blue Lagoon – is unmissable. With a fragrant pine forest lining the beach and a backdrop of tree-lined mountains, the setting is nothing short of magical. Not to mention the ocean – a mesmerising palette of emerald green and azure blue. Bring a snorkel, and enjoy. If you’re a fan of all things wild and windswept, then you’re in for a treat at Patara Beach. This 12km-long beach on Turkey’s southern tip enjoys protected park status. Free from motorised water sports and built-up facilities, you’ll discover an unspoiled stretch of sand, perfect for topping up the tan in peace. With its curve of golden sand lined with palm trees, Iclemer Beach in Marmaris comes with tropical vibes. Surrounded by mountains, and with clear blue water for swimming, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in the Turkish sun. For a midday break, head to one of the many bars and cafes lining the beach.

Blue Mosque: A cisit to one of Turkey’s most awe-inspiring sights is a must. Built in the early 1600s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 6 minarets, and an interior made up of 20,000 hand-crafted ceramic tiles. Beautifully lit at night, the mosque is one attraction that can’t be looked over on any visit to Istanbul.

Perge: Near the modern city of Antalya, the ancient city of Perge is an exciting day out for history buffs of all ages. One of the oldest cities in Turkey, you’ll discover ruins dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Later ruled over by the Romans, highlights include an amazingly well-preserved theatre, bath house, and agora.

Ephesus: Another ancient city, Ephesus, makes for a fascinating visit near Turkey’s Aegean coast. Built in the 10th century B.C., the city is home to the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – a must-see attraction near the vibrant city of Izmir.

Cappadocia: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey is Cappadocia. Just north of the Taurus mountains, the area boasts some incredible rock formations, jutting out of the landscape to heights of 130ft. Known as ‘fairy chimneys’, these remarkable rocks are best seen on a hot air balloon ride – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Visit a waterfall: For waterfall lovers, there’s a brilliant two-in-one attraction in Antalya. At Upper Duden Falls, take in the stunning cascade before heading coastward for the dramatic finale. Here, the 40ft Lower Duden Falls crashes straight off the cliffs into the ocean below – just don’t forget the camera!

Thermal pools: The thermal pools at Pammukale have to be seen to be believed. This cascade of mineral pools, formed over thousands of years, resembles a winter wonderland – an amazing sight in the height of summer. There’s even an area for public swimming, free with the price of your ticket.