Turkey holidays combine sun, sand and fun in a way that everyone enjoys. With endless beaches, ancient ruins, and a vast selection of foods to try, a holiday to Turkey can be the ultimate combo of both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re venturing with the family, whisking your loved one away, or on the hunt for beach bars with pals, Turkey has a lifetime of attractions with everyone in mind.

With a wide range of competitive Turkey holiday packages on offer, it’s a popular choice for a budget-friendly break, so book your cheap holiday to Turkey and enjoy this sun-drenched destination and all it has to offer, for less.

Beaches galore

Turkey is known for its Turquoise Coast in the Dalaman region, and once you lay your eyes on any part of it, you’ll understand why Turkey holidays are ever so popular.

• The beaches in Icmeler offer the perfect spot for a holiday filled with beach days. The gorgeous golden sands offer up sunbeds and stunning views, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes for all you need.
• 10 kilometres of glittering, Blue Flag awarded coastline in Marmaris is another popular pick. The stretch of sands here is lined with a 5-mile long promendae packed with vibrant cafes, pubs and restaurants, often offering their own sunbeds.
• One of the world’s top beaches, and most photorgraped destination in Turkey, is also found here, in Olu Deniz. Stretching for 12 kilometres, the turquoise sea with its shallow shores and soft sands are a paradise for relaxation.

Incredible hotels

Those looking for luxury Turkey holidays, even in a cheap Turkey holiday package, will be in luck for there’s some seriously spectacular hotels on offer. Marbled floors, magnificent dining and authentic Turkish tradition are just a few of the things you could expect.

• The TUI BLUE Grand Azur is sat right on the beachfront in Marmaris and is a huge resort offering all the holiday must-haves. Spacious rooms, first-class dining, an abundance of activities, and several bars!
• Or, the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort And Spa, also in Dalaman, is truly a sight to see. Enjoy a private beach, several huge pools and even more of a selection of restaurants.

The shoulder season between April and May, and October to November, tends to offer the best prices for holidays in Turkey while still boasting warm temperatures – plus, fewer crowds.

Turkish bazaars

Don’t be fooled by the term ‘ancient’ Turkish bazaars – they’re alive and well in Turkey’s popular holiday regions, and actually quite modern. Most towns will host weekly markets, if not more, and markets are always a top activity on holiday in Turkey.

• The best finds can be uncovered in the massive market at Turgutreis. Every Saturday in the centre of town you can pick up everything from handmade dresses, to fake designer goods, Turkish hammam towels or home textiles.
• One of the biggest bazaars in all of Turkey, the Marmaris Grand Bazaar, boasts over 400 shops and is usually open 7 days a week, 9am to 7pm. Haggle for some goods and get everything from new sunglasses, to handmade jewelery, or carpets.
• Some friendly haggling is always good and even just wandering through the stall-lined lanes is an experience in itself. A trip to the Turkish bazaars is the icing on the cake for cheap Turkey holidays!

Places to go

Holidays in Turkey offer so much across a vast variety of regions, each one offering something different to the next – but there are a few highlights to add to your itinerary.

• Antalya, one of the most popular holiday spots in Turkey is designed with tourists in mind. It boasts plenty of shopping opportunities including huge malls and markets, a charming and fascinating Old Town, and of course, dreamy beaches.
• Bodrum is another great pick blending picturesque seaside with ancient history. It’s ideal for families whether you’re looking to get out and about exploring fascinating towns like Side, or just wanting to make the most of days on the beach together.
• In Marmaris Marina you’ll be in awe of the luxury yachts – the kind we all dream of having –  and enticing boutiques and charming cafes. Try a Turkish tea or grab a bite to eat in one of the divine restaurants as you look out across the spectacular view.

Things to see

The wonders of Turkey aren’t just its beaches – Turkey is full of magnificent natural sights, in fact, it’s home to 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as two Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

• The Mausoleum of Mausolus, found in Halicarnassus near Turgutreis, and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, near the region of Izmir, are two of the Seven Wonders and certainly worth a visit. Opt to explore for yourself or book a guided tour.
• Hadrian’s Gate, in Antalya, is another impressive sight. Made from marble and granite, it was once part of the definsive walls used to protect the harbour, but today used as a portal to get in and out of the city. There’s beautiful gardens and a shaded park nearby perfect for a stroll after.
• Cappadocia is somewhere that has probably flooded your social media – especially the hot air balloon videos! It’s a magical thing to see and a must do on holiday in Turkey. Wake up for sunrise and see a colourful array of hot air balloons fill the sky.

Boat parties

Yet another highlight of holidays to Turkey and a must experience is the boat parties! For starters, you get to head out on the gorgeous turquoise water and look back on the coastline, but you’ll have a day of fun, see new spots and catch some picture perfect views.

• Head off from Marmaris Marina on one of the many boat trips and parties available, including the Big Boss pirate boat. Make the most of a bar, live DJ, treausre hunt and fun competitions, as well as a restaurant while you sail around the bay of Marmaris.
• If it’s booze, music and views you’re after, there’s a whole host of boat parties from Antalya ticking all those boxes. The Dolphin Island boat tour will see you enjoying a foam party, a delicious BBQ lunch and plenty of opportunities to take a dip.
• There’s boat trips for families too, offering just as much fun. They’ll often include stops for swimming, food, soft drinks and activities to keep everyone happy.

Turkish cuisine

Turkish cuisine is yet another huge draw for holidays in Turkey. Enjoy a fabulous blend of Mediterranean and Arabic flavours – and enough homemade raki to last a lifetime! You’ll find a variety of choice for dining out, from traditional restaurants and cafes to steak houses and Irish pubs.

• There’s many traditional Turkish dishes, of course including the kebab, but it’s much more varied than that. Fresh herbs like mint, dill and parsely are staples, and aubergines, tomatoes and peppers are key veggies in almost every dish.
• A traditional Turkish breakfast is a must-try. Made up of an assortment of breads (sweet and savoury), olives, tomatoes, cucumber, eggs and yoghurt, as well as Sucuk (traditional spicy sausage) it’s a delicious way to fuel you for your day.
• You’ll tend to find prices in Turkey cheaper than in the UK, which is always great, and there is a whole range of restaurants from cheap to luxury, so there will be something for you. Even if you’re staying All Inclusive in Turkey, it’s great to venture out and try something new!

Nightlife in Turkey

Once the sun sets in Turkey, many resorts become anything but sleepy.  You’ll find everything from quiet waterfront couches to lively cocktail bars, all the way to neon-lit dance clubs.

• You’ll find the louder nightlife in the more metropolitan towns like Kusadasi, Marmaris, Bodrum city and Antalya city. Nights of parting and cheap drinks – what could be better?
• In particular, Marmaris has two bar streets where the music is loud, the drinks are flowing and the dancing is unmatched! One is in the centre and one along the beach, but both are always full and always booming, plus, there’s always drinks offers on too.
• Istanbul, being one of Turkey’s largest main cities, also offers bustling nightlife, mixing vibrant colours and loud music with culture and entertainment. Beyoglu is where you’ll find the main nightlife venues with streets packed with bars, tavernas and clubs.