Turkey: Introduction

Turkey holidays: combine beaches with culture

If you're struggling to choose between a destination that offers outstanding beaches and one that boasts fascinating culture, the good news is you don't have to. There are many holidays to Turkey that can give you the best of both worlds.

Turkey's coastal resorts, such as Bodrum and Antalya, are bursting with cultural and historical attractions, as well as being right next to some of the most stunning stretches of sand in the country. The archaeological sites for which Turkey is famous come from a range of fascinating civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans.

Where to stay in Turkey

Should a beach break with a smattering of culture and history be what you're looking for, here are a few suggestions of places you can stay on your holiday in Turkey:
 

Bodrum 

Bodrum is built on the site of the ancient city of Halikarnassus - and you can still see some monuments from this era. Among them is the Bodrum Amphitheatre, the best preserved of the structures from this period. Bodrum Castle is another must-visit, dating from the 15th century and the time of the Knights Hospitalier. Inside is the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Bodrum has beaches right alongside the town, with restaurants and bars running behind the sand.
 

Antalya

Often referred to as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is a delightful destination with a lot to offer. When you book flights to Antalya, you can travel on to other resorts such as Fethiye, Kas and Side. Antalya is renowned for its gorgeous coves and its range of historical sites, particularly in the old quarter of the city Kaleici.
 

Dalaman

Dalaman is another resort you can fly into if you want to explore the Turkish Riviera, with the city itself previously inhabited by the Lycians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, among many others. There are numerous landmarks dating from various eras of Dalaman's history. Of course, it also has its fair share of beautiful sandy beaches.
 

Marmaris 

As one of the more bustling resorts on Turkey's coast, Marmaris is a great option if you want somewhere lively. It's a very popular yachting destination, is home to some outstanding restaurants and has plenty of late night bars and clubs for those who like to party. Despite its modern amenities, Marmaris too has roots going back hundreds of years, with the city founded in the 6th century BC.

Gumbet

Gumbet is very close to Bodrum and is renowned as a beach resort. Due to its proximity to Bodrum, it's a great option if you want to spend quiet days lounging in the sun but still have cultural attractions and a vibrant nightlife close by.

Activities to try in Turkey

Water sports are particularly popular in the coastal regions of Turkey, with sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and water skiing just a few of the things you can have a go at. Yachting breaks that allow you to explore a section of the coastline are also a good choice, due to the modern marinas and charming harbours located close to the main resorts and towns.

Scuba diving is another option, while if you head inland you can also have a go at white water rafting and canoeing on some of Turkey's rivers - among the best waterways for these pursuits are the Coruh, Dragon and Koprucay rivers.

If you've got a head for heights, consider having a go at hang gliding or paragliding, as some of the cliffs along the coast are the ideal places to launch from for a flight.