Turkey holidays: Inspiration and tips for your next trip to Turkey

Istanbul

Officially known as Turkey's largest city, a city break to Istanbul is a must-do for any travellers interested in history and culture. The Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, where each of the city's districts have their own distinct feel. With so much to discover, you could never be bored in Istanbul.

Many of Istanbul's most famous attractions can be found in Sultanahmet (the Old City). This is where you'll find the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern. Taking a Bosphorus cruise is also very popular, where you'll get to visit villages, a castle and more along the way.

Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with a group of friends, Istanbul's extensive accommodation offering ensures that you'll always find exactly what you're looking for.

Side

Historical sites and beach time may not be a common combination, but this is exactly what holidaymakers will find in Side. Located on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, Side is a popular choice for a summer holiday in the sun. That's because Side is packed with modern beach resorts, making it ideal for an all-inclusive holiday.

When you can tear yourself away from Side's pristine white-sand beaches, there's plenty to get up to in this beautiful city. Due to Side's status as an ancient city, the most popular attractions include the colossal Temples of Apollo and Athena, the Greek amphitheatre as well as numerous other ancient monuments scattered throughout the area. For something a little different, take a day trip out to the nearby Manavgat Waterfall.

Bodrum

Located on Turkey's southern coast and bordering the Aegean Sea, Bodrum is a well-established holiday spot. So much so that it can get quite busy during the summer months, so it's best to book ahead. Home to many beach resorts, restaurants and bars, a large marina and a wealth of historical attractions, Bodrum will have everything you could possibly need during your holiday.

Popular for boat tours along the Bodrum Peninsula and elsewhere, the city's other key attractions include Bodrum Castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the world-famous ruins of ancient Halicarnassus.

Bodrum is also known for its beaches; Bitez Beach, Ortakent Beach and Aspat Beach are some of our favourites.

Antalya

One of the largest cities in Turkey, you can find Antalya on the southern coast, which is nicknamed the Turkish Riviera. Although there is plenty to see in Antalya itself, many holidaymakers flock here for the excellent beach resorts and miles of gorgeous beaches in the wider area.

And it's no wonder - each Antalya beach seems to be more beautiful than the last, with some top beaches including the likes of Kleopatra Beach, Lara Beach and Kaputaş Beach. If you'd like to do some sightseeing, Antalya's top attractions are its Old Town, Antalya Museum and Karaalioglu Park.

Antalya is also a great place for memorable day trips out to ancient sites and, yup, you guessed it, more stunning beaches; check out the best day trips from Antalya.

Marmaris

Another top destination along the Turkish Riviera, the population of Marmaris swells to ten times its normal number of inhabitants during the peak summer months. And there are many reasons why holidaymakers are drawn to this Mediterranean city: spotless beaches, family-friendly attractions, modern beach resorts and a wide range of restaurants and bars.

As its marina may suggest, boat trips are popular here, taking you to nearby and farther-flung places of interest, including islands, beaches and villages. In Marmaris itself, take the time to explore the Old Town, Marmaris Castle and the marina. The best beaches nearby include Long Beach (known locally as Uzunyali) and Icmeler Beach. For something truly unforgettable, take a day trip out to do the Dalyan River cruise.

Cappadocia

With its otherworldly rock formations and hundreds of floating hot air balloons, images of Cappadocia have ensured that this destination is on just about everyone's bucket list. Cappadocia is a name given to a region found in Turkey's Central Anatolia; most holidaymakers coming here choose to base themselves in Goreme. This is also where most tours - and hot air balloon flights - will start.

There's much to discover in this magical region, from photogenic valleys to unusual rock formations and buildings carved out of rock. While some travellers choose to hire a car and find their own way around, it's also great to join a day trip or two, where you'll benefit from a local guide's knowledge. The ultimate goal? A sunrise hot air balloon ride! Just remember to book these well in advance, as they're unsurprisingly popular.