Turkey links Europe and Asia, and as such offers a mix of ancient tradition and modern, contemporary hospitality.
Turkey’s tourism offering ranges from history and archaeology to traditional sun-and-sand resorts with great beaches, watersports and increasingly competitive prices. Capital Istanbul offers fantastic shopping and architecture.
Accommodation covers all markets, with a good range of B&B’s, apartments, hotels and all-inclusives spread along the Mediterranean coastline.
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When to go
The holiday season runs from May to September/October, when the temperature range is from the twenties to the high thirties. October to April is cooler, and ideal for clients who want to tour Turkey’s historical attractions.
The interior of the country has low rainfall, cold winters and hot summers. Winter rainfall usually falls as snow, especially towards the east where it may lie for three to four months.
The coastal areas have much milder winters with warm summers.
The Black Sea coast is a little colder in winter than on the southern and western coasts and has some rain throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid with changeable periods.
The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and a midwinter rainy season.
Turkey fact file
Where?
- Location: Europe and Asia
- Local Time: GMT +2
- Capital: Ankara
Basics
- Language(s): Turkish
- Dialling Code: 90
- Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit is required.
- Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Money
- Currency: Turkish Lira (YTL)
- Notes: YTL: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
- Coins: Kurus: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
- Tipping: Tips of 10% are discretionary
- Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Etiquette and business tips
Business is conducted in Turkish. Many executives speak a second language. Care should be taken to respect religious conventions, particularly during Ramadan. Smoking is generally accepted but restricted in public places.
On social occasions, e.g. dining out, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
Major resorts
Links point to full resort details on Gazetteers.com. Freephone 0800 731 0163 or +44(0)208 652 4526 to subscribe
Marmaris
Location: In SW Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast, north of the Greek island of Rhodes. Dalaman airport: 66 miles; Bodrum airport: 75 miles.
Market: Good choice for couples, singles and families who enjoy shopping, water sports, sun-worshipping and lively evenings. More international clientele than Icmeler, especially Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians and increasing numbers of Russians.
Icmeler
Location: In SW Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast, north of the Greek island of Rhodes. Dalaman airport: 72 miles; Bodrum airport: 81 miles.
Market: Those looking for lazy days on the beach and informal evenings with something to suit a wide range of tastes, from lively to more laid-back. Almost exclusively a British resort.
Side
Location: On the S coast. Antalya airport: 52 miles.
Market: A good place for both archaeology buffs and beach-lovers, although the tourist hordes tend to rob the ancient sites of their remaining dignity and the beach can get very crowded in high season. Predominantly German visitors as well as Russian, Dutch, Scandinavian and Turkish; German is the foreign language of choice in the resort and euros the currency of choice.
Gumbet
Location: On the SW coast of Turkey, on the Aegean Sea. Dalaman airport: 137 miles; Bodrum airport: 32 miles
Market: Younger couples and families looking for a beach-based holiday; better suited to those who prefer beach and bar pursuits to sightseeing.
Olu Deniz
Location: On the SW coast of Turkey. Dalaman airport: 45 miles.
Market: Those wanting a lazy holiday with fabulous natural surroundings, some nightlife and an exceptional beach. Popular with families, with a mix of mainly British and European nationalities. Good for water- and air-sports enthusiasts (paragliding is very popular here due to thermals over the hills) and nature lovers. A fair number of notable, easily accessible antiquities nearby will interest history buffs.
Belek
Location: Almost halfway along the S coast of Turkey. Antalya airport: 22 miles.
Market: Those looking for a sun, fun and beach holiday, particularly families; not for those seeking a taste of local culture. Golfer’s paradise. Mix of European (including East European), Russian and Turkish visitors. Popular winter football training destination.
Altinkum
Location: On the Aegean coast of Turkey. Bodrum airport: 56 miles.
Market: A beach and beer resort with mostly British patrons, although very popular with the Turkish during peak season.
Travel agent resort reviews
Marmaris: Went to Marmaris in July 08! Loved it! The Turks are a bit pushy but you just keep saying no and they do go away! The food in the restaurants is lush and good value! Nightlife is fab, and you can get some good deals in the shops. Make sure you bargain hard! The beach isn’t the best, though – User from Hays Travel
Icmeler: Went to Icmeler for the first time in June this year. Had an amazing time, stayed in Club Greenworld in the old village. Beautiful scenery, lovely people and very friendly. Suitable for all, families, couples, budget, etc. Can get a little shuttle bus that takes you into Icmeler and Marmaris. Costs 1 lira per person, bargain! Would recommend to all – User from Thomas Cook, Yate
Side: Clean, soft beaches surround the whole bay that Side lies in. Plenty of boat trips depart form the harbour, heading to places such as the Dolphin Island and Manavgat waterfall and markets. If you go further afield away from the harbour you tend to get the boat trips cheaper. The theatre restaurant just near the amphitheatre is fabulous! – User from Spa Travel, Boston Spa
Altinkum: I absolutely love Altinkum – it suits all ages. There really is something for everyone! I have already booked for two holidays back there this year and I can’t wait! My mum and dad live here and I go back every year! – User from Thomson, Brighouse
