Spice-laden bazaars, remarkable restaurants and snow-white beaches – Turkey’s a richly historical land that leaves you wanting more. There are ancient sights that’ll sweep you off your feet and glorious food that’ll leave a lasting impression on your taste buds too. Ready to experience it all? Here are just a handful of the iconic experiences on offer...

Beachside basking

Turkey’s golden sands are legendary, so you can expect plenty of days spent sandcastle-building and swimming. Kaputas Beach in Kalkan is a firm favourite. With its turquoise waters and golden sand, it’s well worth the long flight of steps down to the shore. Over in Antalya, Kleopatra Beach has everything you’ll need for a bumper day out – sunloungers, parasols and restaurants? Yep, it’s all here.

Day-tripping

Whether it’s a trip out to sea on a traditional gulet boat or a visit to one of the country’s natural beauty spots, there’s plenty to see beyond the delights of your hotel. Start with Saklikent Gorge, a popular spot with day-trippers staying in the Dalaman Area. It’s known for its striking beauty, which can be admired as you wade through the water and walk between the towering rock faces. More of a beach bum? Iztutu Beach boasts four kilometres of golden sand and is backed by a pine-fringed forest. Make sure you check its opening times, as this long stretch of sand is home to nesting loggerhead turtles between May and September.

Tea tasting

Here in Turkey, socialising and hospitality centres around a steaming pot of tasty Turkish tea, AKA, çay! Served black, it’s rich and bold in flavour, and served in little narrow-necked glasses to keep it warm and prolong that aromatic experience. Whether you’re haggling for bargains at the market or enjoying a traditional meal, it’s more than likely that you’ll be offered some at some point on your holiday. And don’t be discouraged by the hot weather, this tasty brew is said to regulate the internal body temperature – winner!

Meze munching

Magnificent meze platters are an essential part of the Turkish cuisine. With dips like hummus and cacik, along with köfte meatballs and cheese-stuffed pastries, these dinky dishes are made for sharing. Dinner in a seaside restaurant? Lunch in a hillside have? You’ll find meze on many menus here.

Landmark ticking

Turkey’s chock-full of bucket-list sights like Pamukkale and its white, whimsical terraced pools. They’re overrun with mineral-rich water that feel toasty warm on your feet. The Blue Lagoon in Ölü Deniz is equally impressive, attracting those who seek lazy days along its pine-clad shoreline.

Market haggling 

It’s not a trip to Turkey without trying your hand at haggling, and the Grand Bazaar in Marmaris is the ideal place to give it a go! It’s a mass maze of trinkets and treasures – you'll be hard-pressed not to come out with bags full of goodies. The bargains are even better if you’re prepared to haggle.

Sunset savouring

As day turns to dusk, you’ll want to find the perfect spot to catch this kaleidoscope of colours. Venture to Bodrum Castle and pull up a pew at one of the marina-side bars and restaurants, as you watch the sky paint a colourful canvas of reds, orange and pinks – this historic highlight is even more showstopping at sunset.

History hunting

From towering tombs to tremendous temples, Turkey’s a melting pot of history and culture dating back thousands of years. Prepare to be enchanted by Ephesus, Turkey’s best-preserved ancient city. Then, get your cameras ready for the Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye. Its intricate façades date back all the way to around 350 BC. Bodrum’s Ancient Theatre is also a must-see, with a structure that contrasts beautifully with the modern marina that sits alongside it.