A holiday to Turkey (Türkiye) promises to be one to remember. It’s where east meets west, culture meets adventure and glorious sunshine meets some of the best beaches you’ll ever see. Sounds good to us!

If you like to seek out the things that make a place completely unique, then you’re in luck. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a bucket list for your next Turkish adventure.

Amazing cuisine, fascinating historical sights, natural beauty spots – you name it, Turkey (Türkiye)’s got it unlike anywhere else in the world. Here are just a few of the things you can only see and do in Turkey (Türkiye)…

Haggle for bargains at a Turkish bazaar

Who doesn’t love bagging a bargain? And when it’s on handmade leather goods, unique ‘evil eye’ trinkets, spices, tea and Turkish delight in all the colours of the rainbow, it doesn’t get much better. Stallholders will be prepared to barter on the price of their items, so go with your best bargaining techniques to bag the best prices!

You’ll get to experience the hustle and bustle while mingling with locals and tourists. From Antalya to Marmaris, you’ll come across more than enough markets and bazaars to get your fix of retail therapy.

Go for a traditional Turkish hammam

Indulge in a bit of R&R with a trip to a traditional spa. A Turkish hammam provides a different experience to what we’re used to at spas back home too. Classic hammams – or bathhouses – are usually large buildings clad in marble and mosaic tiles, with separate rooms for different treatments and experiences like saunas and massage rooms. You’ll feel thoroughly cleansed and relaxed after a full-body scrub, massage or mud bath.

Hammams and spa centres are dotted across the country, so it’ll be a doddle getting booked in for some nourishing treatments. You might also be offered a traditional Turkish tea or coffee to enjoy while you’re there. How’s that for good service?

Enjoy an authentic Turkish kebab

Follow this British takeaway favourite back to its roots and savour all the delicious flavour combinations that are included in the original döner kebap recipe. Chicken or lamb is lightly spiced then slowly grilled until it’s soft and tender. It’s then thinly sliced and stuffed into a freshly made flatbread with spicy onions and a crunchy salad. You can grab one to eat on the go or enjoy one when you’re out for dinner – whatever you choose, nothing beats the real deal.

Embark on a gulet cruise

What’s better than setting sail out on the glistening seas of the Mediterranean? Setting sail on a traditional Turkish wooden boat that’s been hand-crafted in a local shipyard, of course! These age-old sailing boats are famed along Turkey (Türkiye)’s Turquoise Coast and a trip out on one is the perfect activity for an afternoon in the sun. If you’re out on the water for sunset, it’s even more magical seeing the sky lit up in pinks and purples.

Admire fascinating rock tombs

You’ll find this unmissable sight in Dalyan, on the country’s south-east coast. The mysterious Amyntas Rock Tombs that are carved into the rock faces are in fact a series of six burial sites that date back more than 2,500 years. They are said to be the final resting place of Lycians that once called this place home.

Today, you can see them from below when you pass through the Dalyan River on a boat trip, or you can take the scenic hike up to the impressive site.

Visit the mesmerising ‘cotton castle’

Pamukkale, which translates as ‘cotton castle’, is one of the most magical spots in the country. And it looks as stunning in real life as it does in the photographs. The site has been operating as a spa since the second century BC and you can still take a dip in the thermal hot springs today. The water here has a very high mineral and calcium content, which gives the cliffs their bright-white colour. It almost makes the tiered pools look like they’re blanketed with snow but after dipping a toe into the naturally lukewarm water, you’ll soon appreciate that they’re not!

Pamukkale, along with the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which sit on a hill above the site, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1980s. When you’re done bathing and relaxing in the pools, a wander around these Roman ruins is well worth it.

Sample tasty lokum in its home country

More commonly known to us Brits as Turkish delight, lokum is a classic sweet treat that’s sometimes served alongside tea and coffee. These cubes of sugary jelly are often flavoured with rosewater and lemon juice and some feature chopped nuts and dried fruits to add a bit of texture. After a generous dusting of icing sugar, they’re ready to devour. Try some at the bazaars and markets and bring back a box or two as delicious holiday souvenirs.

Thinking about a trip to Turkey (Türkiye) now you’ve seen what’s in store?