Turkey

Turkey spans two continents, with Istanbul on the Bosphorus at its western edge and a high central plateau, the Anatolian heartland, behind the coasts. Its history runs from some of the oldest known temples at Göbekli Tepe to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman cities, and nearly every region has sites that are well worth a detour.

Landscapes are just as varied: the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, the Lycian coast with its bays and beaches, the green Black Sea hills and the high peaks of the Kaçkar and the east, topped by Mount Ararat at 5,137 m. Ski resorts such as Uludağ, Erciyes and Palandöken give the country a winter season too.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is hot on the coasts and in the south-east and busy everywhere, while winters are cold on the plateau and in the east, with snow, and mild and wet in Istanbul and along the coasts. Dress modestly in mosques, and carry a scarf if you are a woman.

Getting there

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international hub, with Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) as a second airport, and there are direct flights to Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Dalaman, Bodrum and many other cities. Domestic flights are frequent and often cheap, and long-distance buses and a growing high-speed rail network link the major cities.

Getting around

Domestic flights, comfortable long-distance buses and trains cover most routes, and dolmuş minibuses serve towns and villages. A rental car is useful in Cappadocia, along the coast and for the mountains. In Istanbul, trams, metro, ferries and taxis are the best way around, and the roads are slow at rush hour.

Entry and safety

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, and others can apply for an e-visa online. Rules vary by passport and change from time to time, so check the official e-visa site before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid for the required period.

Turkey is a popular and generally safe destination, but conditions vary by region, and some areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders have official travel warnings. Expect pickpockets and pushy sellers in the busiest tourist areas of Istanbul, and agree on prices before using taxis. The country lies in an earthquake zone. Check your government's travel advice before you go.

Official sources

• Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
• Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
• UK government travel advice: Turkey

Last reviewed October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.