Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey fascinates with its layered history and extraordinary diversity of landscapes. Istanbul, a true world city between the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, dazzles with iconic landmarks (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace), lively neighbourhoods and bustling bazaars. Farther south, the Aegean coast and the Turkish Riviera alternate turquoise beaches, hidden coves and major ancient sites such as Ephesus, Pergamon and Xanthos. Inland, Cappadocia reveals fairy chimneys, underground cities and lunar valleys, while eastern Anatolia brings mountains, lakes and lesser-known ruins.
Turkey also wins hearts through its way of life: famous hospitality, generous cuisine (meze, kebabs, grilled fish, honeyed pastries), shared tea moments and traditional hammams. Distances can be long, but a dense air and road network makes it easy to combine city breaks, beach stays and cultural discovery. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or on an overland itinerary, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation — boutique hotels, guesthouses and coastal resorts — and travel is rewarding year-round, with spring and autumn especially pleasant.
🗺️ Practical information about Turkey
📍 Capital: Ankara
👥 Population: Around 85 million inhabitants
💶 Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
🗣️ Official language: Turkish (English common in tourist areas)
⏰ Time zone: UTC +3
🌡️ Climate: Mediterranean on the coasts, continental inland, harsher in the east
✈️ Getting there & around: International airports (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya); frequent domestic flights; developed road network
🏛️ Highlights: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, the Aegean coast (Bodrum, Çeşme), the Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Kaş), Mount Nemrut, Lake Van
🏨 Find a good hotel in Turkey
Whether your itinerary focuses on historic cities, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, or inland regions, you’ll find stays for every style and budget. 🌟 See the best hotels in Turkey to compare offers, reviews and prices for your travel dates.
🗺️ Articles about Turkey
Below, you’ll find our selection of articles about Turkey, followed by the latest posts, to help you plan your trip and explore the country’s most beautiful places.