Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey
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| | | Hit the beach |  | Why go on holiday to Turkey?
It's a huge country and the variety of things to see is enormous - ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to nightclubbing. It also has some of the best beaches in Europe. Turkey can easily keep you happy for weeks or even months.
How much does it cost?
Turkey has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and a two-week family holiday in Gumbet in July will cost from £1,100. A one-week family holiday to the scenic Turunc in May will cost £850. These prices are subject to change.
A city break to Istanbul for two nights at Christmas will cost from £350 per person. Flights-only go from £100. Hotels are from £15.
When should I go?
Turkey has several climatic regions but most tourists hit the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts, which have a typical Mediterranean climate. April to June and September to October are perfect months to visit these areas.
In winter, December to February, temperatures can drop to around 40F (4C). July and August temperatures can rise as high as 104F (40C).
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Turkey.
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| | | Fabulous Topkapi jewels |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit Istanbul and take in 3,000 years of history - from 16th-century Topkapi Palace with its fabulous jewellery collection, to the ancient fishing villages on the Marmara shore.
Natural attractions such as the limestone waterfall at Pamukkale and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia are also worth a visit. To relax by the beach try Cesme or Altinkum. For impressive scenery, head to eastern Anatolia.
Where can I meet the locals?
When in Turkey you can't really leave until you've tried a Turkish steam bath or hammam. Many are set up just for tourists now but if you want to meet local people, go to a neighbourhood bath (mahalli hammam). You'll find them in Istanbul and Ankara.
Where can I sample Turkey's history?
A must-see is Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city on the eastern Mediterranean. Among hundreds of other Greek and Roman sites are Aphrodisias, Priene and Miletus.
The great imperial mosques of Istanbul are worth checking out. The ruins of Hieropolis, the ancient cure centre founded around 190BC, are now part of a South Aegean national park.
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| | | Bustling bazaars | | Where's good for nightlife?
Istanbul has plenty of nightlife from bars, nightclubs and discos to excellent concerts, opera and ballet. Or try a night ferry cruise from Eminonu to Uskudar and see the city lights.
Marmaris is Turkey's biggest resort and things get lively on Bar Street. Bodrum also hums, with a giant open-air disco till dawn. Gumbet is another lively nightspot.
What's the food like?
The variety of dishes found in restaurants is not as great as some might like. Popular dishes include fried, grilled or poached fish, grilled meats and kebabs. Vegetarianism is an alien word.
Turkish sourdough bread is delicious. Beer is served everywhere. Tuborg makes light (beyaz) and dark (siyah) varieties. Turkish wine is good and cheap.
What should I buy?
The best place for bargains is Istanbul. You can get anything here, from leather goods to handmade cloth at the Selvi El Sanatlari. Or try haggling in the covered bazaar's maze of narrow streets. For more upmarket shopping try Ragip Gumuspala Caddesi.
The country is famous for its beautiful carpets and wherever you go you'll be spoilt for choice. Rub a wet handkerchief on the top of the carpet to see if the colour runs - it may be an old carpet touched up.
A cheaper gift to take home is sweet Turkish delight, or lokum as it's known locally. Leathergoods and inlaid wood are also good buys.
What is there for children to do?
Resort hotels have plenty of organised activities and watersports abound on the beaches. There are also several waterparks, including a large new one in Bodrum. Most kids will love the bazaars - just keep a close eye on them so they don't get lost.
Tourist office
Turkish Tourism and Information, 1st floor, 170-174 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7629 7771. Brochure request line 09001 887755 (calls cost 60p a minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Turkey |
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| |  | | Villa Kismet
A very special villa accommodating up to 10 people in exquisite comfort. Private swimming pool, near beach and town. 5 bedroom, 4 bath, gamesroom.
|  | | VILLA KATIFE, CALIS BEACH, NR FETHIYE
Luxury villa with private pool close to an unspoilt part of Calis Beach where the mountains tumble into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea
|  | | VILLA AYSUN, UZUMLU, NR FETHIYE
Welcome to paradise, a luxury villa with private pool in a rural and very peaceful idyll amongst olive trees, in the time-locked village of Uzumlu
|  | | Villa Jolio
Luxury detached 3 bedroom mountain side villa. Air-con, private pool, gardens and wilderness views. Hisaronu, Olu-Deniz and Fethiye nearby. High quality at low cost for tranquillity.
|  | | The Lighthouse
Lovely villa, set in 840 m² of orchard & garden, 10m x 6m Pool, located near the most beautiful beach in Turkey.
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