Turkey Travel Blog

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Ten Reasons You Should Go to Turkey Right Now

Turkey remains one of our favourite European destinations with its eclectic mix of culture, history, scenery and incredible hospitality. Step back in time in Ephesus, shop 'til you drop in Istanbul or marvel at hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Whether you want to unwind in a hammam or soak up the sun on the Aegean Coast, a holiday to Turkey has it all and we have the insider recommendations. Still wondering why visit Turkey?

Best Beaches in Bodrum

Bodrum is renowned for its enchanting bays, luxurious hotels and rich history. Yet, it also has one of the most picturesque coastlines, blessed with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Nestled on Turkey's southwest Aegean Coast, with dramatic mountains and archaeological ruins as its backdrop, the Bodrum Peninsula beckons with heaps of coastal gems that’ll make you question whether you've fallen into a picture-perfect postcard.

Best Beaches in Turkey

Want to visit some of the best beaches in Turkey but don’t know where to begin? You’ve come to the right place. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history and superb seaside spots. Its coastline, which stretches along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, boasts a plethora of breathtaking beaches. From picturesque sandy shores to hidden coves and turtle nesting sites, Turkey's beaches offer an idyllic retreat for sun worshippers and water babies alike.

Traditional Food in Turkey

Turkey’s culinary heritage is as diverse and vibrant as its history. Blending together flavours, techniques and influences from a real melting pot of cultures, the food is rich and flavoursome, with signature dishes that vary across the country. The Aegean region is known for seafood and fresh vegetables, as well as dishes like 'deniz börülcesi' (samphire salad) and 'şakşuka' (eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce).

Aya Sofia, Istanbul

The church that 'changed the history of architecture.' In this day and age 'Byzantine' might be a - pretty unflattering - by-word for murky political machinations coated in a thick layer of intrigue, but the former Eastern Roman Empire of Byzantium, run from the capital Constantinople, was one of the most important empires in history, lasting for over a thousand years.   The heart of the city Today, the fact that this was - alongside Rome - one of the great centres of Christianity tends to be overlooked as we marvel at Istanbul, a thoroughly modern Muslim city.

Why a Gulet Cruise in Turkey Might Be The Most Fun Holiday You Ever Have

There are a few holiday types that deserve 'classic' status: the family ski week in the Alps, the road trip, the African safari and the sexy city break to name but four, but I'd like to add another one in to the mix - a week long gulet cruise in Turkey.   - Gulets (pronounced goo-lets) are traditional Turkish sail boats once used to carry cargo, so they are wide-hulled which means plenty of space both below decks and on deck for serious sun worshipping.

Luxury Hotels on The Aegean Coast

D Maris Bay Following a year long renovation, D Maris Bay has re-opened its doors and is back with a vengeance. Located on the hillside in the Datça Peninsula, the D Maris is surrounded by pineforests, islands and volcanic mountains, and many of the rooms have views of the panorama, including of course the Aegean Sea. There are 194 rooms and suites, and most of the deluxe suites have a bathtub on the balcony, ideal for soaking up the spectacular views.

A Wonderful Weekend in Istanbul

I am a big fan of cities and Istanbul is now one of my favorites...   Authentic and decadent I am a big fan of cities, and after a wonderful weekend in Istanbul I wonder why I've never been before. It's hectic like Cairo, fancy like Paris, authentic like Marrakech and decadent like Beirut. While many choose to stay in Sultanahmet - the old part of town, we picked upscale Nisantasi which is their equivalent of Chelsea.

Late Summer Sun on the Turkish Coast

It's safe to say that the 'wellness' trend has slightly taken over the world of late, and while we're certainly not opposed to a detox-style holiday, we're also partial to a slightly more indulgent one. In the spirit of inclusion, we say why not do both with a 'detox-retox' holiday? After a recent trip to Turkey in October for some late summer sun, our marketing guru Emily believes that the Aegean Coast might just be the perfect spot.

Luxury Hotels in Istanbul

Sirkeci Mansion This charming hotel occupies a renovated Konak - a city mansion which would have once been used as an official residence during the Ottoman Empire. Located in the centre of Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Sirkeci Mansion (formerly the Sirkeci Konak) artfully combines 19th century style with 21st century comforts. Its fifty two guest rooms have views over Topkapi Palace's Gülhane Park and have been tastefully decorated with Ottoman style furniture in keeping with the history and traditions of the region.

One Day in Istanbul

A city in flux – half of its 15 million inhabitants are under 20 years old. A city in motion. Istanbul is constantly reinventing itself. Art galleries, chosen by the best contemporary art fairs, make the city an iconic place of contemporary creation. Concept stores, clubs, rooftops, bars that furiously evoke those of Berlin's Kreutzberg area: change is underway here.   9:00 am SALT Foundation While in the old neighbourhoods eras overlap without fading away, giving the city a crazy charm, the transformation is still palpable.

Luxury Hotels in Cappadocia

Yunak Evleri This small luxury hotel is set at the foot of towering cliffs and consists of six cave houses and a 19th century Greek mansion. All rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in warm, traditional style with hardwood floors and kilim carpets, and have modern bathrooms and private balconies or patios. A labyrinth of narrow passageways and curved stone stairways links the whole complex together.

Souqs and Street Eats: The Top 8 Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul, Europe's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its beautiful architecture, colourful souks and fragrant spice bazaars. When it comes to choosing the top things to do in Istanbul, you are so spoilt for choice that it can be hard to pack everything into a single trip. If you're struggling to know where to begin when it comes to planning your dream trip to this vibrant city, read on for our handy roundup of what to do during a trip to Istanbul.

A Trip on the Aegean Coast: Farniente gypsum in the Aegean Sea

Two well-kept secrets of the Aegean Sea, on the Turkish and Greek sides: a bohemian retreat in Alacati, and a nature escape in Chios, where the sea extends across the horizon.    Alacati ( pronounced "Alatchateu") is perched on the Çesme Peninsula on the Aegean coast. Its charm lies in its winding alleyways, its white houses sparkling before the turquoise sea. The Mediterranean air is reminiscent of Greece, which is not really surprising :

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