Istanbul across two continents
Explore the only city built on two continents, with the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and cruises along the Bosphorus.
Turkey
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey unfolds the minarets of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the turquoise waters of the Aegean coast. Between ancient ruins, lively bazaars and mountains, the country offers a mosaic of landscapes and heritage that never feels the same twice.
Why visit Turkey?
Turkey draws travelers with its rich heritage at the crossroads of Byzantine, Ottoman and ancient civilizations, visible in Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale. The country also offers remarkable natural diversity, from Mediterranean beaches to the rock formations of Cappadocia, suiting both cultural and nature-focused trips.
What to discover in Turkey?
Istanbul, the only city straddling two continents, holds the bulk of Turkey's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage: the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar form a dense itinerary spanning Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus strait. Further inland, the Cappadocia region surprises with its fairy chimney landscapes carved by erosion over millions of years, cave dwellings and churches, and its now-iconic sunrise hot air balloon flights drifting silently over the valleys.
The Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines add a beach dimension to the trip, with resort towns like Bodrum, Antalya and Fethiye, alongside well-preserved ancient sites such as Ephesus and the white travertine pools of Pamukkale. To the east, the landscape grows more mountainous and far less touristy, revealing a more rural side of the country. Throughout, Turkish cuisine, kebabs, mezze, tea and baklava, shapes the trip just as much as the sightseeing itself, from street stalls to family-run restaurants.
Cities to visit in Turkey
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Turkey in pictures
Don't miss
Between Europe and Asia, Turkey brings together a handful of unmissable experiences.
Cappadocia balloon flights
Float above fairy chimneys carved by erosion in a hot air balloon, then explore the region's cave villages and rock-cut churches.
Aegean and Mediterranean coast
Enjoy the turquoise waters of Bodrum, Fethiye and Antalya, with sandy beaches, hidden coves and lively resort towns throughout the long summer season.
Ancient ruins
Walk through the remains of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities, and see the white travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Ottoman heritage
Visit palaces, mosques and hammams inherited from the Ottoman Empire, showcasing architectural refinement found across cities and towns throughout the country.
Turkish cuisine
Savor kebabs, mezze, black tea and baklava, staples of a generous cuisine shared daily in markets, street stalls and family-run restaurants alike.
Practical information
- Capital
- Ankara
- Land area
- About 783,000 km²
- Population
- About 85 million
- Language
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Climate
- Mediterranean along the coast, continental inland
- Best season
- April to June and September-October
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
Spring and early autumn bring pleasant temperatures along the coast and in Istanbul, avoiding summer's intense heat and the inland winter cold. Summer remains ideal for the Aegean and Mediterranean beaches.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa online before departure or a visa on arrival depending on their country of origin. It is worth checking the exact requirements with Turkish authorities before traveling.
How much time should I plan for Istanbul?
Three to four days allow time to see the main historic-center landmarks, explore lively neighborhoods and take a Bosphorus cruise, while still leaving room to wander through the city's old bazaars.
When can you fly a hot air balloon over Cappadocia?
Flights take place at sunrise, generally between April and October when weather conditions tend to be most stable, offering clear views over the fairy chimneys and surrounding valleys of central Anatolia from above.
Is Turkey suitable for a family trip?
Yes, with developed beaches along the Aegean coast, accessible ancient sites and family-friendly accommodation, the country suits families well, provided travel planning between regions accounts for the sometimes considerable distances involved.
How do you travel between regions in Turkey?
Domestic flights quickly connect major cities, while long-distance buses and car rental allow for more freedom exploring Cappadocia or the coast. The road network is generally well developed across most regions of the country.
Plan your trip to Turkey
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
