Welcome to Turkey

Turkey is one of the most diverse travel countries on earth — and reachable from Germany in under 3.5 hours. Forget the clichés of all-inclusive resort vacations: Turkey is a country that will surprise you again and again.

• Istanbul — World city between two continents — The only city in the world located on two continents. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar — and alongside, an explosive creative scene in districts like Karaköy and Kadıköy. Istanbul alone is worth a trip.
• World-class ancient sites — Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, Hierapolis, Myra, Patara — Turkey has more Greco-Roman ruins than Greece and Italy combined. 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites testify to 10,000 years of civilization history.
• Cappadocia — a lunar landscape — Fairy chimneys, underground cities, rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise over a surreal panorama. Unique worldwide.
• 8,333 km of coastline — From the Aegean to the Turkish Riviera to the Lycian coast: turquoise bays, ancient cities right on the beach, secluded islands, and one of the longest hiking trails in the world (the Lycian Way).
• One of the world's great cuisines — Turkish cuisine is one of the three most influential culinary traditions alongside French and Chinese. Kebab is just the tip of the iceberg: Meze, Pide, Lahmacun, Mantı, Baklava, Turkish tea, and coffee — each region has its specialties.
• Legendary hospitality — Turkish hospitality (misafirperverlik) is proverbial. You will be offered Çay (tea) unsolicited, locals help you with directions, and in rural areas, you'll be invited to meals. This warmth is genuine and overwhelming.
• Inexpensive like hardly any European spot — Due to the favorable exchange rate of the Turkish Lira, you get a lot for your money: an excellent dinner for two from 400–600 ₺ (approx. 12–18 €), luxury hotels at mid-range prices, museums for under 5 €.
• Hammam culture — The Turkish bath is more than wellness — it's a centuries-old ritual. In historical hammams like the Çemberlitaş Hamamı in Istanbul, you'll be scrubbed, kneaded, and reborn.
• Dreamlike hikes — The Lycian Way (540 km), the Karian Trail, the St. Paul Trail, and the hikes in Cappadocia offer world-class trekking with sea views, ancient ruins along the way, and wild nature.
• Bazaar culture — From the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (over 4,000 shops!) to local weekly markets in coastal towns: bargaining is both art and pleasure. Spices, carpets, ceramics, leather goods, handcrafted jewelry — the selection is overwhelming.

Turkey is not just a vacation destination — it's an experience for all the senses. This country challenges you, surprises you, and will surely make you return.

Turkey is vast and incredibly diverse. Six regions that couldn't be more different:

🏙️ Istanbul

For whom: City travelers, history buffs, foodies, night owls
The megacity on the Bosphorus is the cultural and economic heart of Turkey. Here, 2,700 years of history meet one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. The old town Sultanahmet with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops, the hip Karaköy with galleries and rooftop bars, the Asian Kadıköy with its bustling street market — Istanbul needs at least 4–5 days, better a whole week.

🏛️ Aegean Coast

For whom: Culture travelers, beach lovers, gourmets, sailors
The Turkish west coast combines ancient high culture with Mediterranean lifestyle. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Pergamon towers over the plain, and Bodrum combines party culture with the charm of an old fishing village. Çeşme and Alaçatı are the summer retreats of the Istanbul elite: windsurfing spots, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants with sea views.

🏖️ Turkish Riviera

For whom: Families, beach vacationers, golfers, all-inclusive fans
The coast around Antalya is the tourist heart of Turkey — and much more than resort hotels. The old town Kaleiçi in Antalya is a jewel, the ancient sites of Side, Aspendos, and Perge are top-notch, the beaches of Lara, Konyaaltı, and Alanya are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Plus, the Düden and Manavgat waterfalls and a mild climate with 300 sunny days.

🎈 Cappadocia

For whom: Adventurers, photographers, culture travelers, romantics
The surreal tuff landscape of Central Anatolia with its fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities is unique worldwide. Göreme is the tourist center, Uçhisar offers the best panoramic view, and the Ihlara Valley is a spectacular gorge with Byzantine rock churches. The hot air balloon ride at sunrise is a bucket-list experience.

⛵ Lycian Coast

For whom: Hikers, individual travelers, nature lovers, divers
The coast between Fethiye and Antalya is the wildest and most beautiful in Turkey. Ölüdeniz with its Blue Lagoon, Kaş as a charming diving mecca, the ghost town Kayaköy, the turtle beach Dalyan, and the 540 km long Lycian Way — here Turkey is at its most original.

🌊 Black Sea Coast

For whom: Off-the-beaten-path seekers, tea drinkers, nature lovers, mountain hikers
The green north coast is Turkey's secret. Trabzon with the spectacular Sumela Monastery, the high pastures (Yaylalar) of Ayder, tea plantations as far as the eye can see, and a dramatic coast reminiscent of Norway. Hardly any German tourist ventures here — that's exactly what makes it so appealing.

1. Hagia Sophia at sunrise — The over 1,500-year-old masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, now a mosque again, is emptiest at opening at 9 AM. The golden mosaics on the upper floor are breathtaking. → Chap. Istanbul
2. Balloon ride over Cappadocia — At sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons float over the fairy chimneys of Göreme. The ride costs from 150–250 € and is worth every cent. April to November is the season. → Chap. Cappadocia
3. Ephesus — the best-preserved ancient city — The Celsus Library, the Great Theater (25,000 seats), and the marble streets of Ephesus are overwhelming. Come at opening at 8 AM before the cruise buses arrive. → Chap. Aegean
4. Bosphorus cruise at sunset — The ferry between Europe and Asia costs only a few Lira and offers the quintessential Istanbul panorama: mosques, palaces, the bridge — with a glass of Çay in hand. → Chap. Istanbul
5. Ölüdeniz — the Blue Lagoon — One of the most famous beaches in the world: turquoise water in a protected lagoon, with the Babadağ mountains behind. Paragliding tandem flight from the 1,969 m high peak is a must. → Chap. Lycia
6. Strolling through the Grand Bazaar — Over 4,000 shops on 31,000 m² in a covered labyrinth from the 15th century. Bargaining is part of it. Spices, carpets, jewelry, leather goods — the senses are overwhelmed. → Chap. Istanbul
7. Lycian Way — hiking by the sea — The 540 km long hiking trail along the southwest coast leads through ancient ruins, over secluded beaches, and through fragrant pine forests. Stages between Fethiye and Antalya can also be done individually. → Chap. Lycia
8. Turkish Hammam experience — A real hammam is more than a sauna: hot stone, foam massage, scrubbing until the skin shines. The Çemberlitaş Hamamı (1584) in Istanbul or the historic hammam in Bodrum are unforgettable. → Chap. Istanbul
9. Pamukkale — the Cotton Castle — The snow-white limestone terraces with their turquoise thermal pools are a natural wonder. Directly above lies the ancient Hierapolis with theater and necropolis. Bathing in the ancient pool among sunken columns (Cleopatra Pool). → Chap. Aegean
10. Sunset on the Bosphorus in Ortaköy — Under the Bosphorus Bridge, next to the delicate Ortaköy Mosque, with a Kumpir (stuffed giant potato) in hand — the perfect Istanbul moment. → Chap. Istanbul
11. Underground city Derinkuyu — 85 meters deep, 8 floors, space for 20,000 people: The underground city in Cappadocia is an architectural wonder from the 7th/8th century BC. Not for the claustrophobic. → Chap. Cappadocia
12. Kas — diving and chilling — The small coastal town on the Lycian coast is both a diving paradise and a bohemian village. Sunken ruins, underwater caves, and fish at the harbor in the evening. → Chap. Lycia
13. Aspendos — the perfect theater — The Roman theater of Aspendos near Antalya (155 AD) is considered the best-preserved ancient theater in the world. 15,000 seats, perfect acoustics — a whisper on stage can be heard in the last row. → Chap. Riviera
14. Sumela Monastery in the mountains — Clinging to a 300 m high rock face, surrounded by dense forests: the Greek Orthodox monastery from the 4th century near Trabzon is one of Turkey's most spectacular buildings. → Chap. Black Sea
15. Meze evening in Bodrum — Sitting on the harbor promenade, toasting with cold Rakı, and eating through 20 different meze plates: Hummus, Babaganuş, Böreks, Calamari, Patlıcan Salatası — that's Turkish lifestyle. → Chap. Aegean
16. Hiking through the Ihlara Valley — The 14 km long gorge in Cappadocia with over 100 rock churches, a river at the bottom, and dramatic rock walls is a hiking paradise away from the tourist crowds. → Chap. Cappadocia
17. Butterfly Valley near Fethiye — Only accessible by boat: a narrow canyon with a waterfall, home to rare butterfly species. Camping on the beach under the starry sky. → Chap. Lycia
18. Turkish breakfast — Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is a ceremony: 15–20 small bowls with cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey with Kaymak, Sucuk, eggs, fresh bread, endless tea. Best enjoyed on the Bosphorus in Kadıköy or on a rooftop terrace in Sultanahmet. → Chap. Istanbul
19. Patara — the longest beach in Turkey — 18 km of fine sand, barely developed (nature reserve and turtle nesting site), plus the ruins of ancient Patara with lighthouse and parliament building. → Chap. Lycia
20. Drinking Çay in the tea house at the Golden Horn — Sitting in one of the traditional Çay Bahçesi (tea gardens) in Istanbul, sipping red tea from tulip-shaped glasses and watching the hustle and bustle — that's the Turkish soul in a moment. → Chap. Istanbul

Turkey spans several climate zones — the best travel time depends greatly on where you are going and what you plan to do.

Istanbul & Marmara Region

Mild, humid climate. Best time: April–June and September–October. In summer (July/August) hot and humid (30–35°C), in winter mild but rainy (5–10°C). Spring is ideal: Tulip Festival in April, pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists than in summer.

Aegean & Mediterranean Coast

Typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers. Best time: May–June and September–October. In July/August very hot (35–40°C on the Riviera), beaches crowded, hotels expensive. In September, the sea is warmest (27°C!) and prices drop by 30–40%.

Cappadocia & Central Anatolia

Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Best time: April–June and September–October. In summer over 35°C and dusty, in winter it can snow (balloon rides often canceled). Autumn is perfect: golden light, clear views, fewer tourists.

Black Sea Coast

Humid and green, rain possible year-round. Best time: June–September. Even in summer cooler than the south (25–28°C). The high pastures (Yaylalar) are most beautiful in July/August.

Climate Table: Antalya (South Coast)

Thanks to the favorable Lira exchange rate, Turkey is one of the best value-for-money travel destinations in the Mediterranean. However, prices vary greatly — Istanbul is significantly more expensive than the coast or the interior.

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025/2026, rounded)

15 things I wish I had known before my first trip to Turkey:

1. Apply for your e-visa online in advance. German citizens need a visa, which you can easily obtain at evisa.gov.tr for about 50 US$. It takes 10 minutes and is valid for 180 days (max. 90 days stay). There are also visas on arrival at the airport, but the online option saves you from queues.
2. Turkey is huge — plan realistically. Istanbul to Cappadocia is 750 km (1h flight or 10h bus). From Antalya to Trabzon is 1,100 km. Domestic flights with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, or AnadoluJet are cheap (from 30–50 €) and save a lot of time.
3. Çay (tea) is the national obsession. You will be offered tea everywhere — in shops, at the barber, in carpet stores. Accept it! It's a sign of hospitality and doesn't obligate you to anything (not even to buy). Turkish tea is drunk without milk, with sugar.
4. Bargaining is part of the bazaar experience. In the Grand Bazaar, markets, and carpet shops, bargaining is expected — start at 40–50% of the quoted price and work your way up. In restaurants, supermarkets, and museums, bargaining is NOT practiced.
5. Shoes off in mosques. When visiting a mosque: remove your shoes (bring a plastic bag!), women cover hair and shoulders (scarves are lent at the entrance), men no shorts. During prayer times (5× daily, especially Friday noon), tourist access is restricted.
6. Tipping is customary, but moderate. Restaurant: 5–10% (often included as "servis" on the bill). Taxi drivers: round up to the nearest whole amount. Hammam: 10–20% for the Tellak (masseur). Hotel room: 20–50 ₺/day.
7. Do not drink tap water. Throughout Turkey: only bottled water. Also use bottled water for brushing teeth, at least in the interior. Ice cubes in tourist restaurants are generally safe.
8. Renting a car is worthwhile on the coast, not in Istanbul. In Istanbul, a car is a nightmare — traffic is chaotic, parking nearly impossible. On the Aegean, in Lycia, and in Cappadocia, a rental car is ideal. Booking in advance is cheaper than on-site.
9. Domestic flights are surprisingly cheap. Pegasus Airlines flies between major cities from 200–400 ₺ (approx. 6–12 €!). Turkish Airlines is more comfortable and only slightly more expensive. Istanbul has two airports: IST (new, main airport) and SAW (Sabiha Gökçen, Asian side, low-cost carriers).
10. The Istanbulkart is a must. The rechargeable card for public transport in Istanbul (bus, metro, ferry, tram) costs 100 ₺ and saves 50% compared to single tickets. Available at any kiosk and station.
11. Beware of the "helpful" strangers in Istanbul. If someone in Sultanahmet approaches you in English or German and invites you to their "cousin's restaurant" or a "special bar" — be skeptical. Known scam: overpriced bills or carpet sale dinners.
12. Turkish toilets still exist. Outside tourist centers, you may find squat toilets in some restaurants and public buildings. Toilet paper goes in the bin next to the toilet, not in the bowl (pipes are narrow).
13. The nightlife starts late. Restaurants fill up from 8–9 PM, bars from 11 PM, clubs open at midnight. Before that, everything is empty. But it goes on until the early hours.
14. Alcohol is legal, but expensive. Turkey is a Muslim country with a secular constitution — alcohol is available everywhere. Due to high taxes, beer and wine in restaurants are significantly more expensive than in Germany. Rakı (aniseed spirit) is the national drink.
15. Turks love children. Turkey is one of the most child-friendly travel destinations. Children are welcomed everywhere, pampered in restaurants, and enthusiastically greeted by locals. Families with children experience Turkish hospitality particularly intensely.