Cheap Holidays to Turkey

Turkey has long been a firm favourite of visitors looking for a great family break, a low cost sun trip, a post exam celebration, or couples counting on romance and rest. Turkey offers the best from sandy beaches, hidden coves, ancient ruins and friendly locals to ancient monuments, natural wonders, tasty food and clubbing nights. Let us guide you through an amazing trip to Turkey that you will never forget. Your summer holiday will be sorted in the bustling resport of Kusadasi, the vibrant city of Istanbul or on the beaches of Bodrum. Find the best cheap holidays to Turkey and save money with the expert team at Purple Travel.

Where to Stay

Dalaman Area

Dalaman has firmly put Turkey holidays on the map. The Dalaman Coast, also known as the Turquoise Coast is all about the white sands, peaceful coves and not to mention the turquoise waters that give the Dalaman Area its nickname. Head inland and you won't be able to resist seeing the Caunos tombs, Pukkale and Ephesus. The most popular resorts here are Olu Deniz with its infamous Blue Lagoon and Marmaris, a real hit with the party crowd.

Bodrum Area

The Bodrum peninsula, south from Izmir features some lovely beaches and lively resorts like Gumbet, Turgutreis and Bodrum. This is where the old history of Turkey comes alive mixed with the new of some of Turkey's most fashionable resorts. Other popular resorts here include Altinkum and Torba.

Izmir Area

Izmir sits on the Aegean Coast. Kusadasi is the big player in the resort stakes here with an amazing white-sand beach and charming Turkish bazaar. Nearby you'll find one of the biggest attractions Turkey - The ancient Roman city of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis.

Antalya Area

With 400 miles' of beach in the area, you'll be spoilt for choice of beaches around Antalya. You'll find super-sized hotels popping up everywhere as Antalya becomes more and more popular for holidays in Turkey. It's no wonder why, with the golden beaches, waterfalls and historic sights. The big names here are Side, Lara Beach and Belek.

Things to do

Nature

Head to Pamukkale's unique mineral pools or why not let out your adventurous side at Köprülü Canyon where you can mountain bike, rock climb and white water raft. Scuba diving will also give you a chance to see some stunning coral reefs.

Family Attractions

At most resorts you'll have the opportunity to partake in water sports such as sailing, surfing, paragliding and kite surfing being the most popular. One for the adults and older kids is to take a trip to a spa and have a traditional Turkish bath. For good old family fun try some of Turkey's top waterparks such as Aquapark in Dedeman, or head to Marmaris which has not one but two waterparks.

Nightlife

For some of Turkey's best nightlife head to Marmaris for the clubs. If sophistication is more your style head to Bodrum, nicknamed the St. Tropez of Turkey, where you'll find the trendy Halikarnas nightclub.

Food & Drink

Turkey holidays are the perfect opportunity to try something new. You'll find a mix of dishes inspired from Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. It's of course most famous for its kebab but there's more to Turkey than this, try a Turkish pizza with minced meat, spices and herbs or sample some of the amazing dips they have. Those with a sweet tooth won't be left out either, try some of the baklava which is oozing with honey and sweetness.

Shopping

Barter for a bargain at Marmaris' Bazaar which sells all types of wares and fare from rugs to sticky baklava. Those wanting city breaks in Istanbul will love the Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops selling foods, coffee, spices and other souvenirs.

Weather

Even in April around Izmir you'll see temperatures hitting the 20C mark regularly reaching beyond 30C in June, July, August and September. A little more south in Bodrum the temperatures are much the same but this peninsula has cooling sea breezes which are welcome in the hot summer months. Spring and autumn are still great months to visit Bodrum with temperatures in the mid-20s. Around Dalaman summers see 12 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures of 30C. In Antalya things get hotter. Temperatures can reach 40C here in July and August but the sea breezes keep things manageable. The rest of summer, spring and autumn you'll find temperatures between 30-35C.

Events

Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival

This magnificent festival takes place at the Roman ampitheatre near Antalya. This prestigious festival takes place in a spectacular setting and features some of the most famous Opera troupes that wow audiences from all over the globe.

Camel Wrestling

This traditional event takes place in Selçuk where you see these heavyweights battle it out for the title.

Marmaris Internatinal Race Week

Celebrate all things nautical in the autumnal International Race Week where you'll see snazzy yachts racing from the harbour.

Ölüdeniz Air Games

Participants in this festival are strictly daredevils. You'll see parachutists and paragliders take off from Babadağ mountain each October for the Ölüdeniz Air Games.

Read more: 10 great hotels in Turkey