Turkey is a longstanding popular holiday destination for Brits, and hordes typically jet off to its sandy shores every summer.
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, travel advisories and uncertainty, there have been some shifts in holiday patterns this year.
Turkey currently has an FCDO warning against all travel to parts of the country – specifically within 10km of the border with Syria ‘due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism’.
Despite this, Britons seem undeterred and can’t get enough of the beloved sunny location. Exclusive data revealed to the Daily Mail by holiday booking platform On the Beach earlier this month showed demand for trips to Turkey had jumped by 57 per cent.
And, holidaymakers heading there could be grabbing themselves bargains as new data suggests breaks to the destination are actually much cheaper than previous years.
Exchange rates for Turkish currency are 51 per cent cheaper in 2026, compared to 2024, according to Fast Loans UK.
The credit company analysed the exchange rate of 38 different currencies against the British pound to see which offers the best value. Turkey proved to have the highest increase in affordability, with the Turkish Lira (TL) rising from 40.33TL per £1 in 2024 to 60.69TL per £1 in 2026.
But, for holidaymakers heading there this summer – what should they do and where should they go?
Exchange rates for Turkish currency are 51 per cent cheaper in 2026, compared to 2024
Hidden gems in Turkey
Popular for its its crystal clear waters and affordable luxury, Turkey can easily feel busy in some areas as tourists gather to enjoy its landscapes and good weather.
Fortunately, there are some relatively untouched or quieter spots to head to, including Suluada – a beautiful Turkish island that has been described as the country’s answer to the Maldives.
Located just off the coast of Antalya, one of Turkey’s leading tourist destinations, Saluda – which means ‘water island’ is completely uninhabited making it a peaceful retreat for tourists looking to escape the crowds.
Visitors can reach the secluded paradise by taking a swift 40 minute boat trip from Antalya.
Villa Plus Turkey.com describes the island as seeming ‘straight out of a postcard’.
The coastline boasts white, powdery sand and water is home to plenty of wildlife including dolphins and monk seals.
Or, if you’re looking for a city destination, Izmir offers a cosmopolitan feel without quite the crowds that Istanbul attracts.
Izmir offers a blend of ancient history, family-friendly attractions as well as tranquil hot springs.
The Kemeralti market is perfect for finding unique antiques and local goods, or the Saat Kulesi, a clock tower, is a popular spot to check out. Built in 1901, the impressive structure stands in Konak Square.
Alternatively, travel journalist Emma O’Reilly previously wrote in the Daily Mail how the Dacta Peninsula ‘is wonderful, a 50-mile long finger of land with the Aegean Sea on one side and the Med on the other’.
She revealed visitors would be able to enjoy ‘undiscovered beaches and tiny villages’.
Suluada is a beautiful Turkish island that has been described as the country’s answer to the Maldives
The 10 best things to do in Turkey
From historic sites to theme parks, the country has plenty to offer for visitors hoping to delve into the culture and have some fun.
TripAdvisor lists the top attractions to try in Turkey, based on traveller reviews and ratings.
1. Basilica Cistern
One visitor described the Basilica Cistern as their ‘favourite place to visit so far’
The Basilica Cistern is a 6th-century underground reservoir that once supplied water to the Byzantine palaces and is now the most highly-rated site to visit in Turkey.
Located in Istanbul, the impressive structure contains 336 columns, each 9 meters high. Many of them are carved from different types of marble in various styles.
One tourist described it as their ‘favourite place to visit so far’ whilst another described it as a ‘mysterious underground gem’.
‘Don’t miss spotting the fish swimming in the shallow waters – they add a living touch to the ancient space,’ they added, on TripAdvisor.
2. The Land of Legends Theme Park
The Land of Legends Theme Park is popular amongst families and thrill-seeking holidaymakers
Perfect for thrill seekers, The Land of Legends Theme Park boasts exciting rides and roller coasters.
Visitors can also enjoy animal encounter experiences as well as performances and shows.
One rollercoaster-lover penned: ‘Very clean park, plenty to do for young and old. Lots of dining options.’
Meanwhile, someone else praised the aqua park and wave pool as ‘lovely, adding, ‘All the rides in the theme park are very safe and all the staff are very helpful. Thank you everyone. We’ll come back next year’.
3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is adorned with 30million gold tiles
Boasting 30 million golden tiles, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque overlooks Istanbul.
It was originally built in the 6th century and is open to visitors every day, drawing in hordes as a major historical site in Turkey.
A visitor wrote: ‘One of the places of worship not to be missed if you come to Istanbul, possibly with the help of guided tours. You need to take off your shoes to enter and cover your hair with a scarf for women.’
Whereas, some others commented on the entry price being expensive.
4. Topkapı Palace
Found in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Topkapı Palace is open to visitors who want to explore the impressive site
A beautiful palace located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Topkapı Palace was once used a royal residence for the Ottoman empire.
It now exists as a museum for visitors to explore courtyards and extravagant rooms and learn about the history.
One tourist gushed: ‘Istanbul is full of beautiful things to see but the Topkapi for me is the most beautiful, to shoot it all takes at least 3-4 hours and is a full immersion in Turkish beauty, gardens, palaces, museums and fabulous views!’
5. Blue Mosque
Decorated with Blue İznik tiles inside, the Blue Mosque is free to enter
Another historical site, the Blue Mosque, wows visitors with its six minarets. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 and is decorated with Blue İznik tiles inside.
A holidaymaker who visited the Blue Mosque praised it for being ‘very easy to navigate’ and added: ‘Free entry and fascinating history. Well worth the visit.’
Someone else penned: ‘The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
‘The interior, adorned with beautiful blue Iznik tiles and an impressive central dome, creates a truly memorable experience. Despite being a popular tourist site, it still feels like an active place of worship, adding to its authenticity. A must-visit when in Istanbul.’
6. Ephesus Ancient City
The Ephesus Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Ephesus Ancient City is a collection of impressive ruins that tells the tale of a Roman port city.
The are is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘An astonishing experience,’ one visitor said, adding, ‘Take a guide as the site is so large as to be almost overwhelming.’
7. Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace has grand interiors and beautiful gardens for visitors to enjoy
Built in the 1880s, Dolmabahce Palace consisted of 16 different buildings including a flour mill, stables and a clock tower.
Visitors can tour its beautiful gardens and gaze at its the palace’s grand interiors.
‘I have been in palaces all over the world this one is something special,’ a tourist penned, revealing they had ‘never seen so much Baccarat crystal’ in their life.
8. Grand Bazaar
A whopping 4,000 shops can be found inside Turkey’s Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in Turkey and is said to boast over 4,000 different shops.
Reviews rave about the traditional goods and items you can find, whilst others warn of the need to haggle down prices.
9. Kaleiçi
Kaleiçi is home to a picturesque harbour and endless sea views
The old town district of Kaleiçi means ‘within the castle’ – referring to the romantic tangle of streets and Ottoman houses sitting inside Roman walls.
Kaleiçi is home to a picturesque harbour and endless sea views.
Visitors say the area is a great place to ‘walk out and about’ with one describing it as ‘lovely’.
10. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
The Pamukkale Thermal Pools is another UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Pamukkale Thermal Pools consist of white travertine terraces holding mineral pools.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can soak in the waters and enjoy the impressive surrounding views.
‘It was amazing and wouldn’t have missed this for the world! What an experience! A definite must-see and must-do,’ one person said.
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