Do not think that Turkey is only about city walks and beach relaxation. The country is territorially divided into 81 regions, each of which has its own places for leisure. The tourist industry plays a special role in the country’s economy, so travellers here can spend their time actively and to their pleasure. Moreover, entertainment options are available for every budget. In this article, we want to thoroughly explore the topic of leisure in the Turkish Republic and tell you more about the entertainments that await you there.
Water Activities
Turkey offers numerous water activities, both extreme and suitable for families with children. For example, rafting on the mountain river Koprulu, a ride on a jet ski or water skis, windsurfing just 20 minutes away from Marmaris. Those who want to engage in diving and snorkelling to observe the life of fish are advised to head to Cape Sarı Mehmet. Even beginners can receive training there. For family tourists in Belek, there is the “Troy” water park, stylized after the ancient city-fortress of the same name. All slides here are connected in a way that resembles Troy. As you can see, there are more than enough water entertainments to spend your holiday on, so choose the ones you have long wanted to try.
Tours and Hiking
Turkey is a land with historical and cultural landmarks that can be explored through excursions. For example, a hike along the Lycian Way. The route runs along part of the Mediterranean coast of ancient Lycia. Its length is about 540 km, and the price for the tour is approximately 360 euros. In addition to this, you can take an easy trek in the Gereme Valley, climb Mount Erciyes, or follow the Carian Trail. Apart from walking tours, it is possible to travel by car along the Lycian coast. You will definitely find the service of car rental in Turkey useful.
Active Leisure
Each tourist has their own understanding of active leisure. For some, it is mountain biking, and for others, it is horseback riding. In Turkey, you can enjoy both, as well as parties, skiing on the ski slopes, parachuting and paragliding, river rafting, and quad biking. Turkey offers a lot of adrenaline for those who love it and want to experience it. Depending on the city and the activity, prices may vary. But if you have already decided to go all out, there is no need to spare money on active leisure in Turkey.
Shopping
discounts reaching up to a whopping 70%! From Turkey, you can bring home leather clothing and accessories, jewellery, shoes, spices, olives and olive oil, household goods, hookahs, and various desserts. Remember that there are restrictions on exporting certain items from the country, such as shells and corals without a receipt, narcotics-containing medicines, exotic plants, and animals. The full list can be viewed on airline websites.
Nightlife
If you enjoy being at the heart of the action, going all out and partying, Turkey offers a wide selection of places for evening fun and entertainment. Here, you can head to a nightclub and dance to modern DJ tracks or enjoy a delicious cocktail in a cosy bar. The most popular clubs await you on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Remember the resorts that will open up the world of nightlife for you: Izmir, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side, and Alanya. In Bodrum, you can even go to a water disco at Bodrum Marina Club. it is a massive ship with a glass bottom and laser lighting.
Spa and Wellness
In Turkey, you can also rejuvenate your body, health, and appearance through spa treatments. For example, in Bodrum and Antalya, you can find the wellness centre, The Life Co Wellbeing, where you can improve your health and spend time in tranquillity. They offer lectures on nutrition, teach healthy eating and body care, and provide relaxing procedures for the soul. Just 10 km from Antalya, you can stay at the Barut Hotels Lara Resort & Spa, a five-star hotel with health treatments and activities. Thanks to the Turkish climate, there are many spa centres here, so take the time to find the right one in the city where you are staying.
Gastronomic Tourism
In Turkey, gastronomic tourism is one of the promising directions. This famous culinary country allows you to savour delicious dishes and drinks such as kebabs, meze, baklava, Turkish coffee, and much more. Turkey has been preparing dishes that have become part of its culture for thousands of years. For food enthusiasts, you can choose a culinary tour and learn more about traditional dishes based on the Ottoman Empire. Turkish breakfast, called kahvalti, is a must-try. It includes Turkish bread or toast, butter, jam, chocolate, and honey, olives and olive oil, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, several types of cheese, coffee or tea. Simit, a sesame-seed-covered bread ring, which can also be a full Turkish breakfast or snack, is practically sold on every corner in Turkey.
Visiting Parks and Zoos
This type of recreation in Turkey is often chosen by families with children. The country has many beautiful parks and zoos where you can spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. For example, there is a zoo in Antalya located in a quiet forested area, or the Istanbul Zoo, where all the residents are divided by geographical regions. Besides zoos, every tourist can visit theme parks like Dinosaur Park, Luna Park, Aktur Park, and others.
As you can see, there are plenty of entertainment options in Turkey for every interest and budget. Just choose your desired direction, as the country offers a variety of experiences in each city. Ladies can head straight to a spa salon, while gentlemen might want to conquer the skies by parasailing, and children can not resist looking at exotic animals and, of course, riding all available attractions. Do not hesitate for long; make use of all the entertainment opportunities in Turkey.
How to Make your Holiday in Turkey Comfortable
If you google the word “holiday”, Wikipedia will state that it is “an instance of leisure travel away from home”. To make your holiday in Turkey truly rejuvenating, it is necessary to take into account several important factors. Often, tourists want to see as many places as possible in a short amount of time. However, we believe that there is nothing more important than quality leisure. The following tips will help you truly make your holiday in Turkey carefree and enjoyable.
1. Choose a good hotel
The quality of your holiday in Turkey largely depends on the hotel you choose. On some websites, you can find a whole list of the best places and reviews from previous visitors. You can rely on it or independently search for hotels on the internet. Your accommodation should meet the following criteria: a convenient location, comfortable rooms, high ratings. it is better to prefer hotels with a pool, a gym, restaurants, and bars on the premises. Then the time you spend on its territory will certainly not be boring.
2. Learn about local attractions
While some travel to Turkey exclusively for its beaches and all-inclusive hotels, others spend hours scrolling through the internet in search of Turkish attractions. The country is rich in historical and cultural sites. If you belong to the second category of active tourists, be sure to check out the most interesting and popular attractions before your trip. do not forget to find out the schedule and cost of excursions so you do not miss anything important. And also, choose the services of a guide. They have been working for many years and, most often, will tell and show you much more than you can find on your own.
3. Explore the local cuisine
Turkey is famous for its delicious cuisine, so do not miss the opportunity to try everything that is interesting. Over the centuries, the cuisine has evolved, absorbing the influences of Greek, Balkan, Caucasian, and Arab cuisines. Study the menus of restaurants in advance and choose dishes that are the most traditional. For example, try pastries, various types of kebabs, lamb wedding soup, and cold appetisers. Remember to order local desserts and drinks, such as baklava, pişmaniye, ayran, and Turkish coffee.
4. Consider the local climate
The climate in Turkey is quite hot, so it is important to take this factor into account when planning your holiday. In January, the average temperature is about +5°C, while in July it is around +23°C. If you visit the country in the summer, the sun here can be relentless. Remember to wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Also, do not forget to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. In winter, on the other hand, the temperature at night can drop to -13°C, making it a great opportunity to spend time at the country’s ski resorts, such as Erciyes, Palandöken, and Uludağ. By the way, the latter is often chosen by celebrities for relaxation, so your chances of meeting your idol here are higher.
5. Interact with locals
Local residents pay a lot of attention to etiquette. Therefore, every tourist should know the basic rules of behaviour. When travelling deeper into the country, women should dress modestly, everyone should remove their shoes when entering a mosque, and avoid entering a mosque when Turks are praying. Locals are always ready to help tourists and provide useful advice on where to eat, what to see, and how to get to the right place. Just make sure to approach and ask correctly. Learn basic phrases in Turkish to gain the trust and admiration of the Turks. Do not hesitate to ask them for help, as they know their city best. And never compare Turkey to Greece, as these two countries have very complex relations, and encountering negativity will be easier than you think.
6. Be cautious with traders
Turkey is known for its vibrant and colourful markets, where you can find many souvenirs, clothing, and other goods. However, be cautious with traders who may try to sell you unnecessary items or overpriced things. Market traders can “read” your purchasing power and interests based on your appearance. And do not be afraid to haggle. Make eye contact with the seller, try to negotiate the price in Turkish, and never rush. Also, do not go to the market on the first day of your holiday; first, you need to study prices in all areas of the city.
7. Plan your time
This is one of the most important steps before your trip. To make your holiday in Turkey as comfortable as possible, do not forget to plan places to visit in advance. Determine what activities you want to do, what excursions to take, and where to eat. Also, do not forget about time for rest and relaxation. Use local maps, set realistic time frames for visiting landmarks, and do not forget to get insurance. You can see many options for visiting places by looking at the Instagram accounts of other people using geolocation.
8. Rent a car
To move freely and comfortably around the country, we recommend using car rental services. This is convenient and relatively inexpensive if you want to spend most of your budget exclusively on entertainment. With a rented car, you can plan your route and not depend on the schedule of public transport. Cars in Turkey can be rented on the website of LocalCarRents. Just go to the company’s website, choose a suitable car model, and reserve it. The prices are more reasonable than those of other rental companies.
A holiday in Turkey can become an unforgettable experience that you will remember with a smile on your face. To do this, you need to try and plan all the necessary details before your trip. Make sure to stay in good apartments, learn some basic phrases in Turkish, check the weather forecast, and definitely try the local cuisine. By following our advice and visiting the suggested places, you can make your holiday in Turkey much more comfortable and enjoyable.