Travel Guide: Türkiye

As your feed is flooded with Euro summer snaps, think turquoise water, sun-dappled days and boozy long lunches. You’re probably wondering; Where should I be this summer?

One of our top picks? Türkiye.

Home to the Turkish Riviera, a stretch of stunning coastline from Çanakkale to Antalya, where crystal-clear waters meet towering mountains and ancient ruins. You can spend your days sailing between private bays, feasting on mezze and baklava and relaxing on some of the Mediterranean and Aegean's most beautiful beaches.

WHAT TO DO

BODRUM

Once a small fishing village, famed for the Tomb of King Mausolus, an Ancient Wonder of the World, Bodrum has since transformed into one of the Turkish Riviera’s most glamorous destinations. Filled with luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, super yachts and a steady stream of celebrities. Start your day strolling through ancient ruins, then spend your afternoon sipping cocktails at a beach club. Only a beat from Greece, Bodrum is also an easy addition to your Greek odyssey.

FETHIYE

Fethiye is the gateway for most sailing adventures, with a dramatic coastline that stretches from secluded beaches to mountainous peaks. Spend your days cruising turquoise waters and soaking up the sun at iconic spots like the Blue Lagoon and Butterfly Valley.

Prefer to stay on land? Lace up your boots and explore the trail from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz, a scenic stretch of the Lycian Way that winds past ancient ruins and offers sweeping views of the coastline.

And for the adventure traveller, Ölüdeniz is also one of the best places in the world for paragliding, thanks to the soaring Babadağ Mountain, standing at an impressive 6,500 feet.

KAS

Get ready to fall in love. Nestled along the eastern portion of the coastline, Kaş is a postcard-perfect town with cobblestone streets, pink bougainvillaea, and a charming old town. For a slow, relaxed holiday, we recommend a week in the region, where you can spend your days soaking up the sun at the local beaches, including Büyük Çakıl, Küçük Çakıl and the infamous Kaputaş Beach.

CAPPADOCIA

No trip to Türkiye is complete without a journey to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, and trust us, it’s well worth the detour. Each morning, hundreds of colourful hot air balloons sail over the lunar landscape, taking in the towering fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. Rise with the sun each morning to capture this scene, before exploring the many valleys, walks and historic sites.

 

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND SWIM

MOMO BEACH CLUB - BODRUM

Inspired by the laid-back spirit of aperitif culture, MOMO is the perfect spot to savour summer: good food, good drinks and good music. Nestled in a picturesque bay of Yalıkavak, MOMO invites you to relax on your sun lounger by the sparkling Aegean Sea or indulge in delicious meals at their restaurant. With a range of DJs in the summer months, we also recommend stopping by for a dance.

HILMI - FETHIYE

Surrounded by the sea, Türkiye offers some of the freshest seafood around, and there isn't a more picturesque setting than at Hilmi Restaurant in Fethiye. Nestled in the charming courtyard of the fish market or with views overlooking the harbour, enjoy a selection of Turkish wine, mezze plates and the freshest daily catches.

LOKANTA - FETHIYE

While the cosy decor might remind you of Grandma’s house, Lokanta Fethiye serves up an undeniably modern menu. This small boutique restaurant delivers traditional Mediterranean cuisine, think eggplant salads, dolma, calamari, pilav and baklava, but with a twist.

Our pick? The vegetable patties served with yoghurt and raspberry sauce, a dish that you will daydream about.

OBORUS MOMUS - KAS

Grab a seat here in the evening, sip on an ice-cold beer, cocktail, or glass of wine and enjoy the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. A fully vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Oborus Momus is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But make a booking, this is an in-demand spot on the peninsula.

Stalactite-shaped buildings in a cave town, likely in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Beach with white umbrellas and lounge chairs near a body of water.

WHERE TO STAY

THE EDITION - BODRUM

Perched on the sparkling shores of Bodrum with stunning views over the Aegean Sea, The Bodrum Edition features 110 rooms, suites and villas, an infinity pool and a private beach club. Showcasing the luxury that Bodrum is famous for, The Edition has everything you would need to enjoy your days under the sun, including a Turkish Hammam experience.

YAZZ COLLECTIVE - FETHIYE

Situated on a private beach and only accessible by boat, Yazz Collective is your own oasis, hidden amongst nature. Taking an eco-conscious approach to hospitality, the 16-room hotel is fit with a farm-to-table restaurant, beach club, spa and gym.

KOZA CAVE HOTEL - CAPPADOCIA

As the premier cave hotel in Cappadocia, Koza Cave Hotel boasts undeniably one of the best rooftops in Göreme. Enjoy sunrise on the rooftop, reserved only for guests, watching dozens of hot air balloons gently rise over the valley. With a large focus on eco-tourism, the boutique hotel has a small array of rooms, including the Queen Room, which features a private rooftop and hot tub to enjoy the views.

 

THREE THINGS TO PACK

LINEN

You're on the Riviera, linen is undoubtedly the uniform of choice, from days on boats, to dinners and long lunches, you'll want pieces that are comfortable from sunrise to sunset.

SPF

You'll be in the sun, a lot, and nothing gets you ready for a day of rays quite like a reliable sunscreen.

SARONG

From the coffee shop to the beach and then the beach club, this little number will be your saviour of the summer. Designed to be worn multiple ways - long, short, tied, or wrapped, a sarong is a must-have for your next seaside vacation. Have a look at our range here.