Türkiye (Turkey)

The richness of Türkiye’s (Turkey’s) landscapes reflects the various climates in its seven regions. The warmest are southeast Anatolia and the Mediterranean region, which includes the famous ‘Turkish Riviera’. Inexpensive flights to Alanya-Gazipasa (GZP), for example, take you right to the idyllic Turquoise Coast, where beachgoers can expect water temperatures of at least 20°C between May and November. There’s plenty of sunshine here: Over 12 hours of sun a day draw visitors to Side, Alanya, Kemer and Antalya, for example. Even during the winter it’s at least 5 °C. Sweltering summers with temperatures around 30°C and mild winters are characteristic of not only the Turkish Riviera, but also the Aegean region. Here, too, sun-seekers can look forward to warm water, infrequent rainfall and constant good weather. Relax near Dalaman (DLM) by the seashore or on excursions into the nearby wilderness. If you want to combine swimming, hiking and sightseeing, it’s best to visit in the spring or fall. With average temperatures of 9.7 and 10.6°C, eastern and central Anatolia are the coolest regions in Türkiye (Turkey). The temperate climate is ideal for travellers to explore fascinating natural landscapes. The best time to travel to eastern Anatolia and the highlands around Cappadocia is between June and early October. Türkiye (Turkey) also has a winter sports region that’s not unlike Innsbruck. The Sarıkamış skiing area (near Kars – KSY) delights winter sports enthusiasts from December to April with fine, crystalline snow and sunshine.

In addition to beach holidays and the metropolis of Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey) also offers many fascinating destinations for those interested in culture and history. Many landmarks can boast inclusion on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites list. The Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia in lively Istanbul, the archaeological excavation site Troy or the ruins of Xanthos – not to mention the historic old town in Safranbolu – are just a few examples. Biblical history, remnants of classical antiquity and a Middle Eastern past all come together in the cultural melting pot that is Türkiye (Turkey). A hunt for traces of Noah’s ark or the garden of Adam and Eve will take you to Şanlıurfa near Gaziantep (GZT). A visit to the mausoleum of Mevlana Dschalal ad-Din Rumi in Konya (KYA) is particularly popular amongst Turkish tourists. The Sumela Monastery in Trabzon (TZX) is an absolute highlight on the Black Sea coast. Located on a sheer cliff face, the ruins make for a breathtaking view, even when seen from a distance. Another cultural treasure lies on the Aegean Sea, just about three hours away from the resort town of Bodrum: Ephesus. The rambling city of ruins includes an amphitheatre and sections of what was once the majestic Library of Celsus.

The Cappadocia region features a unique mix of natural landscapes and traces of history. Göreme National Park impresses the visitor with its striking ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations and rock carvings. Millennia-old cave architecture comprises not only dwellings, but also complex, ancient sacred structures. For an unforgettable experience, take a hot-air balloon over the unusual Cappadocian scenery. The limestone terraces of Pamukkale in Western Türkiye (Turkey) are completely different – but just as impressive. The formations look like an unworldly landscape of ice. Tip: Don’t miss out on seeing Pamukkale at night! A detour to neighbouring Hierapolis and its ancient necropolis is also a must.

Some airlines offer cheap flights to Türkiye (Turkey); SunExpress provides inexpensive flights from professionals. For more than 20 years, the Türkiye (Turkey) expert has been reliably taking travellers to every major city and tourist destination – for attractively low prices. From Ankara (ESB) and Antalya (AYT) via Bodrum (BJV) to Izmir (ADB) and, of course, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), SunExpress offers relaxed flights from nearly anywhere in Germany. And SunExpress even serves smaller airports like Malatya (MLX), the apricot capital of Türkiye (Turkey), Erzurum (ERZ), Samsun (SZF) and Van (VAN). The caves, clifftop fortresses and subterranean cities of Cappadocia can best be reached from Kayseri Airport (ASR). Nearby airports make it convenient to reach significant landmarks such as the fortifications of Diyarbakir (DIY) – which are some of the world’s largest and best-preserved – and the stone bridge in Adana (ADA), erected during Hadrian’s reign.