Resort holidays in Turkey

1. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is often considered the “eighth wonder of the world”. Initially a church and then a mosque, the magnificent structure with the impressive dome is now home to a museum. 

2. The ancient city of Ephesus is officially one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s easy to imagine the former glamour of the bustling port city when you walk around the excavation site south of Izmir. The highlights include the façade of the Celsus Library, the remnants of the Artemis and Hadrian Temples and the theatre, in which up to 21,000 people could watch tragedies, comedies and religious rituals.

3. The travertine terraces of Pamukkale near Denizli almost seem unreal. Over the course of millennia, calcium-rich thermal water has formed brilliantly white, stair-like limestone deposits with countless natural pools. In some of them, visitors may even swim in the warm water. Above the travertine terraces, where wealthy Romans enjoyed "wellness holidays" in ancient times, lie the ruins of Hierapolis, a former city with a wonderfully preserved amphitheatre. 

4. One of the most extraordinary landscapes in Turkey is Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. Here, the erosion from wind and rain has shaped the soft volcanic rock into bizarre formations. You can get the best view of the expansive gardens with pillars and fairy chimneys on a hot air balloon ride. 

5. If you spend your holiday on the Turkish Riviera, be sure to visit the ancient city of Myra. It’s famous not only as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, but also for its Lycian rock tombs. Only the wealthiest residents could afford this kind of necropolis, which resemble small houses carved into the rock. 

6. A beach holiday on the Turkish Aegean is the perfect occasion to visit the ancient city of Pergamon. The sight of the enormous amphitheatre is particularly memorable. Only two kilometres from Pergamon, Asklepion was the most important healing centre of the Roman Empire. 

7. The Castle of St. Peter watches over the harbour in Bodrum. The enormous fortification was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, partially with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Today, this Bodrum landmark houses an important museum of underwater archaeology; concerts and other cultural events are held there regularly. 

With its mountains, fertile lowlands and a multifaceted coastal region, Turkey features a wide variety of landscapes. The climate ranges from continental to mild Mediterranean, and Turkey is home to more than 900 types of plants.

While vast regions in the north consist of forest, the dry regions of the country’s interior are filled with shrubs and thistles. The Mediterranean climate is responsible for the greatest biodiversity. Macchia and wine, tomatoes, lemons, and olives thrive along the Riviera and the Aegean, along with fruit trees. 

The animals you will encounter most often in Turkey are typical farm animals: goats, sheep, donkeys, and mules. The steppe regions are home to camels, porcupines, and mongooses. Wolves, jackals and jumping mice are found only in very remote areas. Deer, wildcats and bears have retreated to the Taurus Mountains.

On walks, you’re more likely to come across tortoises and lizards. It’s always worth looking up when you’re on a nature hike: In addition to vultures, cranes, storks and pelicans, Turkey is home to eagles, black kites, and other birds. There are also several kinds of migratory birds in the winter. The waters around Turkey have a rich variety of fish, including sea bream, red mullet and sea bass. Sea turtles and Mediterranean seals also live along some parts of the coastline. 

Enjoying the sun and swimming in the warm ocean – for many, this is the epitome of a perfect holiday in Turkey. Those who prefer to be active during the best time of the year will find excellent conditions for many kinds of sports in Turkey. 

Water sports

Whether you prefer swimming or diving – you can access the most beautiful and hard-to-reach areas along the coast on a Blue Cruise with a traditional gulet. During interim stops at deserted beaches or in front of small islands, you can dive directly from the ship into the water, take amazing photos with your underwater camera or look forward to a small barbecue. 

Diving and snorkelling in more than 25 spots is also great fun. Around Kas in particular, you can discover spectacular reefs, exciting caves and shipwrecks. The waters around Bodrum have an abundance of fish. Once in a while, even exotic guests from the Red Sea stray over. 

Golf 

Passionate golfers spend their holiday in the Belek region. The golf courses here are available year-round, although the main season is from November to April. On the many well-maintained greens, you often tee off with a view of the shimmering sea. 

Hiking 

If you packed your hiking boots, you’re probably already looking forward to the Lycian Way. As one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking paths in the world, it covers a length of 509 kilometres above the Lycian coast. It mainly follows old shepherd’s tracks or ancient trade routes and continues to surprise you with spectacular views. As an alternative, you can take a Jeep safari to the wild and romantic Taurus Mountains. After an action-packed ride through dense forests, narrow ravines and along curvy roads, you can enjoy refreshments near a waterfall or a visit to a mountain village. 

Shopping

Souvenir hunters best take a stroll through a vibrant bazaar. You’ll be sure to find typical keepsakes such as a Nazar amulet, colourful ceramics, Turkish honey and spices. And you can demonstrate your skills at haggling. 

ROBINSON's tip

At the ROBINSON resorts in Turkey, you can try out such sports as sailing, stand-up paddling, canyoneering or beach volleyball.