Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey shares its borders with eight countries and has coasts along the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas, which creates diverse landscapes and traditions. As a result, no two regions of Turkey are the same.  

This diversity also makes for a packed itinerary, which can be a little overwhelming. To simplify your planning, consider our favourite locations:  

• Explore fairytale Cappadocia – Cappadocia is a magical location featuring surreal valleys and chimney rock formations forged from volcanic activity and erosion. As you tour these wonders at the Göreme National Park, you can stop by the open-air museum and check out the equally mystical collection of Byzantine structures carved into the rocks. We also highly recommend booking a hot air balloon ride to witness the valley from the sky. Other notable locations include the Derinkuyu underground city, the fantastical rock castles at Uçhisar and Ortahisar, and the various troglodyte hotels. 

• Step into the endless splendour of Istanbul – As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul has a magnetic personality. You’ll discover a mixture of Asian and European elements throughout as you venture into popular neighbourhoods like Sultanahmet and Eminönü. One of the greatest cultural monuments in the world, the Hagia Sophia, also resides in Istanbul. This stunning structure stands as a symbol of the city’s unique history, having served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Other stunning locations include the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, and the Basilica Cistern, the largest and most beautiful cistern beneath the city.   

• Visit the mineral pools of Pamukkale – Alongside locations like Cappadocia, Pamukkale encapsulates the diversity of Turkey’s landscape. Here you’ll find terraces of white limestone (travertine), formed by the area’s hot springs. The terraces create a stunning contrast against the surrounding green hills and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hierapolis. The ruins of Hierapolis are a must-see, consisting of an amphitheatre, necropolis, temple, and main street. In addition, the hot springs at Hierapolis are still in use if you need a reprieve.  

• Take in the charming seaside town of Kaş – Another notable location is the Mediterranean town of Kaş in southwest Turkey. Ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway, a stroll into Old Town unveils fine cuisine and charming boutiques. Exploring the heart of Kaş is essential, but we also invite you to check out the scuba diving spots, which include a downed Douglas DC-3 craft. Alternatively, budding historians can visit the nearby ruins, such as the Hellenistic theatre overlooking the sparkling water. 

Climate 

Turkey’s climate varies due to the country’s size. The Mediterranean Sea influences the southern and western regions, providing mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Meanwhile, the Black Sea influences the northern coast which has comparatively cooler summers thanks to higher levels of rainfall. 

In contrast, the central regions of Turkey feature more notable extremes, with hot summers and frosty winters, particularly in the Anatolian plateaus. 

For a well-rounded trip, we recommend visiting Turkey when the weather is pleasantly cool in most areas. This is usually between April and May or September and October. 

Culture and language 

Turkey’s culture is an interesting blend of Eastern and Western traditions emerging from historical Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman powers. The country’s regions echo this blend through their respective identities, cuisines, and local practices.   

For instance, areas such as Kaş resonate with the Mediterranean lifestyle whereas major cities like Istanbul are multicultural, mixing modernity with traditional conventions.  

Collectively, Turkish people have a reputation for being communal, neighbourly, and polite. Most of the country speaks Turkish, though you’ll find other languages such as Kurdish, Zazaki, and Arabic. English is spoken in major tourist areas, though fluency varies. 

We recommend learning a few phrases in Turkish and downloading a reliable translation app.  

Additionally, we encourage researching local customs. For instance, you must dress modestly while visiting mosques. Expect to tip at establishments and haggle at the markets. It’s also generally polite to accept tea or coffee during social gatherings. 

Getting around 

There are many safe and efficient ways to get around Turkey. For example, you can rent a vehicle if you have a valid Australian driver’s licence.  

If you go this route, research the local road laws. Keep in mind that you can use your licence for up to 6 months. After which, you’ll have to apply for a local licence. 

Otherwise, you can opt for a bus or plane for long-distance travel. Travelling by air is quick and convenient, especially if you don’t intend to stay in Turkey long. Conversely, many long-distance buses are remarkably cosy. Reputable bus companies often provide snacks, reclining seats, and entertainment, though travel time is lengthy.  

Within major cities, we suggest relying on public transportation or taxis. For the former, metro and rail systems are efficient and well-connected. For the latter, licensed taxis are safe and affordable. Choose taxi drivers with fare meters to secure the best rates. Otherwise, prepare to haggle.  

Accommodation 

Due to Turkey’s thriving tourist industry, there’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Hotels, hostels, lodges, and pansiyons (pensions) make up the most popular selections. 

Turkish hotels are plentiful in major cities and top holiday destinations. The star-rating system isn’t always consistent across Turkey, so you may come across some high-quality selections with no stars. Read reviews for booking.  

You’ll also find boutique or luxury options such as the troglodyte (cave) hotels in Cappadocia if you want a more niche experience. 

For smaller selections, consider staying at a pansiyon, which is usually a guesthouse with a more intimate and homey atmosphere. Hostels, meanwhile, offer comfortable dormitories if you’d like to meet other travellers. Alternatively, you can find lodges at higher elevations, such as the Kaçkar mountains. 

Entry requirements 

Australians travelling to Turkey require a tourist e-visa. With an e-visa, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. Otherwise, you will need to contact the Turkish embassy in Australia to get a valid visa.  

To apply, use the official Turkish government portal. Be wary of unofficial sites as these are scams.  

Additionally, keep in mind that travel recommendations can change quickly. We recommend staying up-to-date on the Smartraveller and Turkish embassy websites before and throughout your holiday to stay on top of travel alerts.  

All set for your trip to Turkey?  

Make sure you’ve ticked all of these items off your checklist before you head off: 

• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date 

• Speak to your doctor to find out if you require any travel vaccinations or need to take any other precautions. There are cases of measles in Turkey. Additionally, there is a risk of malaria, leishmaniasis, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in certain areas 

• You will need to apply for an e-visa for tourism. E-visas for medical and business needs have a different process. If you’re going to Turkey for medical services, speak with your doctor first  

• Watch out for petty crime. Never leave your personal items alone in public areas or on public transport 

• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel 

• Set up a travel currency card or another payment option before your trip. While most places accept debit or credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some Turkey lira (TRY) in case of emergencies. Secure any cash on your person while travelling 

• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a prepaid international sim card 

• Book tours, activities, and reputable accommodation in advance 

• If you’re travelling solo, provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend so you can be contacted in case of an emergency 

• Save emergency numbers and consular assistance contact details. Create safety plans and educate your children on what to do if you’re separated 

• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.