Turkey has so much to offer. Rich in history and culture, with some of the best beaches in the world, it's a fantastic option whether you want to relax, explore, or do both!
Istanbul is a city rich with culture and has to be included on any staycation. From the stunning mosques and museums, to the incredible Grand Bazaar market – you’ll struggle to fit everything in! The Hagia Sophia is a cathedral constructed in 537 AD, that is today operating as a mosque with the most beautiful interior that needs to be seen to be believed. The Blue Mosque is another incredible building to visit, and members of the public are allowed to visit for no charge. You’ll also be spoilt for choice for food in Istanbul, so plan ahead and make sure you fit in a few restaurants on your travels.
Izmir is a beautiful city down from Istanbul on the Aegean coast, and is a great destination to visit if you want some architectural history on your trip. Agora is a good place to start, an open-air museum that dates back to the 4th century, the site is still in good shape and you can see the water channels that are still in operation when you go there. You can enjoy the Agean sea on the Alaçatı and Çeşme beaches. We also recommend taking a tour of Ephesus and St. Mary’s House, which was one of the largest seaports in the ancient world and it now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also head on over to Izmir Wild Life Park, visit the Key Museum, and don’t forget to stop by the Clock Tower!
Ankara has plenty to keep you busy and is a must visit for museum fans! Start off with Ankara Castle, located in Altındağ it offers a 360-degree view of Ankara. The Anitkabir is a beautiful mausoleum of Atatürk who is th founder of Turkish Republic which also contains a museum, with various exhibits on the history of Turkey. The MTA Sehit Cuma Dag Natural History Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you’re with children or just a fan of dinosaurs and the natural world. If you’re looking for a more varied visit, head on over to the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi which contains over 200,000 historical pieces. We also recommend a visit to the Aqua Vega aquarium as well, which has the third largest tunnel aquarium in the world!
A popular destination for a more relaxed, picturesque staycation, Anatalya still has a lot to offer. A bit of a hotspot, the region has sunshine 300 days of the year so if you’re looking to sunbathe this is the place for you! There are plenty of places to explore during the day, including the Archaeology Museum which is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean. The Lower Duden Waterfalls should be on your itinerary, and is a stunning natural attraction that you can’t see anywhere else. If you have time take a stroll down to the harbour for a relaxed walk along the Turquoise Coast.
Another yachting hub, Bodrum is just as stunning as Antalya if you’re looking for somewhere to spend your staycation. The Castle of St Peter sits on the seafront overlooking the beautiful blue Aegean Sea. Inside you can find a mosque as well as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and a glass blowing workshop. Bodrum is also a great place to sign up for a boat trip that will show you the sights, and you may be lucky enough to see some dolphins!