Top 5 destinations to visit in Turkey from Birmingham Airport

Number 1: Istanbul – The city where two continents collide, leaving an abundance of historical attractions and sights which feature on the top of our ‘must-visit’ list.

The smells and sights of the city are hard not to fall in love with. You’ll visit for a couple of days, and long to go back for more as there is so much to see and do. World famous sites including Hagia Sophia - a fusion of Christian and Islamic architecture, most famous for its large dome and beautifully intricate mosaics – and Blue Mosque – a stunning blue tiled mosque, which is still used for daily prayers, easily one of the most photographed buildings in Turkey.

You’ll do well not to get carried away in the Grand Bazaar. Colourful, but chaotic, with a maze of narrow paths and lanes where vendors showcase their treasures. Don’t be afraid to try your hand at bargaining, its tradition and expected in the bazaars and souks. Pick up textiles, teas and Turkish delights here, or head to the equally famous Spice Bazaar for your favourite spices.

Number 2: Antalya – One of the most beautiful coastlines of the Mediterranean, often likened to the Maldives and known by locals as the turquoise riviera. The region’s stunning hills provide the perfect backdrop to the sparkling waters below.

Visit Antalya to enjoy the slower pace for a while, sit back and relax on the beaches and dine on out-of-this-world cuisine.

Enjoy breakfast each day in the heart of Antalya, Kaleiçi where cafés adorn the cobblestone streets, alongside key sights including Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower. A typical Turkish breakfast includes an array of breads, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, olives, honey and fruit, all served alongside traditional Turkish tea.

For a day of relaxing, choose either Konyaaltı Beach, if you prefer a pebble beach, or Lara Beach, if you prefer sandy shores. Both offer crystal clear shallow waters, and are great spots for swimming, lounging and snacking all day long.

Number 3: Dalaman – If you’re looking for an ‘all-rounder’, then Dalaman is the destination for you. Offering unspoilt beaches, delicious cuisine, mud spas, and a rich cultural history, Dalaman provides variety and something to keep even the most demanding travel entertained.

Lying in the Muğla Province, it is the gateway to some of the most tranquil beaches, including Sarsala Beach, Göcek – a charming seaside town – and Iztuzu Beach, a beautiful golden sanded beach offering a protected nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

The region is an ideal starting point for embarking on some of the best excursions in Turkey. About 1.5 hours away in the car you’ll find Marmaris, with a bustling harbour, a historic castle and the nearby Datcha peninsula which is also worth exploring. For a day out slightly further afield, the Salda Lake boasts mountain scenery, white sandy shores and turquoise waters, and is a 3-hour drive from Dalaman.

Number 4: Izmir – Turkey’s vibrant coastal metropolis, blending history with a modern flair, which holds the title of being the country’s third-largest city, and Turkey’s hidden treasure.

Much more discreet and less known than Istanbul, Izmir has an air of magic to it. The best way to really experience the magic is to explore it on foot, talking in the promenade along the Aegean Sea, the covered bazaars right up to the elevator which allows you to take in one of the most beautiful views of the city.

More budget friendly than other cities, Izmir is less crowded than larger cities and has a more liberal and modern outlook. Start your morning by visiting the Clock Tower and the Agora Open Air Museum and follow it up with a Kumpir (a stuffed baked potato) for lunch, the perfect go-to meal for travellers!

Number 5: Bodrum – A peninsula full of delights, from traditional villages to fine dining restaurants and turquoise waters, it’s hard to find what’s not to love about Bodrum.

The harbour at the heart of the town is easy to meander through, with a quayside lined with little cafes to stop off at, often populated by local sailors or daily visitors from abroad the boats in the marina. Spend the day people-watching and taking in the lively atmosphere of the town. Bodrum Castle stands majestically overlooking the marina, featuring fascinating exhibits and offering the perfect view of the Turkish sunset.

The town is seeping with ancient history, including the tomb of Mausolus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and Bodrum theatre, which you can now explore freely and discover a glimpse of Bodrum’s classical past. The dining options available in Bodrum offer something for everyone’s budget, and taste, ranging from inexpensive local restaurants serving up delicious kebabs, to more fine dining restaurants serving up the fish of the day.