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Do I need a visa to visit Turkey? For most European countries ordinary and official
passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90
days.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world. Its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights.
When is the best time to travel in Turkey? The high season for travel in Turkey generally runs between mid-April and late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many visitors enjoy the spring and fall, with their mild weather and small crowds. Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between Izmir and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of international-quality marinas provide services for the yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, surfing and diving are available. Turkey also enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal for canoeing, skiing and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in mountain ranges throughout Turkey in spring and summer. Central and Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of snow, and snow skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several ski centers, which are generally open from December through April depending on snow conditions.
What are the average
air and water temperatures for Antalya?
The web site of the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, http://www.meteor.gov.tr/, gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for the holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.
What is the best way to travel to Turkey? Most visitors are flying to Turkey directly Antalya. Tourists may arrive in Turkey by car at border crossings from neighboring countries Bulgaria, Greece, etc. There are also ferry connections from Greek and Italian islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
What are the most popular travel destinations in Turkey? From the perfect beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to the pulse of its cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts. Tourists can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht. Whatever your fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey. Antalya province on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey's principal holiday region. It is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports. Best of all, Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby archeological attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in a remarkable state of preservation at Aspendos and Perge and visitors can tour the sunken city of Simena in Kekova. Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Myra and Apollonia are also within easy traveling distance. These are among the most fascinating sites on the Anatolian Peninsula. Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The area's early Christian inhabitants utilized its remarkable rock formations to create more than 220 churches and numerous underground cities in which they took refuge from their persecutors. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of Istanbul's most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern, Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands and the Grand Bazaar.
By Plane By Bus By Train
How should tourists dress in Turkey? Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. Women wear pants or skirts, but when visiting mosques it is recommended that they cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of respects for religious customs.
Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey? The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/. There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by most merchants.
Are any vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey? There are no vaccination requirements for any international
traveler.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey? Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
What is a Turkish bath (Hamam)? Communal baths were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as the name "Turkish Bath" suggests, they played a significant role in Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of cleanliness was not yet accepted in Europe, the Turks were very fastidious due to Islam's emphasis on cleanliness. Countless baths were built in the typical Ottoman architectural style throughout the empire. Unfortunately, few have survived to the present. Cagaloglu Hamami and Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with tourists. A classic bath usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's clothes for a "pestamal" or towel, you then proceed to the "gobek tasi", a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room. This method of bathing is the most refreshing.
What to buy in Turkey and where to buy it? Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry; leather accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper, brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among the most popular purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities. Unique regional handicrafts make shopping that much
more enjoyable. Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including
carpets, ceramics and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings,
decorative glass, and embroidery are a major component of Turkish
culture. They are a stunning reflection of Turkey's diverse cultural
heritage and thousands of years of history.
Where can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in Turkey? There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the local festivals organized in almost every city of the country, international culture and art festivals are held in major cities including Antalya, Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Istanbul is the most important center in Turkey of international culture and art festivals. More information on the international art and culture
festivals in Antalya and Alanya is published on our website (See
Calendar).
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