Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Turkey

Discover Turkey

Discover Turkey

Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient civilisations, coastal scenery, and layered city life. You can move from Ottoman palaces to Roman ruins and golden beaches within a single journey.

What to expect
First-timers often start in Istanbul, then explore Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, or the ancient sites around Ephesus. Each region offers a distinct mix of history, landscapes, and contemporary Turkish culture.

Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your main gateway, with domestic flights, coaches, and tours linking other regions. From here, you can also connect onward to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, making Turkey a flexible base for wider travels.

Top experiences in Turkey

Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula

Wander between grand mosques, Byzantine landmarks, and old bazaars in the city’s atmospheric old quarter.

Sail the Turquoise Coast

Join a coastal cruise to swim in clear bays, visit small harbours, and enjoy relaxed days on the water.

See Cappadocia from above

Admire otherworldly rock formations and valleys, with the option of a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the landscape.

Step back in time at Ephesus

Walk marble streets, theatres, and temples at one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive ancient cities.

Soak in Pamukkale's terraces

Visit the white travertine pools and nearby ruins of Hierapolis, combining natural scenery with archaeology.

Unwind in a traditional hamam

Experience a historic bathhouse, with steam rooms and marble interiors designed for slow, restorative rituals.

Discover Anatolian mountain towns

Head inland to quieter towns where stone houses, local crafts, and cooler air offer a different pace of travel.

Experience Turkey's way of life

Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights link Istanbul with coastal resorts and inland hubs such as Cappadocia and Ankara. Between nearby cities, coaches and intercity buses are common, while trams, ferries, and metros help you navigate major urban areas.

Local life & culture
In Turkish cities you will find café terraces, neighbourhood tea gardens, and lively waterfront promenades. Smaller towns tend to move at a slower rhythm, with sociable evenings and strong ties to local traditions, crafts, and seasonal festivals.

Where to unwind
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean, resort towns and quiet coves invite lazy beach days and coastal walks. Inland, valleys, lakes, and national parks offer hiking, cycling, and chances to escape the crowds in open landscapes.

A taste of Turkey

National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you will encounter grilled meats, stuffed vegetables, street-side pastries, and rich desserts with nuts and syrup. Istanbul and Gaziantep are known for regional takes on classic dishes and deep culinary traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities, you can eat at simple lokantas, busy meyhanes, and contemporary bistros on the same street. Neighbourhoods by the Bosphorus, the Aegean coast, and central Anatolian towns all bring their own flavours and ingredients to the table.

Signature & scenic dining
Bosphorus-side terraces, hillside restaurants, and restored mansions create memorable backdrops for long meals. Coastal towns add sunset seafood spots, while cave-style settings in Cappadocia make even a simple dinner feel special.

Retail therapy in Turkey

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large malls and lifestyle centres combine international labels with local designers, cinemas, and dining. Other big cities also feature modern complexes with fashion, electronics, and services under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars and neighbourhood markets are ideal for textiles, ceramics, and handmade items. Cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are good bases for exploring workshops and small shops that focus on regional crafts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and waterfront areas fill with people strolling between shops and cafés. In peak seasons, some coastal towns host extended opening hours and lively promenades that mix shopping with street performances.

Best time to visit Turkey

Peak season: June to August sees hot summers, especially along the coasts, with temperatures often around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Beach resorts are at their busiest and days are long and dry.

Shoulder season: April to May and September to October bring milder conditions of about 18–25°C (64–77°F). Sightseeing is more comfortable, and both cities and coastal areas feel more relaxed.

Low season: November to March is cooler, with coastal regions around 8–15°C (46–59°F) and some inland areas dropping lower. You can expect quieter attractions, shorter days, and a higher chance of rain or, inland, snow.

Frequently Asked Questions