Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Turkey

Discover Turkey

Discover Turkey

Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering layered history, lively coastal cities, and striking landscapes in one journey. You can wander ancient sites one moment, then relax in modern neighbourhoods and seaside resorts the next.

What to expect
You will find Istanbul’s atmospheric old quarters, the fairy-tale rock formations of Cappadocia, and the turquoise bays of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Bustling bazaars, town squares, and waterfront promenades reveal a country that feels both familiar and new.

Plan your trip
Many travellers start in Istanbul before exploring other regions by air or road. Turkey also works well as part of a wider trip through Europe or the Middle East, with strong domestic links helping you connect key cities and resort areas.

Top experiences in Turkey

Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula

Stroll between grand mosques, palaces, and museums, then pause in leafy courtyards and traditional tea gardens.

Cruise along the Bosphorus

Sail between continents as you pass waterside mansions, hilltop fortresses, and neighbourhoods perched above the strait.

Discover Cappadocia’s otherworldly valleys

Walk or drive through sculpted rock formations and cave dwellings that change colour with the shifting light.

Unwind on the Turquoise Coast

Base yourself in a harbour town and spend days between quiet coves, boat trips, and relaxed seaside promenades.

Step back in time at ancient Ephesus

Trace colonnaded streets, theatres, and grand façades that reveal Turkey’s role in classical civilisations.

Soak in Pamukkale’s travertine terraces

Walk barefoot over bright white mineral pools and explore nearby ruins set above the surrounding plains.

Shop and sip in Istanbul’s modern districts

Browse contemporary boutiques, art spaces, and cosy cafés that showcase Turkey’s creative, urban side.

Experience Turkey’s way of life

Getting around
Major airports link Istanbul with coastal cities and inland hubs, making domestic flights a time-saving choice. Intercity coaches and an expanding rail network connect regions if you prefer to travel overland and see the countryside unfold.

Local life & culture
In Istanbul and other large cities, you will notice a blend of historic neighbourhoods and modern quarters, each with distinct character. Tea gardens, seaside promenades, and local cafés are everyday meeting points where you can pause and get a feel for the rhythm of daily life.

Where to unwind
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, resort towns offer sheltered bays, walking trails, and tranquil viewpoints above the sea. Inland, you can seek quiet hilltop villages, hot spring areas, and valleys where easy hikes reward you with wide open views.

A taste of Turkey

National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, and shared plates built around fresh vegetables and grains. Different regions add their own touches, from hearty inland dishes to lighter coastal cooking.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, you will find simple eateries, contemporary cafés, and neighbourhood restaurants on almost every street. Seaside towns and inland hubs offer a mix of traditional kitchens and newer venues that put a modern spin on familiar flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
Across Turkey, many restaurants make the most of rooftops, courtyards, and waterfront locations. You can linger over long meals while looking out to city skylines, riverfronts, or quiet bays.

Retail therapy in Turkey

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul and other big cities, modern shopping centres bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These spaces are convenient places to combine shopping with time out in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shops feature textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and decorative pieces that reflect local craftsmanship. Istanbul, coastal towns, and central Anatolian cities are all good places to look for handmade items and regional products.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, central streets and promenades stay lively with illuminated storefronts and late-opening boutiques. Many neighbourhoods mix shopping with cafés and dessert stops, so you can combine browsing with relaxed walks after dark.

Best time to visit Turkey

Peak season: June to August, when coastal areas are warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Many beach destinations are at their busiest and days are long.

Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, bringing mild to warm weather around 18–25°C (64–77°F). This is a comfortable time for city sightseeing and exploring inland landscapes with fewer crowds.

Low season: November to March, when conditions vary from cool and rainy in Istanbul to colder inland, averaging 5–12°C (41–54°F). Coastal areas are quieter, and some resorts operate on a reduced schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions