Cheap Flights to Turkey from the UK

Turkey offers a long swimming season, big all-inclusive hotels at lower prices than most of southern Europe, and a rich mix of history, food and scenery. Jet2 and TUI include Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum in their programmes from many UK bases, and Turkey is often among the cheapest places for a family week in August.

The weaker lira has made the country even better value for visitors in recent years, though prices in tourist areas have risen. If you want a hot, easy beach holiday with plenty to see inland, Turkey is hard to beat.

Antalya (AYT) serves Antalya itself, Lara, Belek, Side, Kemer and Alanya, and is the busiest airport. Dalaman (DLM) serves Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Oludeniz, Dalyan and Gocek. Bodrum (BJV) serves Bodrum, Gumbet, Yalikavak and the peninsula, and Izmir (ADB) serves Kusadasi and Cesme.

Istanbul (IST) is the city-break and connection hub. Choose the airport by the resort, as transfers can be long, such as 90 minutes from Antalya to Alanya. Our Cairo guide and the other winter sun pages on this site show how Turkey compares with Egypt for value.

A week in a four-star all-inclusive hotel near Antalya or Dalaman in June or September might cost £550 to £850 per person as a package from a regional airport, and £900 to £1,300 in the peak of August. A family of four can save £1,500 or more by moving a week into late May or the first half of September.

These are examples, since hotels and dates differ. Extra costs to consider are excursions, which range from £20 for a boat trip to £60 for a full-day tour, and spending on drinks outside the hotel. If you set a total budget first, you can see quickly which region and board type work best.

May, June, September and October are the best months, with warm weather and moderate prices. July and August are very hot, often 35 degrees or more, and the most expensive. November is cheaper but cooler and the sea is cooling.

The Aegean coast around Bodrum and Marmaris has a cooler breeze than Antalya. Winters are mild but wet, and many resorts close. The cheapest weeks are usually late October and the first half of June.

Prices in Turkey usually fall in three steps: high from late June to the end of August, then a drop in the first half of September, and a further fall in October. Easter and the May bank holidays can also be pricey, though the weather is cooler.

A flexible family can often save £1,000 or more by moving a week from mid-August to mid-September, when the sea is at its warmest and the heat is more bearable. Check the date of Turkish public holidays, such as Eid, which can cause local demand to jump.

All-inclusive hotels in Turkey range from simple three-star properties to huge five-star resorts with water parks, multiple restaurants and evening shows. Local drinks are usually included, and imported spirits cost extra.

Read recent reviews, check the distance to the beach, and look at what is included in terms of snacks and late-night drinks. Many families return to the same hotel, a sign of the quality of service.

Packages with Jet2holidays, TUI and others include flights, a hold bag, transfers and an all-inclusive hotel, and carry ATOL protection. In peak weeks they often beat flight-only prices.

Compare both for your dates and read what is covered. Our all-inclusive resorts service and vacation packages service can help.

Ancient sites are everywhere: Ephesus near Kusadasi, Aspendos and Perge near Antalya, Pamukkale's white terraces inland from Dalaman, and the rock tombs at Dalyan. Boat trips to Kekova, Butterfly Valley and the Greek islands are popular.

Book excursions through local operators, which are often cheaper than hotel reps, and check the company's safety record. Take sun cream, water and sensible shoes for ancient sites.

Resorts are relaxed, but mosques and small towns are more conservative. Cover your shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf for mosques. Remove shoes before entering and be quiet during prayers.

During Ramadan, which moves earlier each year, restaurants in resorts stay open, but you should avoid eating and drinking in public in non-tourist areas out of respect. Hospitality is a big part of Turkish culture, and a polite greeting is always appreciated.

The Turkish lira is the local currency, and its value has been volatile. Pounds and euros are widely accepted in resorts. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees, and choose to pay in lira if asked.

Tipping of 10 percent is customary in restaurants if no service charge is added. Haggling is expected in bazaars, so start at half the asking price and be polite.

Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but check the Foreign Office advice, which advises against travel to areas near the Syrian border. Use high-factor sun cream, drink bottled water and be careful with ice and salads when you arrive.

The GHIC does not cover Turkey, so travel insurance with medical cover is essential. Take care on scooters and quad bikes, which cause many injuries each year.

A gulet cruise, a traditional wooden sailing boat, is one of Turkey's classic experiences. Typical routes run between Fethiye and Marmaris, or around Bodrum, over four to seven nights, with swimming stops and meals on board.

Prices vary widely, from budget group cruises to private charters, and the best season is May to October. Check that the operator is licensed, ask about the number of passengers and read reviews. Booking through a reputable agent protects you if something goes wrong.

What goes wrong most is visiting in the peak of August without checking the heat, choosing a hotel far from the beach, forgetting the 150-day passport rule and booking cosmetic treatment without proper research.

Less obvious ones include renting a scooter without insurance and falling for carpet shop scams. A little preparation avoids most of them.