Cheap flights to Turkey

Many Australians and New Zealanders will search for cheap flights to Turkey for April 25 so they can be in Gallipoli to mark Anzac Day. Others will head for Istanbul, that city of mosques and churches that spans Asia and Europe.

The resorts of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and latterly, Black Sea coasts, are a huge draw for bargain-minded tourists. Bodrum, Kusadasi, Gumbet, Side, Fetiyhe and Olu Deniz are famous with European holiday makers who are drawn by the beaches, weather and cheapness, relative to Spain, Portugal or France.

Ankara, is the capital. Not as inspiring a city as Istanbul, it’s more along the Canberra lines. It’s pretty modern, an administrative capital. Istanbul is the city that tugs at the heartstrings. Its foundations were laid down about 3,000 years ago.

Once known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it’s the city of the Grand Bazaar where traders and tourists haggle, the Aya Sofya (its Greek name is Haghia Sophia), and the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years.

Other magical destinations include Ephesus, just outside Kusadasi. This ancient holy city, which dates from the Roman era, is where you will find the house of the Virgin Mary. Cappadocia is a stunning moonscape of “fairy chimneys” that once were home to Hittites, Romans and Christians. And Nemrut in eastern Turkey, where colossal statues and two temples dominate an artificial mountaintop.

The most captivating thing about Turkey may just be the Turks, who are warm and friendly. Their hospitality, especially with food, is legendary.

How long is the flight to Turkey from Australia?

Several destinations are available when going to Turkey from Australia. Turkey flight deals can be found in several cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Travellers leaving from Melbourne and landing in Istanbul will find flights that reach the destination as quickly as 19h 55m, while some of the least expensive flights can take as long as 27h 55m. Another popular flight starts in Adelaide and ends up in Ankara. The flights to this location can last around 20h 20m on average, but the number of stops and the airline will play a part in the actual length of the flight.

Which cities offer direct flights to Turkey?

Unfortunately, there are no direct, nonstop flights from Australia into Turkey. However, several different flights stop on the way to Turkey for travellers to choose from. Individuals going into Istanbul from Turkey can take flights on Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, or Virgin Australia. If a traveller is departing in Sydney and going to Istanbul, the same airlines offer flights. Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, and Darwin also offer flights into Istanbul.

What is the best way to travel around Turkey?

Taking a flight is an excellent way to get around Turkey with options to fly to Antalya, Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir quickly. Some of the top airlines for domestic flights are Turkish Airlines, Onur Air, and Atlasglobal. All of the large towns and resorts in Turkey have self-drive and chauffer-driven cars available from major international companies. There are also a huge number of taxis available with black and yellow bands to easily distinguish them. Taxies have meters and should be turned on before departing to travel.

What are some things to do in Turkey?

One of the top attractions in Turkey is the Whirling Dervishes. Konya offers the best option for seeing the dance where it originated but shows are also available in Istanbul. Those who want to see the Black Sea can take a ferry boat from northern Istanbul or even vacation in a small town like Giresun. Antalya is another city that is worth visiting, although it is lesser known than Istanbul. It’s located on the southern coast and features an old town, many beaches, and a burgeoning nightlife. There are also some hiking trails, including Lycian Way between Antalya and Fethiye. Many visitors also enjoy spending time at the Turkish baths that are all across Turkey to get some relaxation time in.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Turkey?

Travellers visiting Turkey from Australia will be required to have a passport that is valid for at least 60 days after the end of the trip. A visa is also required, but eVisas are available for many passengers. Anyone who wishes to climb Mount Ararat will need to apply for a permit to take the trip. Australians visiting Turkey will also need to have proof of a return ticket to get back to the country after travelling.

What is the climate like in Turkey?

The Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. The Black Sea Coast has a Temperate climate with warm summers, mild winters and fairly high rainfall. In the centre of Turkey, Central Anatolia has a Steppe climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are very cold with lots of snow. There is great variation between day and night temperatures. Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia experience hot summers and very hard winters with snow.

When is the best time to fly to Turkey?

Peak Season: 

The European summer, June to September when schools are out, is high season. Istanbul is best visited between April and June and in September and October. The Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Central Anatolia (Cappadocia for example) has hot, dry summers and cold winters, while Eastern Anatolia (Nemrut for example) has mild summers and long, cold winters. Christmas is marked in Turkey but the New Year is the big celebration. Many Turks will return from overseas to spend this time with their families and flights will therefore be pricier.

Off Season: 

The winters in some parts of Turkey are harsh and the country doesn’t really have a winter tourist season. The coastal towns will more or less shut down between October and April.

Turkey insider information

Things to do in Turkey

• A new pathway – for walkers and horsemen – across Anatolia celebrates Evliya Çelebi, the Ottoman traveller. The Evliya Çelebi Way takes in Bithynia and Phrygia and the region where the Ottoman empire was born.
• The museum circuit in Sultanahmet offers Ottoman and Byzantine history, art and religion. The Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and the Turkish Islamic Art Museum are all within walking distance.
• There is a cave in Antioch, near Antakya, where St Paul is purported to have led worship and its decorations date back to the days of the crusaders – about 1098. In Urfa, there is a cave, said to be the birthplace of Abraham.