Book cheap flights to Turkey

Turkey is a melting-pot of East meets West, where each city has something different to offer. If you’re wanting to explore the ethnic villages and historical sites, the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, as museums are less crowded and outdoor attractions are more pleasant in cooler temperatures. These are wonderful times to explore the conical canyons and valleys of Cappadocia, while camping and hiking along the coastal villages are a great retreat, as well as making the most of the quiet beaches and water sports in Izmir, Antalya and Bodrum. Summertime (June-August) brings peak crowds to the warm azure waters of the western and southern coastlines. In winter (November-March), the coastal towns shut their doors, apart from the festive months of December-January. While winter may not be ideal for lounging on the golden beaches, the snow-dusted peaks of Cappadocia and Istanbul’s crowd-free museums are well-worth exploring! For an affordable holiday in Turkey, take advantage of low-season rates between February-May and September-November.

South African passport holders do require a visa to enter Turkey. You can easily apply for an e-visa online at no charge. Visas are valid for 180 days, but your duration of stay may not exceed 30 days.

Visit the consular website for more information.

The South African Embassy is located in Ankara.

Address: Filistin Sokak No 27, Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara

Email: general.ankara@dirco.gov.za

South African Honorary Consulates are located in Mersin, Izmir and Istanbul.

The Turkish Embassy in South Africa is located in Pretoria.

Address: 1067 Stanza Bopape Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Phone: ( 27) 012 342 6056 / ( 27) 012 342 6054

There are no particular health or safety concerns for travel to Turkey. In spite of recent terror attacks, security has been stepped up and visitors should not feel the least bit worried about exploring this beautiful country. Nonetheless, do keep abreast of current affairs, particularly if you plan on travelling around the south-eastern region of the country. Keep in mind that Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country and cultural practices should be respected. Women are treated with courtesy, although some may fall victim to the emotional manipulation of local ‘gigolos’.

Healthcare is widely accessible, although travelling with a basic health kit is always recommended. Pharmacies are called eczane and often stock regular brand names at lower prices than back home. Carry prescription medication in your hand luggage, clearly marked in original containers. There are no mandatory vaccinations required, but it is recommended to be immunized against typhoid and hepatitis A, as you are likely to be exposed to contaminated food and water. Be cautious of uncooked street food and stick to bottled water. Remember to pack in a good insect repellent to ward off pesky mosquitoes.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover theft and medical expenses is highly recommended.

Turkey offers one of the most diverse and characterful accommodation scenes in the world, spanning everything from grand five-star Bosphorus-front hotels and sprawling all-inclusive coastal resorts to some of the most unique stays found anywhere on earth. Cave hotels in Cappadocia — carved directly into the volcanic tufa rock of Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar — are among Turkey’s most sought-after experiences, ranging from intimate family-run guesthouses to lavish boutique hotels with private terraces, hot tub suites, and panoramic views of the fairy chimneys. Ottoman mansion hotels in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, gulet liveaboards along the Turquoise Coast, and stone-house pensions in Alaçatı, Kaş, and the Aegean villages complete a picture of accommodation that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

International chains including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Accor are well represented in Istanbul and Antalya, while homegrown Turkish brands such as Rixos and Titanic Hotels dominate the luxury all-inclusive resort market along the Antalya Riviera — a stretch famous for sprawling beachfront complexes offering full-board and all-inclusive packages that are exceptional value by European standards. Budget travellers are well served by a thriving culture of family-run pansiyons (the Turkish equivalent of a guesthouse or pension), which typically include a generous Turkish breakfast of cheese, olives, tomatoes, bread, and tea.

In Istanbul, the most popular bases for first-time visitors are Sultanahmet (the historic old city, within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar) and Beyoğlu, which encompasses the lively neighbourhoods of Taksim, Galata, and Karaköy on the northern bank of the Golden Horn — offering excellent dining, nightlife, and transport connections. In Cappadocia, the village of Göreme is the most convenient base, with Ürgüp offering a more upmarket and quieter alternative. Along the coast, Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya’s Kaleiçi old town, and the boutique village of Alaçatı near İzmir each offer distinct atmospheres from high-energy resort to laid-back Aegean charm.

Book well in advance for the peak summer season (July to August) along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, when beach towns fill quickly with both international visitors and domestic Turkish holidaymakers. Cappadocia’s best weather — and most popular hot air balloon season — falls in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when cave hotels book out weeks or months ahead.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury Istanbul hotel, a Cappadocian cave suite, an all-inclusive Antalya resort, or a charming Aegean pansiyon, you can find and book a huge variety of accommodation across Turkey at Travelstart Accommodation.

Turkey is an outstanding destination for road trips — the country has a well-developed motorway and highway network, and driving is one of the best ways to explore the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, the Cappadocian plateau, and the mountainous interior at your own pace. You can compare and book affordable rental cars across Turkey with Travelstart Car Hire. Car hire is available at all major Turkish airports including Istanbul Airport (IST), Antalya (AYT), Dalaman (DLM), İzmir Adnan Menderes (ADB), Bodrum Milas (BJV), and Kayseri (ASR, the gateway to Cappadocia), from companies including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Alamo.

Turkey drives on the right-hand side of the road in left-hand drive vehicles. Tourists can drive in Turkey on their valid home country licence for up to 6 months from the date of entry. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and required if your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet (for example, if it is in Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, or Korean script) — in which case an IDP or official translation must accompany your licence at all times. The minimum age to rent a car is 21, and drivers under 25 typically incur a young driver surcharge. A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit at all major rental companies. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Turkish roads use an electronic tolling system (HGS/OGS); rental companies issue the relevant device and charge tolls at the end of the rental.

Driving is best avoided in central Istanbul, where traffic is notoriously congested and the city’s excellent metro, tram, funicular, and ferry network provides a far faster and more practical way to get around. A rental car is most valuable for exploring between cities and regions — particularly the Turquoise Coast from Dalaman or Bodrum, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pamukkale from İzmir, or rural Cappadocia and its valleys from Kayseri or Nevşehir. Note that many old town centres, including Antalya’s Kaleiçi and Göreme’s village core, have narrow lanes unsuitable for larger vehicles.