Travel Insurance for Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country with a complex history and unique archaeological sites. This is a place of relaxation and adventure, and is perfect for people looking for a unique destination for their next vacation. If you’ve chosen to spend your next vacation in Turkey, here is some important information you should know and several places you should explore.
Emergency Contact Information
If you need to contact the police or fire brigade, or need emergency medical care while in Turkey, call emergency services on 112. If you purchase travel insurance before your trip, your emergency medical expenses, personal possessions, and gadgets will be covered.
If you’re in need of consular services, such as the replacement of travel documents, contact the British embassy in Anarka, or one of the consulates in Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, Istanbul, Izmir, and Marmaris. For more information on entry requirements, health, and safety and security, check the FCDO’s travel advice for Turkey.
Travel Safety Tips
As you would in any unfamiliar country, you should travel in groups at night in well-lit areas and avoid getting into strangers’ cars. Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and keep your money stored in a zippered pocket or in a secure compartment in your bag. If you become the victim of a crime or if your belongings have been stolen, you should report it to the police immediately.
Smoking in banned in indoor public places and in crowded outdoor areas in Turkey. You need to always carry a form of ID with you when travelling to turkey, so make sure you have your driving license or passport with you when you go out in case a police officer asks to see it. When visiting mosques and other religious places, please show respect by dressing modestly.
Turkey can sometimes experience extreme weather, such as forest fires, flooding, and earthquakes, so you should watch the news for any updates and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Places to Visit in Turkey
Turkey boasts an incredible history, which has made the country what it is today. Whether you prefer to sunbathe on the beach, hit the slopes, visit a cultural landmark, or shop at a bazaar in the city, you will find something that will catch your fancy. Here are the best places to visit in Turkey:
Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest and best-known city in Turkey. Famous for its Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, visitors can shop for traditionally made rugs, jewellery, souvenirs, and some delicious Turkish delight. You can get a closer look at Istanbul’s history by visiting the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace museum, and you can watch the whirling dervishes perform every Sunday at the Galati Mevlevi Museum. You should consider taking a tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you want to get through as many sights as you can in one afternoon, you can take a Bosphorus boat tour. Those who enjoy outdoor adventures can take a 90-minute drive to the town of Kartepe to participate in skiing and other winter sports.
Cappadocia
Many tourists visit the Cappadocia region for the historic landmarks. Most people’s first stop is Göreme Open Air Museum, quickly followed by Love Valley, Uçhisar Castle, and Zelve Open-Air Museum in Göreme Historical National Park. While there are many walking tours through the national park, one of the best ways to experience it is on a hot air balloon ride.
Tour the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu. It’s 280 feet deep, features 21 floors, and at one point, housed up to 20,000 people. Only 8 of the floors are open to tourists, but it’s well worth a visit. You can also hike in the Ihlara Valley and discover the frescoes in the cave churches and dwellings.
Bodrum
This is a city in southwestern Turkey with plenty of interesting things to see and do. Head to the 5th century Bodrum Castle to see the artifacts that have been recovered from shipwrecks in the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, or if you want to see a shipwreck up close, you can go scuba diving in the Aegean Sea. If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, you can head from Bodrum Castle to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and from there to the Bodrum Amphitheatre. You should consider stopping by Myndos Gate and spend some time at Yahsi Beach. At the end of the day, head to the old town for dinner and a cup of traditional Turkish coffee.
Ankara
Ankara is Turkey’s capital. Here, you’ll find Ankara Castle and the nearby Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum, where you can check out the exhibits and grab a bite to eat. Other museums you should visit are the Kelime Museum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the Atatürk Mausoleum. Tourists can now explore the old Roman Baths, which is an open-air museum. A trip to Gençlik Park is also a nice day out for families.
Kaş
Kaş is a seaside town, perfect for vacationers who want a fun day of swimming and snorkelling at Kaputaş beach and taking in the views of the Mediterranean coast while hiking part of the Lycian Way. Tourists should visit the ruins of the ancient city of Antiphellos and the Lycia Rock Tombs. If you head into the old town, you’ll find the King’s Tomb, a popular historical landmark. If you’re interested in taking a couple of day trips, travel from Kaş to Uçağız and hike to the ruins of Simena Castle, or visit the ancient city of Xanthos.
