Destination: Turkey

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Getting Started

Travelling in Turkey is a breeze thanks to the laid-back charm of the locals, bus transport that’s second-to-none, and the sheer volume of accommodation options, from friendly cheap-as-chips backpackers to immaculately groomed boutique guesthouses. Only during the height of peak season or on public holidays would you be wise to book ahead; at most times you can just turn up and find your first accommodation choice awaiting.

Touring Turkey in Winter

Unlike other Mediterranean hot spots, Turkey doesn’t have a winter tourism season. However, for some travellers, winter is the best time to visit ?stanbul: expect snow and chilly temperatures, but you get to enjoy the sights without the tourist press, and the touts are too busy savouring the low-season to bother you in earnest.

All restaurants and hotels remain open in ?stanbul year-round. You also won’t have problems finding somewhere to stay in Ankara, ?zmir or other big nontouristy cities where the hotels cater primarily to business travellers.

Even during a mild winter most hotels and restaurants along the Aegean and Mediterranean, and many in Cappadocia, close from mid-October to late April. Forget about choice – you may have to stay in the one place in town that’s open.

Deep snow is a standard feature of the eastern Turkish winter with mountain passes regularly closed and buses delayed. Even some airports may close because they lack radar equipment. The central and western Anatolian winter is more fickle. One year you can be picnicking in the Ihlara Gorge in January, the following year subzero temperatures, deep snow and lethal ice make it impossible to venture further than the nearest shop.

If you’re lucky enough to find a hotel open in winter, you’d be well advised to verify whether the heating is turned on before checking in. If the hot water comes from solar panels, beware – like pipes, the panels freeze up in winter.

DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…

‘Cover-up’ clothing for mosque visits. Women might want to bring a scarf, although if you don’t you’ve got a good excuse to go shopping.
Slip-on shoes or sandals. Highly recommended as they are cool to wear and easy to remove before entering mosques or Turkish homes.
Books in English. Those available in Turkey are hard to find and can be pricey. Second-hand book exchanges plug the gaps but you’ll need to have something to swap.
Tampons. They can be hard to find as most Turkish women use pads.
Universal sink plug.
An appetite for kebaps.
First-aid kit including sunscreen, which can be expensive in Turkey.
Checking your government’s travel warnings.

Travelling to Turkey?
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