From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018
Read in: Dansk (original)
Turkey, one of the Danes’ absolute favourite destinations
Turkey has for many years been a beloved destination for Danish holidaymakers, and it still features in the top 20 of the most visited destinations among Danes.
Turkey lies mainly in (Asia Minor), but a small part of it sits in south-eastern Europe, separated by the Bosporus strait. The Black Sea forms a border to the north, and the Aegean Sea (the part of the Mediterranean that lies off Greece and Asia Minor) likewise. Rightly described as a large country with remarkably varied offerings for the traveller, depending on where you go in this vast land of almost 80 million inhabitants.
Turkey’s history stretches far back, but the country we know today as a secular state was founded on the ruins of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey’s destinations
The destinations are many, from Istanbul to Roman ruins in the west and south, from a beautiful coastline with many bays cutting deep into the shore, to mountain ranges such as Lycia and from there to dazzling beaches at Pamphylia. Party life is in full swing in Bodrum, a Danish favourite. There are Middle Eastern-style towns in south-eastern Anatolia and towering mountains by the Black Sea. Central Anatolia offers wide plains and very few tourists despite its beauty. Golf holidays are widespread, as are yacht and sailing holidays. Turkey has it all, including a friendly population and a mild climate.
Alanya, the well-known holiday town
Alanya is one of the Danes’ most popular destinations in Turkey, and it is easy to see why. The famous holiday town, which has attracted travellers for over two decades, is known as the largest town on the Turkish Riviera. Alanya has around 290,000 permanent residents, but in high season the number doubles with visitors from all over the world.
The town’s iconic landmark, the great rock, divides Alanya in two and creates a beautiful contrast between east and west. On top of the cliff sits Alanya’s old fortress, which offers a magnificent view over the town, the glittering Mediterranean and the imposing Taurus Mountains in the background.
Alanya, the largest tourist magnet on Turkey’s Riviera
Istanbul – the historic bridge between Europe and Asia
Istanbul is not only Turkey’s largest city but also the country’s financial and cultural heart. This fascinating metropolis lies on both sides of the Bosporus strait, which divides the city and connects Europe with Asia. Together with the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles, the Bosporus forms an important waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The city’s central position between continents has created a rich history and an impressive array of cultural treasures. Istanbul offers a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences, seen especially in the city’s historic monuments and modern urban life. Visitors can experience iconic sights such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, while the city’s culinary scene offers everything from traditional Turkish dishes to modern gourmet food.
Istanbul, the historic city between east and west
Belek, the best beaches and golf holidays in Turkey
Belek is an exclusive holiday town on the Mediterranean, just 30 km from Antalya, and is known as one of Turkey’s best resorts. With a beautiful coastline and luxurious facilities, Belek is popular with travellers seeking both relaxation and activities. For golf enthusiasts, Belek is a true paradise with over 15 major golf clubs and resorts, offering some of the finest courses in the region, set in scenic surroundings.
Beyond golf, Belek also offers a range of exciting sights and excursion options. From leisurely beach days to cultural experiences, there is something for every taste, which makes Belek a favourite among tourists.
More about Belek
Good to know about Turkey
Turkey covers 783,562 km² and has an estimated 80 million inhabitants. About 60% live in the larger cities. The population is made up of 80% Turks and 20% Kurds.
The capital, Ankara, has 5.6 million inhabitants. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with around 13 million inhabitants.
Alanya is Turkey’s most popular holiday and beach town, and around 150,000 people live there permanently year-round. In high season, however, the figure rises to around 300,000.
Turkey spans two continents. 97% of the country lies in Asia, the rest in Europe. The country borders Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Syria, Azerbaijan, Iran and Iraq. The country’s highest point is Mount Ararat, which is 5,165 metres high and lies in eastern Turkey.
Turkey’s major industries are textiles and automotive manufacturing. The main export goods are tobacco, cotton, olives, citrus fruits, grapes, carpets and leather goods.
Sailing holidays in the Mediterranean, from sailing boats to cruises
The Turkish Riviera
Perhaps the most stunning coastline along the Mediterranean stretches more than 1,000 km and is called the “Turkish Riviera”, from Fethiye in the west to Hatay close to the Syrian border. The Riviera experienced almost explosive growth in tourism some years ago, particularly Antalya (both the region and the city) and the town of Alanya. With snow-capped mountains in the background and crystal-clear water along such a long coastline, one can readily understand its popularity.
See the many destinations of the Turkish Riviera here
Travel with Primo Tours
Holidays to Turkey with Spies
Turkey’s Mediterranean coast
- Antalya
- Alanya
- Fethiye/Ölü Deniz
Amanruya, Bodrum, Turkey, a private village steeped in thousands of years of history
The turquoise Aegean Sea surrounds Amanruya’s private beach, while old pine forests give off the scent of resin. The village-like road winds through olive groves and cypresses on the tranquil northern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, and is a secluded retreat with an abundance of space and privacy. Amanruya’s guest pavilions sit in the most private coves in the area and stand free from one another, each with unusually large private pools.
Winding paths lead to the heart of the estate, where restaurants, a spa and a three-storey library overlook a marble infinity pool. Beyond the property, ancient Greek and Roman ruins lie in spectacular natural surroundings, including the UNESCO-protected Ephesus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma. These cultural relics vie for your attention with the sun-kissed beaches and villages that lie as if forgotten by time, with the most beautiful photos to remember a holiday where time stood still.
Articles about Turkey on Traveltalk
- Turkey’s Riviera, the beautiful Mediterranean coast
- Golf in Turkey
- Istanbul, the vibrant city between east and west
- Belek, Turkey’s pearl on the Mediterranean
- Antalya – one of Turkey’s most popular destinations
- Alanya – Turkish top destination
- The delicious food of Turkey
Golf Holidays in Turkey
The turquoise Aegean Sea surrounds Amanruya’s private beach, while old pine forests give off the scent of resin. The village-like road winds through olive groves and cypress trees along the tranquil north coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, making it a secluded retreat with plenty of space and privacy. Amanruya’s guest pavilions sit on the most secluded coves in the area, each standing apart with exceptionally large private pools.
Winding paths lead to the heart of the property, where the restaurants, spa and three-storey library overlook a marble infinity pool. Beyond the property, ancient Greek and Roman ruins lie in spectacular natural surroundings, including the UNESCO-protected sites of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma. These cultural relics vie for your attention with the sun-kissed beaches and villages that seem frozen in time, offering the most beautiful photographs to remember a holiday where time stood still.
Golf holidays in Turkey with Bravo Tours
Bravo Tours on Traveltalk
National Golf Club in Belek
Golf holidays on Traveltalk
Holidays with Corendon
Budget holidays with Momondo