A TURKISH flight attendant has seen many UK holidaymakers miss great spots and assume things about Turkey – including that it is just a ‘sun-and-sea’ holiday.
Selda Bayhan, a senior at SunExpress based out of Stansted, admitted that whilst many Brits stick to beach resorts, they are missing out on some of the country’s best cities, scenery and food.
Having spent over 30 years flying Brits in and out of , Selda said: “A lot of UK travellers still see Türkiye mainly as a sun-and-sea holiday spot, and while the, there’s so much more to the country than just
She explained that the country is “incredibly diverse”;;, with “vibrant cities, dramatic mountain landscapes and one of the most varied in the world”;;.
For those who love history and culture, she said: “You can visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus near Izmir, take in the cave dwellings and rock formations of Cappadocia, or see the impressive Roman at Aspendos in
Or for the big foodies, “every region has something different to offer”;;.
She added: “In , it’s all about bold, spicy flavours like kebabs, baklava and lahmacun.
“Adana is known for its fiery kebab and meze culture.”;;
For those who there is also a lot to do.
Selda explained: “In winter, you can ski at places like Mount Erciyes or just relax in a cosy
“If you’re after more adventure, there’s paragliding in Ölüdeniz, white-water rafting in Antalya, and kiteboarding in Gökova.”;;
The flight attendant did admit that, despite being popular, is still worth a visit.
But that “there’s a whole country beyond it that’s still off the radar for many UK travellers”;;.
SunExpress currently offers direct flights from to six different — including Antalya, Izmir and Dalaman, as well as Kayseri, Gaziantep and Çukurova Adana.
“It’s a great mix that gives passengers far more options than just the usual beach resorts along the Aegean and Selda continued.
“Each place has its own personality.”;;
For example, in – a lively Aegean city with a relaxed feel – there are many great spots for seaside strolls and multiple are nearby, including Alaçatı.
In comparison, in Antalya, there are beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and the famous Lycian Way – which is ideal for keen hikers.
Alternatively, if you’re into golf, head to Belek – which has some of the best courses in .
Then there are places like Bodrum and Dalaman which are great for “switching off in a
In addition, there is the gateway to – Kayseri – one of Türkiye’s most magical regions.
“A place that really deserves more attention is Kayseri,”;; Selda shared.
“You’ve got the fairy chimneys, cave , hot air balloons at sunrise... and much fewer crowds if you fly straight into Kayseri.
“It’s often skipped in favour of nearby Cappadocia, but actually offers a lot of the same incredible experiences — just with fewer crowds.”;;
In Kayseri, visitors can still do many typical activities that Brits associate with the country, including hot air balloon rides at sunrise, exploring unique rock formations and cave churches and investigating underground cities.
“The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a is full of ancient rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes.
“If you’re into walking, the Red Valley and Rose Valley are perfect for with incredible views.
“You can also explore like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, which were once used as hideouts thousands of years ago,”;; she continued.
One particular highlight for Selda, is that travellers can actually stay in a cave hotel.
“The food is another reason to go.
“Dishes like manti (Turkish dumplings), pastirma, and the local desserts are unforgettable.
“And if you’ve never been to a traditional this is the perfect place to try it,”;; she concluded.
The Sun headed to an
Plus,
