I’m a Turkish flight attendant – these are the things Brits get wrong about Turkey & lesser-known spots to try this year
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 cabin crew member at SunExpress based out of London 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.
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Having spent over 30 years flying Brits in and out of Turkey, Selda said: "A lot of UK travellers still see Türkiye mainly as a sun-and-sea holiday spot, and while the coastline is stunning, there’s so much more to the country than just beaches.
She explained that the country is "incredibly diverse", with "vibrant cities, ancient ruins, dramatic mountain landscapes and one of the most varied food scenes 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 theatre at Aspendos in Antalya.
Or for the big foodies, "every region has something different to offer".
She added: "In Gaziantep, 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 love being in nature and the outdoors, 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 mountain lodge.
"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, Istanbul 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 London Stansted to six different Turkish destinations — 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 Mediterranean coasts," Selda continued.
"Each place has its own personality."
For example, in Izmir - a lively Aegean city with a relaxed feel - there are many great spots for seaside strolls and multiple pretty villages are nearby, including Alaçatı.
In comparison, in Antalya, there are beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, mountain views, 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 Europe.
Then there are places like Bodrum and Dalaman which are great for "switching off in a laid-back coastal lifestyle".
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In addition, there is the gateway to Cappadocia - 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 hotels, 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of ancient rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes.
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"If you’re into walking, the Red Valley and Rose Valley are perfect for peaceful hikes with incredible views.
"You can also explore underground cities 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 Turkish bath, this is the perfect place to try it," she concluded.
The Sun headed to an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey with children’s discos, family-friendly buffets and waterpark.
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