Mediterranean

Turkey

Istanbul's bazaars, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, and a turquoise coast lined with ancient ruins — Turkey packs huge variety into one affordable, easy-to-travel country.

Aerial view of Cappadocia's eroded pink and white rock valleys at golden hour, with farmland and mountains beyond
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 4.0

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, and a weak lira has made it one of the best-value big destinations for travelers paying in dollars or euros.

Why it’s cheap

Hostel dorms cost $10–18, a filling döner or pide is $3–5, and çay (tea) is practically free. Many ancient sites are cheap or free to wander, although headline sights like Hagia Sophia and Ephesus now charge higher entry fees for foreigners.

Getting around

Turkey’s long-distance bus network is excellent: comfortable coaches with snacks and Wi-Fi link almost every city, and overnight routes save a night’s accommodation. Domestic flights on Pegasus and AJet are often under $30 if booked early.

Where budget meets comfort

Cave hotels in Göreme start around $30–40 for a private room, and the Lycian coast around Kaş and Fethiye has pensions with breakfast for similar prices outside peak summer.