Travel Guides

Turkey

Turkey car rentals

Although Turkey is among the world’s best tourist destinations for history and culture buffs, it’s also a fantastic place for rest and relaxation and is becoming a new favorite for American travelers. Visitors can explore ruins of the Ottoman Empire, cruise modernizing cities, spend some time on the slopes or bask in the sunshine on excellent beaches.

Travelers’ favorites

Perhaps the most visited place in the country is Istanbul, a tourist classic with as much character as any city in the world, complete with massive marketplaces, ancient Mosques and exciting nightlife. Moving onward via car rental, many visitors cruise down the coastline to great Mediterranean destinations such as Antalya, though many instead head to Ephesus, which boasts captivating and massive Roman ruins, including a 25,000-seat theater. There are also great remnants of the Ottoman Empire in places like Safranbolu and the lovely riverside Amaysa.

Best time to visit

There are several climatic zones in Turkey; in general, coastal areas see typical Mediterranean conditions with hot summers and mild winters, while the interior sees a much more continental weather pattern characterized by harsh winters and scorching summers. The latter is when most tourists choose to visit, with coastal areas and Istanbul being the primary destinations.

Driving in Turkey

To the relief of American drivers, Turkey drives on the right and car hire is widely available. However, conditions can be hazardous; roads can be a bit rough in rural areas and defensive driving skills are a must. Those traveling in summer should book in advance and compare car hire companies thoroughly for the best deals.