Ancient ruins, glorious beaches and vibrant centres – Turkey’s coastal resorts make for charming summer holidays. Relax on golden sands, barter for a bargain in one of many buzzing bazaars or wander in the shadows of ancient monuments such as Side’s Temple of Apollo. Away from the beach, Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities with its minaret-studded skyline and views over the Bosphorus Strait, while Cappadocia is an otherworldly landscape of cave towns and rock-cut churches.

Turkey’s one of the few countries in the world which straddles two continents. Most of the country sits in Asia, while a far smaller portion’s nestled in south-east Europe. The divide’s most notable in the country’s biggest city, Istanbul, which is literally split in two by the Bosphorus River, with the western side in Europe and the eastern side in Asia. The seaside spot of Side packs in an ancient amphitheatre, Roman baths and a 30-kilometre aqueduct that dates back to the 2nd century AD, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus has ruins going back to the 10th century BC.

Turkey’s beach scene is top-notch, and it has the awards to prove it. More than 500 of them have been given Blue Flag status, with the best of the bunch sitting on the west and south-west coast. The Aegean Coast in the west’s home to familiar favourites like Bodrum and up-and coming Izmir, while a shuffle south takes you to the Turkish Riviera, where the likes of Marmaris and Fethiye draw in the crowds.

The Dalaman region on Turkey’s south-west coast – known as the Turquoise Coast – is home to Olu Deniz Beach and the famous Blue Lagoon, making it a great pick.

the best time to visit Turkey is in July and August when the temperatures soar into the 30s. For a more explorer-friendly climate, try visiting in April or May when it’s cooler.