Car hire - Turkey

The charming country of Turkey is a joyous nation full of contrasts. Located in between a total of eight different countries and partially in Europe and Western Asia, Turkey offers glorious coasts, bustling cities and atmospheric mountainscapes.

Here you'll find stunning golden beaches along the coast of Antalya and ancient Byzantine buildings throughout Istanbul, not to mention great food and friendly people. From history to art, nature reserves to nightclubs, there's never a dull moment in Turkey.

Hiring a car really is the best way to see all that this wonderful country has to offer. Driving will enable you to visit some of its top attractions, such as the historic structures of Ayasofya or Ephesus, with relative ease.

You really will be spoilt for choice when hiring a car in Turkey as there are literally dozens of airports that you can arrive at. Each of these will offer different car hire options, with some being covered by more rental companies than others. You'll find at least one airport in each of the major cities or resorts, so make sure you're booking for the most convenient location for you.

It is easy to arrange car hire in Turkey when you use the Holiday Autos booking engine, which will show you all the options available to you at your chosen destination within the country. There will be no hidden costs and you won't have to pay card fees.

We also cover you for all eventualities, as you'll benefit from free cancellation and amendments, as well as around the clock support.

Searching for your destination in our booking engine will show you all the options for car hire pick-up locations so you can choose the one that works best for you. Usually, airport collection points are the most convenient as you can simply grab your luggage and go, saving you the need for transfers to your hotel.

Most airports have the car hire desks in the arrivals hall or you'll find the car rental companies' offices in a specific area. Either way, the offices should be clearly signposted. It is worth noting that a number of companies offer free shuttle buses to their offices or meet and greet services, so you should check what the options are prior to booking.

The type of holiday you want will largely determine where you go while in Turkey. Fans of photography can't visit the country without heading to the surreal valleys of Cappadocia, which look like something out of a fantasy novel. The natural wonder of Pamukkale gives you a chance to relax in pools scattered across an amazing landscape.

If it's history you want, the Sumela Monastery is full of it and offers wonderful views over the coast of the Black Sea. Of course, you can also just soak up the sun on the beach, and any one of the resorts along the Mediterranean coast will let you do this.

Whatever you choose to do while in Turkey, hiring a car will give you freedom and the opportunity to fit as much in as possible.

To drive in Turkey you will need a valid driving licence, while those staying for three months or longer will need to apply for an International Driving Permit. You will also need to carry with you all of the documents pertaining to your car hire. You can only drive in Turkey if you are over the age of 18.

Some of the motorways throughout the country carry tolls, which you usually pay at tolling stations, so be sure to have money on you when in your car, especially as they won't all allow card payments. In more remote areas, you may find that the quality of the roads falls, which will mean you need to take extra care.

If you want to go to a beach while in Turkey, you really can't beat its most famous one. Ölüdeniz is a lovely sheltered beach that features white sand disappearing into impossibly blue waters. The area around it is covered in green forests, providing you with a surrounded in natural beauty. While the beach gets crowded at peak times, you may find it quieter during the week. However, you can escape the crowds completely by trying a spot of paragliding, which is another reason this area is famous.

One of the most haunting historic sites in the country is at Ani. The former city located on the Silk Road is found close to the Armenian border and now features crumbling buildings that still give an idea of their previous glory. Destroyed in the 14th century by Mongol raids and earthquakes, Ani still has a beauty that is perfect for avid photographers.