If your idea of a perfect holiday is traditional culture, ancient ruins and decadent cuisine, then listen up.
Turkish budget airline, Pegasus, has just announced direct flights from London Stansted to two ancient cities: Gaziantep and Kayseri.
This comes as popular destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul – which continue to attract millions of international tourists each year – face the challenges of overtourism.
Turkey is getting serious about distributing tourists more evenly, fromtechnology-led management to sustainable tourism practices (Istanbul has been restoring smaller historical sites and introduced a £21.36 entry fee to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in 2024).
So, what better time to head off the beaten path for a summer getaway?
When are the flights launching?
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Travellers can head to Gaziantep, a major city in south-central Turkey, from as early as June 2025.
Pegasus will operate weekly flights, which are set to start on 21 June. One-way flights cost £85, with a journey time of 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Days later, on 25 June, the Kayseri route will open. Flights will operate from London Stansted every Wednesday.
Currently, one-way tickets start at £84. The flight time is around 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Things to do in Gaziantep
Foodies, Gaziantep should be on your bucket list. The city is renowned for its world-class cuisine, a fusion of Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern tastes.
Try spicy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), over 30 different kinds of kebabs, mouthwatering mezes and famous baklava.
Many shops and bakeries specialise in this traditional treat, which is made from layers of filo pastry, filled with crushed nuts and honey syrup.
Gaziantep is a vegetarian’s paradise, too, with a strong focus on veggie dishes. One of the most popular is dolma, savoury bulgur rice rolls stuffed with dried aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and spice.
Gaziantep’s cuisine is so respected that it’s been recognised by UNESCO, which named it a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.
Walk off the baklava with a visit to Zeugma Mosaics Museum, the world’s largest mosaic museum, where you’ll find original Roman tiles.
Close by is Gaziantep Castle, built in the 2nd century CE, which now houses a military history museum.
Marvel at the Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, then head to the Old Town, where you can wander the winding streets and soak up the lively atmosphere.
As a ‘lesser-known’ destination, Gazientep is the perfect way to see Turkey without the crowds.
What to do in Kayseri
If spectacular scenery is more your thing, Kayseri is well worth visiting.
The standout visual attraction is Erciyes Mountain, a striking dormant volcano, with a peak covered in snow almost 365 days a year.
For adrenaline junkies, the area is home to the popular Erciyes Ski Resort.
According to Pegagus Airlines, Kayseri is ‘one of the most significant cities of Central Anatolia in terms of cultural heritage and historical attractions.’
Known for its elaborate carpets, Kayseri has a long history of handmade rug-weaving. Artisans follow traditional methods from generations past, using wool and silk to create spectacular designs and patterns.
Kayseri Castle is the city’s top recommended cultural landmark, while the Mazakaland Entertainment Centre is a great attraction for families. The small theme park is inspired by Roman, Anatolian and African civilisations.
Finally, no trip to Kayseri is complete without a visit to Soganli Valley.
The archaeological site dates to the 9th-century, and is characterised by rock-cut churches and monasteries, carved from the soft stone of the Cappadocian landscape.
Hot air balloon experiences are a popular way to see the unique landscape from above.
Metro’s Lifestyle Editor Kristina Beanland went to Cappadocia earlier this year to see if it lives up to the viral TikTok hype. You can read her report here.
When is the best time to visit Gaziantep and Kayseri?
During the summer months, Gaziantep enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate. Temperatures reach 36°C.
As Gaziantep is a city break destination, the shoulder seasons (particularly April and May) could be a better shout. These months offer a pleasant mix of milder weather and fewer crowds, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C.
As for Kayseri, the continental climate it experiences means the summer heat gets less intense. Ranging between 27°C and 31°C, shoulder seasons peak at a comfortable 21°C.
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