Unlocking Romance In Türkiye
Uncover Türkiye’s hidden treasures together with direct routes from Manchester Airport
Renowned for its sun-drenched shores, Türkiye is quietly redefining itself as a destination for an intimate trip for couples. Move past the shimmering Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz and the beachfront bars of Marmaris, and you’ll discover archaeological marvels, world-class museums and galleries and experiences built for two. The country’s natural beauty is not restricted to its coasts. Inland, dramatic scenery and unspoilt landscapes offer an idyllic backdrop for romantic walks and downtime for couples.
Manchester Airport, the UK’s global gateway in the North, offers direct links to five key destinations in Türkiye – Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. Together, these routes offer easy access not only to some of Türkiye’s best beach resorts but also to some of its most breathtaking landscapes and historical cultural sites, perfect for a romantic escape or to celebrate a milestone anniversary.
Below, we look at some of Türkiye’s best cultural experiences for two and how to get there from Manchester.
Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise Over Cappadocia
Sculpted over thousands of years, Cappadocia’s otherworldly ‘fairy chimneys’ rock formations set an undeniable romantic scene. A sunrise hot air balloon here delivers a breathtaking setting for a proposal. Most journeys centre on a visit to the town of Göreme easily reached via a short connecting flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri or a scenic four to six hour drive from Ankara. To make the visit extra special, book a stay at Sultan Cave Suites; its panoramic rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across the village and valleys, perfect for taking in the daily dawn hot air balloon launch.
Fly direct from Manchester to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines from £116pp* return.
The Turkish Maldives and the Sunken City
Couples visiting Antalya can embark on a private boat tour to Suluada, a small inhabited island nicknamed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ because of its clear turquoise water and pristine sandy shores. Here, visitors can swim in crystal clear water, snorkel the seabed and explore the ‘Love Cave’, an intimate grotto bathed in cool subterranean waters. Further along the coast lies the island of Kekova, famous for its ‘sunken city’. This ancient Lycian settlement, submerged beneath the waves following a second-century earthquake, is still visible through the clear waters.
Fly direct from Manchester to Antalya with SunExpress from £102pp* return.
Sunsets at Cotton Castle
Translating to ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish, Pamukkale is world-renowned for its turquoise thermal pools, cascading down a stark white travertine cliff face. Visiting at dusk promises a romantic experience, as the daytime crowd dissipates, the sky transforms into shades of amber, gold and blush pink as it reflects in the limestone pools. Close by lies the ruins of the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, where couples can wander around the historic temples and ancient theatre or bathe in the original baths.
Fly direct from Manchester to Bodrum with easyJet from £141pp* return.
The City Where East Meets West
For those couples who thrive on a more urban break, Türkiye’s largest city, Istanbul, offers a blend of culture and luxury. Days are easily filled amongst the stalls of the world-famous Grand Bazaar or taking in the architectural wonders that are Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which is made up of over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue tiles, earning it the nickname ‘The Blue Mosque’. In the evening, couples can indulge in Turkish gastronomy in one of the many rooftop restaurants in the city, taking in the sweeping views of the city below.
Fly direct from Manchester to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines or Turkish Airlines from £116pp* return.
Greeks and Romans – From Troy to Ephesus
An enchanting coastal drive from Izmir to Antalya offers an unforgettable trip for two. Starting in the north of Izmir, history-loving couples can find the ruins of Troy - immortalised in Homer’s Iliad - before journeying southwards towards the huge cities of Pergamon and Ephesus. Romantic stops along the way invite couples to enjoy the spa town of Hierapolis and admire the marble sculptures of Aphrodisias, before culminating at the ruins of Side, an almost 3,000-year-old port near Antalya.
Fly direct from Manchester to Izmir with Jet2.com from £46pp* one-way and from Antalya to Manchester with SunExpress from £31pp* one-way.
The Lycian Way
For couples who connect through a little adventure, the Lycian Way is one of the county’s most impressive long-distance hiking trails. Winding through 300 miles of rugged coastline between Hisaronu and Antalya, the trail weaves together history, nature and intimate escape. It’s a journey made for shared moments; from exploring archaeological sites connected to the ancient Lycian Kingdom to visiting nature reserves and timeless villages, where couples can savour authentic Turkish cuisine together.
Fly direct from Manchester to Dalaman with easyJet from £65pp* return.
*Prices quoted are the cheapest available between now and 30 April 2027 when booking directly through the relevant airline’s website, from Manchester to the destination specified, and are accurate at the time of publication.
For more information please visit manchesterairport.co.uk
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