Bucket list experience:
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
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Every town of any size in Turkey has a weekly market; a travelling circus that moves each day to different places in each region.
Those in predominantly tourist resorts do have less of a locals feel, but almost all will have kitchenware and household stalls alongside fake designer handbags and clothes, leatherware, jewellery and beautiful handmade backgammon sets.
Markets in places such as Yalikavak, Alacati, Fethiye, Mugla and Kas also have wonderful fruit and veg sections, often with pop up stalls selling freshly-made gozleme (thin flatbreads filled with feta cheese or spicy potato) and ayrun (a traditional yoghurt drink).
Even if you’re not a shopper, this is a great place to people watch – to experience a slice of authentic Turkish life.
Bodrum, Aegean Region, Turkey
Bodrum’s weekly market, held in the Pazar next to Dolmus station, takes place on Tuesday (for textiles) and Friday (fruits and vegetables). The textile market is famous throughout the region; alongside the beautiful cottons and linens, there are also kilims (carpets), clothing and kitchenware on sale.
Best for ages 13+
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey
Held on a Tuesday, stretching out along the banks of a dry river bed, this is a market for both locals and tourists, with excellent leatherware and ceramics that are far cheaper than in the town’s shops.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: All day
When: Tuesdays
Frequency: weekly
Kas, Mediterranean Region, Turkey
Less touristy than neighbouring Kalkan, Kas’ Friday market is a mix of local produce, fake goods and beautiful fabrics, with handbags for a fraction of the price of those in the town’s designer stores.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: All day
When: Fridays
Frequency: weekly
Mugla, Aegean Region, Turkey
If you’re looking for an authentic market experience, Mugla is the best – and biggest – in the region. As the town is not a particular tourist draw, it’s primarily for locals. Every Thursday.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: All day
When: Every Thursday
Frequency: weekly
Turgutreis, Aegean Region, Turkey
This open-air market is the largest on the Bodrum peninsula, held every Saturday, is packed with stalls selling local produce – olives, cheese, meze, seasonal fruits and vegetables – plus the usual fare of textiles and crafts.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: One day
When: Saturday
Frequency: weekly
Weekly markets happen on different days in different resorts; ask at your hotel (or in any bar or restaurant) to find out what day it’s happening. Towns do get very busy on market day, so if you’re driving be prepared to park some distance away – if you can walk it’s a much better idea.
Bartering is all part of the fun – aim for about 60-70% of the original asking price.
Many markets have pop up stalls selling traditional Turkish snacks and drinks – ideal for a mid-spree refuel.
Most markets start early – around 8am – and usually close up by mid-afternoon. Morning is by far the best time – stallholders are keen to do a deal on their first sale of the day – and as they are often covered by temporary awnings, they can get increasingly hot as the day progresses.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast offers an unbeatable mix of mountain-backed beaches, classical ruins and adventure activities, with superb food and delightful owner-run hotels.
