From funky music festivals to old-school traditions, Turkey's calendar's always packed with things to do. Take note of these before you book your Turkey jolly:

• Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (May) – forget your average sandcastles; we're talking epic sand sculptures over here! Lara Beach in Antalya hosts this sandy shindig, where artists turn grains of sand into jaw-dropping masterpieces. It's like an art gallery in the sun, perfect for kiddos and adults who want to unleash their inner child.

• Chill-Out Festival Istanbul (May) - honestly, we're already sold from the name. Expect chilled electronic tunes and super laidback vibes to keep you feeling zen (but also entertained - zentertained, some might say)

• SunSplash Festival (Summer) – if you're all about beachy vibes and good beats, head to Bodrum for the Sunsplash Antalya festival. Live DJs and wellness workshops? Count us in! It's where the party and the chill-out sessions collide.

• Cappadox Festival (June) - ever wanted to jam to music, admire art, and feast on fantabulous food in the breathtaking valleys of Cappadocia? Well, here's your chance! This festival is all about music, art, and gastronomic delights - and it even rocks a solar-powered stage. Talk about groovy and green!

• Alanya International Tourism and Art Festival (June) - hit the streets of little ol' Alanya for an epic mix of live music, folk dancing and art exhibitions under the sun

• Istanbul International Music Festival (June - July) - this one's a classic, dating back to 1973. It started as a classical music affair but has evolved into a full-blown music, ballet, and opera extravaganza. Big-name artists from all over the globe make this a must-see.

• International Festival of Folk Music and Dance (August) – time to get your cultural groove on! This festival celebrates the heart and soul of Turkish music and dance traditions. Expect colourful performances that'll make you want to join in.

• İzmir International Fair (September) - it's like the shopping spree of your dreams! Izmir's city park hosts the oldest trade show in Turkey. You can snag everything from electronics to food and machinery. Retail therapy, anyone?

• Istanbul Biennial (September - November, every other year) - this one's for the art-lovers, showcasing contemporary art across Istanbul, and we're not just talking about a few measly paintings. Think life-sized sculptures of all things weird and wonderful.

• Kaleici Old Town Festival (October) – cap off your Turkish adventure with a bang at the Kaleici Old Town Festival. It's a four-day cultural extravaganza, mixing art, music, and local flair. You can explore exhibitions, watch street performances and groove to concerts. It's like the grand finale of your Turkish jolly!

• Antalya Film Festival (October) - roll out the red carpet for this epic film fest, bringing a bit of Hollywood glam to Turkey's coast with screenings of international blockbusters and indie flicks

When it comes to Turkey holidays, the nightlife scene will not disappoint. Whether you're a dancefloor diva or a cocktail connoisseur, give these bars and clubs a whirl for a night you won't forget:

• Halikarnas, Bodrum - a legendary open-air club where beats meet beach and every night feels like a festival

• 360 Istanbul - high above the city, this rooftop bar spins a 360-degree panorama with top-tier cocktails to match

• Ally's, Antalya - a laidback live music venue right by the beach, where all the cool kids come to chill

• Babylon, Istanbul - serving up a melting pot of tunes (from rock to reggae), this place is an absolute staple in the Istanbul music scene

• Club Inferno, Antalya - this place heats things up with state-of-the-art sound systems and light shows that rival some of the best in Ibiza - ocean views included

• Küçük Beyoğlu, Izmir - an old-school bar bringing a side of history to your party vibes

• Club Inferno, Kusadasi - a clubbing hotspot where the dancefloor sizzles and the DJ sets are on fire (not literally)

• Soho House, Istanbul - a swish members' club that's your one-stop-shop for a bit of British class, with a rooftop bar serving delish cocktails

• Aura Club, Kemer - decked out with laser lights and a booming bass, you've got everything you need to keep you dancing 'til dawn

• Reina, Istanbul - dress to impress because this is the absolute crème de la crème of Istanbul clubs - it's glam, it's glitzy and it's oh-so-gorg

Holidays to Turkey really bring their A-game when it comes to food. Think flavours from the Med, the Middle East and Asia, all combined in one menu of deliciousness. Here are a few traditional treats and dishes to get your taste buds tingling:

• Dolma - this is quite a broad term referring to any stuffed dish in the world of Ottoman food, but vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat are the most common dolma in Turkey

• Donner sandwich – different to the donner kebab at home, this kebab consists of thinly sliced meat stuffed into fresh bread along with tomatoes, onions, peppers and a cool dressing

• Ezogelin soup - a hearty, mint-flavoured soup made with lentils, pepper paste and spices

• Manti - a Turkish ravioli served with fresh yoghurt, melted butter, chopped herbs and chilli flakes

• Pide - flatbreads with various toppings, baked in the oven - essentially Turkey's answer to pizza!

• Simit - a ring of sesame-encrusted bread that's crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, best served with a cup of Turkish tea

• Su Böreği - a pastry that's, unusually, boiled and then layered with cheese and parsley before being baked in the oven. We promise it's the most delish pastry you'll try in Turkey, so look out for it at the all-inclusive buffet!

• Baklava - the go-to sweet treat made from layers of filo pastry stuffed with pine nuts and practically dripping in syrup or honey, as any good dessert should be

Those are the dishes, but what about where to actually try them? We hear you. Check out these top restaurants in Turkey for a proper authentic experience:

• Asitane, Istanbul - tucked beside Chora Church, this restaurant revives recipes from the Ottoman palace kitchens - some of them even dating back 100s of years!

• 7 Mehmet, Antalya - a firm fave with both locals and tourists, this place serves up celebrated dishes like grilled lamb and seafood (not together, but you do you), along with cracking views of Antalya's coast

• Vanilla Lounge, Antalya - popular for its cosy and relaxed vibe, this place is anything but vanilla - serving international flavours with a Turkish twist, including classics like steak, pasta and creative veggie options

• Akkaya Garden Restaurant, Dalaman - tuck into a delish Turkish menu (obvs) made with fresh, local and organic ingredients and served in a unique treetop setting in cosy little 'bird's nests'

• Ali's Place, Dalaman - a bit of a local secret, but we're letting you in on it - this place is known for serving some of the tastiest grilled meats and traditional Turkish meze in Dalaman

• Yosun Restaurant, Dalaman - freshly-caught seafood served right by the marina - what could be better than that?!