British holidaymakers will soon have two new Turkish destinations to explore as Pegasus Airlines adds flights from London Stansted.
The low-cost carrier is launching routes to Gaziantep in south-central Turkey and Kayseri in the central Anatolia region.
Flights to Gaziantep will operate weekly, beginning June 21, 2025. The Kayseri service will run every Wednesday from June 25, 2025.
Both cities offer unique cultural experiences away from Turkey's more familiar coastal resorts.
Flights to Gaziantep will operate weekly
GETTY
Gaziantep is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, while Kayseri serves as a gateway to the historic Cappadocia region. The food is a blend of Anatolian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
According to Lonely Planet: "This fast-paced and epicurean city has around 180 pastry shops producing the world's best pistachio baklava. Other culinary treats are also on offer for adventurous foodie travellers".
The city boasts numerous bakeries serving traditional treats like baklava - filo pastry with crushed nuts and honey syrup.
Visitors should explore the old town and the Zeugma Mosaics Museum, the world's largest of its kind.
Traditional Turkish bath experiences offer an authentic alternative to touristy hammams at beach resorts.
One-way flights start from £85 with a journey time of four hours and 40 minutes.
Kayseri is known for its dramatic scenery, particularly Erciyes Mountain, a snow-covered dormant volcano. The area is popular with winter sports enthusiasts who flock to the Erciyes Ski Resort.
The city is also famous for its elaborate handmade carpets created by skilled artisans. These craftspeople use traditional methods passed down through generations, working with wool and silk to create ornate designs.
Lonely Planet notes that Kayseri has recently changed its approach to development, with some traditional houses being "restored to finery" after years of modernisation.
Kayseri Castle offers stunning views across the landscape and provides insight into the city's rich history.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Hot air balloon rides are popular in the region of Kayseri
GETTY
Nearby Soganli Valley is an archaeological site dating back to the 9th century.
The valley features churches and monasteries carved from the soft Cappadocian stone.
Hot air balloon rides are popular in the region, offering spectacular views of Cappadocia's distinctive rock formations, valleys and caves. One-way tickets to Kayseri start from £84 per person.
The flight time from London Stansted is approximately four hours and 25 minutes.
