Are you thinking of making Turkey your next holiday destination? In Turkey, you can find a unique holiday experience for just about any travel style. Whether you desire a quiet afternoon on the beach, a fun-filled day of sailing and watersports on the Mediterranean, or browsing world-class museums, Turkey has something for you. Let’s take a look at Turkey’s best holiday hotspots.
Istanbul
In Istanbul, East meets West in a thrilling combination of art, culture and history. This city has seen the rise and fall of Empires, and carries notes of Byzantine and Ottoman influence. At the same time, the city feels distinctly European, with many cafes and piazzas.
In Istanbul, you will find a wide range of internationally recognised sites and landmarks. For example, you can visit the Hagia Sofia, which was originally designed as a Greek Orthodox basilica and rebuilt later as a mosque. It now overlooks the city and has been turned into a museum for religious art and architecture.
Afterward, try your hand at haggling in the M?s?r Bazaar. You can find everything from Turkish carpets to Turkish delight in the bazaar’s many stands. Just make sure you don’t take the first price offered, as haggling is a bit of a Turkish pastime.
You can also take a cruise through the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Greece and Turkey. Here you can sail from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. For an extra special occasion, take the cruise at night so you can see the city’s lights.
Cappadocia
Set in the remote central region of Anatolya is a must-see for anyone looking for a sporty, adventurous holiday. The landscape is marked by unique rock formations that have been called “fairy caves” because of the tiny holes at the top of pointed rocks. You can even hire a balloon for the day and see this unique landscape from the air.
Izmir
This rapidly growing city on the central Aegean coast offers Byzantine-era ruins, gorgeous beaches, great food and shopping, energetic nightlife, and stunning views of the sea and mountains. You can partake in a whole range of beach activities, or spend the day wandering the narrow streets of Alsancak and having a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse.
Marmaris
Just across the sea from the Greek island of Rhodos, this small city offers countless opportunities for holiday fun for all ages. You can take a jeep safari into the remote mountains or to secluded beaches around the coast, visit the Marmaris castle, or take a cruise through the surrounding islands. You can also visit a Turkish hamam for traditional spa treatments that use local products and techniques. Marmaris also offers excellent nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. You can also find a wide range of hotels in Marmaris for every taste and budget.
A Final Note
These are just a few of the wonderful adventures that await you in Turkey. To find your dream holiday, spend some time browsing the internet or visit the Turkish Ministry of Tourism’s website. Whatever your fancy, Turkey has a holiday for you.
