Why a Holiday in Turkey Should Be Next on Your Agenda
A visit to Turkey really is a must for any traveller. Luxury beach resorts and gorgeous coasts are plentiful in this beautiful country, and the cities are steeped in history, so whether you want to chill on the beach or explore the ancient ruins, there really is something for everyone in Turkey.
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Historical Sites
With its positioning between Europe and Asia, Turkey has seen a lot of action over the years and now has more ancient ruins than almost anywhere else in the world. What is really impressive however is how many of these ruins still remain nearly intact. One of the most captivating locations to visit is Ephesus, the site of the Temple of the Artemis and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is the most complete Greco-Roman city on Earth and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are a number of castles bordering the coast and palaces dating back to the Ottoman Empire all of which are open to the public and set a fantastic scene of how life was lived in the past. Another must-see piece of history is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Built-in 1616 to rival the Hagia Sophia, its large domes, grand minarets and interior lined with over 20,000 handmade blue ceramic tiles certainly achieved that.
Lost Towns
Thankfully for us travellers who like to escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps, there are still a number of towns in Turkey which haven’t succumbed to the pressures of mass tourism. One of the most charming is Kalkan, a historic town positioned on the Lycian coast. Brimming with Ottoman Greek architecture and a historic harbour at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, there is plenty of history to absorb and amazing views of the beautiful Turquoise Coast.
If you need a bit more action than lying on a gorgeous beach, then there’s plenty to choose from during a trip to Kalkan. From water sports and scuba diving to a luxurious boat trip or even a mountain excursion, there are lots of ways to ensure everyone will enjoy the Kalkan Holidays. If you’re hungry after all that adventure then your luck is in because Kalkan boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhabitant on the Turkish coast. You could choose a roof terrace with a view of the town and the sea, or maybe a harbour-side restaurant and watch as the fishermen return with the day’s catch.
Beautiful Beaches
With vast stretches of coastline, you really do have endless options when it comes to picking a stunning beach to relax on in Turkey. There’s Patara, Turkey’s longest beach, with white sands, warm shallows and sunbeds for hire. If you’re looking for a piece of unspoilt paradise look no further than Oludeniz lagoon; pine-fringed and mountain-backed, there really are few places as spectacular as this.
Amazing Cuisine
Turkey is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of places to sample some of the local fares. From traditional Turkish breakfast staples such as menemen or kahvalti and warming stews like güveç, to meze platters bursting with colour and flavour, you won’t be short on options when it comes to trying something new. Be sure to try one of the many street food stalls too – from simit (a type of sesame bagel) and börek (pastry filled with cheese), to freshly made lahmacun (Turkish pizza), you can fill up without breaking the bank!
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable holiday then why not take in the highlights of Turkey; ancient ruins, stunning beaches and delicious cuisine – it’s impossible not to be impressed. With so much to see and do, you can guarantee that there’ll be something to suit everybody. So why wait?
If swimming in azure waters or walking through towering ruins as the sun sets on the horizon is your kind of thing, then without a doubt, you need to make Turkey your next holiday destination. Start planning your dream holiday to Turkey today!