Turkey - hospitality beyond all-inclusive
General information
Turkey is one of the most visited destinations near Europe and offers a rare variety within a single country. It spans two continents - most of its territory is in Asia and a smaller part in Europe. To the north lies the Black Sea, to the west the Aegean and to the south the Mediterranean. Its land neighbours are Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
The capital is Ankara, but for many visitors their first encounter with Turkey is Istanbul - the huge city on the Bosphorus that links Europe and Asia. Istanbul is also the only major city in the world that lies on two continents.
Bulgaria's southern neighbour combines a long history, rich cultural heritage and some of the most popular seaside resorts in the Mediterranean. For travellers this means a holiday can be entirely devoted to the sea, but can also include ancient cities, natural wonders, traditional cuisine or a trip to the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia.
Climate
The climate differs across the country. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts have hot, dry summers and mild winters, which gives the resorts a long tourist season. The Black Sea coast is more humid, and inland temperatures can vary considerably between summer and winter.
For a beach holiday, May to October is the most popular period. July and August are the hottest months and especially popular for beach holidays, while May, June, September and early October offer milder temperatures and are a good choice for those who want to combine the sea with excursions.
Culture and history
Turkey is heir to many civilisations - from the ancient Hittites, Greeks and Romans to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Traces of these periods can be found practically all over the country.
Istanbul is the most vivid example of this historical layering. The city was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and today combines Christian churches, Ottoman mosques, palaces, bazaars and modern districts.
Among its most famous landmarks is Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian. The building was originally a Christian basilica, later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and today it functions as a mosque again. Opposite it stands the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and rich tile decoration.
Topkapı Palace reveals the world of the Ottoman sultans and for centuries was the rulers' main residence. Another emblem of the city is the Grand Bazaar - a huge covered market where trade is still part of Istanbul's atmosphere.
But for a great many visitors, Turkey begins with the sea. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are dotted with resorts offering different kinds of holidays - from large all-inclusive complexes to smaller coastal towns with a traditional atmosphere.
Antalya is one of the main tourist centres of the Mediterranean. The area is known for its long beaches, wide choice of hotels and warm climate. The city itself also deserves attention - the old Kaleiçi quarter offers narrow streets, Ottoman houses, small restaurants and a harbour.
Around Antalya are some of the most popular resorts in the country. Lara is known for its large hotel complexes and wide sandy beaches. Belek is favoured for its high-end hotels, golf courses and well-kept beaches. Side combines a resort holiday with ancient heritage - near the modern town are the remains of ancient Side, including an impressive ancient theatre and temples by the sea.
Further west is Kemer - a resort set between the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains. The area is known for its combination of beaches, pine forests and mountain scenery and suits both a relaxing holiday and a range of excursions.
The Aegean coast has a different character. Bodrum is one of the best-known resorts in this part of the country, famous for its marina, white houses, restaurants and lively nightlife. The town suits both a beach holiday and walks and cultural visits.
Marmaris is another popular Aegean resort, set in a bay surrounded by green hills. From here many boat trips and excursions to nearby bays and islands are organised. Fethiye is especially interesting for nature lovers and active travellers, and nearby Ölüdeniz beach is famous for its deep blue waters and distinctive lagoon.
For travellers looking for a combination of history and sea, the Aegean region is particularly suitable. Not far from the resorts are the remains of ancient cities such as Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. There you can see the impressive Library of Celsus, the ancient theatre and the streets of the old city.
If the seaside resorts are one face of Turkey, Cappadocia is a completely different experience. Central Anatolia is famous for its unusual rock formations, underground cities and cave dwellings. Volcanic activity and erosion have created a landscape of cone-shaped rocks known as "fairy chimneys".
Göreme is one of the most popular bases for visiting Cappadocia. The national park around it includes rock-cut churches and monasteries with frescoes carved into the soft volcanic rock.
One of the experiences most closely associated with Cappadocia is the hot-air balloon flight. Early in the morning, before sunrise, dozens of balloons rise above the valleys and rock formations. From the air there is a view of the landscape that can hardly be compared with any other attraction in Turkey. Flights depend on the weather and may be cancelled in strong wind or unsuitable conditions, so they are usually planned at the start of the stay.
Turkish culture cannot be presented without its cuisine. Kebabs, meze, pide, baklava, Turkish delight and various kinds of Turkish coffee and tea are part of everyday life. Eating in Turkey is a social experience, and each region has its own specialities and culinary traditions.
Why and when to visit?
Turkey is one of those destinations that can be visited for many different reasons. For a summer holiday, the most popular places are Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side, Kemer, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. Each resort has its own character - from large all-inclusive complexes to livelier towns with restaurants, shops and nightlife.
For a beach holiday, late spring to early autumn is best. If you want to combine excursions, history and the sea, June and September are an especially good choice thanks to more bearable temperatures.
Spring and autumn are also ideal for a cultural route through Istanbul, Ephesus and Cappadocia. In Cappadocia, balloon flights take place all year round in suitable weather, but the early start and changeable conditions mean there is no guarantee of take-off on any given day.
Turkey's great advantage is the chance to combine completely different experiences. A few days on the Mediterranean can be complemented by a walk through an ancient city, an evening in Istanbul or a balloon flight over Cappadocia.
It is this diversity that makes Turkey a destination travellers return to again and again - for the sea, the history, the food, the nature or simply because each part of it offers a different experience.
