Bazaars scented with rich spices, the inviting warmth of a Hammam, the timeworn splendour and intrigue of ancient ruins, and scenery so vast and varied you’ll wonder if you’re still on Planet Earth; these are all reasons Turkey continues to enthral and delight visitors.
We don’t need to tell you that this storied land has a wealth of historic sites to explore; take Istanbul’s soaring Aya Sofya which dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, the enchanting city of Ephesus which contains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the assemblage of well-preserved archaeological sites in Antalya, for example. The home of many an ancient civilisation, there’s evidence of lost worlds around every corner here. But once you’ve finished marvelling over the jewels of times past, you’ll find that Turkey dazzles with more than just its man-made treasures.
There’s over 8,000 kilometres of coastline to explore here, and the southwest coast is one of our very favourite spots; in particular, the area known as the Turquoise Coast, or Turkish Riviera. This unwaveringly beautiful ribbon of shoreline mesmerises like no other. Jaw-droppingly-idyllic beaches meet pine-clad hills in an endless vista of green and blue, and glamorous towns and pretty villages invite visitors to enjoy the many delights of coastal life, from joining in with the yacht crowd to dancing until sunrise. There’s dramatic seafront scenery, absorbing cultural sites, watersports aplenty, and delicious local cuisine all waiting to be discovered and delighted in.
On the Aegean coast, the Bodrum Peninsula lures holidaymakers with its sandy shores, sailing, diving, and pine-scented woodland trails. There’s a succession of charming bars and eateries along the waterfront promenade to sample, and the city of Bodrum itself is known for its vibrant nightlife. Further along the coast, the polished town of Göcek is a boater’s paradise; watch glossy yachts and sailing boats jostle for space in the marinas, and dine on delicious Turkish cuisine in an atmospheric oceanfront restaurant.
