Tourist guide to holidays in Turkey
Turkey is one of the world’s up and coming tourist destinations. While it has been on the radar of some people for a few years already, it is quickly becoming a favourite among young people, families and older travellers. There’s something for everyone in this fusion of a country which combines the west with the east.
Located on the join of Europe and Asia, with an Aegean and a Mediterranean coast, the tourist areas of Turkey enjoy some of the best weather around. The summers tend to be long, dry and hot whereas the winters are moderately cool and short with more rainfall. This means that you can visit the country anytime between April and October and be guaranteed bright sunny weather.
Due to the tourist boom, there are massive amounts of hotels in Turkey to choose from, from all-inclusive resorts to self-catering apartments. Many people opt for the easy option of self-catering with a holiday company because it means that there are no extra costs once the holiday is booked. Many holiday companies also offer a variety of trips in Turkey for a small price such as the Dalyan river cruise which floats you past ancient Lycian rock tombs high up in the cliffs and drops you off at a mud bath before leaving you to relax on a quiet beach.
Turkey is renowned especially for its history. If you’re staying in the Antalya region, Aspendos is well known for its exceptionally preserved Roman theatre, and Side offers the temples of Apollo and Athena for your consideration. But two of the most impressive sites have to be in Bodrum: Ephesus, where the Library of Celsus still stands proud, and the restored Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
Marmaris, in the Dalaman region, is one of the more popular resorts among young people. Famed for its aptly named Bar Street, it’s becoming one of the clubbing capitals of the world, following Ibiza. The party starts late and goes on until the early hours of the morning, with dance clubs to suit every taste.
If you plan to eat out a few times during your holiday, there are a number of yummy dishes that you just have to try. Turkish foods take their influences from a range of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian. Meze is a popular dish among tourists as it allows you to taste a few different things without committing to any. Doner kebab is particularly liked by foreigners looking to get a taste of the ‘real thing’. For something different, try patlican dolmasi, a stuffed aubergine dish or manti, minced meat encased in dough triangles. And make sure not to miss some of the sweets in the form of baklava and Turkish Delight.
