Turkey is for tourists

NO MATTER how you look at it – Turkey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The country is unlike any other, giving visitors the chance to experience a wide spectrum of vacation hotspots, whether it is the Turquoise Coast situated on the south western shore, the bustling city of Istanbul that spans two continents or the culturally diverse city of Mardin, perched on a hilltop overlooking the plains of Mesopotamia – Turkey is a country that really has everything.

The stretch of the Turquoise Coast that runs from south and west of the gateway city of Antalya is the epitome of refreshing with scattered coves, spectacular bays and a startlingly blue Mediterranean coastline. Farthest east and closest to Antalya is Çıralı, a modest if strung-out small settlement among a strip of citrus groves engulfing a fertile plain between spectacular mountains and a two-mile shingle beach. There are the usual trappings of beach-front restaurants, but what makes this hidden gem a must-see is the swimming and sight of the incoming turtles during nesting season.

Heading west around the coast towards Kas is the tiny, atmospheric village of Kale Köyü, that looks out over turquoise waters. The village is a mere smattering of old houses. Tourists can wander through the streets sampling traditional cuisine, shopping for clothing and souvenir goods.

Shift into a different gear and opt for a tour of the Black Sea Coast. Be warned though, this region experiences much rain but the land is green and luscious. If you find yourself a bit on the adventurous side make sure you do a trip from west to east of the coastline. Here you can visit Giresun, where the Romans first discovered cherries and then spread them to the world or perhaps take a hike through the tea plantations of the Pontic Mountains in Rize. Before leaving the Black Sea make sure you sample the milk and butter (the best in Turkey), hazelnuts and sardines (considered a delicacy in the region).

Students of history would appreciate Cappadocia, where thousands of years ago where houses, churches and underground cities were carved out of the soft rock, giving this historical city a fairy-tale appearance. Its unique landscape is simply breath-taking and definitely a must.

The obvious choice for any tourist visiting Turkey is Istanbul. Still one of the most popular destinations in the country the city stretches across a narrow strait, connecting Asia and Europe – making it the only city in the world spanning two continents. Istanbul’s impressive architecture and deep roots to the Ottoman Empire, give the city an exotic atmosphere, not to mention historical sites such as The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Bosporus.