One of the most popular holiday nations these days is Turkey, and this wonderful country continues to impress wave after wave of visitors who are sampling life here for the first time. There are a number of reasons for Turkey’s rise in prominence, but the truth is that there is no hidden secret about it. Here are four reasons why it will undoubtedly be on the must-visit list of millions of travellers in the coming years.
The Climate
The sun-kissed resorts of Bodrum, Ölüdeniz, Antalya and a host of other locations offer the ideal holiday weather conditions. Throughout the summer months, the temperatures are high, the skies are blue and there is very little likelihood of rain on the horizon. If your idea of the perfect vacation involves long, lazy afternoons on sandy beaches, topping up the tan and reading a succession of books and magazines, then it’s high time you booked a trip to Turkey. Out of season, the weather is a little more unpredictable, of course, but there is still plenty of sunshine waiting to be enjoyed.
The People
Although most first-time visitors won’t be shocked to discover the sensational climate and the picturesque countryside, the warmth and friendliness of the locals will often come as a pleasant surprise. Turkish people are welcoming and personable, and are generally curious to discover more about their guests. In restaurants, cafes and bars, Turks are keen to ensure their customers enjoy a good time, and leave the country at the end of their holiday with a very positive image of the nation and the populace. If you plan to visit soon, be prepared to discuss a variety of subjects ranging from the local history to the national obsession with soccer.
The Activities
Even the more sedentary tourist likes to enjoy the occasional activity on holiday, and the good news for visitors to Turkey is that there are dozens of things that can be enjoyed when on vacation. In the more popular seaside resorts there is likely to be a range of water-sports on offer, including water-skiing, parascending and snorkelling, and it can be great fun to simply rent a car or bicycle and explore the local countryside. If you’re planning to tour Turkey on four wheels, you’ll be pleased to know it’s easy to compare car hire prices on the web before you travel. This wonderful nation is a stunning combination of iconic history and eye-catching modernity, and it’s just waiting to be discovered.
The Food
Whether your Turkish idyll involves exciting activities such as windsurfing, cycling and hiking or complete relaxation on a nearby sun-lounger, you will want to sample the local delicacies when the evenings come around. The best restaurants in every seaside resort will offer a wide selection of local and international dishes, so there is always plenty of choice. Traditional Turkish dishes are generally simple, filling and exceptionally tasty, so be sure to try delights such as kofta (meatballs), İskender kebap (kebab with lamb and a hot tomato sauce) and karniyarik (eggplant with mince). In the mornings, the Turkish breakfast is a favourite, consisting of bread, eggs, honey, olives and cucumber.
Paul Munro is from the UK and is a regular visitor to Turkey.
