Turkey

    • Capital

      Ankara

    • Language

      Turkish

    • Currency

      Lira

    • Local time

      04:56

    • Coffee cost

      € 1 per cup

    • Temperature

      +17.3° +28.9°

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire
    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    For most tourists, a trip to Turkey is primarily about the sun, massive resorts, 'all-inclusive' packages, and endless kebabs. Turkey is considered an affordable destination where many people go for a short week-long vacation to simply relax and do nothing.

    That's true, but Turkey is much more than just a hotel zone with water parks and evening shows.
    Several thousand years of ancient culture – from Greece and Rome to the Ottoman Empire – have left their mark: Turkey boasts countless architectural landmarks and historical sites. Additionally, it offers beautiful nature, with its turquoise sea and incredible natural parks.

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    Step out of the hotel

    Let's face it, there are many more Instagram photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower than with Turkish stone fortresses.
    Why? Because Turkey primarily positions itself as a beach resort destination. Many people forget that it's a great country located simultaneously on two continents.
    Turkey offers boundless opportunities to do things you wouldn't typically do. For example, you can indulge in a day of self-care at a city hammam, take a hot air balloon ride, or throw a party until sunrise. Here, you'll find friendly people, delicious street food, and a fascinating blend of European and Eastern cultures.

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    Backpacking or Skiing

    When the doner kebab starts to accumulate around your hips, leave the sunbed and embark on a sports adventure in the mountains that can be found all over Turkey. You can even attempt to climb Mount Ararat, but for the unprepared, we recommend a hiking expedition, such as around Mount Tahtalı, located on the southern coast, not far from the cosy resort town of Kemer.
    If terrestrial adventures aren't enough, you can try your hand at water skiing on the famous beaches of Antalya. And in the second half of the day, you can enjoy the snowy slopes of the nearby Saklıkent ski resort. In essence, there are adventures for all senses here, whether on land, in the air, or in the water.

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    The Turkish Riviera

    And now, the main attraction – the sunny Turkish Riviera! What more does a northerner, weary of cold and grey weather, need besides the sun?
    Endless sunny beaches, beautiful cities, exotic restaurants, and entertainment of all kinds... It's a land of wonders, no doubt! In this place, the primary remedies for the heat are the sea, swimming pools, and ice cream.
    For those who want to explore a big Turkish city, medieval Antalya is a perfect choice – you can wander the streets, visit cafes, or indulge in shopping. Glamorous life, luxury yachts, and exquisite restaurants are what trendy Bodrum is known for. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the green fields of Belek. History buffs will be charmed by the Side Peninsula with its 2000-year-old temples and amphitheatre.

    Sun, Kebabs, and the Ottoman Empire

    Turkish Cuisine:A Flavorful Celebration

    Turkish cuisine is a joyful international melting pot where the best flavours of Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus come together. Turkish cuisine is full of colours, aromas, fresh spices, and daring combinations.
    Start your day with fluffy simit bread rings, poached eggs, fresh olives, cheese, aromatic tomatoes, and cucumbers. For lunch, try the famous kebabs, and finish the evening with a variety of mezes (appetizers) and lamb kofta. Craving sweets? Congratulations – you are in the homeland of the legendary baklava!
    In conclusion, if you are planning a trip to the warm sea during the peak of the ski season, Turkey is the place where quality clearly surpasses the price.

    Sights of Turkey

    Description of the resorts

    Bodrum
    Bodrum

    Bodrum

    How can you find yourself on the glamorous south coast of France without leaving Turkey? Where can you book Mediterranean luxury at affordable Turkish prices?

    The answer is Bodrum, and again, Bodrum! This fashionable resort with a European flair on the Aegean Sea is where you should be heading right now before most tourists discover this wonderful place.

    This area, rich in historical monuments, gained fame thanks to artists and cultural figures who relocated here, attracting each time more affluent individuals to Bodrum. That's how the city's rise began.

    Bodrum

    Antalya

    The renowned Riviera beach paradise charms with its beautiful nature and miles of sandy beaches. For many, all that's needed for a good life here is swimwear and a towel. The suitcase, packed with clothes "just in case," remains unopened upon return a week later. 

    Parents: Antalya hotel water parks serve as excellent childcare options. While kids splash under supervision, you can enjoy all-inclusive mojitos on a sun lounger. 

    Antalya is often seen as a resort area, but it's also perfect for an exciting city break. Evening Mediterranean vibes mainly center around the narrow streets of the historic old town, cozy squares, and bustling outdoor cafes.

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