Still not sure where to spend your next vacation? Famous for its world-class beaches, ancient historical ruins and fantastic summer climate, Turkey is a great destination for anyone looking for a sunny European break. But tell the kids they’re going to look at old buildings and sit under a hot umbrella all week and you might get a few grumbles. As ever, planning ahead can make all the difference to a family break, and a bit of research before you go will show you exactly what Turkey has to offer the kids – and the grown-ups too.
Thinking about Turkey, but need some more incentives to make the final decision? Let us make it easier for you. Here are our top 10 reasons for travelling to Turkey as soon as possible.
1. For a Taste of Turkish Turkish Food
It’s not all Shish Kebab! In fact, the Turkish palette combines the best of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European cuisine. You can start your day with a Turkish Breakfast, best for sharing as it is traditionally a spread of olives, cheeses, cold meats, fresh white bread, egg, borek (a savory pastry), cucumber, tomatoes, honey, tahin, pekmez (made from grape molasses), fruit and black tea.
Other traditional dishes include, Gozleme (Turkish Pancake), Kofte Durum (Spicy meatball wrap) or Cig Kofte Durum (for the Vegetarians), Dolma (stuffed vegetables), Yaprak Sarma (wrapped vine leaves stuffed with rice, pepper, dates and cinnamon), seafood is also popular in coastal regions. And don’t forget to try something sweet, baklava and halva are two of the most popular deserts.
2. Beautiful Beaches
Bodrum, Antalya, Izmir and Fethiye have some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with a spectrum that includes everything from secluded coves to exciting beach parties. One of the best ways to experience Turkey’s many beaches and the Mediterranean or Aegean Coast is by taking a Blue Cruise.
3. Wonderfully Welcoming People
Turkish people are some of the friendliest and most genuinely hospitable people in the world. Visit any shop and chances are you’ll be offered free samples, tea and conversation with absolutely zero pressure to buy anything.
Head to East Turkey and here you really will be blown away by the friendliness and generosity of the locals. With few foreign tourists here most won’t speak any English, but they’ll still want to talk to you and most likely offer you tea, free food and sometimes even the offer to join them for dinner or stay at their house.
4. Rituals that Will Stick With You
Whether it’s puffing on the sweet-smelling nargile/shisha with your friends, meeting with your extended family over the meze & raki, or serving your guests the refreshing tea, Turkey will teach you many beautiful rituals that will improve your social life far behind the holiday.
5. Recommended Family Resort in Turkey
Choosing an all-inclusive family holiday in Turkey means a lot of the hard work is already done for you, and a Club Med holiday offers something for every age range throughout the family – from babies and toddlers, to older kids, teens and adults. Great options for all-inclusive family resorts in Turkey include the Palmiye Hotel and Palmiye Bungalow resorts, which offer everything from archery and scuba diving to a flying trapeze school.
6. Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Whether you are watching from the ground or standing in a basket high above the ground, the hot air balloons of Cappadocia are unlike anything else in the world. Hundreds of multicolored balloons take to the sky just before sunrise. They sail above the honeycombed cave houses and dip low into the deep valleys.
7. To Shop
From stylish shopping malls to handicraft stalls, farmers markets and legendary bazaars, Turkey is a haven for shoppers whether you’re looking for a new beach dress, fresh spices or a hand woven Turkish carpet. Weekly local markets spring up in most towns and sell a bit of everything, it’s a great opportunity to purchase fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, fish, fruit, nuts and homemade cheeses, jams and wines.
8. Turkish Baths
The hamam experience has become synonymous with Turkey and is a perennial favourite. Being scrubbed and washed and massaged in a cloud of soap foam is, after all, a spectacular way to unwind.
9. The Nature
Turkey may not be known for its nature but take a trip up to the north of the country near the black sea and you’ll find lush green hills, lakes and rivers to satisfy any nature lover.
Along the Black Sea near the small town of Rize you’ll find the Ayder plateau. With many comparing it to the Swiss Alps, you’ll find the scenery and lifestyle here completely different to the rest of Turkey, making it the perfect place for those looking for relaxation amid stunning natural landscapes.
10. Turkish holiday is the best value for money
Turkey has a highly developed and beautifully diverse touristic infrastructure. If you want your vacations to be splendid and luxurious, there are tons of high-end boutique hotels, resorts and restaurants that will keep you happy. But even if you are on a budget, you will find wonderfully affordable options to enjoy your Turkish vacation to the fullest. In comparison with other Mediterranean countries, Turkey is one of the cheapest and most valuable destinations.
