Turkey

Occupying a unique position which has made it a bridge and a meeting point between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is a fascinating country full of history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. Its official language is Turkish, the capital is Istanbul, and it is bordered by eight separate countries including Bulgaria, Iran, Iraq and Syria. In the south are the Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus, in the west is the Aegean Sea, and in the north is the Black Sea. Modern Turkey is a secular, democratic republic which has become increasingly linked with Europe and the West via membership of NATO and the G20 economic group.

In terms of climate, Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts have a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild/cool wet winters, while the Black Sea coast has what is known as an Oceanic climate, with warm, wet summers and cool to cold wet winters. Turkey’s diverse culture combines influences from the West with traditional Ottoman and Islamic elements, which means you can experience a wide range of food, drink, arts and crafts across the country. Turkey has plenty of fascinating historic traditions and attractions, such as camel wrestling and local carpet weaving. Holiday Rental Homes promotes a number of great self-catering properties in Turkey, and below we have provided information about some of the best areas of the country in which to take a holiday.

The Turquoise Coast

The Turquoise Coast, also known as the ‘Turkish Riviera’, is the popular name for Turkey’s beautiful southwestern coast, comprising Antalya, Mugla and the provinces of Mersin, the south of Izmir and Ayidin. The coast’s warm climate, lovely warm water and wide range of fantastic activity options make it a popular choice for countless holidaymakers, year after year. The remains of two of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World can be found along the coast: the Mausoleum of Maussolos, at Halicarnassus, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.

The Turquoise Coast includes some of Turkey’s best-known holiday hotspots, including Bodrum, Alanya, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas, Marmaris and Side. It also has a place in many famous Greek, Turkish and Roman myths, so for culture vultures and historians it is a must-visit part of Turkey. With a wide range of food and drink on offer here too, the Turquoise Coast offers a complete holiday experience.

Food and drink

Eating out with friends and family is one of the greatest pleasures to be had in Turkey, and it is something tourists can enjoy to the full on the Turquoise Coast. The coast around Fethiye and Uzmulu is packed with great restaurants, food shops and bars to enjoy, so you will never be stuck for dining ideas. You can expect to find a range of food types and dishes here, including: local vegetables and produce such as fresh fish from the sea. The cuisine of the region is rich in vegetables, herbs and fish. A typical breakfast can include cheese, eggs, olives, tomatoes and soup, with a simit (round piece of bread with sesame seeds). If you visit during summer and want to try authentic local cuisine, you should sample fried vegetables (like eggplant, potatoes or zucchini) served with tomato sauce, yoghurt, cucumbers, watermelons or summer helva, a sweet, dense piece of confectionery made with pistachios.

Places to go and things to do

The coast is packed with great locations offering something for every holidaymaker, from sun and sand to fascinating historic sites. Inland you can find the remains of ancient cities like Caunos, Xanthos and Letoon, once a reminder of the power and reach of the historic Carian and Lycian states and fought over by bigger empires like the Greek, Roman and Persian empires. Historic amphitheatres and agoras allow you to see a glimpse of what life was like for people in the area two thousand years ago. You can plunge into scuba diving down at Kas, or get stuck into windsurfing, sea-kayaking or paragliding. Patara combines the best of history and holiday: you can explore the ruined city then relax on the lovely beach.

The holiday season on the Turquoise Coast begins in mid April and lasts until late September. Outside this season, though, you may not find any of the resorts open, so the coast (unlike some other Mediterranean destinations) is not a good choice for out-of-season visits or adventures. The region’s climate is Mediterranean, less arid than the interior of Turkey, and most of the rainfall comes outside the summer season. Temperatures range from 16 degrees Celsius in winter months to the low thirties in summertime.