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Turkey
Atmospheric markets, eye-popping beaches and ancient cities - Turkey is a seductive blend of sunshine, spices and sights.
Thomson Destinations
With one foot in the East and one in the West, Turkey's an explosion of cultures and influences. And the results are pretty amazing. Ottoman mosques rub shoulders with Roman temples. Spice markets sit alongside chic boutiques. And dramatic mountains sweep down to sun-baked beaches. What's more, unlike some other parts of the Med, most of Turkey's tourist resorts have lost little of their native flavour. You'll find sugar-cube towns, old castles and temples peppering many of the key sun-traps. And if it's history you're after, you couldn't ask for more. Journey back in time and explore the ruins of Ephesus. Gaze in awe at needle-like minarets in Istanbul. And relive the days of the crusades at St Peter's Castle in Bodrum. But this exotic country is also moving with the times. So you can get to grips with Turkey's bang up-to-date side, too. Mingle with the jet-set at Marmaris' marina. Spend time trying on posh togs in the chic boutiques here, too. Or have an after-dark ball in Bodrum's buzzing bars and clubs. Wherever you make tracks in this mesmerising land you're sure to fall for its charms in a heartbeat. Things to see and do Ephesus After Pompeii, Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the Mediterranean. Turkey's most visited site, it was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of Asia Minor. Once home to the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - you can still see its magnificent marble buildings and shrines. Travel back to toga-wearing days and get a real taste for what life was like in Roman times. Don't miss the Great Theatre, which during its heyday it could hold up to 25,000 people and is still used as a venue for performances and concerts. Climb up to the top of the tiered seats for a superb view out across Ephesus. Another must see' is the Library of Celsus. Dating back to 110 AD, its two storey façade features rows of elegant porticoes supported by white marble columns. St Peter's Castle Standing watch over Bodrum's twin bays and dominating the skyline is the castle of St Peter. Built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century, you bag breathtaking views of the town and sea from its battlements and towers. Imaginatively displayed within the buildings are various treasures, particularly glass and pottery, recovered over the years from local shipwrecks. You can also visit the chapel and Turkish bath, both set in gardens. The slightly macabre but fascinating dungeons also deserve a look and are made all the more ghoulish with their spine-tingling mock scenes and sound effects. Pamukkale A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is about a four-hour drive inland from the Mediterranean Coast. Meaning cotton castle' in Turkish, the landscape here is a natural phenomenon with thick white layers of limestone cascading down the mountains that look like a frozen waterfall or cloud palace. Hence the name. You'll also find the ruins of ancient Hierapolis, which was built on the site in 190 BC. Oh, and don't forget to bring your swimming gear - you can bath in the bath-like thermal waters of the natural springs here. Cappadocia It's well worth making the long trip inland up to Cappadoccia. Its bizarre landscape has been likened to that of the moon and nowhere else in the world will you find anything like it. The lunar-like landscape here is peppered with eroded rock formations, cave dwellings and temples that have been literally cut into the rock faces. Simply breathtaking. Troy Immortalised by Homer and Brad Pitt in the Hollywood blockbuster, the site of the ancient city of Troy was uncovered by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Today it's guarded by a statue of a Trojan horse and gives you a glimpse of Turkey's classical past. The excavations are breathtaking but it's a good idea to get a guided tour though as some of the signs are a little vague in places.
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Beaches Turkey's beaches are something of a sensation. Mile after mile of sun-drenched sands vie for your attention here. They are, without doubt, some of Europe's most beautiful. From blonde bombshells to angel-white coves, life's most certainly a beach. Topping the bill has to be Olu Deniz. Mother Nature did some of her finest work here. With snow-white sands that melt into a turquoise lagoon, it's no wonder it's been photographed a million times over. Not to be outdone, the Antalya region's golden sands and sparkling seas can't help but grab your attention, too. Side's a firm favourite here, which is no surprise when you clap eyes on its 10km of coastline. All that eye-candy means it can get a tad busy though, so sneak off to the more secluded Sorgun or Kumboy beaches if you fancy a bit more privacy. Maybe you'll make a beeline for Bodrum? The younger crowds here tend to flock to Gümbet's sands, with oodles of watersports on offer, though Tusan and Ladies
a Aegean Se
Konacik Turkbuku Yalikavak Bitez
Kayseri Izmir
Kusadasi Ephesus Altinkum Bodrum Gumbet Pamukkale Cappodocia
3917 Erciyes Dagi
Marmaris Belek Antalya Fethiye Side Icmeler Incekum Hisaronu Kemer Alanya Olu Deniz Kas
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Turkey
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nean Sea
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© TUI 2005
beach are also popular pickings. And last but by no means least - Altinkum is another coastline where you can't put a foot wrong. With shores wide enough to land a jumbo jet, they're particularly great for kids to run about on. Decisions, decisions
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