Still not sure where to spend your next vacation? 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.

Great people serving up great food – A streetside vendor offers up kestane (roasted chestnuts). (Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)

1. Wonderfully welcoming people

Turkish people have a reputation of being some of the friendliest and most hospitable nations in the world. Feels like a cliché? You’ll be pleasantly surprised. Even in this anonymous digital era, it’s quite common to be invited for a cup of tea or even a lunch by the owner of the shop you’re visiting.

2. Some of the tastiest food in the world

Turkish delights will cater to every taste. From the mouthwatering kebab, filling stews and hearty köfte to the sinfully sweet baklava, Turkish cuisine really has it all. The Turkish art of cooking has a long and deep-rooted past and its cuisine varies across the country. The culinary culture of Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir region inherits many elements of vast Ottoman cuisine. The Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines are rich in vegetables, fresh herbs and fish. Olive oil is most widely used.

One of the imposing statues on Mount Nemrut. (Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash)

3. 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.

4. Heaven on Earth for history buffs

From classical archeological sites such as Ephesus, Pergamon and Mount Nemrut to majestic remains of Ottoman Empire like the Topkapi Palace and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Turkey is full of history. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the historical core of Istanbul. If history is your thing, this country will never let you down.

5. Shopping with style in bazaars

Turkish bazaars are famous not only for their vast offer of aromatic spices, exotic delicacies and oriental art, but also for their magnetic atmosphere. Whether you consider yourself a shopaholic, or you’d just like to surprise your loved ones with some original presents, shopping in places such as Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is an experienced not to be missed.

Enter into the novel experience of a Turkish hamam. (Image by Sabine Lange from Pixabay)

6. Turkish hamams are the best!

Do you enjoy modern spas? How about seeing their traditional origins? If you’ll ever allow yourself to try classical Turkish hamam, you will remember this experience forever. Hamam is not only about physical relaxation – it’s a feast for all senses.

7. Do you like the sea? Turkey has four of them!

Swimming, sunbathing, diving, sailing, water sports…you name it! If your favorite pastime has something to do with sea, Turkey is an ideal place for you. Turkey has four seas – Mediterranean, Black, Marmara and Aegean. Each of them offers beaches you’re going to love.

The natural beauty and historical wonder of Pamukkale. (Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay)

8. Turkey is full of natural beauty

Turkey has some of the most diverse and beautiful natural environments in the world. Aside from its magnificent coasts (see above), there are also majestic mountains, mysterious wetlands and even some of the most unique natural wonders in the world, such as travertine terraces of Pamukkale and cone-shaped rock formations in Cappadocia.

9. Turkey is great for sport fans too

Football is, by far, the most popular sport in Turkey. It was introduced to locals by Englishmen during the Ottoman Empire, and today Turkey is one of the most passionate football-loving countries in the world. Seeing teams like Galatasaray or Fenerbahçe play live is an experience any football fan will enjoy.

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.