Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, ranking as the sixth most visited country, with 33.3 million visitors each year. If you need a little more convincing about what Turkey has to offer, these top 10 reasons are sure to spark your imagination:

Historical sites

For history lovers, a trip to Turkey is a must. The country is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world, including Göbekli Tepe (the site of the oldest known man-made religious structure), Çatalhöyük (a Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement dating back to 7500 BCE) the settlement of Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, and Mount Nemrut.

troy canakkale turkey

Tasty cuisine

A fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, Turkish cuisine is one of the tastiest in the world—and inexpensive to boot! Whether you want a simple kebab or a more exotic dish like cacık or kurufasulye, Turkish cuisine won’t disappoint.

Mediterranean Turkey

Looking for sea, sand, and sunshine? Mediterranean Turkey awaits you.

marmaris long beach

From the bustling city of Antalya to the quiet resort town of Kas, you’re sure to find your perfect seaside break. Check out hotels in Marmaris for a pleasant escape.

East Meets West

Istanbul straddles both sides of the Bosphorus Straight, making it the only capital city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia. There, you’ll find important sites like the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.

Stunning landscapes

Surrounded by water on three sides, Turkey boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and clearest waters in the world. Moving further inland, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the Mountains of Ararat, and The Kackar Mountains are all worth a visit.

Market culture

Market culture continues to thrive in Turkey, making it a great place to find everything from carpets and rugs to spices and fresh vegetables. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a 540-year-old market that is comprised of 64 streets and 4,000 shops and stalls.

Turkish Baths/Hamams

Today, the important cultural tradition of the Turkish hamam provides a wonderful means of relaxation for tourists. Spa-like treatments like massages and aromatherapy are now an integral part of hamam culture, so make sure to pay a visit and let your stresses melt away.

Adventure tourism

Whether it be paragliding over the beaches of Olu Deniz or trekking the Lycian Way, you’ll get the adrenaline kick you crave and enjoy some beautiful scenery in the process.

Tea houses

Tea drinking is an extremely popular pastime in Turkey, and you’ll find tea houses stationed almost everywhere you look. Partake in this important cultural tradition for a chance to socialise with the locals.

Wellness holidays

Looking for an anti-aging treatment, a weight loss program, or a colon hydrotherapy treatment? The Natur-Med Hot Springs and Health Resort, Bolu Koru Hotel, and InterContinental Ceylan are some of the world’s most esteemed wellness centres. Asthma sufferers may find refuge at Damlatas Cave near Alanya as well.