 Pine-forested mountains, olive groves and meadows, carpeted with wild flowers in spring, descend to one of the most unspoilt coastlines on the entire Mediterranean
Turkey boast arching beaches of white sand and sheltered coves of aquamarine. Picturesque coastal towns and fishing villages look out across the calm sea to the Greek islands floating on the horizon. Lively and colourful markets attract local grown fruit and vegetables.
The region’s climate is excellent too, with rain generally only falling through their mild winter period leaving blue skies and sunshine for most of the year.
In the centre of the country, Cappadocia is a land of magic and mystery beyond compare. Over thousands of years nature has carved a unique geological wonderland of strangely shaped pinnacles, crags and canyons from the soft volcanic rock.
Inhabited since the earliest times, people have added to this breathtaking landscape by excavating homes, villages and even whole cities under the ground. A centre of early Christianity, the area is also dotted with subterranean churches and monasteries, some decorated with stunning frescoes.
Today, Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination protected inside a national park centred on the village of Goreme, but which also encompasses the towns and villages of Urgup, Nevsehir, Uchisar, Ortahisar and Cavusin. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter, many of the area's cave houses are still inhabited, with a growing number of foreign property buyers discovering the benefits of living underground. Cappadocia can be easily reached from the UK with frequent Turkish Airlines scheduled flights via Istanbul or Ankara.
Wherever you go in the country you'll be sure of a warm and friendly welcome.
Hospitality has been perfected to a fine art by the Turks and the words "Hos Geldiniz" - which literally means 'Your coming brings pleasure' - will ring frequently in your ears.
There's also far more to Turkish food than kebabs, with local restaurants serving a large and varied selection of delicious dishes, at exceptionally reasonable prices.
Typically, a meal starts with a selection of meze - small, mouth-watering starters, such as stuffed peppers, mild white cheese, tender calamari, octopus salad and traditional deep-fried pastries. In true Turkish style these appetisers are washed down with an aniseed spirit, known as raki, although there are also some excellent local wines.
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