 |
|
|
|
Stretching across two continents, Turkey is a diverse and fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches. From divers to beach lovers, archaeologists and botanists, there really is something for everyone. |
| |
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean , Turkey boasts 8000km of coastline including the best beach in the world – the 13km stretch of golden sand of Patara - according to tour operators in a 1998 Sunday Times survey.
Twenty civilizations and 10,000 years of history have left Turkey with an awe-inspiring legacy of ancient ruins and archaeological sites, many of which are still under excavation.
The Turkish landscape may yet still reveal more secrets – more statues of gods and goddesses, more temples, theatres and mosques. No matter what your interests, it would be difficult to tire of Turkey .
Turkey is a land of breathtaking natural beauty with a long and fascinating past. Often dubbed the "Crossroads of Civilisation", the country has been inhabited for thousands of years by a long list of great peoples, including the Ancient Greeks, the Romans and the Byzantines. |
|
|
| |
|
Indeed, it's impossible to travel far in Turkey without coming across some intriguing archaeological remains, be they the magnificent Lycian rock tombs or an awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre. In fact, Turkey contains more Roman sites than Italy and more ancient Greek ruins than Greece . So, there is plenty to explore!
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 . The shores of south-western Turkey , all around Analya, boast arching beaches of fine white sand and sheltered coves of aquamarine.
A string of 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 locals and tourists alike to browse the stalls of fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables. The region's climate is excellent too, with rain generally falling during the mild winter leaving blue skies and sunshine for most of the year. |
|
| |
| Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest there is also an important internal sea, the Sea of Marmara , between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, important waterways that connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world. Because the mountains in the Black Sea region run parallel to the coastline, the coasts are fairly smooth, without too many indentations or projections. The length of the Black Sea coastline in Turkey is 1,595 kilometres, and the salinity of the sea is 17%. |
| |
|
| |
| The Mediterranean coastline, around Alanya, runs for 1,577 kilometres and here too the mountain ranges are parallel to the coastline. The mountain ranges provide the perfect conditions for Europeans as they offer cool shade to those who need a break from the sun and also allow for skiing during the winter months. The salinity level of the Mediterranean is about double that of the Black Sea. |
| |
| Although the Aegean coastline is a continuation of the Mediterranean coast, it is quite irregular because the mountains in the area fall perpendicularly into the Aegean Sea . As a result, the length of the Aegean Sea coast is over 2,800 kilometres. The coastline faces out to many islands. The Marmara Sea is located totally within national boundaries and occupies an area of 11,350 square kilometres. The coastline of the Marmara Sea is over 1,000 kilometres long; it is connected to the Black Sea by the Bosphorus and with the Mediterranean by the Dardanelles . |
| |
| 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. |
| |
|
|
|
