A trending harbour area, Karaköy is full of new-age coffee shops, young designer clothing shops and family run businesses inside of old Ottoman architectures.
Turkey, a country located in both Europe and Asia, has been a popular travel destination for centuries. From its ancient ruins to its stunning landscapes, there is something for everyone in Turkey. In this article, we will explore the reasons why travel to Turkey is important, the top destinations, culture and traditions, food, accommodation, and transportation options, and safety considerations for travelers.
Geography and Climate of Turkey
Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and is known for its diverse geography that includes the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, the Black Sea region, and the high plateaus of Central Anatolia. The country’s climate ranges from temperate in the coastal regions to severe in the interior. The best time to visit Turkey depends on what type of activities you plan to do and the region you want to visit. Coastal regions are best visited from May to October, while the interior regions are best visited from April to June or September to November.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a top destination that combines the modern and the traditional. Visitors can visit the city’s ancient Ottoman palaces, churches, and mosques or take a stroll through its modern shopping centers.
Cappadocia, a unique landscape of rock formations and cave dwellings, is another must-visit destination. The region is famous for its hot air balloon rides, and visitors can also explore the region’s underground cities and rock-carved churches.
Gallipoli and Troy, two historic sites, offer a glimpse into the country’s ancient past and the stories behind the famous battle of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.
Turkey has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the country’s long history. Visitors can experience the country’s traditions and customs through its music, dance, and festivals. Some of the most famous festivals include the Whirling Dervishes ceremony and the Mevlana Festival in Konya.
Turkish cuisine is famous for its diverse and flavorful dishes, such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight. Street food is also popular in Turkey, and visitors can try dishes such as simit, a sesame-covered bread, and doner kebab. Wine is an integral part of Turkish culture, and visitors can try the country’s locally produced red and white wines.
Turkey offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Visitors can easily travel within the country using public transportation such as buses, trains, and taxis, or they can rent a car to explore the country at their own pace.
Safety Considerations for Travelers
Turkey is generally a safe country for travelers, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and theft, especially in tourist areas. It is also recommended that travelers take out travel insurance and familiarize themselves with local safety precautions.
Traveling to Turkey offers a unique opportunity to experience a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and landscapes. From its ancient ruins to its stunning beaches, Turkey has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Turkey is a destination not to be missed. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and embark on an unforgettable journey to this magical country.
Imagine going on a vacation with five of your closest friends for a week on a sailboat. That would be a dream vacation if you ask me.
Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy and Turkey offer the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Whether it’s a motorboat or a sailboat, experiencing those landscapes and beaufitul sea from a yacht will be euphoric.
Here is a list of Mediterranean countries you can charter a yacht with your friends:
1. Greece
Yacht Charter in Greece
Greece might be the most popular country in the Mediterranean to charter a yacht because of its breathtaking scenery.
Charter a yacht in Greece and experience the beauty and wonders of a nation made up of 6,000 islands and over 13,500 km of inspiring coastline. Meander from island to island, stopping for a swim in the gorgeous bays or to discover ancient ruins before catching the breeze to sail to your next destination.
Yacht Charter in Greece
Option 1. Affordable
Boat Type: Sailboat Number of People: 10 Location: Kos Island, Greece Price for 6 Nights: €5,159 Price Per Person: €519 (if 10 people to charter)
Croatia is one of the most affordable countries in Mediterranean to charter a yacht compared to more popular and fancy countries like Greece and Italy.
Croatia offers the same breathtakingly beautiful waters you can go snorkeling or free diving.
Yacht Charter in Croatia
Boat Type: Sailboat Number of People: 8 Location: Split, Croatia Price for 6 Nights: €2,299 Price Per Person: €288 (if 8 people to charter)
Chartering a yacht in France is a lot more expensive than Greece and other Mediterranean countries. There are charter companies that offer yachts for €1,000,000 for a week.
Although there are more affordable options in France, it’s usually a location for super yachts of millionaires.
Yacht Charter in France
We here have a more affordable option from France:
Boat Type: Sailboat Number of People: 6 Location: Cannes, France Price for 6 Nights: €30,000 Price Per Person: €5,000 (if 6 people to charter)
Did you know that there are Greek Island closer to Turkey than mainland Greece? By charting a yacht from Turkey you can actually visit both countries’ islands and coasts easily.
Mediterranean Turkey is quite underrated and it offers breathtakingly beautiful blue waters like Greece and Italy do. Charting a yacht in Turkey is also a lot cheaper than in Greece and Italy.
Yacht Charter in Turkey
Boat Type: Sailboat Number of People: 6 Location: Bodrum, Turkey Price for 6 Nights: €2,100 Price Per Person: €350 (if 6 people to charter)
The cost to charter a crewed yacht in Italy begins at a price of around 5,000 Euros per week plus advanced provisioning allowance (APA) expenses, typically around 30%. The most expensive luxury Italy superyacht charter holiday costs over 1 million Euros per week plus APA.
Yacht Charter in Italy
Boat Type: Catamaran Number of People: 10 Location: Amalfi, Italy Price for 6 Nights: €18,788 Price Per Person: €1,878 (if 10 people to charter)
Known for its rich culture, excellent cuisine and passionate people Spain is the ideal yacht charter destination. The third most visited country in the world, it has 8,000 kilometers of coastline and more than three hundred marinas, most of which are well equipped to host a yacht. The moment you embark on your charter yacht you will immediately feel the relaxed energy of this country.
Yacht Charter in Spain
Boat Type: Sailboat Number of People: 11 Location: Ibiza, Spain Price for 6 Nights: €32,000 Price Per Person: €2,910 (if 11 people to charter)
* Prices mentioned here are to give you a rough idea and can be changed depending on the season and the services you require.
* Prices usually do not include the skipper fee, meaning that if you are a certified sailor you can charther and drive on your own. But if you need a professional, you can hire a skipper for around €1200 to €2000 for a week.
* Host not included. Charter companies usually do not include a host for cleaning and cooking on the base price. Hosts can be hired for an extra €100 to €200 a day for the yacht. And we highly recommend that you hire one or two hosts, because yachts require a lot of work and you wouldn’t want to return back home tired.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located between the “two hearts” of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef on the French Polynesia. The Deep Ocean Spa is the centerpiece of the Resort and was designed by Dr Treguer who created Monaco’s thermal baths. The resort is just a 20 minute boat ride from the airport.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
This world-class resort and spa is set on its own islet and offers spacious overwater villas commanding spectacular views of Mt. Otemanu. Sleek, contemporary Polynesian décor and an environmentally-friendly approach are garnering awards all over the globe. The resort features the world’s only overwater wedding chapel. Regularly scheduled boat transfers to the main island make it easy and convenient to do shopping and sightseeing and to enjoy the restaurants and services of the sister resort, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa +689 40 60 76 00
The city of Muğla, located in southwestern Turkey, has the most breathtaking views of the country
The most touristy districts of Muğla are Bodrum, Fethiye, Göcek, Marmaris, Datça and Dalaman.
Kempinski Hotel Barboros Bay, BodrumParagliding Ölüdeniz, FethiyeBoat Tour at DatçaBoat Tour at GöcekParagliding Ölüdeniz, FethiyeSwimming in turquoise waters of Orak Adasi, BodrumBoat Tour GöcekKelebekler Vadisi, FethiyeSarsala Bay, DalamanSarsala Bay, Dalaman
St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It’s known for cloud-shrouded mountains and beaches. Many of its former sugar plantations are now inns or atmospheric ruins. The larger of the 2 islands, St. Kitts, is dominated by the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, home to a crater lake, green vervet monkeys and rainforest crisscrossed with hiking trails.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts
Park Hyatt St. KittsFour Seasons Resort NevisFour Seasons Resort NevisFour Seasons Resort Nevis
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime at Marriott Cancun Resort. The soft sand can be between your toes in a matter of seconds and you’ll be gazing into the infinite horizon of the Caribbean Sea.
The ocean is constantly in reach from the hotel, but it’s also near fun destinations such as La Isla Mall, Coco Bongo and downtown Cancun.
When not soaking up the sun, spread out in the newly renovated rooms and suites featuring beach-inspired décor, private balconies and marble bathrooms, designed to make your stay completely stylish and effortless.
Dine at any one of our 6 on-site restaurants. You’ll have access to many different cuisines and atmospheres. If you want to treat your significant other to a romantic dinner, perhaps Sasi Thai is your best choice or spend your day at SacBé Beach Shack, the Tulum-inspired lounge on the beach with swinging bar stools, Mexican street food and dine-in-the-sand tables.
True relaxation in paradise
Allow Marriott Cancun Resort to treat you to an unforgettable vacation experience in Mexico.
Best time to visit Cancun
Though Cancun weather is near-perfect throughout the year, any time between December to April is a great time to visit Cancun — the weather’s on its best behavior, perfectly combining golden skies and light showers and giving you the best of both worlds!
The best weather can be experienced in the months of April and December but if you’re a wildlife buff, you may want to visit in May when the sea turtles nest and the whale sharks make their yearly appearance!
January to March is also a fantastic time to visit for great weather; you can expect the lowest annual humidity and rain, most summery sunshine and gentlest temperatures during this period, with perfect beach conditions almost daily and more pleasant conditions that let you explore the jungles and ruins further inland without collapsing from heat exhaustion!
The “Pearl of the Pacific,” as Bora Bora is often referred to, is one of the most romantic and breathtaking destinations in the world, with its overwater luxury bungalows, lush hillsides, and secluded beaches. This South Pacific gem, which is part of the Society Islands, is blessed with a jungle interior and encircled by a vibrant turquoise lagoon. It’s a sought-after destination for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers.
Paradise awaits at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Set on a lagoon, this luxe tropical beachfront resort is 3 km by boat from Mount Otemanu volcano, and 2 km from the Bora Bora WWII Guns historic site.
Stay in the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific, starting at 1,550 square feet, and revel in the turquoise blue waters visible from the glass panels. For ultimate privacy, reserve a secluded beach villa surrounded by palms trees.
Sail around the island’s azure waters, or dive under to meet black tip reef sharks and rays up close. After your island adventure, swim in the Resort’s Lagoonarium, workout in the fitness center, or unwind with a spa treatment. Order a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or sample international and Polynesian-inspired cuisine at our four restaurants.
Member of Marriott Group, this resort offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for destination weddings, honeymoons and company retreats.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Bora Bora
Located 273 kilometers from Tahiti in the Southern Hemisphere, this 28-kilometer-long French Polynesian island experiences two seasons: wet and dry. Wet season is from November to April. The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season (which is also its peak season) between May and October, where you can enjoy the sunny weather and water sports, swim with marine life, and feed sharks and rays in the lagoon.
Average price for 2 person stay: $1500/night, including breakfast and dinner
For more details on St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, please visit:
With many historical sites and beautiful beaches, Kalkan is an important tourist spot in Turkey.
Kalkan, Antalya, Turkey
2. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, Turkey
3. Cappadocia
Cappadocia, Nevşehir, Turkey
Hot air ballooning in the national park of Cappadocia. Every morning a hundred or more balloons lift off at sunrise, sailing over the remarkable landscapes of central Turkey.
4. Istanbul
Galata Tower, İstanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
5. Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz, Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye near the Aegean Sea is a beautiful spot for summer and also, paragliding in Ölüdeniz is spectacular. You can find many experienced pilots on Google for your paragliding flight.
6. İzmir
Ephesus, İzmir, Turkey
İzmir, once called Smyrna, was center of ancient Mediterranean’s commercial activities. The city had lived from Ionians to Roman Empire to Ottoman Empire. Many ruins from ancient Greece attract thousands of tourists every year.
7. Assos
Assos (Behramkale), Çanakkale Province, Turkey
Assos is where once Aristotle founded his Academy and became the chief of philosophers focused on zoology and biology. Near the Aegean Sea, this historically rich town is very Instagram-worthy.
8. Trabzon
Salmata (Kona), Trabzon
One of the northern cities of Turkey, Trabzon near Black Sea is a green wonder. With its endless green forest, this city is also home to Soumela Monestry, a Greek Orthodox monestry dedicated to Virgin Mary, built in 386 AD.
9. Köprüçay Canyon
Köprüçay, Antalya, Turkey
The canyon is located in the historical Eurymedon valley called “Wisdom Valley” . Eurymedon means “beautiful flowing water” in ancient Greek. The Eurymedon war between the Greeks and the Persians is said to be a naval war in Köprüçay in 467 B.C.
10. Manavgat Waterfall
Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey
Manavgat Waterfall, located in Antalya, ranks first among the rafting addresses of Turkey. It is suitable for different difficulty levels with its flow rate rising and falling in some places. If you are not a rafting enthusiast, enjoy being in the middle of nature and listen to the sound of this amazing waterfall. Best way of pleasure.
Atlas Traveler 