view looking out at mountains and nature

21 reasons to drop everything and go to Turkey

Blonde woman smiling wearing a black hat

Written by Nicola Easterby

Nicola Easterby is the avid photographer, writer and adventurer behind the travel blog Polkadot Passport. Having travelled to over 25 countries in her 21 years of life, she aims to inspire other young adventurous souls to go and see the world.

1. Firstly, it’s got some of the most stunning and diverse scenery you’ve ever seen.

 

Hot air balloons in the sky during sunset in Turkey

 

2. One minute you’ll be exploring moon-like landscapes…

 

woman standing in turkey cappadocia

 

3. And the next you’ll be jumping off a boat into crystal clear waters.

 

Man doing a backflip into the mediterrean sea in Turkey

 

4. Or perhaps taking a dip in the hot springs formed from calcium.

 

woman emerged in a hot spring with her back to the camera

 

5. In fact, most the bodies of water are like nothing you’ve ever seen before…

 

a woman standing in lake tuz in turkey

 

6. If you get bored of the beautiful landscapes, the buildings are also pretty special.

 

interiors of a beautiful Turkish building

 

7. In fact, you’ll probably find some of the most mesmerising interiors you’ve ever laid eyes on.

 

woman standing inside a beautiful Turkish building

 

8. And equally mesmerising exteriors…

 

a shot of a beautiful building in istanbul

 

9. Even when you go underground you’ll find some pretty special places.

 

pillars underground turkey

 

10. Did we mention the thousands of years of history you can literally stand in the midst of?

 

Woman jumping in an ancient Turkish building

 

11. But Turkey isn’t just about the history. It’s also about the Turkish delight. And there is lots of it.

 

Turkish delight sitting in a shop in Turkey

 

12. Oh, and Tea. Turkish hospitality means you can hardly walk down the street without being invited in for Cay.

 

Two small glasses of cay (Turkish tea) on small plates with a spoon

 

13. Plus, you’ll find there are some pretty cool places to sit and drink your tea…

 

wooden platform with a small table and blankets above water to drink tea

 

14. Or eat DELICIOUS food like this.

 

A hand holding a shish kebab with chips on a plate. the background is of a green river

 

15. Did we mention the ice cream DOESN’T MELT?

 

white and red ice cream in a cone being held in front of an ice cream shop

 

16. When they serve you your ice cream they literally swing it around on a stick. It’s basically sorcery.

 

Man selling ice cream on a stick at a stand

 

17. It’s great bragging rights to say you’ve been to a country that spans across two continents.

 

Castle in Turkey

 

18. And that you’ve walked through ancient ruins that are thousands of years old…

 

Ancient ruins in Turkey

 

19. When it’s time to go home, you’ll be able to get some epic souvenirs from the Grand Bazaar.

 

Shop in Istanbul, Turkey

 

20. Just make sure you leave enough suitcase space for all those cool lamps.

 

Lanterns in Istanbul, Turkey

 

21. In fact, you might end up wanting to ditch your suitcase and staying in this magical land forever…

 

Hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey

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