Thinking of a Holiday Turkey? 10 Great Reasons to Go

At the meeting point of two great continents, Turkey is an exotic blend of European and Asian cultures. It's more than three times the size of the UK - giving even the most seasoned traveller much to explore.

Here are 10 great reasons to visit Turkey to help start your holiday planning and further research.

History: You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy world-famous sites such as Ephesus and Troy. Wherever you choose to visit in this vast country, you'll find reminders of great empires stretching from the Hittites to the Ottomans.

Beaches: More than 5,000 miles of coastline offer something for everyone - from busy resorts such as Bodrum and Marmaris to idyllic coves and bays.

People: Warm hospitality is a key part of Turkish culture. Don't be surprised if the locals invite you to join them for a drink or snack.

Food: Forget the Saturday-night kebab. Proper Turkish cuisine uses fresh, local ingredients. Begin your meal with meze, a variety of small and cold dishes that are made for sharing. Main courses usually feature fish, lamb or chicken.

Shopping: Every town has its own colourful market. They don't come any bigger than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, where thousands of shops sell everything from carpets and leather jackets to jewellery and spices - all at tempting prices.

Sailing: Traditional Turkish sailing boats, called gulets, are a great way to discover isolated coves and remote fishing villages. Trips can last from a day to two weeks or more.

Touring: It may be hard to drag yourself away from the coast but Turkey has a lot more to offer. Head inland to discover beautiful regions such as Cappadocia, with strange rock formations and cave houses.

Walking: You only have to amble a little way along a country track to appreciate Turkish history and hospitality. The more adventurous can try the 500km Lycian Way coastal footpath from Fethiye to Antalya or the wilder St Paul Trail.

Cities: East meets West in exciting Istanbul, where sights such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque recall the height of the Ottoman Empire. On the coast, cities such as Izmir and Antalya are also worth visiting.

Baths: What better way to relax after a day's sightseeing than in a Turkish hamam, a precursor to the modern spa? You'll find one in every town and major resort.

A holiday in Turkey a place where thousands of years of colourful history are evoked at every turn. With low cost flights to Turkey operating from the UK and throughout Europe, costs remain very competitive. Take a walk along the beach or along a country lane and the chances are that you'll kick up a fragment of ancient mosaic or stumble across the weed-covered remains of a temple or Roman bath. Turkey is also a country of incredible friendliness, where villagers beckon you to sit with them under an olive tree and share their home-made yogurt and freshly picked almonds.

Country Connect editor Penny Church, writes for the map-based holiday destination and flight finder Travelwhere. With Country Connect, you can find cheap flights to Turkey. On Travelwhere you can access a wealth of additional information - including the package holiday brochures of specialist tour operators to Turkey.