Alternative Turkish Delights

Turkey has a fascinating history and offers an enticing, heady mix of European and Asian culture. The region is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world and boasts remains from some of the earliest human settlements. Recorded history in the area dates back thousands of years and there is plenty to be explored.

The country offers a wealth of tourist destinations, with beautiful beaches, amazing landscapes and a very pleasant climate. There are plenty of lively and family oriented resorts aimed at providing fantastic Turkey holidays to the millions of travellers that choose Turkey for their annual vacation, but if you prefer something a little more off the beaten track, then fear not, the country has a number of hidden gems.

Cappadocia is interesting both geologically and historically. The first mention of the region goes back to the 6th Century BC and is mentioned on a number of occasions in the bible. Some parts of the region are quite touristy, but these are easy to avoid.

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey and is therefore not the best place to visit if you are looking for a beach holiday! The landscape is stunning, with a number of volcanic peaks and mountains, including Mount Erciyes. The area is largely arid with hot dry summers and cold winters.

The area is particularly famous for its amazing geological features, which include rock formations called fairy chimneys as well as rock houses, some of which are literally carved into the side of cliff faces. There are even a number of underground cities that were used by early Christians who needed to hide to avoid persecution.

If unspoilt coast is what you are looking for, then Kalkan is a good choice. Located on the Mediterranean in an area known as the Turquoise Coast, Kalkan is still largely a fishing village. Set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, the village is quaint and unspoilt with pretty narrow streets offering a more sophisticated beach holiday.

Kalkan architecture is quite distinct. Immaculately whitewashed villas with shuttered windows line the streets and there are strict building codes to ensure that the area does not become a large tourist resort. If noisy nightclubs are your thing, then this certainly is not the place for you.

The historic harbor is located on what was once the ancient Lycian coast and has an exciting history, including tales of battles and piracy. This area of the Mediterranean was once awash with piracy and Kalkan harbor played its part. Once piracy was cleared in the 19th Century, Kalkan became an important port.

Antalya is actually a very popular tourist destination, but don't let this put you off. The majority of visitors to this area are booked to stay in one of the area's many 'all inclusive' resorts. This actually leaves the beautiful and historic town the reserve of the more independent traveller.

Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean and is part of the Turkish Riviera. Again, it has a fascinating history and has a number of historical sites well worth a visit. It is a great base from which to take a trip to Mount Chimaera.

Oren is another of those quiet tourist destinations, offering a beach holiday away from the concrete complexes of the hotels. In the North Aegean region, the area is covered in emerald green forests which contrast so spectacularly with the turquoise blue of the ocean.

There is an abundance of ancient ruins and small unspoilt coastal towns to be explored, but if you can't be bothered, then just pick a spot on the mile long sandy beach and laze the day away. The beach is readily bedecked with chaises longue and scatter cushions, so it is hard not to relax here.

Diyarbakir is the largest city in south eastern Turkey. Located on the banks of the River Tigris, it is a Kurdish City renowned for its culture and watermelons! As with most of Turkey, the city and surrounding area has many fascinating tales to tell and being a fair way from the coast, there is very little in the way of mass tourism.

The city is surrounded by some of the largest city walls in the world. Constructed from black basalt, they are almost intact and are around 3.4 miles long. They are pre Roman but were extended and restored by Emperor Constantius in the year 349.

There are also a number of medieval mosques, each with its own story. There are other religious buildings as well as museums for those interested in the area's sometimes tumultuous history. There is also an archaeological museum with artefacts dating back to the bronze age.

Turkey is a fascinating country that literally straddles east and west. If you want mass tourism with busy beaches and night life, then this is certainly available, but there is plenty to be explored off the beaten track too.