Crystal clear waters, tall mountains, the ruins of ancient empires small idyllic villages, huge cosmopolitan cities – there are so many reasons why you should stay in Turkey. Here, Culture Trip, let us look at some of the best.

Every region in Turkey has a unique kitchen culture, using distinct ingredients and recipes. As such, Turkish cuisine is much more than tasty kebabs and baklava; it includes fresh seafood and meze, a whole world of desserts, huge breakfast spreads, Ottoman classics, vegetable dishes, and much more.

Bodrum, Antalya, Izmir, and Fethiye have some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with a spectrum that includes everything from secluded coves to exciting beach parties. One of the best ways to experience Turkey’s many beaches and the Mediterranean or Aegean Coast is by taking a Blue Cruise.

The hammam experience has become synonymous with Turkey and is a perennial favourite. Being scrubbed and washed and massaged in a cloud of soap foam is, after all, a spectacular way to unwind.

Witnessing many empires and civilizations, Turkey has a remarkable number of archaeological sites spread out all over the country. From Istanbul palaces and mosques to the ruins of Ephesus to the underground cities of Cappadocia, the nation is a haven for archaeology and history enthusiasts.

Turkey also has a lot of fantastic museums that actively preserve findings from the many archaeological sites all around the country. From the largest mosaic museum in the world (Zeugma in Gaziantep) to the Ottoman palace museums of Istanbul, there’s plenty.

With such incredible cuisine, it’s no wonder that Turkey also has a lot of food shopping opportunities from open-air markets to bazaars. The many neighbourhood markets are where locals buy their fresh produce, while the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are where tourists like to do some shopping.

Apart from big cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, Turkey also has plenty of natural escapes, from skiing in the Uludağ Mountains to hiking in the Rize Province. Let’s not forget the white travertine terraces of Pamuk kale

Turkey’s architectural scope is striking and includes everything from historic churches to stone houses built by former Anatolian empires. From Istanbul to Mardin and beyond, you’ll always find a structure that really changes your aesthetic perspective.