Take time out in Turkey

Wherever you travel in Turkey you will wonder how you are going to fit in all the fantastic things there are to do with your time.

Long stretches of sandy coastline, national parks, mud baths, fabulous shops and amazing food and drink – there really is something for everyone in Turkey. Sometimes referred to as the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey offers the traditional and the modern.

One of the most famous of the beaches on this beautiful country is Olu Deniz. The sand on this beach is a glorious white, complete with a deep blue lagoon. This area has been named a national park in Turkey, and tourists flock to see the stunning scenery here. You will also find Dalyan an experience not to miss. Here you can try out the Sultanye Thermal Baths. Many elderly residents make pilgrimages to the baths as they are well known for their healing properties.

The water is said to help things like neuralgia and rheumatism. There are also mud baths here, which are said to have anti-ageing properties. The idea is to bathe in the mud, which can also help tone and cleanse the skin, and allow it to dry. People then wash the mud off in a warm clear water sulphur pool.

Turkey is never short of sunshine. This, together with the many things to do and the fact that Turkey is one of the cheapest places to visit for a package holiday in Europe, means tourism is booming in the country. There are many ways to see Turkey. Cruises are ideal for this, and for those who do not want to spend two weeks on a ship you can have the best of both worlds. Why not spend a week sailing on the open water, followed by a week at one of the many fantastic beach resorts across Turkey.

There are also twin centre options for travellers. You can see the amazing capital city of Istanbul, which straddles the two continents of Europe and Asia, and follow it with a stay at Olu Deniz. Here you can expect water sports, night life and even a spooky ghost town. Kayakoy has been uninhabited since the Greeks were ousted in 1923.

Another option is a gulet. These are wooden sailing boats which lazily head around the coast, meaning travellers can jump off and swim to deserted islands or small villages the pass along the way. The gulets come with a crew and usually about seven or eight cabins, making them perfect for a holiday with friends or family. Try a week in a gulet with a week in one of Turkey's top holiday resorts like Bodrum.

It's easy to see why Turkey is so popular. There are many historical sights to see on your travels, including an amphitheatre and a castle in Bodrum. And if you have any time spare, which could be difficult, try picking up some bargains at a local bazaar. On second thoughts, after all that travelling, why not sit back and relax in the sun.