Turkey

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

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Antalya is the pearl of the Turkish Riviera -- an exciting major city, and a paradise for vacationing families from all over Europe. The coast features innumerable delightful beaches, with hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets peppering it in abundance. Those looking to break the streak of all-inclusive days by the pool will find a fascinating many ancient sites to explore in close vicinity.

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It’s easy to lose yourself In Istanbul’s grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still, the city where new trends are created.

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The region of Izmir, on the Aegean, is a seaside dream with crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches, but the archaeological site of Ephesus and the small surrounding villages still manage to add to its charm.

Izmir is not jealous of the constant mentions of Istanbul, Antalya or Capadocia. Neither is it impatient, because it knows that sooner or later the visitors will arrive at the country’s third city and Turkey’s second port.

Despite its bustling activity, Izmir is extremely friendly. The sweetness of life is palpable everywhere. City sights include first the famous Clock Tower, located in Konak Square, where everyone goes and everything happens, and the Yali Mosque with its unusual, perfectly octagonal shape. It is worth visiting Kemeralti Market with its shops and stalls sprawling across several streets, taking a break in the garden of a small cafe for an apple tea, watching the fishermen down on the quaysides and ending the day on a restaurant terrace, with one’s feet almost in the water.

There is much to discover in the region of Izmir, from the numerous villages with their winding streets, to the many beaches along the way, especially at Çeşme, and all their clubs, each with its own style, where the irresistible clear waters are an invitation to dive straight in.

80 kilometres from Izmir, Ephesus seems to appear out of nowhere. Surrounded by hills, this ancient Greek city, which later became Roman, is home to incredible monuments that stand out against the intense blue sky. Visitors can admire the baths, temples, a gigantic marble amphitheatre, the library of Celsus and lots more.

Şirince, a village perched in the mountains near Ephesus, is full of charm with its white, red-roofed houses and good vibes that attract the yogis. A pleasant walk around the beautiful, buzzing marina of Dalyan and on through the trendy village of Alaçati, reveals its meandering streets and specialty gift shops in a bohemian atmosphere.

• Read the full article with photos in the Take Off magazine #9

“The beautiful city”, as it is known in Turkey, Izmir welcomes the visitor with a demonstration of warmth and friendliness worthy of the renowned Turkish hospitality. A city of contrasts, Izmir offers the best of both modern and ancient worlds: steeped in history, while at the same time a cosmopolitan and vibrant city. With warm summers and mild winters, Izmir is a year-round destination.

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