Türkiye: Hugh

Where am I – Travelling all over Türkiye (across 3-weeks) from Cappadocia to the Turquoise Coast and lots in between.

Cappadocia - There is so much more to the area than the omnipresent hot air balloon…though they’re undoubtedly pretty cool! We got to check out 1,000-1,700 yr old rock hewn churches (carved by the earliest Christian missionaries, escaping the persecution of the Romans!) As well as underground cities, other worldly fairy chimney rock formations, and stunning lush green valleys - where we spent a lovely sunny afternoon hiking. Great after over indulging in a little too many Turkish delicacies!

Goreme was our base here; and it was full of fun places to eat, play cards, browse local shops and while away the afternoon drinking local Emir white wine (grown in the volcanic soils of the region.)

Turquoise Coast - Visually rather similar to Croatia (pine tree clad hills and mountains, underscored by a crystal clear and magnetically blue sea), but with a unique charm all to itself. Previously inhabited by Lycian, Lelegian and Carian people - that pre dated the arrival of the Greeks and Romans - you can still see rock tombs everywhere, and submerged underwater cities (left to slip in to the sea after a succession of ancient earthquakes.)

We spent some of time here (3-nights) cruising the coast on a gulet - a rather simple, traditional wooden sailing vessel. Heaps of fun, and the absolute best way to experience the coast; stopping by places like Kas, which has evolved from a fishing village into one of the most charming towns you can imagine. As well as Kalekoy, where we gorged on the village’s famous homemade ice cream and swam out to explore the crystalline harbour. We even spent one night attempting to sleep on deck - though we lasted about half an hour before retreating back down to our cosy cabin!

Bodrum itself was a wonderful surprise; with the ‘Mykonos’ like vibe of ultra chic Türkbükü and Yalıkavak. Hidden secluded coves only accessible by boat. And the bustling old town of Bodrum itself (home to one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World; the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.)

I also loved the laid back charm of Olympos, where the best thing to do is pick up some picnic supplies and join the hordes of locals on the beach for sunset (to get there, you have to walk through an ancient settlement…which only adds to the unique charm.) As well as the harbourside town of Fethiye - just around the peninsula from Butterfly Valley (where we had a lovely hike) and the gorgeous Ölüdeniz Beach.

Selcuk (and surrounds) - Home to yet another of the Ancient Wonders; this the incredibly intact classical Greek and Roman metropolis of Ephesus. As well as the final resting place of John the Baptist, and reputedly the Virgin Mary. Just up in the hills, and easily accessible by local public bus, was the charming village of Şirince - well known for it’s very fruit heavy wine, grown in the surrounding vineyards. We also spent a full day out visiting the ‘cotton castle’ of Pamukkale (the salt travertines are the tourist drawcard here, but I enjoyed exploring the remains of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis as well; where you will come across Cleopatra's Pool and the rather ominous “Gates of Hell.”

Our hotel here (the Akanthus) was one of my favourites; such a welcoming, restful spot to return home to after busy days of sightseeing.