Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country which represents the point where Asia, Africa and Europe are closest to each other. Due to its land location and connections to three continents, Turkey has a rapidly modernising economy with a prominent centre of commerce and a very well established tourism industry. Turkey offers a unique blend of both Eastern and Western cultures which some describe as the 'bridge between the two civilisations'.

Although more expensive than before, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations. With a reputation for excellent hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine, Turkey continues to attract more and more new visitors each year.

Turkey is a large country divided into 7 regions and stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in south-west Asia to the Balkan region of south-eastern Europe. Bigger than the state of Texas in the United States, this transcontinental country shares its borders with two European countries (Bulgaria and Greece) and with six Asian countries (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Syria and Iraq).

Turkey is surrounded by the sea on three sides and hence has over 8000 km of superb coastline. This is a country with a great deal of geographic diversity, from the snowy mountainous peaks of Mount Ararat which stand at 5165 meters, to the lower inland plains, lakes and rivers.

Turkey has a temperate climate similar to other Mediterranean countries, although the diverse nature of the landscape makes for significant differences in climatic conditions between regions. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding over 30°C and winters are mild and wet. More extreme summer and winter conditions are found in the central Anatolia region where temperatures of -30°C are not uncommon in winter.

Generally, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Try to avoid travelling during Turkey's most popular public holiday, Kurban Bayrami.

GMT+2

Turkish Lira (YTL)

+90

    
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