By A.J. Griffiths-Jones

Many tourists are drawn to Turkiye by glossy travel agent brochures depicting clean beaches, turquoise waters and all-inclusive resorts. However, there is so much more to discover about the culture and land here, which is both rich in history and breathtaking to visit.

A vast country, located on the continents of both Asia and Europe, there are over 5,000 miles of coastline to explore and some beautiful inland mountains with incredible scenery.

For a summer holiday, choosing the perfect location mostly depends on climate and what you plan to do, but taking a trip to some of the lesser-known areas can sometimes result in a much more memorable time.

For nature lovers, Turkiye is a great choice of destination, with the flora and fauna being rich and diverse, perfect for birdwatching and sightseeing.

Due to the mixed geography and landscape, there are also numerous water sources around the country, with many rivers and lakes. The largest natural, lake is ‘Van Golu’ in Eastern Turkiye, known for its Akdamar Island, Van cats, and Tushpa, the Urartians’ ancient capital. Tuz Golu, or Salt Lake, is another great place of beauty and the main source of over 65% of the country’s salt.

Agriculture is also a key industry and the abundance of different fresh products is astounding, such as wheat, barley, grapes, watermelon, cherries, apricots, hazelnuts and figs being an integral part of everyday life.

Taking a day out to visit a local olive oil factory is a must if you’re interested in farm-to-plate supply chains, as not only will you be able to see how and when the oil is extracted, but many places offer lunch and a chance to sample their wares.

Olive oil from Turkiye tastes so much better when bought from a local supplier, rather than the mass-produced bottles found in supermarkets. Likewise, a day spent in one of the countryside vineyards can be a real pleasure, with cheeses, olives and fresh bread shared around a communal table as you sample the wines and learn about their creation.

Turkiye’s Mediterranean coastline is a haven for foodies, so read up on what is available locally before you plan your destination and remember to look at seasonal produce as, due to hot summer temperatures, some fruits and vegetables have a shorter period in the markets.

The same can be said for seafood, as fishing season is less during summer and only locally caught fish is available. If you intend to eat at home or are self-catering, be specific on how you would like your fish prepared and if eating out ask whether the fish is whole or filleted if you need clarification on the menu.

If you intend to take a relaxing beach holiday in Turkiye, be mindful of the temperatures during July and August, as it will be far too hot to sit outside from late morning to late afternoon, and at times when there is a breeze it is easy to get sunburned.

Even the cities have an average summer temperature that far exceeds the heat in the rest of Europe. Be mindful that, while local boat trips run throughout summer in coastal resorts, many are open-topped and don’t offer a great deal of shade from the sun.

May, June, September and October are undoubtedly the best months to visit, as there is little rainfall and moderate heat with plenty of hours of sunshine. These are also the best months if you plan to fit some day trips into your schedule, it’s quieter with children back at school and far more comfortable if your journey includes mini-bus transfers.

Finding a car rental company in Turkiye isn’t difficult and it’s a good option if you want to explore but remember that we drive on the right-hand side of the road here. You can use your home country’s driving license but remember to carry your documents, including passport and insurance papers from the hire company, at all times as random police checks are fairly common.

The most important factor in getting the most out of your time in Turkiye is to plan. A taste of Istanbul’s highlights will require at least two days but taking in places like Cappadocia and Pamukkale need a clear itinerary and advance bookings, especially if you fancy a hot air balloon flight.

It’s usually possible to find comfortable rooms around Bodrum’s coast and further south, such as Kalkan and Marmaris, but expect to pay premium prices if you haven’t booked early.

Finally, check the dates of Turkish national holidays and religious days, as these are the times when locals are travelling to visit family and the roads, hotels, restaurants and beaches are all congested during these periods.