Turkey has always been an enigma to me; it is Europe but it is not Europe at the same time. It has been fought over, lost, reclaimed and lost again by hundreds of different cultures over the last two thousand years or so and this cultural clash is at the very heart of what the country is; even if an ignorant westerner like myself can't properly put his finger on it.



I have always been intrigued by the place, so much so that when a pair of stupidly cheap Monarch airline ticket came into view I jumped at the chance. Turned out to be the holiday of a lifetime. We stayed in a lively coastal town called Kas that according to the brochure I (hastily and in the airport) bought has developed a reputation as one of Turkey's best spots for action and adventure.

It turned out to be a pretty accurate description; during the week we spent there was plenty of time to make the most of the many activities available, including a sea kayaking trip to visit a sunken city (truly fantastic), scuba diving in the most crystal clear waters I have ever seen in my entire life (there are options for novices and experienced divers alike) exploring inland by mountain bike or 4WD, or simply relaxing on one of the fine beaches along the coast.

After a couple of days in Kas we got ourselves onboard a gulet, a traditional wooden sailing boat, for two nights cruising on the Aegean Sea. The meals are cooked for you by the (almost overly) friendly crew and there's no pressure to do anything other than lay back and relax. However there's plenty of time for swimming in quiet bays along the way and for those who enjoy snorkelling, the water is clear and warm with fantastic visibility.

After such an experience I can quite safely say I will be returning with all haste whenever I've scraped together enough money to make it viable. There was something about this Turkey holiday that got to me in a way that most holidays have never done; it felt magical almost. It was so beyond my usual experience that it became something altogether wonderful. I can recommend the place to everyone, it just has to be seen to be believed.