Adventure, relaxation, or both? Whip up the perfect holiday mix this summer at any one of Turkey’s one-stop destinations. Which of these sounds like your perfect summer getaway?
 
Cappadocia: the land of ‘fairy chimneys’
A few reasons why Cappadocia should be on your radar: it is a geological anomaly dotted with towering honeycombed rock pinnacles dubbed ‘fairy chimneys’, it is home to an extensive network of underground cities and mysterious subterranean chambers, and its eroded volcanic terrain lends it a dreamy, lunar landscape. Whether you’re drawn in by the hiking potential of the place, by its troglodyte lifestyle or by its historic and cultural significance, Cappadocia serves up a one-of-a-kind experience. But it’s also home to luxurious hotels and resorts, set into cave-like structures, making it suited not just to thrill seekers but also those after some relaxation.
 
Izmir: the pearl of the Aegean
Garlanding the azure-blue Bay of Izmir, the coastal city is peppered with beach resorts, some of which are known to offer unrivalled windsurfing experiences. Izmir also makes for an ideal base from which to explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, as well as the calcium-terraced pools of Pamukkale. The city is of particular interest to repeat visitors to Turkey, looking to get away from popular tourist destinations but still enjoy a taste of Turkish shopping, cuisine and culture.
 
Trabzon: an unexplored gem
Turkey's green and lively Black Sea city, Trabzon draws more attention by the day thanks to its rich cultural and historical heritage, highlands painted in tones of green and varied cuisine. Most people come to Trabzon to visit the Hanging Monastery of Sumela — hewn into a rock face, it is one of Turkey’s most powerful sights — and the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon. But the city also makes for an ideal shore-side holiday, away from the bustle of tourist hotspots.