Why Turkey is The Best Country to Visit in 2025

I’ve traveled to a lot of places in the world, and whenever anyone asks me what my favorite place is that I’ve been to, I always respond with Turkey. More specifically, the South of Turkey aka the “Turkish Riviera”.

I love Turkey because the culture is completely different to the West, and the quality of things you get is awesome. Plus, the nature is unbelievable. Massive cliffs overlooking the sea. Tons of hiking. Beautiful baby blue water beaches.

There’s friendly cats and dogs roaming the streets, always. Delicious food at cheap prices that comes with tons of FREE tea (chai) and bread!

And of course the history is unmatched. Modern day Turkey has been inhabited by the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Turks, etc … you could spend months exploring Turkey and not get bored.

Why You Should Visit Turkey NOW!

There are endless reasons to visit Turkey – here are some of my favorites. If I had a fully remote job and could work anywhere in the world, I’d book a flight to Turkey tomorrow.

The Cost to Quality Ratio is INSANE

While Turkey is not as cheap as Southeast Asia or Latin America, it is definitely cheaper than Western Europe. Nice meals at a restaurant can be had for less than $10, hotels can be found for $50 or less, cars can be rented for less than $30 a day. (Istanbul can be more expensive – make sure to get out of Istanbul and explore the rest of the country!)

But there’s a ton of cheap countries out there that I wouldn’t want to visit. So it’s not just the cost. It’s the cost to quality ratio. Turkey has good infrastructure. There’s good internet, good roads, good food, etc. It’s basically Western quality with below Western prices.

An example of a place with a bad cost to quality ratio? The Philippines. While I love the ‘Pines, things are not as cheap as they should be for the quality that you get. The Pines has awful roads, bad internet, bad local food, etc. Hotels are more expensive than they should be, same with food. The country just doesn’t provide good value.

Although, I would still recommend you go because Filipinos are awesome people, and the nature is amazing!

Turkey is safer than wherever you live

Turkey is incredibly safe. Buses between cities are safe, comfortable, and luxurious. As a matter of fact, Turkish buses are by far the most luxurious buses I have ever taken anywhere in the world! (not exaggerating)

I’ve been all over the country and never once felt like I’m going to get robbed. (I could never say this about almost anywhere in South America or Europe!)

Turkish people are unbelievably friendly. I never felt on edge, even in the big cities!

The Mountains and Beaches are World-Class

Turkey has unbelievable mountains and beaches to explore. The Southern Coast of Turkey is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. Fethiye, Oludeniz, Kas, Saklikent Gorge, and Antalya are all must visits.

You can stay in a small to mid-size city on the coast, hike in the mountains in less than 10 minutes, then head down to the sea to swim, all in the same day. Some of the most beautiful beaches overlooked by massive cliffs can be found in the South of Turkey.

The Lycian Way is an amazing hiking trail along the Southern Coast stretching from near Fethiye all the way to Antalya. While I haven’t done this yet, this has to be one of the most beautiful trails in the world.

Friendly Cats and Dogs are everywhere

The cats in Turkey are world-famous. I’ve never seen more cats anywhere in the world. It’s normal to see 5-10 cats on every street corner. And they’re nice!

The dogs are also unique – they’re massive, friendly, shepherd dogs. They usually have tags on their ears to let people know that they’ve been vaccinated, so you don’t have to worry about petting them.

Turkey takes care of its animals. They leave food outside of their businesses for the cats and dogs. Its pretty awesome.

In Latin America you have to worry about getting ATTACKED by street dogs. In Turkey you do not. The street dogs are friendly and well looked-after.

History is Everywhere

The history in Turkey is unmatched. Because of its location, Turkey has changed hands a LOT. Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Turks, etc.

You’ve probably seen Cappadocia and Pamukkale all over Instagram. They’re amazing sites to visit – but honestly there’s SO much more to visit!

There are 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in the country. Basically every place we went in Turkey we wound up visiting a colosseum or ancient Roman Ruin.

Turkey is Very Different from Western Countries

This one is a big one for me. When I travel, I want to experience something different than what I am used to.

Since it’s a Muslim country, it’s inherently very different from Western countries. The culture is very different and there’s a ton to learn. Things are done differently in Turkey.

For example:

• You will hear the call to prayer multiple times per day in the big cities.
• After every meal, you will be offered tea. Sometimes it will be free, sometimes it will not. But it will almost always be offered. (and expected honestly)
• Every meal will start with bread, whether you’ve ordered it or not. Bread is sacred here.

The Food is Delicious and Cheap

Dining is an experience in Turkey. This is one of the best parts of the country.

Free tea (chai), bread, etc. The spices and flavors in Turkey are amazing, plus the food is pretty cheap so you can dine out at restaurants without feeling guilty that you’re breaking the bank.

Summary – Visit Turkey Now!

For me, it boils down to the cost to quality ratio, the weather (I’d visit in the late spring to early fall for the best weather), the beaches and mountains, the friendly people, the history, and the fact that the country is not overrun with American tourists.

When you come to Turkey you’ll meet a lot of people from countries that you don’t normally meet people from. (Russia, Baltics, Eastern Europe, etc)

As Americans, everywhere you go in Europe you’re going to see a lot of other Americans. Turkey allows you to escape this bubble. As a matter of fact, we did not meet any other Americans during a month in Turkey!

No matter what you want from a trip, Turkey can provide it.

Do yourself a favor and book your trip now – you won’t regret it.

Sam