Turkey is a popular destination this summer, and for a good reason. It has all the components necessary for an unforgettable travel experience, including low prices, epic landscapes, beautiful cities, and delicious local cuisine. Travelers heading to Europe should consider adding this incredible country to their itinerary while it’s still relatively free from tourism overcrowding. These are the top 10 reasons to book that flight to Turkey before the summer’s over.

10 Its Incredible Value For Money

For travelers coming from North America, the value for money of exploring Turkey is unmatched in Europe. The cost of living in Turkey is 63.5% less than in the United States, meaning your dollar stretches further here for the same or higher quality food and accommodation options. For example, a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Turkey costs, on average, just 286.87 TL, which is around $16.

9 There’s Stunning Architecture

Turkey has more than 80,000 mosques throughout the country, each of which has a breathtaking exterior and interior design. In the capital city of Istanbul, there are countless mosques to visit, but some of the most popular are The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Süleymaniye Mosque. The Blue Mosque is undergoing renovations set to be complete in 2024.

8 Beautiful Beaches

Many travelers might not think of Turkey as a beach destination, but the seaside town of Antalya offers coastlines to rival those of Greece. The Turkish resort city is the country’s gateway to the Mediterranean and offers a fantastic mixture of vacation vibes and traditional Turkish culture. The waters of the Turkish Riviera are vibrant turquoise, offering stunning views of the sea and distant mountains. Antalya is a fast-growing city, so it’s best to visit soon before it becomes too popular and over-touristed.

7 Mouthwatering Cuisine

Turkey has some of the best food in the world, and while many North American cities have an abundance of restaurants serving foods from around the world, Turkish food is often hard to find at home. Travelers can’t miss out on trying a traditional Turkish breakfast which consists of a massive spread of small dishes containing black and green olives, cucumbers, eggs, cured meats, cheeses, tomatoes, fresh bread, jams, honey, sweet butter, and pastries. Other foods to try in the mornings include Sigara börek (crispy cheese-filled spring rolls) and Simit (bread rings with toasted sesame seeds).

For lunches and dinners, travelers should try some traditional dishes such as Mercimek kofte, Yaprak dolma (stuffed vine leaves), Manti (dumplings), and Iskendar kebab (lamp). Turkish people also traditionally drink Salep, which is hot milk, during the colder months of the year, from October to April.

6 Two Continents In One City

Travelers who have explored Europe but have never been to Asia can explore a new continent when visiting Turkey’s capital city, Istanbul. Istanbul is unique in that it bridges two continents (Europe and Asia), divided by the Bosphorus strait. To get to the Asian side of Istanbul from the European side, simply board a ferry and cross to the other side of the water.

5 The People’s Hospitality

Turkish hospitality may be unlike anything travelers have encountered before. The Turkish people are known for being exceedingly kind and welcoming and inviting foreigners to join them for a cup of tea or a meal. The rules of Turkish hospitality may take travelers by surprise in some cases, such as being offered the scarf you just complimented someone on wearing; when a compliment is paid, the gesture is returned tenfold. When you strike up a conversation with a local, you’re likely to find yourself making a friend.

4 Diverse Landscapes

Turkey boasts diverse landscapes that ensure travelers can explore the country for weeks at a time without getting bored. Cappadocia is well-known for its unique “fairy chimney” landscapes with cone-shaped rock formations rising dramatically from the Earth as far as the eye can see. Pamukkale offers a totally different landscape with tiered thermal pools filled with milky blue waters. In Antalya, the landscapes are coastal, with vibrant blue waves, sandy beaches, and colorful homes.

Related: Cappadocia, Turkey: Why You Should Be Booking A Hot Air Balloon Tour (And How To Do It)

3 Unique Accommodation

Many travelers love to seek out unique accommodation options for their trips, and Turkey won’t disappoint. In Cappadocia, visitors can book hotels and Airbnb accommodations inside the Fairy Chimneys. These cave suites were once hidden, ancient residences that have been repurposed for tourism. Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Terra Cave Hotel, and Sultan Cave Suites are some top choices among travelers.

2 Proximity To Other Countries

Traveling to Turkey is a must this summer, especially for people who will already be visiting another European or Middle Eastern destination. Turkey is conveniently located close to many incredible travel hubs allowing travelers to book budget flights on low-cost carriers and see another country as part of their adventure. From Istanbul, visitors can book flights to Greece, Egypt, Italy, Hungary, Israel, Czechia, and much more for under $75 one-way.

Related: Tourist Scams You Might Run Into In Istanbul (& How To Avoid Them)

1 Tea And Coffee

Turkey is a destination for tea and coffee lovers. The Turkish people adore their tea, making them the number one country in the world for tea consumption annually. The average Turkish person consumes nearly 7 pounds of tea per year. Tea is consumed at all times of the day in Turkey, and sharing this beverage with others is a sign of friendship. It's common to consume 3-5 cups per day.

Turkish coffee is different from that consumed in North America. It’s a small cup of rich, creamy coffee with the grounds in the bottom. The coffee industry is growing in Turkey at an average rate of 15% year on year. Now, Turkish people consume around 1 kg per person annually.