For the traveller that likes to tread their own path to paradise, a stint off the coast of Turkey will satisfy to no end. Awash with vibrant bougainvillea and creamy cottage homes, over 500 islands fall under the territory of Turkey, dotting the Black and Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Mediterranean. Whilst the 9 islands that make up the Princes' Islands can be found right near Istanbul, most travellers choose to head further afield, taking their expedition from a coastal town like Bodrum. From here the Gulf of Gökova can be uncovered from the comfort of a traditional wooden gulet boat, stopping at Turkey islands like Orak and Cleopatra, as well as enclaves like the English Harbour and Yaliciftlik, where swimming in sulphur pools and watching Turkish rugs being made is the holiday norm. Many Turkey boat trips stick to the coastal regions of the mainland, visiting areas which are nearly impossible to reach by road. Weeks can be lost in a cradle of ocean and mountain such as Butterfly Valley, where only a few impermanent eco-cabins can be found, and life’s big complications are what to strum on an acoustic guitar.

Scuba diving Turkey offers underwater enthusiasts a playground of colour and mystic, with many wrecks available to explore such as the cotton freighter of Canyon Kas and a Gallipoli steam ship in Suvla Bay. This culturally rich country is famed for its blend of east meets west, which permeates through small islets and villages as much as the big cities. Sail Turkey and you’ll be welcomed into an excursion of coastal culinary delights, eating stuffed vegetable dolmas and buğulama slow poached fish dressed with lemon and parsley. Baklava, coffee and locally produced wine will also feature heavily in any good trip through this part of the world. Incomparable to anywhere else on earth and abounding in salt water holiday options, a trip to the seas of Turkey is one you will never regret.