Why am I in this year again I chose Turkey instead of Crimea

The peninsula of Crimea has always been a mecca for tourists from all post-Soviet countries. Wherever you live, whatever worked, but if you are fond of hiking, then at least once a year is going to backpack and going to the Crimea. Not escaped this fate and me. However, after several years of regular Crimean campaigns, it is understood that there is nothing new in these paths I have not been found and it is necessary to look for new routes. So I discovered Turkey, the potential of which many seriously underestimated for hiking. Moreover, summing their experience, I can safely say that Turkey is in this sense, which is preferable to the Crimea. And that's why.

Just I want to emphasize that my experience is limited to independent hiking and I give it my impressions on the basis thereof. Therefore, those readers who profess so prevalent today, the beach-vacation Hotel may have about Turkey and the Crimea completely different opinion.

Transport

One of the main advantages of the Crimea has always been its easy availability. I boarded a train, plane, car, and after a short while you are already in place. In light of recent events, unfortunately, it is the dignity of the peninsula almost disappeared. I do not want too much pedal this topic, but now the land road to the Crimea is still the quest, and, no matter what transport you choose. I hope temporarily.

As for the cost of the flight, then a quick search on Aviasales tells us that the average cost of a ticket to Simferopol and Istanbul in July 2016 is almost the same. So if you fly on a plane, these directions is almost equivalent.

But transport issues are not limited to delivery to Istanbul and Simferopol. You may have to still move around the country, getting to the point of beginning of the route, or any attractions. In Turkey, there is a deployed bus system that makes it possible to get to any part of the country. On routes operate, comfortable buses, flights are usually nocturnal, so you during the night, without losing precious time, you can even cross the whole country. Thus it is possible to sleep well, as the roads in excellent Turkey.

With regard to the movement in the Crimea, they can be characterized with only two words: "bus" and "road". And once everything is clear.

Geography

Crimea has a unique geography, are combined in a fairly small area, immediately many wonderful natural sites. There are mountains, deep canyons and dense forests, beaches and sea. The only problem is that all this wealth takes a much larger area along the coast of the sea. The main part is occupied by reserves, where access is denied to ordinary people. By the shoreline, you do not fit, as all partitioned by fences and barriers. It remains only a small portion of the mountain area, which attracts tourists from all over the former Soviet Union and go to each other almost columns.

Quite a different picture we see in Turkey. The huge area of ​​the country, which offers a wide variety of natural wonders. These dimensions, even when a large number of tourists, make it possible not to feel in the crowd. Yes, near the hyped tourist spots are observed crowded, but once you move away from them a little to the side, and you are now at one with nature. For example, even at such a popular tourist route as a Lycian trailYou can go a whole day without seeing a single person. Moreover, Turkey is categorically no fences or other forms of fencing. In any place you can go to the sea, swim, put up a tent. And no one is trying to deny you this or take any money. It's amazing.

To summarize this section, you can draw the following conclusion. We can not say that the nature of the Crimea is better or worse in Turkey - each location is good on the. But the fact that in the Crimea human activities have had a much more negative impact on its attractiveness for tourism - it's obvious.

Story

Turkey - a paradise for lovers of history. Here you will find traces of many civilizations and peoples who lived in this area for thousands of years. From the remains of ancient Mediterranean States and to the great Roman Empire, and, ancient ruins are almost more than Greece. Of particular interest in these areas can cause people interested in the history of religions: it happened a lot of events that left their mark on Christianity and Islam. Very pleased that the government is investing in tangible means of restoration and maintenance of historic heritage. However, for those who are not fan of "replica", there are enough ruins in a natural state.

Historical sights of Crimea no less interesting, because here you can find a cave towns and monasteries, ancient fortresses. However, their condition, usually poor and suffers from lack of funding and the constant influx of tourists.

Security

Personally for me the pleasure of traveling to the Crimea has always overshadowed by two phenomena: mites and foresters. And those other selected quietly but firmly dig and drink your blood. Constant expectation that now appears certain in spotty camouflage and zabubnil that "there can not walk, can not put the tent, the fire can not breed," poisons the entire holiday. It is understandable, of course, that we are talking about a small monetary contribution, but that contrary to the same.

The fact that Turkey does not tick, I can understand - the laws of nature, can not be helped. But why there are no foresters, and all forests are in perfect condition, - that to me is not very clear. However, the fact. We have passed more than 200 km on foot and never met active conservationists, closed for visiting or toll zones. A paradise for walking or cycling holiday.

People

A thankless task to try to give a one paragraph description of the people living in the entire country. It is obvious that everywhere there are the righteous and the wicked. Yet the overall impression will try to display.

In Turkey, people like you and your money. And the farther away from the tourist centers, the first will be more dominate, that is, you will feel an interest in itself, but not to his wallet. Almost all the people we met appeared very friendly, and if you provide paid services, then try to do it well.

As for the peninsula, there often feel unwelcome guest in someone else's house. The fact that you are trying to make money at every step - this is understandable - the holiday season, something we must live. But what to do about it look as though they have long since tired of all the tourists and make you a personal favor? I dont know.

in total

If you are wondering where to go hiking, then be sure to pay attention to Turkey. This country is currently one of the most attractive destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. To visit do not need a visa, the flight takes just a couple of hours, and the cost of this approach is readily available and is comparable with the Crimean vacation. And impressions of the local exotic, food and nature, I guarantee you.

The article draws on the author's personal photos taken at various locations in Turkey in the 2013-2014 year.