There will come a day when you and your partner are on different sides of the room, wanting to head to a vacation albeit in different countries. If this fight is ever between Spain vs Turkey, then you are in luck! The blog below can be the most amicable solution ever. I am putting together the best of everything that these countries have to offer so that you can make this very difficult decision with some good humour.

Spain

If you are looking for a laid back vacation with plenty of beach time, then Spain is the ideal choice for you. Heading to Spain from anywhere in India? Consider going to Barcelona and Madrid. If you have some extra time and money on your hands, then make sure you go to Seville too. A round trip flight will cost you around Rs. 50,000 per person, with additional charges of around Rs. 1000 for commuting between Madrid and Barcelona.

Barcelona: Barcelona is all about beaches, afternoon siestas, late night partying, and great architecture. Feel the warmth of the setting sun as you lounge on one of famous beaches of Barcelona like Barceloneta, Mar Bella, Nova Icaria or Bogatell. Sample excellent local cuisine like Paella, a variety of tapas with wine as you walk around Las Ramblas. Make sure you visit La Sagarada Familia. This church is a testament to the genius of Antoni Gaudi. The city also has the largest collection of Romanesque art at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Madrid: Madrid is the party capital of Spain, where coming home before daylight is an early night. Visit Puerta del Sol, the Times Square of Madrid. Have lunch at Plaza de Santa Ana and spend the evening bar hopping like the locals. Make sure you watch a classic Flamenco show when in the city.  You can also take a day trip to see Alcazar and the army museum from Madrid.

How to Get There: A number of carriers have regular flights to Spain from India. Take a pick from Qatar Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM Royal Dutch and others here.

Turkey

Turkey is a land of history, cultural treasures at the corner of every street. And not to forget great food! If you are travelling from India to Turkey, consider going to Istanbul and Cappadocia. A round trip flight from India to Istanbul will cost you around Rs. 40,000 per person, with additional charges for travelling between the two cities.

Istanbul: This is a city with one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Istanbul is a fragrant mix of cultured conversations, bazaars, coffeehouses and kebab restaurants. Shop at the Grand Bazaar, the oldest market in the world, for Turkish Delight (popular Turkish confectionary), rugs,  kalims, Turkish tea, Chalcedony (gemstone) and other memorabilia.  Take a history lesson as you visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and Basilica Cistern. Visiting a hamam is an essential part of any visit to Turkey. Sultanahmet area has many historic hamams where you can enjoy a sauna, followed by a scrub and massage.

Cappadocia: You must have seen a number of photos of colourful hot air balloons flying across the rising sun. Most of them have been shot in Cappadocia. A region covered with beautiful mountainous formations, valleys and caves- Cappadocia is a dream destination. When visiting, go for a hot air balloon ride, spend the night in a luxurious cave, go hiking along the valley paths, and see the numerous beautiful valleys. Do pick up a bottle or two of the famous wines of Cappadocia too.

How to Get There: Catch a flight with Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot, Etihad Airways or the many others carriers with regular flights to Istanbul. Check out more flights here.

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Deciding between Spain and Turkey is a tough decision, and it will ultimately come down to what you want out of your trip. If it is beaches you seek, complete with Piña coladas and sun hats then Spain is the way to go. If you are looking for a dose of culture, with some amazing food, then head to Turkey for your next vacation.