Turkey
Why holiday anywhere else in the world when there is a stretch of coastline which is stunningly beautiful, with pine-clad mountain ranges dropping gently into the crystal clear and inviting sea? This is the beauty of Turkey and it is less than 4 hours away.
Alanya
Set in a superb location, Alanya, is a popular resort with breathtaking scenery. With two beautiful sandy beaches you are spoilt for choice, Cleopatra Beach lies to the west of the resort and Alanya Beach to the East. If you are wanting to explore there are plenty of things to choose from such as the Damlatas Caves, the medieval Alanya Castle, the remains of Seljuk village and lots more. Alanya offers a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants catering for all tastes, from traditional Turkish cuisine to McDonalds. If you are looking for a vibrant resort with lots to offer, Alanya is the place for you....
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Altinkum
Altinkum is a busy resort which has been receptive to the demands of the British holiday-maker. .This resort has grown directly behind the beach and Altinkum refers to the beach area, Didim, is the name of the actual town. The main beach (often referred to as First Beach) is a large bay of golden sand with incredibly shallow waters and is therefore very popular with families. There are a couple of other sandy bays, the one to the left-hand side is broken by a headland but can be accessed by the beachfront promenade. Watersports are plentiful here so this part of the beach is usually pretty popular. Altinkum has developed into a lively resort and is popular with Turkish holiday-makers, especially families during the high season. It is also a good location from which to explore the sights of Ephesus, Pamukkale and Bodrum.
Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 15 mins...
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Antalya
Antalya is the largest city and year round Holiday resort on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The Gulf is surrounded by the Taurus mountain range to the North and offers over 200 KM of beaches, bays, valleys, and forests. Situated on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean, Antalya is a picturesque city with its palm-lined boulevards, its prize-winning marina, the unspoilt historical neighbourhood of Kaleici and the modern developments along the coast. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sun bathing and swimming. The city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions like windsurfing, waterskiing, and mountain climbing. Golf is a newly developing sport and you can find some of the Turkey’s, and Europe’s best golf courses in the area. The other resorts around Antalya are also well worth a visit. Kemer, Beldibi, Kalkan, Kas, Side and Alanya are some of them and are all within easy reach. Antalya also boasts a host of Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Aqua Parks and of course Discos ensuring that all the family is entertained from dawn and well into the night, making this an ideal spot for your vacation, for all ages....
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Belek
Situated midway between Antalya and Side, Belek has something to offer for everyone’s tastes. There are beautiful sandy beaches, each with their own character for those who want to just relax. The Kersunlu Waterfall is worth a visit with over 100 bird species living in this natural wonder, or the Hellenistic city of Perge, which is rated second after Ephesus and the great amphitheatre of Aspendos that can hold over 15,000 spectators. This stunning resort is perfect for young and old alike but especially for keen golfers with over eight championship golf courses....
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Bitez
This hidden gem of the Bodrum Peninsula is quickly becoming one of the most popular resorts on the Aegean, while still retaining its village charm.
Bitez is well-known for windsurfing providing excellent conditions for beginners and experienced surfers. Or, for those of you who prefer to take the relaxed approach, there are plenty of sun beds along the beach and shallow waters for younger children to splash around in.
Bitez is situated just 8km by road from Bodrum, making it easily accessible by frequent Dolmus service. This resort is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, small village with picturesque charm....
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Bodrum
Bodrum emanates an eclectic mix of east and west and retains its sophistication as one of the premier resorts in Turkey. The landscape here is a hillside dotted with pretty low-level, white washed cubi buildings with bougainvillea cascading down the sides. It is very picturesque and attracts the rich and famous including some of Turkey's most outstanding singers who often perform concerts in both the amphitheatre and the castle. Bodrum does have small beach sections however it has never been known for its beaches. The pedestrianised shopping lanes, Bar Street, the harbour/ marina, nightlife and Castle of St Peter are what make it so attractive and the history and culture that is represented. This is a fantastic area to explore with local transport running practicall 24 hours a day so not a minute need be wasted in this buzzing, vibrant town....
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Calis
We decided to venture into Calis due to receiving so many requests and positive guest feedback. Close to the pretty harbour town of Fethiye, the small, picturesque resort of Calis is set behind a promenade bordering the long stretch of beach which is a mixture of fine sand and shingle and therefore appealing to beach lovers. This is an area which attracts repeat guests year after year.
The resort itself is quiet and "laid back", is easy to walk around, wheelchair-friendly along the front, and the locals become long-term friends.
There are many places to eat & drink, mini-markets, a post office, chemists and weekly bazaar as well as a selection of jewellery and clothing shops. The small road bridge crossing the river is the point at which a short ride on a water taxi can be taken to the harbour town of Fethiye or the dolmus can easily be caught, running regularly to Fethiye, Hisaronu and Olu Deniz. This is a more international holiday resort which has retained its charming features by remaining small, unspoilt and hospitable.
Transfer time: 1 hour 10 minutes...
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Dalyan
The Dalyan Delta is a magical place for nature lovers with over 150 species of birds and 3 types of turtle, including the protected loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta). The sandbar at the mouth of the Delta is home to this beautiful creature and, because of this, no building is allowed nearby.
The whole region is a conservation area, thanks to our very own Dr. David Bellamy, so all tourist accommodation is in the pretty fishing village of Dalyan half way up the Delta. Take a dolmus to Iztuzu Beach (20 minutes) or, better still, one of the boats that ply up and down the river (40 minutes). Costing around £3 for the return trip this is an experience in itself. Floating downstream through the swaying beds of bulrushes and pampas grass you get a wonderful view of the spectacular Lycian rock tombs which overlook the village.
From Dalyan harbour it is great to go exploring and we recommend the local mud baths and the Ancient City of Caunos just across the river. Dalyan itself has a number of cafés, shops and bars, and even boasts a disco, but nightlife isn't the reason to stay here. There are many seafood restaurants along the riverbank, and not only is the fish as wonderful as only truly fresh fish can be, but the view is quite enchanting. To sit back with a glass of wine in hand and watch the sun go down, whilst the Delta sounds mingle with contented conversation, puts a magical sparkle into your holiday and makes Dalyan a place you'll find hard to leave.
Transfer time: 25 minutes...
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Fethiye
This captivating town has a charm and appeal that is quite unique, with its fascinating mixture of market town, port and holiday resort, which, despite being popular with foreign tourists, has still managed to retain its Turkish character, both scenically and atmospherically, The palm-lined promenade borders the pretty harbour with it’s colourful boats and beautiful yachts and is where the locals take advantage of the shade and discuss the events of the day. Behind the harbour, a maze of back streets are filled with shops, bars and restaurants yielding many a bargain, gastronomic delights and bustling night life. Fethiye itself doesn’t have much of a beach to speak of but the resorts of Calis and Olu Deniz with their fabulous beaches are both within easy reach by local dolmus or taxi.
This resort appeals to those who wish to experience a little piece of the ‘real Turkey’ and is a great base from which to explore the stunning coastline in this region.
Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes...
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Gumbet
Gumbet provides the resort of Bodrum with beautiful sandy bays, perfect for families with its shallow waters and a wide range of watersports. Just a 10-15 minute taxi ride away, over the headland to the west, it is so easy to travel between Bodrum and Gumbet and a stay in either enables you to enjoy the best of the two resorts. Gumbet has grown considerably over the last few years with the majority of tourists coming from the UK. Restaurants include Chinese, Indian, Steakhouses, Burger King, kebab stands and jacket potato stalls, you name it and you can probably find it! The nightlife here can be hectic, the perfect place for a bar crawl! Surprisingly these two resorts are fairly quiet in the day, the centres becoming busier as the night progresses! The resorts of Bodrum and Gumbet are very popular with the British market and continue to grow, modernise and be influenced with every year that passes....
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Hisaronu
Hisaronu village is based around one main street, full of excellent shops, restaurants and bars with a couple of nightclubs. At the top of the village on a Monday is the weekly market which is great fun and full of bargains. Some of our favourite restaurants include Santana with its delicious pasta and folded pizzas, Abrahkebabrah with a good variety of cuisines and the Robin Hood with a more traditional approach. There are now several cash point machines so times are definitely progressing! Hisaronu has a lively character and is the place to be seen at night with bars such as Grand Boozey, Zombie, Aloha and Hakuna Matata. In complete contrast, Kayakoy is an abandoned Greek village with over 3000 uninhabited houses a beautiful walk away, a sight really not to be missed. A great destination for that all round holiday.
Transfer time: 1 hour 30 minutes...
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Icmeler
Icmeler is the more sophisticated neighbour of cosmopolitan Marmaris with a defined character all of its own. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and stretches the length of the bay. Watersports, from windsurfing to jet skis, are available in designated areas, sensibly separated from swimmers. The view from the beach is spectacular with islands rising high out of the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean. We think that Icmeler is a wonderful place for families with easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. A stroll along the promenade is an enjoyable way to see much of what is on offer. There’s no better way to pass time than sipping your favourite drink in one of the many beach cafes and watching the boats returning into the harbour. The roads adjacent to the beach are full of bars, shops, restaurants and hotels, further back the streets have a quieter, more residential air about them with public gardens and play areas. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the old village where more traditional Turkish fare can be found or try your hand at bartering at the weekly Wednesday market. A variety of local transport systems make it easy to get around Icmeler and its neighbouring resorts of Marmaris and Turunc. However, if you are a keen walker then try a walk around the bay all the way to Marmaris. Icmeler is scenically beautiful and definitely well worth a visit.
Transfer time: 2 hours...
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Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Its history tracks back from Romans to Byzantines and Ottoman Empire to Turkish Republic and also known as Byzantium, or Constantinople. There is no doubt that you will find yourself in the middle of the cultural crossroads. At one side a living – breathing metropolis with its sky scrapers, night clubs, 5 star restaurants, shopping centers or a formula one course which is annually held in August. At the other side an amazing history, tradition, museums, palaces, mosques, Grand Bazaar and many more. This explains why it has been chosen the European capital of cultural heritage in 2010. In recent years, Istanbul is fast becoming one of Europe’s most talked about city break destination. You either come for a short city break or stay a long time; you will find something to do everyday. One can say the best way of seeing the city is to drop your guide books and stroll around the streets aimlessly. It won’t be long before you see a historical site, an architectural marvel, or sit and drink tea with a shopkeeper. No matter what you decide to do you will not be disappointed as this is ones in a lifetime experience....
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Kalkan
Kalkan is an area of profound beauty. There is nothing quite like this piece of coastline as the road twists and turns to reveal the hidden treasure of Kalkan. The vast, open Mediterranean in the bay below is such an attractive azure blue, it has a truly mesmerizing effect. Continue the journey on to Kalamar Bay (5mins), Kapatus Beach (10mins), and the next resort of Kas (25mins) and we are sure you will be astounded as nature unfolds. Over the last few years the area has attracted many British holiday makers and now many have their own properties. Kalkan has developed from an idyllic fishing village with a marina and now extends half way up the mountain. The small pebble beach is on the opposite side of the bay to the marina but many people prefer to take the boat service out to the terraces with their sunbeds , umbrellas, snack bars that have been created along the water’s edge or venture around to Kalamar Bay where watersports are available. The cobbled streets offer a delightful blend of eating, drinking and shopping becoming completely pedestrianised at night as the cafes and laughter spill onto the streets creating a wonderfully warm and enjoyable atmosphere.
Transfer time: 2 hours 15 minutes...
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Kas
Kas is an area which has thankfully changed very little over the last 10 years. There is a lot to see from the ancient tombs dotted throughout the town to the amphitheatre with its magnificent views. Stand on the habourside and look up at the mountains that cradle Kas and you can make out the figure of a man laying on his side, mythology suggests that he is calling for his pregnant lover, trapped on the nearby Greek island of Meis, if you enjoy walking, then venture around the Peninsula to take a closer look at the island. Other places of interest include Myra, the home and church of St Nicholas (our Father Christmas!), and the protected island of Kekova, famous for its Sunken City. Sunbathers and swimmers are catered for at Small Pebble Beach (Kucuk Cakil) and Big Pebble Beach, where terraces have been built out over the sea. The town’s streets are full of little shops, white-washed houses, cafes, restaurants and bars, try the village tea garden located centrally, the perfect place to relax as you watch the world go by. Kas is a wonderfully relaxed, traditional resort with stunning scenery.
Transfer time: 3 hours...
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Kemer
The beautiful resort of Kemer is situated in an ideal location only half an hour drive west of Antalya, the most desirable city to live in Turkey, which offers wonderful climate throughout year. Kemer is ideal for those who would like to be away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city but still want to get there easily. Surrounded by the Western Taurus Mountains, and tucked in a forested valley, Kemer offers beautiful views and a quiet, relaxing holiday. If you don't feel like exploring the city, there is everything you need in Kemer from a huge range of restaurants to shops and a bit of nightlife... Kemer offers variation of accommodation types, and there are plenty of natural and historical attractions surrounding the resort at an easy access by organized excursions or on a local transport for those who are more adventurous....
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Lara
This small resort enjoys a great location just 12 km from the historic city of Antalya and is the perfect setting for a relaxing beach holiday with its endless stretch of course golden sandy beach with a choice of watersports. This quiet stylish resort offers peace and relaxation with a choice of bars, shops and restaurants, with Antalya being a few minutes drive away offering a wider choice of shopping opportunities, restaurants and nightlife.
This resort appeals to those seeking a more up-market, quiet beach resort with a relaxing atmosphere.
Transfer time: approx. 15 mins...
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Marmaris
Rich, green, pine covered mountains provide the backdrop to the sparkling waters of Marmaris bay. A great contrast to many of the other resorts in Turkey, Marmaris is a mixture of historic, lively and cosmopolitan. One of the liveliest resorts in our programme to Turkey, Marmaris will be attractive to clients looking for variety and action. There is a wide assortment of bars, restaurants and shops including larger shopping centres, and for the young at heart, if offers a nightlife that competes with the best in any Mediterranean country. The bars bordering the beach front offer entertainment and tend to liven up around midnight whilst Bar Street is best experienced in a large group, the Reps promising a fun night for all on the Jewel in the Crown Bar Crawl!
Marmaris has grown considerably in size over the last few years and the local dolmus and taxis are easily available. This is the resort that will offer every type of cuisine imaginable with over 3000 eating places to choose from, even Burger King and 3 McDonalds in case you get withdrawal symptoms! The Marina is particularly beautiful at night; the new Netsel Marina is excellent for shopping and fine food. For those wanting to try some traditional dishes, the restaurants in the side streets are excellent. By Day most people choose to hit the beach, enjoy the watersports or relax by the hotel pool. The aquaparks, bowling alley and cinemas are also great fun. Tansas and Migros are supermarkets just like home and local mini-markets can be found in almost every street so it is easy to go self catering and purchase essential items. The haggling and bartering process is addictive, especially in the Thursday bazaar! This market and many of the shops throughout Marmaris offer excellent bargains in leather, jewellery, herbs and spices, teas and all manner of fake designer gear. As you may have gathered, anyone can enjoy Marmaris, but please don’t expect too much peace and quiet!
Transfer Time: (approx) 2 hours...
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Olu Deniz
Olu Deniz is visually stunning with one of the most photographed beaches in the world. As you approach this impressive seaside resort from Hisaronu, the view over the sparkling Mediterranean is sensational. As you walk along the seaside from the Belcekiz towards the lagoon, you can hire a sun bed on the main stretch of beach, enjoy the watersports, pay a small fee to enter the National Park and Blue Lagoon, or continue round past the post office to one of the beach cafes with facilities further round the bay. The atmosphere is very laid back and there are some great restaurants and bars, particular favourites of ours include the Buzz Bar, Sugar Shack and Cloud 9 and Belcekiz Bar. Happy hours often coincide with the glorious sunset.
Transfer time: 2 hours...
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Ortakent
Located centrally between Bodrum and Turgutreis, Ortakent makes the ideal base to explore. Situated a little further inland than many of the resorts on the Aegean coast, but just stone’s throw away from Yahsi, where the sandy beach stretches long and wide with plenty of beachfront cafes to have a refreshing drink and snack. Ortakent is built on one of the oldest settlements in the region and offers some fantastic historical features.
This is the perfect resort for those wanting a relaxed holiday and to experience local life....
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Ovacik
Ovacik is probably the most inexpensive resort on this part of the coastline and if Hisaronu seems a little lively for your tastes, Ovacik is the place. Slightly more rural with spectacular views of the surrounding pine-clad mountains, this area is very similar to Hisaronu 10 years ago. It’s a great base with local transport running frequently so you can access the village centre within minutes and Olu Deniz beach ad lagoon are a short dolmus ride away (approx 4km). This really isn’t the place to find ‘exciting’ nightlife but Ovacik does have a number of bars and restaurants.
Transfer time: 1 hour 30 minutes...
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Selimiye
Selimiye is a small unspoilt, Turkish fishing village with a traditional atmosphere. Situated on a wide secluded bay, in one of the most scenic areas of the Dalaman region, with picturesque and dramatic mountain backdrop, and beautiful countryside covered with almond, olive and pine trees. The delightfully slow pace of life and relaxed atmosphere is ideal for those looking to get away from it all and is perfect for families and couples wishing to experience an authentic taste of Turkish life. The surrounding countryside is ideal for walkers and hikers, whilst the sparkling clear turquoise waters offer some great diving and sailing. The crystal clear waters fringed by a single beach are the perfect setting for the selection of seafood restaurants and a few hotels lining the shore. Places of interest include the ruins of a medieval castle, which lies behind the village, and a lovely waterfall perched higher up the hills. This charming, sleepy village is an idyllic retreat offering clear waters, good food and Turkish hospitality as its best….bliss!...
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Side
Side (pronounced See day) translated to mean 'Pomegrante', is an international resort rich in history, culture and entertainment with some of the best sandy beaches along the Turkish Riviera. Our featured hotels are either located a short walk to the beach or have a beach service, free of charge, to and from their own selected beach sections. Walk or take the 'tractor' into the centre of Side which is pedestrianised with little cobbled lanes, a wonderful maze leading to every inch of this peninsula with nothing more beautiful than watching the glorious sunset as it disappears into the Mediterranean behind the Apool/Athena Temple. There is more to experience from Side than any other resort in turkey; the famous chimney houses and underground passages of ancient civilisations in Cappadocia, the Whirling Dervishes and the Mevlana Mosque/Museum in Konya, Roman remains and archaeological sites, waterfalls, aquapark, fantastic shopping in Antalya, Alanya, Manavgat or Side's very own Saturday Bazaar. A holiday here offers something for everyone....
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Torba
With a picturesque mountain backdrop, Torba is a tranquil seaside village. There is a small pebble beach but if you are looking to explore you will find more tiny beaches tucked away along the coast, ideal to get away and enjoy a picnic. Torba has a small selection of traditional restaurants, for a greater choice you can hop on the local Dolmus to Bodrum (5km) or Guvercinlik (7km) and explore the shops and restaurants that they have to offer. This resort is for those who enjoy unspoilt scenery in a small village....
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Turgutreis
Located on the western tip of the Bodrum Peninsula, Turgutreis is based around a traditional town centre with a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The town hosts a weekly market on a Saturday which is a great place to haggle for that bargain! If the beach is for you, then this is the place to be, Turgutreis has several sandy beaches that stretch along the Aegean Coastline where you can swim in the cool crystal blue waters or just chill out with a good book. This is a resort that has something to suit everyone....
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Turunc
Turunc is a hidden sleepy fishing village, a 20-30 minute road journey, over spectacular mountains from Icmeler. The pace of life is slow and comfortable and therefore very appealing to the type of client who does not want to be hassled by anyone or anything! The village is fairly small, based around a picturesque bay which offers a beach (sand and fine shingle), some watersports and a harbour. The beach runs round to the tea gardens before becoming a promenade to which the boats are moored the cooperative taking people by water taxi to both Icemler , a scenic 25 minutes cruise away, and Marmaris a further 10-15 minutes. The local dolmus operates regularly over the mountain and the views are fantastic. The other resorts are easily accessible for shopping and sightseeing but far enough away not to be disturbed: in fact, the outside world often seems a million miles away.
One can find many restaurants along this stretch of beach which serve food and drink graciously in the day and make a perfect setting at night. Restaurants and bars can also be found in the Main Street behind and in the many side streets which effectively make up the village centre. A variety of shops are on the Main Street so you can shop without going to the bigger resorts. The local village market usually takes place on a Monday. Turunc is a smaller, more peaceful and relaxing resort than most but if this is still too upbeat for you then try Kumlubuk, the next bay beyond Turunc
Transfer Time: 2 hours 30 minutes...
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Yalikavak
This lovely traditional fishing village has developed over the years and is now a great little resort with lots of local charm and character. The new marina adds a modern element with many good quality bars and restaurants serving traditional cuisine. The spectacular views on approach as you pass the Yalikavak Windmills together with the delightful charm and character of the village ensure the resorts growing popularity, and appeals to those seeking a quiet resort with a traditional flavour.
Transfer time: approx. 1 hour...
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