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Resort Guides
Alanya
Alanya was originally built on a rocky headland, on top of which sits its impressive, 800 year old castle. Vvisitors are welcomed, with a range of wonderful hotels, friendly restaurants and the occasional nightclub. The beaches in Alanya stretch for miles and are washed by invitingly warm, clear waters. The southern part of the town is where most visitors to Alanya stay, where the beautiful buildings pleasantly fit into the landscape. There are no high rise buildings to spoil the views and the views are amazing, with the pine-forested Taurus Mountains to the rear, the shimmering blue Mediterranean in front. In town, you can enjoy several Turkish bazaars offering fresh fruits, souvenirs and spices, climb the Red Tower for a great view of the harbour, or take a cruise along the coast. A great, family friendly Turkish resort, last minute holidays to Alanya come highly recommended.
Altinkum
Altinkum means golden sand, and the name more than delivers. This is paradise for visitors that love the beach. Wide beaches of soft, golden sand shelve gently into the sea and are ideal for families. The kids will enjoy paddling in the blue waters and this wonderful bay, lined with wide sandy beaches, is situated against a beautiful, mountain backdrop. There are also numerous water sports on offer. For daytime sightseeing do not forget that the splendid Graeco-Roman ruins of Ephesus are within easy reach for an excursion, while the Temple of Apollo at Didyma is a short dolmus ride from the resort. The nightlife in Altinkum is generally centered among the lively bars and restaurants along the main seafront promenade.
Antalya
Antalya is known as the Mediterranean playground of turkey; the ancient Byzantine city of Antalya is one of the most important centres for art and culture in Turkey. History has left layers of archaeological attractions in the area. In Antalya visitors have access to a number of surrounding seaside resorts and natural attractions with fabulous food with a wide range of restaurants to choose from. Antalya boasts some of the most vibrant nightlife. In turkey you find everything from belly dancers to discos in the bars and clubs at night. If you're looking for something mellower, the seafront bars in Antalya old quarter, Kaleiçi, provide a quieter atmosphere. Standing in the centre of Antalya is a perfectly preserved old town whose fortified walls stretch down to a stylish yacht marina, attracting visitors from a variety of countries during the summer. The rugged cliffs surround the city with stunning panoramic views out to sea. The beaches are beautiful. The water is warm with added attractions such as canoes, kayaks, rowing, parasailing, power boating, scuba diving, water skiing and wakeboarding.
Bitez
Just seven kilometres form Bodrum, this is a small, charming resort surrounded by tangerine groves, which possesses a gently-shelving sand and shingle beach lapped by the warm waters of the Aegean, making it a good choice for families. The sheltered bay is ideal for water sports and has become a popular spot for windsurfing, attracting both experienced wind surfers and beginners. When dusk falls, you can enjoy wining and dining in the beachfront bars and restaurants, or for those in search of livelier nightlife, the heady action of Bodrum or Gumbet can be easily reached by local dolmus about 40-50 pence or by taxi.
Transfer from Bodrum airport approx. 1 hr 10 mins.
Bodrum
Bodrum is originally known as the famous city of Halicarnassos, it has been home to many civilisations and to the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today Bodrum is better known as a hot spot for the local jet-set including pop stars, actors and those who like to cruise into the fabulous marina. Bodrum attracts many tourists who love it for its nightlife, shopping as well as its ideal location for visiting ancient historical sites. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular pastimes with Bodrum hosting an annual Regatta. Bodrum is one of the most popular and cosmopolitan resorts in Turkey. Whether you want to eat or shop, Bodrum has something to offer all. A wide choice of restaurants catered to all tastes from traditional Turkish food to Far Eastern delicacies to a variety of European cuisine. Shops range from designer label outlets to small bazaar and gift stores. Twice a week there is a market in Bodrum. If you are looking to spend a day on one of the beautiful sandy beaches in Turkey then Gumbet is only kms away and cheap to get to by a local dolmus.
Dalyan
There is plenty to see and do in Dalyan. Boat trips are immensely popular, as are jeep safaris, mountain biking, sea kayaking, paragliding, fishing, snorkeling and much more. A definite must is a microlight flight over the spectacular Dalyan Delta, providing incredible views and possible turtle spotting. For the less active, the hot springs and mud baths provide relaxation, as does a visit to a Turkish hamman for a massage and Turkish bath. Relaxing on the spectacular Iztuzu beach, and dips in the warm, shallow water is also a must. History buffs will enjoy the fascinating Lycian cliff tombs that house the Kings of Caunos, and at Caunos itself, the remains of this once large port can be seen, including a theatre, temples, churches and baths. For those looking for more action, there are regular dolmus trips to neighbouring resorts and towns such as Marmaris. Dalyan dose not specialize in nightlife as it is more of a relaxing area at night but this doesn't mean you will not find any, there are several clubs within Dalyan that you can choose from.
Fethiye
The small port town of Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient city Telmessos, with an impressive ancient theatre. Fethiye is home to several remarkable ancient sites. The most conspicuous are the rock Lycian tombs dating from the 4th century BC carved in the hillside above the town. There is a good selection of restaurants on the harbour front and in the narrow streets of the old town Situated at the head o f a pretty island-strewn bay Fethiye is a popular destination on the stretch of the Mediterranean known as the turquoise coast. The bazaar is the biggest in the area and is a must for bargain hunters. Around Fethiye are numerous unspoiled rocky coves and beaches, crystalline seas, offshore islands, cliffs and pine-covered mountains affording as much relaxation or activity as one chooses. The beach resort of Olu Deniz is just 24 minutes away by dolums (the local minibuses) and offers numerous activities, including parasailing, pedaloes, banana boating, diving, snorkeling, water-skiing and most famously paragliding.
Gumbet
For lazy days on the beach combined with buzzing nightlife, head for the vibrant resort of Gumbet, often referred to as the beach of Bodrum, the gently-shelving beach and shallow waters benefit from a gentle breeze, making it an ideal spot for those wishing to take advantage of the excellent windsurfing school and watersports. An array of bars and restaurants line the beachfront, providing a convenient and attractive setting in which to eat, drink and watch the world go by. The centre of Gumbet also comes alive at night with numerous bars and restaurants offering a wide selection of entertainment. Shopping is based around shops in the centre offering everything you would need. Their is a shopping centre called Oasis Shopping Centre and is great for buying presents.
Transfers approximately 45 - 50 mins and 25 GBP from Bodrum airport.
Hisaronu
The charming hill town of Hisaronu, a short distance inland from the Mediterranean coast, has boomed into a popular holiday resort bristling with hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, ideally situated for those intent on exploring the region and enjoying an active holiday. The surrounding area offers a ruggedly beautiful landscape, ideal for walkers, and a coast filled with secluded bays and coves accessed through winding forest paths. Being set at high altitude the town also has the advantage of being cooler and less humid than the coast. The main street of Hisaronu is well supplied with a variety of stores selling everything holiday makers look for. There are also plenty of restaurants to cater for the tastes of international tourists, from traditional English to sizzling pizzas and spicy Mexican.
Transfer approximately 2 - 2 and half hours and 75 GBP from Dalaman Airport.
Kalkan
Kalkan is a very pretty old fishing village penned into small space with hills behind. The heart of the village is a cluster of traditional houses and the harbour is full of yachts and ringed with fish restaurants. In general Kalkan is a quiet resort but with a very up market feel.
50 mins and 60 GBP (1-3 pax) from Dalaman Airport.
Kemer
Kemer with fascinating mountain scenery was the ancient city called Kimeros, and now an attractive resort town. The history of this area, the ancient Lycian Peninsula, can be traced back to the Neolithic Age to the settlements at Beldibi, The resort focuses around the magnificent blue waters and colourful, fully equipped marina of Antalya bay with a backdrop of the towering, jagged peaks of the Taurus Mountains. Kemer Beach is a Blue Flag beach. The term "Blue Flag", certified by the European Union means clean beach. The beaches are not only clean but also beautiful filled with golden sand. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Kemer, offering visitors local cuisine with unique blend of herbs and spices. In Kemer, music bars and discos are available for the ones who like vivacious nightlife. Other sites, which should not be missed, are Yoruk Parki- view on how the Turks lived several hundred years ago. The remains of Phaselis were established by the immigrants from Rhodes in 690 BC, are within easy reach and the rock tombs at Myra near Demre are just down the road, where you will find the Church of St Nicholas, patron saint of children and the original Santa Claus.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey, from its simple origins as a fishing village, Kusadasi has erupted into one of Turkeys most extensive, cosmopolitan and lively holiday resorts. While the narrow-alleys in the old Quarter still exist there is increasing evidence of the 20th century. Kusadasi is known for its excellent environment, attractive scenery and turquoise sparkling waters surrounded by broad sandy beaches. Along the attractive promenade you will find a wide variety of shops and places to eat. There is always something to do whether it’s trying various water sports or visiting the world famous ruins. There are plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and discos where you are guaranteed to have a great time at reasonable prices.
Transfer approximately 1.5 hours and 25 GBP from Adnan Menderes airport.
Marmaris
Marmaris is a hub between Greece and Turkey and an exciting destination to visit to experience Turkey. Many shops are available for souvenirs and gifts with carpet shops and gold galore. Enjoy Turkish Apple Tea during the day and the lively social life at night time. Marmaris has a long, narrow, grey, volcanic sand and shingle beach overlooked by a collection of bars, cafés and restaurants. A good range of motorised water sports are available within designated safety areas. The beaches of the neighbouring bays of Icmeler and Turunc are quieter and wider, and are easily accessible by water taxi or dolmus. There is a huge variety of restaurants in Marmaris, serving everything from traditional Turkish to Indian food. The Netsel Marina has a romantic setting and is renowned for its fine dining. Marmaris is one of the largest and best-developed of the resorts in Turkey, located 100km from Dalaman airport, on the southwest coast.
Transfer approximately 1hour 30 - 2 hours and 60 GBP from Dalaman.
Olu Deniz
The famous lagoon - probably the most photographed beach in Turkey - is a conservation area, where you will find translucent turquoise waters and attractive beaches. Its scenery is such, that no matter how many times you look, you will gasp with awe the whole area has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. The rest of Olu Deniz beach is a vast expanse of sand, shingle and pebbles. Watersports are available along Olu Deniz beach but are not permitted in the lagoon area itself. Facilities in Olu Deniz include two discos/bars located by the beach, mini-markets, post office and doctors. This is an excellent location for couples and families alike and for those who wish to enjoy a sun and beach setting.
Transfers approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours and 35 GBP from Dalaman airport.
Ovacik
Ovacik is surrounded by stunning mountains Situated on a high plateau 4km from the coast, the villages of Hisarönü and Ovaçik have combined to create a lively resort which has a distinctly British atmosphere. The nearest beaches are the famous lagoon of Ölü Deniz or the pebble and sand beach of Belçekiz. The village is full of bars, restaurants and shops. It is definitely the place to haggle for any imitation designer gear. A dolmus leaves every five or ten minutes. The fresh mountain air can be quite a relief after a day in the sun and there is plenty to do in the evening. One of the many late-night bars is Hakuna Matata, off the main street, which has a family bar and satellite TV showing most top matches. Aloha Bar on the main street has great music and a good atmosphere, as does the Club UK on the floor below. Grand Boozey Bar has the largest screen TV in resort and shows regular football matches. At night time it turns into a great disco.
Side
This small and attractive town is situated on a twin peninsula. In this pretty town, modern architecture, chic shops and late night bars stand with the Roman ruins of an ancient city. Flanked by two stretches of golden beach, surrounded by the sparkling waters of Mediterranean on both sides and bestowed with the endless archeological wonders - Side is one of the most popular resorts for holidaymakers from across the globe. It has a relaxing carefree atmosphere, with the rocky seafront offering an excellent selection of lively and atmospheric bars and good restaurants. Side, is a beautiful coastal resort, approximately 15kms east of Antalya.
Transfer approximately 1 hr 15 mins and 50 GBP from Antalya Airport.
Weather in Turkey
The area of Turkey is quite large therefore each region has a different climate. The country is divided into seven regions due to the weather and landscape. The costal areas of Turkey have milder climates that enjoy cooling sea breezes. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The warm temperatures last long into the autumn with temperatures reaching around 27 degrees Celsius with lows of 22 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is very uncommon in summer and the sea waters are pleasantly warm.
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Beaches
Antalya Beaches
Olimpos beach is known for being a pristine little beach backed by a beautiful pine forest. A unique fact about the beach is that the sea is joined by a little stream that flows through a rocky gorge near to the beach. Its quiet atmosphere is good for peaceful days out relaxing with the family.
Side beach spans 2km of soft light gold sands and lovely warm sunny weather and turquoise waters. The beach is home to historic attractions like Greek and Roman ruins therefore it is a good tourist attraction as well as a popular beach. It has many seafront restaurants offering many varied cuisines.
Lara Beach is a long stretch of dark golden sand and gentle waves of clear blue waters located east of Antalya’s cliffs. Most of the beach is backed by commercial services offering beach lounges, sun umbrellas, cafes and restaurants. Occasional entertainment can be enjoyed in many of the local resorts. Lara beach is a good place for both the family and people looking to have a fun day at the beach.
Bodrum Beaches
As Bodrum is primarily a port town there is only a small beach area in the town itself. However, there are numerous beaches within easy access.
Bitez beach is just over the hill from Gumbet. Bitez is a quieter beach but hosts many restaurants and cafes. The water is shallow therefore making it safe for children and a great family beach. It is very sheltered making it a popular destination for water sports.
Ortakent beach lies 3km south of Bodrum. The beach provides a long stretch of sand with water sports facilities, numerous restaurants and hotels. The water is not as good as other nearby beaches but it is great for water sports.
Torba beach is located in a protected bay in the gulf of Guluik off the north coast of Bodrum. It has a vast stretch of beach where numerous jetties are supplied for sunbathers and there are plenty of restaurants located along the shore.
Dalaman Beaches
Patara beach is 18km of soft white sand backed by majestic dunes. Its gorgeous landscape and great swimming conditions make it perfect for the family. It is a national park and home to many birds, also the breeding ground of the endangered Loggerhead turtle.
Olu Deniz beach has beautiful sun drenched beaches and calm, deep turquoise blue waters. It is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and definitely worth visiting. It is bordered by an attractive promenade lined with small shops, cafes and restaurants. It has a variety of water sports available as well as offering safe waters for children to swim in.
Iztuzu beach seperates the delta from the sea, The only shade is at either end of the beach therefore making it a great sun trap. Due to its location Iztuzu beach is never crowded therefore making it a peacful beach. The beach also is one of the last natural breeding grounds for the loggerhead turtle.
Izmir Beaches
Altinkum beach, also known as the golden sand beach, is popular with families as it has many activities available and plenty of cafes and restaurants conveniently located nearby. It has soft golden sands and clear blue shallow waters which are good for children to paddle in.
Kustur is 3 km away from Kusadasi town centre. It is one of the most popular beaches in Kusadasi due to its cleanness and friendliness. Kustur beach is not very crowded therefore it is good for a more peaceful holiday experience. Umbrellas, sun beds, toilets and cafes are available on the beach. The beach is mostly sandy but some parts can be pebbly as well, and the water is very clean and clear making it is pleasant to swim in.
Cesme beach is a long stretch of coastline spanning 29km long. It has clear water and fine light golden sand, and it is home to many beautiful coves. Cesme has typical Mediterranean climate and warm sea temperatures. There are local boat trips hosted from one part of the beach going to nearby islands and there are numerous restaurants and bars located along the cost.
Top 10 Attractions of the Area
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus, located near the Aegean Sea, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor. In ancient times Ephesus was the home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction. Ephesus remains a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus is about 10 km inland from the Aegean coast.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is located in the Inner Aegean region at a distance of 20 km from the town of Denizli. This lovely, rapidly developing district in the Menderes valley enjoys a temperate climate over the greater part of the year and has all the conditions required for an ideal touristy resort. The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. It is the water from one of these springs, with its large mineral content, chalk in particular, that has created the natural area of Pamukkale.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is generally regarded as the plains and the mountainous region of eastern Anatolia around the upper and middle reaches of the river Kizilirmak (Red River). It was here that several ancient highways crossed and different cultures came into contact with each other. It was also the land of the Hittites. The sparsely inhabited landscape of Cappadocia is characterized by red sandstone and salt deposits of the Tertiary period. However, the relatively small areas of fertile soil are where the population tends to concentrate. The southern part of Cappadocia, the more densely populated, is often said to be the heart of the region and yet it lies in the extreme south-western corner.
Sardis
Sardis was one of the legendary cities of Asia Minor (Turkey). In the seventh century B.C., Sardis was the capital of the kingdom of Lydia. Gold was found in the river near Sardis and the kings who lived there were renowned for their wealth. The Persians captured Sardis in the sixth century and made it the administrative centre for the western part of their empire. The legendary "royal road" connected Sardis with the Persian cities to the east. In New Testament times, Sardis was part of the Roman province of Asia.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, meaning “Church of the Divine Wisdom” in Greek, was regarded as the leading church of Christianity during its time. This prime example of Roman engineering dates back to the sixth century, it features a huge dome (30 meters in diameter) and is believed to have been the largest enclosed space in the world for over 1,000 years. It was originally a church but became a mosque in the 15th century and was transformed into a museum in the 1930s. Hagia Sophia is a popular tourist attraction for many reasons but the most beautiful being the breath-taking mosaics it is home to.
Troy
Immortalized by the writings of Homer and Virgil, the legendary city of Troy invites the tourists with its enchanting romanticism, picturesque settings and historical ruins. While on vacation in Turkey, an excursion to this ancient city will give you the opportunity to savor the striking scenery and wealth of archaeological sites of a long lost kingdom. Troy is a popular tourist resort for mythology and literature lovers.
Pergamum
Pergamum was a major city in western Asia Minor (Turkey) in New Testament times. It lies in a spacious valley, sixteen miles from the Aegean Sea. In the centuries before Christ, Pergamum was the capital of an independent kingdom. Its impressive temples, library, and medical facilities made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre. By the time Revelation was written, Pergamum had become part of the Roman Empire, but because of its location and importance, the Romans used it as an administrative centre for the province of Asia.
Priene
By the eleventh century B.C. Priene was one of the twelve colonies forming the Ionian Confederation and enjoyed considerable prestige and prosperity. It was situated below the mass of Samsun Mountain (formerly Mikale) on the shore before river Maeander silted up the port. Now the sea is fifteen kilometers away and surrounding plains have become large cotton plantations. New Priene was reborn under Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. and after countless struggles and invasions, it became a Roman province in 129 A.D. The city regained its prosperity. The streets of Priene are unusual in the that they are all horizontal and vertical, parallel and perpendicular, like a chess board. Now there are only ruins, but the view is spectacular and well worth the effort. On the other hand, the Theatre is still in good condition although it is partly submerged in trees and vegetation. The theatre was originally Greek and built in the fourth century B.C. but it was altered by the Romans in the second century A.D.
Hattusas
The historical site of Bogazkoy (Hattusas) is located at 82 km. to the southwest of Çorum and it is 208 km. from Ankara. Bogazkoy (Hattusas) site which was located at the core region of the Hittite state is at the southern end of the Budaközü River valley. At an elevation of 300 meters from the plain surrounded by numerous rock masses and the separations of mountain sides and deep cliffs to the north and west. The city is open towards the north and surrounded by city walls on all other sides.
Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias lies 170km from Kusadasi, in foothills of Mount Baba Dagi by the river Maeander. Aphrodisias was dedicated to the Greek Godess of love Aphrodite who was worshipped as the city's patron in the first century B.C. It was a refined city of culture, popular with artists, writers and philosophers such as Alexander of Aphrodisias, an authoritative commentator on Aristotle or Chariton, who wrote erotic novels. The city was much loved by the Emperor Augustus who took an interest in its welfare and in his honour the citizens erected the Sebasteion, a street sanctuary complex with decorated columns.
Shopping
Shopping in Turkey is relatively cheap and easy. The high quality products available at relatively low cost prices make the shopping more enjoyable for everyone. The temptation of each shop you pass and the friendliness of the shop keepers means you are often invited to share a drink with them and avoid the mid-afternoon heat. Turkish delight can be picked and mixed for a personalized gift and the price can always be negotiated as bartering is always expected and it is usually a good idea to start at half the original price.
There are many shopping centres as well as traditional Turkish shops and vendors selling textiles, jewellery, antiques, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. There are shopping malls located throughout Turkey for most day-to-day needs and most shops stay open late and some even all night. In the city of Dalaman there is Dalaman shopping centre. Izmir’s best shopping centre is Akmerkez where you will find almost everything you need. On the streets of Izmir you are likely to find and clothing stalls. You will also find dried figs and raisins for which Izmir is famous.
Antalya hosts a large market called Dogugaraj which is open everyday and is good for jewellery especially silverware. One of the most exciting aspects of Bodrum's shopping scene is the market, known as the Bazaar, which is located above Bodrum's bus-station. Market day is Tuesday where there are many products on offer such as textiles and clothing of delicate lace and fabrics that have been hand made in the Region. Thursday is the day for the food market where there is a wide variety of spices, olives, fresh farm cheese and fruit and vegetables available at great prices. Fethiye market is held each Tuesday in Dalaman and sells every gift or trinket imaginable. The largest market takes place in Köycegiz on a Monday. Dalyan also boasts a sizeable Saturday market and Sarigerme has a smaller village market on a Sunday. Izmir hosts a market called Kemeralti. It has some parts indoor but the majority is held outside. There are many goods on offer and most of them are conveniently located in product groups.
Turkey is a good place to get cheap fakes. You can get a lot of these at lower prices than offered as it is recommended that you barter for the goods.
Getting Around
Car/Taxi
There are 2 rates for taxis; Day Rate (Gunduz) and Night Rate (Gece). Day rate applies between 7:00 am and Midnight. If you are getting into a taxi during the night rate period and you're going a reasonable distance you stand a good chance of knocking the fare down to day rate. If you phone for a taxi from a restaurant or hotel the driver should not start the meter until you're in the car. If you feel that you're being ripped off make a lot of noise and offer to pay what you feel is fair. On the whole, single women should be fine in a taxi at night.
A good way to explore Turkey is by renting a car. There are a few things you need to be able to do this. Firstly you need to be at least 21 years old and you need to have had your driving license for at least a year. You will need your passport, visa and will also be required to pay a deposit. The roads in Turkey are maintained by the government and for most visitors driving is possible and easy; however there are a couple of things you should know about the roads and driving in Turkey. Some of the highways in Turkey only have two lanes which can be daunting to the visitor attempting to drive in Turkey. Many of the roads across Turkey have pot holes which you should be cautious of.
Bus/Coach
There are a lot of buses in Turkey. It is said to be the most economical way to travel in Turkey. A popular form of transportation is the Dolmus (small minibus services) as the locals use these very often and they can travel around a lot of Turkey. The major regional transport hubs are all interconnected with regular day or night services. Once you reach your desired region you would most probably need to get on a smaller bus until you've made it to wherever you need to go. Currently only 2 of the bus companies in Turkey, Ulusoy and Varan, have the capability to sell you return tickets. You can pay for a return but you'll have to book your seat and time at your destination. It's a good idea to do this as soon as you get wherever you're going as it's all too easy to get stuck. The better, and more expensive, companies will have a fleet of service minibuses at major destinations to collect and deliver passengers to outlying regions. If you're a woman travelling alone you will not be permitted to sit next to a man, even if you want to. This can lead to a fair bit of juggling around prior to departure if they haven't worked it out already.
Train
Even the fastest express services take twice as long as the buses and it is harder to get directly to your destination. You will most probably end up getting a bus or taxi as the last part of your journey.
Nightlife
Turkey has a very lively nightlife, especially in the costal areas. Most bars double as discos and most of the hotels offer floor shows, usually with belly-dancing. The bars offer various types of traditional wines and alcoholic beverages whilst hosting live music. Antalya’s nightlife is known for being the Turkish east coast’s liveliest nightlife centred on a large variety of clubs and bars. Bodrum Castle regularly hosts live music and concerts starring many of Turkey’s most popular singers. Halicarnas Disco in Bodrum is an extremely popular attraction with both the locals and tourists. Dalaman’s nightlife is not as lively but does have many recently opened bars and restaurants. It does not host many clubs and lively nightspots; therefore it is generally more suited for a relaxing holiday than a wild one. Izmir’s nightlife is generally based around its lively waterfront area. No matter which part of Turkey you decide to stay in you can be guaranteed to find areas close by that offer a lively night on the town or quiet relaxing evenings.
Eating Out
Turkey offers a wide range of quality restaurants allowing you to eat at a different venue every night. There are restaurants that provide cuisine from all over the globe. It’s a good idea to sample the local Turkish fayre which is known as a local delicacy. This is a way to really gain a true essence of Turkish culture and develop an understanding of the passion invested in food by the Turkish people. Tourist spots and beach fronts, one of the most popular being Kordon Boyu in Izmir, are the most popular places for global cuisine whereas traditional Turkish restaurants are more concentrated in towns and old Turkish villages. As well as restaurants, Turkey has many cafes and bars which also cater for a wide range of palates and pockets. Traditional Turkish dishes normally have at least 15 delicacies such as pan-fried liver, garlicky yoghurt infused with coriander and borek, pastry parcels either rolled up like cigarettes or cut into triangles. That’s usually more than enough to fill you up but those with a bigger appetite will happily move on to the main dishes such as kebabs accompanied by variety of green vegetables, especially rocket salad and cress. All of the tourist resorts have an abundance of cafes, bistros and restaurants to chose from depending on what you fancy.
Sports
Water sports are very popular along Turkey’s coast especially along the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal areas where there are many great places to dive. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are the most popular places to scuba dive and snorkel due to its clear turquoise waters. Experienced divers can explore historic shipwrecks, whilst beginners can be accompanied by an instructor. Turkey’s rivers provide perfect conditions for canoeing and rafting. The bays around Bodrum and Antalya have been known to have perfect wind conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing, therefore making Turkey a top destination for water sport lovers
Alternatively walking, hiking and trekking are also very popular as there are many unspoilt villages and ancients ruins to be explored on foot. Anatolia has the highest mountain in Turkey and offers excellent climbing opportunities for beginners and experts. Turkey also has five championship golf courses, four of which are in Antalya.
Although it is not well known, you can actually ski in Turkey during the winter months, which is popular mainly with the locals, as tourists tend not to visit Turkey during the winter, but it is still an enjoyable experience nevertheless. Uldag near Istanbul is the most popular resort for skiing with high standards that caters for all levels of skiers.
For the Family
The Turkish love children and many hotels cater for children and have kids clubs and play areas.
Turkey has some great beaches suitable for children with a great range of water sports; take a look at the beaches section above for more information. Boat trips are very popular in Turkey, traditional wooden gullet boats take visitors on gentle cruises on the calm, turquoise waters. You will also find many well preserved ruins to visit that will interest children of all ages.
Adaland Aqua Park
Adaland Aqua Park in Kusadasi is one of the ten best parks in the world. You can enjoy the thrills and spills of the heart thumping adrenaline rush in the most fascinating sun-washed water park.
There is a range of facilities and water-based rides for a full day of fun. Whether you make a splash in cool blue waves, take a thrilling plunge down the water slides to a splash pond below, leisurely relax and float around the lazy river or just soak up the sun on the grassy beaches, you are sure to have a great day.
Adaland Dolphin Park
You will also find amazing Dolphin parks at Adaland with regular daily dolphin and sea cat shows. There is also opportunities to swim with and touch the dolphins and have photographs taken with them. Adaland Dolphin Park is in Kusadasi, just 80 km away from Izmir.
Adaland Sea Park
Adaland has a sea park, also in Kusadasi where you will be charmed in the aquarium room, tranquilled in the dolphins’ pool, thrilled in the sharks’ tank, fascinated in the tropical reef, explore the stingrays in ray pool and relax in tropical river. You and your family can enjoy over 25 acres of tropical serenity with unforgettable experiences while discovering the amazing life of sea.
Swimming with Dolphins
The Dolphin Therapy Centre in Kas is a great place to visit; visitors have the opportunity to swim up close with bottlenose dolphins. Turtles and dolphins are frequent visitors to the coast and it’s possible to spot both these creatures off the coast of Turkey.
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