Turkey - Coast by Sharon Egin
The Mediterranean Coast
The Turquoise coast, as it is also known, is modern, clean and welcoming and seems strangely familiar to first time visitors. It is famed for its fine sand beaches, warm waters and good weather. The cuisine leans toward a European palate, offers a wide and varied range and is generally excellent quality.
This part of Turkey offers superb shopping opportunities, from designer goods to carpets, jewellery and leather. Bartering is obligatory, so brush up on your skills before you go. Historical ruins are in such abundance that you will be literally tripping over them.
You can party the night away in Marmaris or chill out in laid back Kas. Visit the Dalmatas caves in Alanya or play a round of golf in Belek. Jump on a Gullet in Fetiye or discover some hidden bays in Patra. Sample some of the best diving in Europe in Olu Deniz or indulge in a traditional Turkish bath in Datca. Day trips or overnight stays to Ephesus, Pamukale and Cappadocia are also possible, good value and thoroughly recommended.
Do as much or as little as you want - the possibilities are endless.
The Aegean Coast
The Aegean shores are home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The vast coastline is surrounded by the clear calm waters of the Aegean Sea, and steeped in myth and history. It was here that the sirens sang their deadly song and where the battle for Helen raged in Troy. The backdrop, framed by pine-clad mountains and surrounded by olive groves, cotton fields and vineyards is a wondrous sight to behold.
The Aegean is also home to some of the most spectacular and significant
archaeological sites in Turkey, including Ephesus, Pamukale, Pergamon and
Troy. It is the perfect destination for sun seekers, nature lovers, those
interested in history and culture, hikers, divers and families. It really is
one of those places that has something on offer to suit everyone.
Choose from modern resorts or unknown gems. If you are looking for a lively cosmopolitan resort, then Bodrum or Kusadasi would probably be the most suitable. Both have a European feel with established shopping areas and lively nightlife.
For those more interested in discovering traditional Turkey and a fish supper in a Taverna, as a rule of thumb the further north you travel, the more unspoilt the resorts tend to be. Here you will find a hassle free environment with friendly locals and lower prices. Foca, Dikili, Ayvalik and Assos are amongst some of the hidden gems.
This region is also famous for its bountiful and organic produce, which
makes the food available some of the most delicious you will find in the whole
of Turkey.
Dikili
Dikili is a seaside fishing town that is made up of mainly holiday villas and a few hotels. The charming centre with cobbled streets has restaurants, bars and shops. American and European tourists from cruise ships briefly pass through on their way to Pergamon. The excavations reveal the history of Dikili, which goes back to 4000-5000 B.C. The scenery consists of sea, mountains, olive groves, vineyards and cotton fields...READ MORE
Your Holiday Matters - approved properties
Villa Hanorah 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms by the sea sleeps 4-6
Do you want to experience the real Turkey? Have you reached the point when commercial holidays fail to satisfy? Looking for something more, then why not consider Villa Hanorah?
The region has so much to offer, miles of sandy beaches, hidden coves, and numerous sites of historical interest. Set amid mountains, olive groves, and cotton fields, it is recommended by the Lonely Planet author Tom Brosnahan as the ideal place to get away from the madding crowd.
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