There’s Something About Turkey
January 5, 2011 Destination inspiration, Expert Guides, Featured Destination
Perhaps it’s the hot summers and dazzling beaches, or maybe it’s the bargain markets, value for money and friendly welcome. There’s definitely something about Turkey that draws more holidaymakers back every year. Away from the crowds of the popular resorts, holidays in Turkey can offer unspoilt scenery, delicious food and plenty of space to unwind. There’s a perfect place in Turkey for culture vultures, nature-lovers, children, free spirits, revellers and romatics. If you’re thinking of booking a Turkey summer 2011 holiday but don’t know where to stay, use our expert guide to help you decide…
Families Children are made very welcome in Turkey, which is one of the reasons why so many families keep going back. Those on a budget head to Marmaris, which offers cheap self-catering apartments, lively entertainment and plenty of places to eat out. If you prefer the pool to the beach and you fancy a cool retreat from high summer temperatures, consider a holiday in Hisaronu. This mountain resort packs in all the amenities you could want from a family holiday but is much cooler than the coastal resorts. If you do fancy a day at the beach, Olu Deniz with its stunning blue lagoon is only ten minutes away by dolmus. If fake designer clothes markets and neon lights aren’t your thing, you might prefer to rent a villa in a more rural location, such as those in the breathtaking countryside surrounding Olu Deniz and Bodrum. Here amongst the olive groves, you’ll find the pace of life far more relaxed and be able to enjoy traditional food, often around your own private pool. All-inclusive holidays in Turkey offer exceptional value for money and unlike many European destinations, it is possible to find hotels with family rooms to sleep five or even six guests. These large complexes usually offer entertainment, sports and activities for all ages, most of which are included in the cost of the holiday (as well as the food and drink.) Fans of thrills and spills will love the water parks at Marmaris, Kusadasi and Alanya. Many hotels have waterslides on-site and the luxury Lykia World hotel on the Lycian Coast boasts a staggering 18 waterslides. Another popular resort choice for families is Side, near Antalya, with its broad beaches, great weather and wide choice of kid-friendly hotels. Beach front properties in Lara Beach, Olu Deniz and along the Turkish Riviera offer brilliant, convenient bases for family holidays.
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- The most photographed beach in Turkey: Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon
Couples, Friends and Solo Travellers Almost all of the resorts in Turkey are suitable for adults, depending on the pace of life you prefer. Olu Deniz is home to Turkey’s most photographed beach, the stunning Blue Lagoon and is a great destination for a chilled-out beach holiday. There are plenty of small bed and breakfast hotels in the resort, ideal if you don’t want to fork out for the under-occupancy supplements that come with self-catering apartments. There are watersports on the beach and the ever-popular paragliding operators allow brave holidaymakers to glide down into the bay from the top of the nearby mountains. Seafront restaurants are open day and night and serve up a good mix of local and international cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Boat trips depart from the main beach each morning and offer a great opportunity to explore the area’s beautiful coastline. Free spirits backpack along the Lycian Way, with its rugged scenery, enchanting history and barefoot hippy camps. In the area, you’ll also find the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy, the setting of Louis DeBerniere’s novel Birds Without Wings. Nearby Fethiye is a good choice for those seeking a more traditional charm, with its cobbled streets, roman ruins and pretty harbour. If you can’t resist the beach, take a water taxi to Calis or the dolmus to Olu Deniz, which is about 12km away. Turkey isn’t short of luxury accommodation, for those seeking an ultra-relaxing getaway, honeymoon or even a wedding. Alanya and Belek on the Turkish Riviera are good choices for those looking for large, luxury complex-style hotels and Belek also bosts a golf course. Another popular resort choice for couples is Kas, with its range of upmarket accommodation, fascinating history and picturesque location in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Or head to Icmeler, just along the promenade from Marmaris but slightly more sedate than its lively neighbour, a bit like Turgutreis, on the outskirts of Bodrum. Nature lovers will love excursions to the ‘Cotton Castles’ formed by salt at Pammukale and the mystical Saklikent Gorge. Adventurous types should try a Gulet holiday, cruising on board a traditional Turkish yacht and exploring the clear Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Those seeking a city break with a difference should try Istanbul, with its beautiful architecture and east-meets-west culture.
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- Holidaymakers staying in the Bodrum area can take the day trip to breathtaking Pamukkale
Revellers Turkey is a Muslim country, but alcohol is widely available in tourist resorts. Partygoers flock to Bodrum, with its huge choice of bars, late night clubs and legendary Halkanas outdoor disco. Nearby Gumbet is also a long-standing favourite amongst the 18-30 crowds, with its lively nightlife and relaxed beachside vibe. Despite its popularity with families, Marmaris is also a good choice for a young and lively holiday, with plenty of value-for-money bars and late night venues in both the new and older parts of town. For a cheap holiday, travel with a group of friends and book an apartment to its full capacity. Another family resort that’s also popular with the party crowds is Hisaronu, near Olu Deniz. There’s no beach, because it’s in the mountains, but the stunning sands of the Blue Lagoon are only a ten minute bus ride away. At night, this bustling town comes alive with a wide selection of lively bars and discos. Holidays in Turkey aren’t complete without a Turkish bath and this pampering ritual can be the perfect antidote to a raucous night out. Fans of Ibiza-style cool love the Hillside Su in Anatalya. This modern Design Hotel features a cool cocktail bar, giant disco balls in the foyer and even underwater music in the swimming pool. Istanbul is a great choice for a city break, with its hip clubs, alfresco bars and rooftop terraces with stunning sunset views.
Hays Travel have a wide selection of Turkey holidays to suit every kind of holidaymaker. Choose from traditional package holidays, or build your own holiday using their huge choice of airlines and accommodation suppliers. For more advice on your Turkey 2011 holiday, visit the Hays Travel website, or call 0800 408 4130.
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- After dark: Istanbul has a lively nightlife
