New to Turkey

[lovelyleo]

I am at a loss to know where to try for May/June 2005.

Have been to nearly all the usual Med Resorts and think I'll give Turkey a try but as husband is not really very keen (thinks it`ll be too hot and bad food), wonder if someone can give me some directions.

So far, favourite places have been Croatia, North/North West Mallorca, Slovenia, Italian Lakes and Austrian type places. Would hate to end up somewhere where there are English/Irish Bars, Night Clubs, and rowdy Brits (also the British sun bed towel brigade).

Would like somewhere scenic, quiet and somewhere where the evening entertainment is a quiet pavement bar, watching the world go by. Also, not keen on a basic beach holiday. Would like to see some of the historic sites yet still have time for relaxing by the pool.

Want a very good quality hotel, which does seem to be a problem in Turkey, but don't want to be too far out in the sticks.

So far, seems Kankun or Olu Deniz ok, but is Olu Deniz full of day trippers/commercialised?

Does anyone have any advice on where would be best, and good hotels (at least 4 star please). Probably easiest Airport would be Dalaman as can fly there from airport 1 mile from home, but could go from Manchester if necessary.

[Jacquie]

I have just joined this Forum, and in fact, have never used one before, so please be kind to me, I am only just learning!!

I actually own some villas near Bodrum and also manage other villas as a rental business.

The villas are set in a very peaceful area of the Bodrum peninsula. Very quiet and tradtionally Turkish, however they are only 20 minutes by car or dolmus from Bodrum. So basically you can have the best of both worlds, chill all day, relax all day on a Blue Flag Beach and then party all night.

Also there are a number of very good quality (5 star) hotels on the Bodrum Peninsula, and if you book these locally or via the net, as opposed to through a UK travel agent, you can get some amazing deals.

I have got lots of contacts and friends in the area and whether you are looking for a villa or a hotel holiday, give me a shout and I will do my best to help.

Have a look at my websites... www.jacquiesvilla.co.uk or www.jacquieskinnerturkey.co.uk

Hope this has been of help to someone out there!

[lizzie]

Hi Lovelyleo

I've only been to 2 resorts in Turkey, Olu Deniz and Side so can't offer much advice re where to go, but I'd just like to say, don't worry about the food. I've been all over the world and Turkish food is some of the best there is. I've also found standards of hygiene to be very good.
It' can be very hot but May should be pleasant. I'd avoid July and August. We've experienced temps in the high 40's then.
Olu Deniz is very pretty but please avoid Hisaronu, just up the mountain. It's full of Brits and (in my opinion) tacky pubs and restaurants.

Lizzie

[The_Waltons]

We are quite new to Turkey, but have been there the last 2 years. We stayed in Calis which is close to Fethiye and not far from Olu Deniz. This area is probably more suited to what you are looking for. You would fly to Dalaman for this area. I am like you husband never fancied Turkey, but must say give it try the food is top class and never had a bad meal, the weather is hot but May/June is bearable high 80s. As for 4" hotels I haven't got a clue, we stayed in a 3" BB, but even though the rooms were basic they were spotlessly clean. The entertainment is mainly bars with the odd club, we spent most nights in the restaraunts.
We also stayed in Gumbet which is very lively in comparison and found it was not as good for trips out but very good for entertainment. The down side for Gumbet is it is typically English with Sunday lunch and Burger King thrown in.

[spice]

Hi Ive only been to Altinkum in Turkey which i love its mainly Turkish bars and British holidaymakers mostly families though, with no sign of burger king or mackies. The food is the best Ive had specially in the sultan restaurant where Isa the owner will happily let you look in his kitchen if you want too.

[AirtoursTraveller]

Hi,

I would highly recommend Bodrum/Gumbet. It is a beautiful resort and not as hot as some Turkish retreats. It has really nice locals and a friendly atmosphere! During May time Bodrum will be quiet but not too quiet and there is a larger Russian and German market here then British.

I would generally recommend Panorama for Turkey as they are very experienced in Turkish and Cypriot holidays. They fly direct from Manchester to Bodrum Milas Airport several times a week with handy flight times to.

If you are feeling ultra adventurous and want to try somewhere completely different I would recommend the island of Symi in Rhodes. It is just 4 miles from the coast of Turkey but enjoys a balanced mix of Greek and Turkish life. It is small and requires a ferry to reach which is arranged by your tour operator. It is very picturesque, largely undiscovered, private and exclusive in some ways. You would not feel secluded but again wouldn't be overrun at all ,by British or any other tourists.

The best tour operator to Symi Island would be Manos as they are experts in Greek getaways and I believe the only company from the UK to Symi unless Olympic operate here but I wouldn�t advise their services. Flights to Rhodes can be arranged from Manchester almost daily during the summer for as little a �262 and a full package in May/June to Symi can be had from �305 with Manos bearing in mind that hotels aren't large and lavish by any means here but you would be experiencing the real Greece!

Regards
AirtoursTraveller

[Sazz]

"
Would like somewhere scenic, quiet and somewhere where the evening entertainment is a quiet pavement bar, watching the world go by. Also, not keen on a basic beach holiday. Would like to see some of the historic sites yet still have time for relaxing by the pool.

Want a very good quality hotel, which does seem to be a problem in Turkey, but don't want to be too far out in the sticks.

" --- lovelyleo


Hi, well it looks like we all have our favourite places in Turkey but I can only speak about Calis/Fethiye as that is the place I have travelled to the most. Fethiye is a Turkish town, and fits all of your criteria perfectly. It has mountain scenery, beautiful views over the bay and has a lovely harbour. There are many places to visit on day trips such as the ghost village of Kayakoy, Saklikent Gorge, Patara beach, the rock tombs and more. When we were over one time, my mother in law and I went to the www.ecesaray.net to check out the rooms as her husband is disabled and we wanted to see if it was suitable. It is a lovely 4 star hotel, with excellent service and is gated with security guards. The staff go out of their way to give excellent service. The room we were shown looked lovely and you could have a beautiful view across the bay. We had a meal there one evening which was excellent too. Savile Tours on the net has this hotel but there are many other agencies all offering different prices.

There is an old part of the town where there is an old Turkish bath. We went there on our last trip, it is an experience!

You will meet British people in Fethiye, but there are no British bars as far as I know, Calis Beach is 10 minutes away and is the place where most Brits stay, we love it there and I'm sure you would too but I think Fethiye is your best bet.

You can see some photos here taken last winter http://www.fethiyefotos.co.uk/

Hope you have a great time wherever you decide to go, dont forget to come back and tell us how it went

[lizzie]

I have to agree with Sazz. We have visited Fethiye a few times for the market etc. It strikes me as a real Turkish town, not really a holiday resort as such, but with a lovely harbour, nice shops and I think it would make a good base to explore the area.
The only hotels I have experienced 1st hand are of the All Inclusive variety, which I don't think you are interested in.
Have you looked a t a tour operator called Tapestry? I think they might be up your street.

Regards

Lizzie

[nethost]

Hi Looking at your post I would say Olu-deniz I think you will want to stay out of the main street, last year we stayed at the Blue Lagoon hotel the staff were brilliant as was the food although you're only 5 minutes from the main street where the restaurants and bars can be found, unlike Marmaris which by the sound of it you won't like the restaurant staff don't hassle you or try to drag you in. Food wise we have never had a bad meal in Turkey.
Like you we went into our local travel agent to get a holiday in Greece etc but they were all booked up, they persuaded us to go to Turkey and we have never looked back, there are plenty of top class hotels and private villas which we are thinking about renting next year.
Give Turkey a try you won't regret it

[crabbit]

Hi Lovelyleo
It sounds to me that the place for you is Koycegiz: with its history, nature, lake and sea, is a paradise within paradise. Koycegiz is a wonderful holiday resort, with a 850 bed capacity in its various hotels and pensions. Koycegiz has untouched nature, citrus trees, incensce (sigla) trees, (in Turkey only Koycegiz has this tree species), 52 square kilometres of land and the marvellous Koycegiz Lake, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic mountain views. In Koycegiz, there are 2km of lake side promenade, a beach, and camping area surrounded by Insence trees. Koycegiz lake is quiet untill noon for canoe and rowing sports, but during the afternoon a breeze blows, making the conditions ideal for both windsurfing and sailing.

Koycegiz is one of the few places in the world where you can see the famous frankincense tree (Liquid amber). Also, Koycegiz and the surrounding environment is a protected area. The town is only 35km from Dalaman airport, 60km from Marmaris and 70km from Fethiye. You can find regular buses to all parts of the country. Koycegiz's honey, thyme and citrus fruits are very famous.

Koycegiz also houses a weekly market (every Monday). The market runs throughout the year, as Koycegiz is a working village, not just a tourist resort. Many Western Europeans have chosen to live here, both retired and those considering retiring. Koycegiz and the surrounding area has so much to offer, that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Turkey, so charming and utterly captivating.

Dalayan/Caunos: According to Herodotos, the Caunians were natives of Caria; he says, however, that the Caunians considered themselves to be of Cretan origin. Strabo reports that the city of Caunos had dockyards and a harbour that could be closed. At Caunos you can find; a Roman Theater, Stoa (Hellenistic in date), roman bath, Palaestra (probably roman in date), water reservoir, Templum in antis and Tholos (monopteros), Nymphaion Temple (built in Roman times), prostylos tetrastylos of the Corinthian order (Roman period). Pripteros with 6 by 9 columns (Roman period). All these can be visited throughout the year.

Rock Tombs: The tombs were carved into the top of rocky mountains surrounding the reed-edged Dalyan river. The river itself flows from koycegiz lake and meanders to the sea. The rock tombs date back to 4(th) century BC.

The waterfall: Lies 1.5km North of Koycegiz on the main road to Mugla. The path following the flow of water upstream is a gentle climb taking you to the waterfall, the scenery is stunning. The lagoon and waterfall are totally natural, the lagoon is suitable for both swimming and diving. Here, the view is picture perfect, natural and completely relaxing.

Agla Plateau: Is located 15km from Koycegiz. The surroundings are truly beautiful! The plateau is approximately 800m above sea level, which means the air is slightly cooler and fresh. There is cultural event called Mahya Day on Agla plateau in the 2nd week of August, on a Thursday.

Rafting On Dalaman River: The river lies 30km east of Koycegiz. It is suitable for water-sports and rafting tours have been organized there since 1993. A trip through unspoilt, natural valley's is a wonderful experience.

Ekincik Bay: Lies 40km South of Koycegiz. Here is a natural harbour for yachts and it's one of the major resort spots of the �Blue voyage� It can be reached by car or by boat from Koycegiz.

Turtle Beach: Is a long, golden sandy beach (8km) This beach, which is a nature conservation area, is one of the 17 beaches along the Mediterranian; it is one of the last nesting places for the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs. ( There is a boat trip available everyday going to turtle beach).

Insence (Sigla) Tree Afforestation: Insence trees are very rare and in Turkey only grown in the Koycegiz region. For this reason, this species is under protection. In the world Incense trees are grown only in Koycegiz. Honduras and Sigla oil are obtained from the outer covering of the trees, called �Buhur�, this is used in medicine (antiseptic purpose), cosmetic and parfume sectors.

Sultaniye Hot Spring And Mud Baths: The second best thermal resort of the world is Sultaniye Thermal Resort and mud baths. These lie south west of Koycegiz Lake. The water is about 39C, which means it has many medical benefits.

Sultaniye Thermal Spring Water is good for the following diseases as approved by university reports.
1 ) Rheumatism
2 ) Skin diseases
3 ) Heart and blood circulation problems
4 ) Respiration system diseases
5 ) Gynaecological diseases
6 ) Kidney and urethra diseases
7 ) Gastric and intestinal diseases
8 ) Nerve, muscle fatigue and stres
9 ) Neuropathy
10 ) Eye diseases
11 ) Convalescense after operation
12 ) Nourishment problems

Briefly Koycegiz, with its;

� Drinkable water
� Roads convenient for walking
� Sightseeing along 2km of promenade
� Swimmable lake


Koycegiz is a great place to relax any time of the year. It has not been, overrun by mass tourism and is quiet and pleasant enough to make it possible to enjoy the mediterranean coast at its best.

Crabbit