Turkish Holiday Resorts

UNESCO has proclaimed 2010 as Osman Hamdi Bey Year on the 100th anniversary of his death. He was a painter, archaeologist, art expert and founder of the Istanbul Archaeological museum. This year also sees Istanbul as the European Capital of Culture and if this is not enough to tempt you to visit Turkey, consider the opening in September of the world`s largest mosaic museum in Gaziantep. The Zeugma Museum will house mosaics rescued from the Roman villas of Zeugma before the Birecik Dam Project flooded the region. Situated in the South East of Turkey, Gaziantep is amongst the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

The fascinating remains of early civilisations and a long history stretching back 10,000 years are not the only reasons to choose Turkey as a holiday destination. Its breathtakingly beautiful mountains and other-worldly landscapes draw visitors from all over the world, whilst a beautiful coastline, clear seas and a geographical location which ensures a long summer season with dependable sun and low rainfall, make the Aegean and Mediterranean regions popular for beach-style holidays. Check out this guide to some of the more popular resorts to be found in this region:

Bodrum Gumbet

Guarded by an impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes, the bay of Bodrum sits where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. The clear tideless waters are popular with divers keen to explore the reefs, caves and rock formations housing an immense variety of aquatic life including multicoloured sponges and octopus.

In addition to the active recreational opportunities available by day and the lively Bodrum nightlife there are many more tranquil bays, beaches and villages within reach around the Bodrum peninsula, providing the visitor with the opportunity to experience traditional Turkish life only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the modern tourist centre.

Milas-Bodrum Airport, with daily flights to Istanbul, is 33km north of Bodrum and regular flights to Bodrum leave the UK every day.

Marmaris Icmeler

120km northwest of Dalaman Airport with frequent flights from the UK, lies Marmaris. It is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the aroma of the frankincense tree and probably the most popular centre for water sports and sailing in Turkey. Weekly ferries run between Marmaris and Venice during the summer season and the clear blue sea is warm enough for swimming from early May until late September.

Above the town is a citadel built by the Suleiman the Magnificent, the remains of which are still visible.

Icmeler Marmaris

Situated close to Marmaris, here the mountains slope directly down to sandy beaches. One of the most attractive resorts in Turkey, it is quieter with less nightlife. The Wednesday markets held by local visitors can be good value if you are prepared to barter.

Alanya Antalya

Situated further south than many Turkish resorts Alanya has a longer season with pools and beaches open from March to November. The modern harbour is a stopping-off point for international cruise ships and a regular jetfoil to Cypress. Gazipasa Airport 33 km South East of Alanya re-opened in July 2009.

Dalaman

Dalaman airport serves the western Mediterranean coast with daily flights to Istanbul and Ankara and charter flights to and from foreign cities in summer. Dalaman itself is rapidly becoming a destination itself rather than a stop over on the way to other resort towns. Development of the area in harmony with the surrounding environment has led to many Europeans purchasing property for investment. The town itself has its own huge natural beach, protected from overdevelopment because of the rare loggerhead turtles that frequent the river and beach.

Altinkum

Not far from the archaeological site of Didim (Didima) with its colossal Temple of Apollo is the beautiful beach of Altinkum (Golden Sands) with its many guest houses. This is a small, relatively new resort on the peninsular surrounding Mugla on the east coast, about an hour`s journey by car from Bodrum-Milas Airport. The local market in Didim is a 25 minute walk away, or can be reached by buses which run from the resort centre every five minutes. The nightlife includes family-friendly British and Irish pubs as well as Turkish bars, nightclubs and discos and an international cuisine.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi (Bird Island) is a lovely port with a large modern marina and terraced town overlooking a beautiful inlet of the Aegean Sea. The Tusan-Kustur Beach, north of Kusadasi has a reputation as one of the cleanest and 30 km away is the Dilek Peninsula National Park, home to the rare Anatolian cheetah and some of the last remaining wild horses in Turkey. Izmir airport is the best choice for visitors to resorts on the East coast.

Accommodation in all these resorts varies from high end hotels, guest houses and villas with travel deals available at all levels. Bon voyage!