Turkey

Formerly known as ANATOLIA and regarded as the 'cradle of civilisation' Turkey is a land of treasures with one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean. A country offering an exotic blend of culture, traditions and renowned hospitality, coupled with miles and miles of sandy beaches, a fabulous climate, spectacular mountain ranges, ancient sites, hidden gorges and exciting cosmopolitan cities. Geographically diverse with snow-capped mountains in the east, lush green valleys and rich fertile agricultural lands in the west with a temperate climate in the north, the southern coast of Turkey is hot and dry with the spectacular Taurus mountain range stretching the length from Olu Deniz to Adana.

The Turquoise Coast/Lycia region

Situated South West of Turkey, this stretch of the Turkish coastline is known as the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast and stretches from Fethiye in the west right through to the Syrian border in the east. Without doubt one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in the Mediterranean. The area from Fethiye to Kemer is of outstanding beauty and known as Lycia and has Turkey's most dramatic coastline with mountains falling away into crystal clear seas.
Summer temperatures average 30 - 40 c with a winter average of 15 c. Rainfall is mainly during the months from December to February.

Listed below are some of the areas surrounding the apartment situated within the Turquoise Coast/Lycia region.

Fethiye

No more than a 15 min dolmus ride away is Fethiye, the main harbour town in the area. The town is typically Turkish with lively bustling shops, markets, marina, bars and restaurants, including a fish market where you can choose your lunch and have it cooked there and then and of course plenty of nightlife. It is steeped in history and the amazing Fethiye Lycian rock tombs on the face of the east of the city are clearly visible when walking through. The westerly facing beach makes it a perfect place to visit and watch the sunset.
Fethiye has a wonderful traditional weekly market on a Tuesday with endless stalls and a fantastic array of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is a real day out and a great atmosphere. Whilst your there, why not start at the outdoor food cafes for Turkish pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice!
With a port in the town, it make Fethiye an excellent centre for catching tour boats to visiting the ancient sites in western Lycia, fishing trips and diving excursions. You can even catch a hydrofoil to Rhodes (1.5 hour).

You will find a couple of good supermarkets in Fethiye as well - Migros and Carrefour.
Promenade along the sea front, try out the historic local Turkish baths or visit the local markets and bazaars, engulfed in culture and much to offer, Fethiye is definitely worth visiting.

Oludeniz


The nearest beach is the spectacular Olu Deniz beach - again catch a Dolmus and in 10 minutes you can spread out on your beach chair and spend the day in the sun.
Oludeniz which quite literally means the " Dead Sea" holds a beach and lagoon which is arguably the most photographed in Turkey and probably Europe, with crystal clear turquoise waters and gentle lapping waves, where the line between the sea and sky blends into one. Mother Nature's finishing touch was to surround this 'heaven on earth' with a spectacular mountain and pine forest backdrop.
At the far end of this famous wide bay of coarse white sand which curves round is a natural lagoon set inside a national park area known more famously as the ‘Blue Lagoon’. Not visible from the open sea the lagoon is very sheltered with still, warm waters, absolutely perfect for those looking for a bit of escapism! Further along from Olu Deniz is another beach called 'Kidrak', quiet and secluded with a woodland area perfect for picnics.
The beach front of Oludeniz is a fantastic place to either sun bath, or experience the relaxed atmosphere. With its laid back impression you can easily spend the day on the beach watching the paragliders descending from Mount Babadag on to the beach front. If you are brave enough you can try a tandem paraglide from Mount Babadag. Well worth it - an unforgettable and unique experience to this area. Try the many water sports here including the banana boat or party to the early hours of the morning.
Oludeniz is a very popular tourist destination, lots of restaurants, shops, bars and the beach has shower, toilet and changing areas. The beach is free but the lagoon charges a very small entrance fee, but is well worth it. This is another fantastic place to stroll along in the evening.

Hisaronu

Hisaronu is a satellite resort of Fethiye. Set on a hill 1500 feet above sea level. You can catch a Dolmus or take a 15 minute pleasant walk from the apartment to Hisaronu which is now one of Turkey's top holiday destinations!
Close to Olu Deniz, a resort that is largely unspoilt and surrounded by breathtaking beauty, with stunning backdrops of mount Babadag (Father Mountain) and pine clad forests; Hisaronu has an irresistible charm all of its own. Strict conservation ensures buildings are kept to a 2 storey maximum, so no high-rise here! And during the summer months there is a usually a refreshing cooling breeze coming up from the sea
Walk around soaking up the holiday atmosphere in the evening and feel safe and relaxed. With its many shops, bars and restaurants offering culinary delights, both Turkish and International cuisine, as well as its bustling weekly market which sells just about everything, the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. There is a great choice of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes,
Hisaronu contains all the amenities expected from a small town abroad. Cash points, shops, pharmacies, doctors, etc. In Hisaronu there is also a small fun fair with a Ferris wheel, and a recently opened Go Kart racing track as well as other play activities area for children. And for all your grocery needs an Azda & Migros supermarket.


Kaya Koy Village

The ‘Ghost Village’ of Kaya Koy or as it was known for much of its history ‘Levissi’. This deserted Greek settlement was built in the 14th century on the ancient site of Karmillassos which was destroyed by earthquake. The village was abandoned after the Turkish and Greek governments signed a 'population exchange' agreement in 1922. The Greek population was exchanged with the Turkish population residing in Western Thrace.
The large hillside town is still abandoned and the ruins have the feel of a ghost town. Wander round this 'haunted' village or take a ride on a camel, take in its history and afterwards
dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants.
A visit to Kaya Koy in the evening is particularly recommended as this is when the village is lit up and evening mists settle, providing a stunning backdrop to a wonderful meal. There is much to keep you entertained including the renowned Turkish Belly Dancers. Most or nearly all of the restaurants in the area provided a pick up and drop off service to your accommodation at either little or no charge.
Kayakoy can be reached by dolmus or on foot via a well marked hiking trail from Hisaronu or Fethiye.

Calis (Chalis)

It is also worth visiting the quieter small resort of Calis (Chalis) which is only about a 15-20 minute drive by Dolmus, for an afternoon strolling along the beach front and sitting in the many cafes and bars. Calis also has a very popular fresh market on Sundays - This is also a great place for water sports, and there is also a bigger Aqua park to keep the children (or adults) entertained! A shallow walk in kids pool with two small slides, a mini park with swings, large swimming pool and of course the big slides, eight in total with their own plunge pool. There are private changing rooms a bar and snack bar. See www.sultansaquacity.com