Turkey

Kalkan: A Luxury Break Off the Beaten Track in Turkey

If you imagine that Turkey’s Dalmatian coast is all purpose-built resorts and noisy nightclubs then you’ve clearly never been to Kalkan. Authentic, traditional charm is something the small resort and fishing village of Kalkan takes very seriously. Nestled into the hillside with the Mediterranean in front and the Taurus Mountains rearing up dramatically behind, development has been restricted to ensure that the character of this beautiful old village is maintained. The locals here work hard to make sure that visitors

A Nature Lover’s Guide to Dalyan in the Summer

Unlike many of the Turkish resorts, the riverside town of Dalyan retains much of its authentic charm. Don’t get me wrong: it is set beside a river in stunning, protected countryside and has a dramatic backdrop of beautiful mountains… but it is a tourist resort. However, step away from the main drag with its lively bars and restaurants and it is easy to discover the essence of this traditional farming community in its back streets and charming architecture. It is

Sun, Sea and Spectacular Sand: Turkey’s Lara Beach

Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s far more to Lara Beach than stretches of sand and sparkling sea – although the golden coastline does warrant a few days of attention, at least. Otherwise known as Turkey’s very own family-friendly Las Vegas, this tourist hotspot is packed with attractions, from pools and waterparks to hot springs and waterfalls, guaranteeing that everyone is entertained. Not to mention the fabulous boutiques and bazaars: no need to worry about forgotten sun hats, the

Immerse Yourself in the Ancient City of Termessos

Anyone staying in or around the wonderful city of Antalya should definitely include a visit to the ancient city of Termessos, a place steeped in legends and one that is regarded as unique by many international organisations. Located high up in the Taurus Mountains at an altitude of 1000m, it is a spot that is quite tricky to reach. Once you have made the journey, however, you are rewarded with some of the most amazing views – especially when you

Get Your Ancient History Fix in Belek

Keen golfers who enjoy playing a round or two against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop will already be familiar with the resort of Belek. But while it is true that this purpose-built resort in south-east Turkey has access to more than its fair share of championship-level golf courses, don’t let those sporty types keep this idyllic spot all to themselves. There is a wonderful variety of sights for culture vultures to enjoy in the local area too, especially for those who

Ölüdeniz: The Gate to a Hiking Adventure

Ölüdeniz is a small village in southwestern Turkey, at the meeting-point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. This location made the region important in the past, positioning it well for coastal trade, and even sometimes piracy. Before the Greek conquest under Alexander the Great, the area was home to the Lycian League: a mysterious and warlike people, who nonetheless formed what has sometimes been called the world’s first democracy. This fascinating history, along with the challenging but manageable terrain, has

Side: The Perfect Family Beach Resort in Turkey

Side, pronounced ‘sea-day’, is one of Turkey’s best summer resorts for the whole family. It’s built around ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and there’s more than enough still standing and in museums for families to get their fill of culture. Perhaps more importantly, though, it’s also a beautiful, sunny location, with a wide variety of activities on offer. Relaxing and Fun on the West Beach Opening out onto the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the West Beach is the most

When In Turkey…Eat Turkish: Authentic Dining In Marmaris

When visiting Turkey, you’d be foolish to miss out on their delicious, vibrant dishes. Turkish cuisine mixes Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours, resulting in a brilliantly unique foody experience. As there are so many restaurants to choose from around Marmaris, I have listed three of the very best (so that you’re not quite so overwhelmed with choice!). Prepare your taste buds for some tasty Turkish treats… Ney Restaurant This is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet place to

Glamorous Golfing in Belek

Located near the city of Antalya on Turkey’s south coast, Belek is one of the most highly regarded golf destinations in the world. The town and surrounding area have hosted major tournaments such as the PGA European Seniors and the Ladies European Tour, and boast an impressive array of world-class golf courses. What’s more, the courses are attached to big-name luxury hotels – perfect spots to mingle with fellow cosmopolitan golf enthusiasts. Read on for some of the best courses

Sightseeing in Sultanahmet: Scope Out Its Cultural Gems!

So many travellers are oblivious to the smaller, less popular places to stay when visiting a famous city, but anyone who decides to stay outside the main city centre of Istanbul and instead heads to the beautiful Sultanahmet area will be very pleasantly surprised. Quite often overlooked, this pretty corner of the city has so much history right on its doorstep. If you don’t want to endure public transport, there’s no need if you choose to stay in Sultanahmet, as

Istanbul in a Nutshell: A Travel Guide

As this neat infographic confirms, Istanbul is an amazing destination where east meets west and everywhere in between. The words ‘eclectic’ and ‘diverse’ simply do not do justice as descriptions of the sheer amount of cultural influences that collide in this large city of over 13 million people. As one of Turkey’s – and the world’s – most coveted cities, it stands as a bridge between Europe and Asia. A trip to Istanbul will be one continuous assault on the

Be a Pirate for a Day: Sail the Lycian Coast

The stunning Lycian Coast in the south west of Turkey, is appropriately known as the Turquoise Coast. Part of the Turkish Riviera, nestled into a bay on the Aegean sea is the resort of Marmaris. While the resort itself can literally heave with visitors during the busy summer season, families can enjoy the beauty without the hustle and bustle by choosing accommodation in the quieter residential areas or a little further out of town. When we stayed we found a

The Best Breakfasts, Part 1: Turkey

In Turkey, the love affair with good food is embodied in the way that locals start their day. Breakfast is not merely a meal – it is a family gathering; a sit-down event intended to be savoured and enjoyed mindfully and decadently. The typical line-up for a Turkish breakfast usually includes a variety of breads, cheeses, butter, honey, jam, eggs, meats, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, which are all washed down with copious amounts of strongly brewed tea. If you’re travelling