Waiting for you in Turkey are some of the finest sandy beaches in Europe, ruins and antiquities dating back to Roman times, sporting activities and delicious local produce and food influenced from the east.
Relax on the Beach
4,454 miles of coastline are dotted with coves, inlets and sandy beaches. Pack your bags and your buckets and spend a few hours on one of the beautiful beaches that overlook either the Mediterranean or the Aegean.
Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan – An eco-beach adjoining a nature reserve. Loggerhead turtles hatch here in June and July – be careful not to disturb their nests and, note that there are no night time visits from May to September. An excellent swimming beach due its gently sloping sea bed.
Pantara beach, Antalya – 11 miles of unbroken dunes. From the top of the dunes it is possible to witness a simultaneous sunset and moonrise. During the summer the shoreline can be exposed to off shore winds and body boardable waves.
Phaselis, the Turquoise Coast – Lovely swimming as three small bays overlook the ruins of Phaselis. Lie on the beach and contemplate the monuments.
Explore Ancient Sites
The Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman Empires have left their mark on the landscape.
Named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is situated on the outskirts of Bodrum. Completed in 350 BC it is said it survived for 19 centuries before being destroyed by an earthquake. Excavations and gardens can be explored and a visit is recommended.
Scattered across Turkey lie many Greek and Roman amphitheatres. Bodrum Amphitheatre is believed to have been built in 4th C BC during the reign of King Mausolos. During the Summer you may be lucky to catch a concert here and in September it is used as part of the Bodrum Festival. At Aspendos the impressive amphitheatre rises to 315 feet – it is believed to be one of the best-preserved arenas outside of Italy.
North of Fethiye are the ruins at Kaunos. Here you can see the remains of the temple, the acropolis, roman baths and tombs. Similar Lycian cut hanging tombs can be found at Myra on the Antalayan coast.
Participate with the Elements
Earth, Sea and Air
If you are an adventurous tourist, you can experience adrenaline-pumping activities and sports in Turkey. Quench your thirst for thrills and try something new.
Earth - Mountain Climbing, Mountain and Quad Biking, Caving, Canyoning are all available to those who dare to be different.
Sea – Windsurfing, Sea Kayaking, Kiteboarding and Scuba diving for those in the swim.
Air – Paragliding, Parasailing and Hot Air Ballooning will attract those who want to feel the wind beneath their wings.
Get Golfing
Over half a million golfing enthusiasts visit Turkey each year to enjoy the greens and fairways!
Caraya Golf Club, Belek – (18 hole) course. Native heathers are planted throughout the course giving it a heathland field; surprising in the Mediterranean. Umbrella pines flank fairways and the undulating site is a challenge any golfer.
The Gloria Golf Resort boasts two championship courses (27 hole), one being the oldest in Turkey, opening in 1997. Wandering through pine woodland, seven lakes and sixty bunkers the original is not an easy course – golfers will welcome a par score. The Gloria’s 17th hole has its own island green – a little breeze and you could be losing your balls to the lake.
The Maxx Royal Golf Club (also known as Papillon) – (18 hole) is designed by Colin Montgomerie. The championship course has a gentle start but several water hazards and well planted oak tree clusters need to be avoided to achieve success.
Degustation – Eat!
Turkish food combines elements from Central Asian, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Greek and Balkan Cuisines. Local delicious produce includes citrus fruits, olives, nuts, sunflowers, fruits, vegetables and cheese.
Destinology’s Top 10 dishes to get your taste buds watering
Menemen – Eggs and vegetables served traditionally at breakfast with Ekmek, traditional bread to dip in and soak up the fabulous flavours.
Meze – a chance to try a little of everything. Diners can sample choices of bean dishes, salads, domas (stuffed vegetables), dips (hummus, baba ghanoush and tzatziki) and bread. This should have a little something for everyone.
Lahmacun – Turkish flatbread covered with toppings of cheese, vegetables and all kinds of meat. Pide is a more substantial version. – a bit like pizza but never say that in Turkey.
Imam Bayildi – Smoked aubergines topped with rice, bulgur, vegetables (Vegan friendly) or stewed lamb and baked.
Kofta – meatballs made with lamb or beef served as a stew, in bread, or over salad if you are feeling healthy.
Sis Kebap – lamb, chicken or fish cooked on a stick wrapped with pitta bread and drenched with a choice of sauce.
Doner – it wouldn’t be Turkey without a mention of this. Slow-cooked meat with spices and garlic yoghurt in a pitta or ekmek.
Borek – Filo pastries, sweet and savoury rolls. Choose cheese and spinach or custard fillings.
Baklava – Nutty, sugary, syrupy pastries often topped with pistachio. Eat fresh and prepare for sticky fingers.
Lokum – Turkish delight a nougaty dessert with a variety of flavouring – Rose is a favourite.
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