TURKEY: Bodrum
Lapped by crystalline waters shot with luminous shades of turquoise and aquamarine, Turkey's sun-blushed Aegean coast has to be one of the most blessed corners of the world. Inland, it's the same story with rocky escarpments, cloaked in pines, leading down silvery olive groves and centuries-old stone villages. But it's not just this stunning natural canvas that makes western Turkey such a hit with visitors – it's one of those rare destinations that is able to fulfil the needs of so many different visitors while preserving its customs and exotic feel. So, whether it's admiring the ruins of a forgotten Roman city, watching a veiled belly dancer shimmy before you, tasting the delights of a meze meal or dancing until five in the morning, this part of Turkey really does seem to have it all. Western Turkey brings together European and Middle Eastern elements like no other. Journey along the Aegean coastline and you'll bear witness to an amazing cultural melange - the crumbling remains of Greek and Roman temples stand Side by Side with the needle-like minarets of Islamic mosques. Geographically too, western Turkey is where East meets West - the waters of the Dardanelles are the traditional dividing line between Asia and Europe. Straddling two disparate continents, Turkey is both familiar and curious – providing countless opportunities for discovery and relaxation.
The distinctive Aegean Coast and the 'Turquoise' Mediterranean Coast are home to many of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations, and it's not hard to see why. Families and beach lovers flock here for the unbeatable combination of endless beaches and blue seas, while older families find something for everyone in the bigger, busier resorts. Couples of all ages head for the calmer, quainter resorts, while for the more intrepid, Turkey is a country literally littered with historical sights and its rich and varied landscape offers some highly recommended hiking. With something for everyone, Turkey pulls in all kinds of tourism. Along both of Turkey's major holiday coasts, white-washed towns neighbour huge marinas, and major cities have emerged alongside picturesque resorts that have lost little of their native flavour.
The Aegean Coast is known for its cosmopolitan cities, pretty villages and spectacular sights, while on the Mediterranean Coast, mountains sweep down to the shoreline and beach resorts abound. With bustle of big resorts such as Gumbet and Marmaris, the subtler blend of old and new in Bodrum and Antalya or the beauty of Icmeler and Olu Deniz, Turkey has well and truly ensured it has catered for every type of holiday.
Beaches
Kusadasi has its fair share of sandy shores and Tusan Beach and Ladies' Beach are particularly popular in the summer months. Bodrum, meanwhile, has no beach of its own although the Gumbet Peninsula is only a short journey away by dolmus. Here you'll find a host of enticing sands, including the beaches of Bitez, Ortakent and Gumbet, the latter of which is particularly popular with young crowds and watersports enthusiasts.
Eating out
For centuries, the Ottoman Turks held sway over vast lands, stretching from the banks of the Danube to the shores of the Red Sea. As a result, Turkish cuisine is a mix of disparate gastronomic styles – don't be surprised to see Balkan-influenced grills, sweet-tasting Greek pastries and Persian rice dishes infused with Arabic spices on restaurant menus. The mainstay of Turkish cuisine is, perhaps unsurprisingly, kebabs. You'll find a wide selection to choose from: shish kebab is made with lamb or chicken grilled on a skewer with tomatoes, peppers and onions; doner kebab is a spit-roasted joint that's finely sliced and served with an array of salads and sauces in open pitta; and kofta kebab comprises large grilled meatballs drizzled with hot tomato sauce. Simply delicious.
Nightlife
For years the open-air Halikarnas Disco in Bodrum was renowned as THE nightclub in the Mediterranean. Today, it's still just as popular but has been joined by a host of other nightspots. Bars, pubs and cafes abound along Turkey's Aegean Coast so whether you want to strut yourself on the dancefloor to the latest sounds or sip a happy hour cocktail, there's plenty to do once the sun goes down.
Shopping
For a real slice of Turkish life, head down to a local bazaar where you'll find an assortment of traditional goods, trinkets and, of course, the ubiquitous Turkish rug. Best buys include ceramic plates, bowls, jugs and pots painted in vivid blues and greens, brass tea services, leatherware, including jackets, bags, belts and shoes, and Ottoman-style hookah water pipes. Merchants will expect you to haggle with them over prices – so go for broke!
