TURKEY: Dalaman
Turkey's Lycian Coast - the area around Dalaman - is affectionately known as the 'Turquoise Coast', so called for its impossibly turquoise seas. The majestic Taurus Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the region, often plunging steeply into the sea, and the coastline is scattered with fine sandy beaches and classical ruins. Combining delicious cuisine with warm hospitality, ancient cities with outstanding natural beauty, this rich and colourful land is spilling over with allure and charm. Go forth and discover this magical corner of the world.
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
Southeast of Dalaman is arguably Turkey's most famous beach, Olu Deniz, regarded as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Mediterranean. Backed by sweet-smelling pine trees, 3km of soft white sands melt away into a lagoon of deepest sapphire by way of tantalising turquoise, enticing jade and electric aquamarine. Translated, Olu Deniz means 'dead sea', referring to the calmness and serenity of the water, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Eating out
There's no danger of you going hungry in Turkey - it's positively brimming with cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants catering for wide range of palates and pockets. Sit back in a taverna and watch with wide-eyed wonder as a seemingly endless procession of mezes are brought out to you. These hors d'oeuvre-like dishes normally comprise at least 15 or so delicacies such as pan-fried liver, garlicky yoghurt infused with coriander and borek, pastry parcels either rolled up like cigarettes or cut into triangles. Often that's more than enough to fill you up but those with a bigger appetite will happily move on to mainstay of Turkish cuisine, kebabs. Try the traditional doner kebab, a spit-roasted joint that's finely sliced and served with an array of salads and sauces in open pitta or meatlovers among you will enjoy a mouthwatering kofta kebab comprising large grilled meatballs drizzled with hot tomato sauce. No Turkish meal is complete without plenty of bread, ekmek, and lavas bread is particularly good, served hot and smothered in butter and cheese. The national drink is cay, tea served without milk but lashings of sugar, while its favourite spirit is raki, an aniseed-flavoured tipple similar to ouzo.
Nightlife
Head to Hisaronu if you like your evenings lively. Bursting with clubs and pubs the music keeps on playing – loud and long into the night. Meanwhile, Marmaris' nightlife rivals anything on the Turkish coast with an abundance of bars and discos to satisfy your cocktail cravings. If you prefer something a little more reserved, the region has plenty of cosy cafes and intimate bars in which you can kick back and relax, and reflect on another great day.
Shopping
Forget air-conditioned, super-sized shopping centres and head down to a local bazaar for a real slice of Turkish life. 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, and Ottoman-style hookah water pipes. Onyx is popular and you'll find plenty of ashtrays, vases, bowls and chess sets carved from this beautiful stone. Merchants are fully prepared for you to haggle with them over prices so play your cards right and you'll head home with a plethora of bargains.
