SARIGERME

This stunning Blue Flag beach at Sarigerme is only 15 minutes from the apartment.

You can enjoy your picnic at one of the plentiful tables and chairs in the cool natural shade of the trees. There are a couple of kiosks selling drinks and snacks if you choose not to bring your own picnic.  

Just along from the picnic area you will find toilets, showers, and changing cabins.

The fine white sand beach has well spaced sunloungers and umbrellas.  It’s not at all crowded so there is plenty of room to just lie on the sands if you prefer.   The waters are warm, clear, shallow and safe, and there is constant cooling breeze.

Various water sports are available such as banana boating, parascending, scuba diving.

The village of Sarigerme has several shops, bars and restaurants, plus a weekly market, or bazaar.

GÖCEK (go-chek)

Just 15 minutes from the apartment is the attractive marina town of Gocek.

Gocek is popular with Turkish and foreign yachtsmen alike, and there is an annual regatta.

I’ve also been told it is a favourite stopover for jet-setters and celebrities.  Restaurants and bars line the waterside, with a few more in the village centre.   They are many opportunities for boat trips can be taken from here.

 DALYAN

The riverside resort of Dalyan is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and just 20 minutes from the apartment.  

Dalyan is situated on a river, surrounded by green fields and mountain ranges. Over the river is the ancient city of Kaunos (or is it Caunos) one of the greatest archaeological sites in Turkey.

The area around Dalyan has a spectacular variety of wildlife, including a great variety of birds. A short relaxing boat trip from the harbour will take you to a four kilometre long beach that is home to the almost extinct Caretta Caretta turtles.  They are of course fully protected.

Another of Dalyan popular attractions are the sulphur rich mud baths.  Various healing properties are claimed, but if nothing else they certainly are an interesting experience and not to be missed.

Dalyan also has a huge market once a week, and many shops, bars and restaurants.

FETHIYE

The popular resort town of Fethiye with its bustling marina is around 40 to 50 minutes from the apartment.

Fethiye is known for interesting ancient and cultural heritage sites.  See its elaborately carved rock tombs in the faces of the cliffs.  These are especially remarkable; one is the tomb of Amnytas dating from the 4th century BC and is well worth visiting. Other historical places in the city are the Fethiye Tower and the Sarcopaghi.

There is a wealth of shops in Fethiye and, of course, the weekly market

MARMARIS                       

This colourful, cosmopolitan resort town is a couple of hours from the apartment.

It’s hugely popular and was described by our 17 year olds (who took a bus there from Dalaman) as ‘buzzing’. It’s the place to go for bustling shops, bars and restaurants, and a busy marina.

The striking bay is set off by pine clad mountains. There is a beach and covered bazaar.

EPHESUS and PAMUKKALE

Both are 3 to 4 hours distant, but are definitely worth the trip.  Value for money two day trips can be arranged from Dalaman.

Ephesus (Efes)

This ancient city is one of the most stunning examples of Roman life that can still be seen today. Thought to have been inhabited since c3000 B.C.  With evidence of Roman, Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman civilisations, it is a favourite international and local tourist location, and an absolute must for anyone with even a passing interest in history.  The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Pamukkale (or ‘Cotton Castle’)

A natural wonder of mineral-rich waters flowing over gleaming white calcium travertines formed through the centuries, set amid historic ruins. This thermal centre is renowned worldwide for its therapeutic benefits for rheumatism, dermatological and gynaecological disorders as well as nervous and digestive complaints. The waters come from the ground at 35 degrees Celsius and run over the travertines created by centuries of natural activity. The Roman ruins include a vast necropolis, and the former baths.