With a sunny climate and little rainfall, Dalaman in the region of Mugla, has long been popular as a tourist destination. The area has everything from sandy beaches, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. There are hundreds of small and large bays along its long coastal strip and with friendly locals make for an excellent holiday.
RESORTS
Marmaris is a popular and lively resort and the list of things to see and do is endless, it has the feel of a sophisticated Western resort, but venture into the narrow streets of the Old Quarter where you will find a more traditional atmosphere. A long beach of dark volcanic sand, nightlife that’s as varied and vibrant than it’s wealth of visitors... and that’s just to begin with…No holiday to Marmaris is complete without a visit to the Turkish bath at Armutalan, or a cruise around the bay to take in the stunning scenery and top up your tan. The promenade roars with people passing through its bars and cafes. Sun worshippers line the beach from dawn till dusk. Step back from the seafront and you'll discover a town with an abundance of restaurants. Indulge from Hamsi (Turkish fish) to fish and chips, raki to red wine – holidaying in Marmaris is just so easy. Don't leave without a bargain. Holidays in Marmaris mean a visit to the massive market. Marmaris has an almost irresistible nightlife – belly dancing to boogie nights - its got it all. Plan ahead or decide at the last minute – holidays in Marmaris have it covered!
Recommended Accommodation: Grand Azur 5*, Grand Pasa 5*, Elegance Hotel 5*, Mares Hotel 4*, Club Magic Life 4*, Marmaris Palace 4*
Icmeler
Icmeler - At the foot of the pine-clad mountains, the sleepy village of Icmeler is a collection of whitewashed houses covered in purple bouganvillea and where the streets are separated by orange and lemon trees. The modern resort has a collection of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. Beautifully landscaped, the approach to the resort shows it at its best. Quieter than Marmaris, Icmeler offers the laid back approach to holidays that has long been popular in Turkey. Icmeler holidays are about sunny mornings swimming in the pool, lounging on the beach and making waves with watersports. They're about warm evenings with the air buzzing with chatter and bubbling with laughter. They're about bars open till late, people singing their hearts out with karaoke and bar staff performing impromptu shows on stage.
Recommended Accommodation: Aqua Hotel, Munamar, Hotel Blue Rainbow, Fortune Beach Hotel, Selen Apartments, Club Aquarium Apartments
Olu Deniz
Olu Deniz lies about 50 miles from the airport at Dalaman, and is a purpose built resort with a good amount of small hotels and guest houses. Most of the accommodation can be found in the village of Hisaronu, but there's little in the way of shops so a trip into nearby Fethiye could be the answer. Beaches are excellent, and the night time brings enough bars and discos, to keep you going throughout the evening. With something to offer everyone, this resort will make you want to return time after time. One look and the decision's made – you won't be able to resist. A sparkling Mediterranean, a turquoise lagoon, all fringing lush green hillsides. Beach life infuses the atmosphere here – the bars are chilled, the smiles are broad and formality goes out the window. Is it any wonder? With beaches like the beautiful Blue Lagoon or bustling Belcekiz Beach or perhaps try the emptier Kidrak or Gemiler beaches? Let the natural beauty of Olu Deniz draw you in. Sample a section of the 500 kilometres of the glorious Lycian Way, or simply sit back and enjoy the magical scenery.
Recommended Accommodation: Belcekiz Beach Hotel, Club Lykia World, Sun City, Olu Deniz Resort Hotel, Hotel Karbel, Montebello Beach Hotel, Tower Hotel, Belcehan Deluxe
Hisaronu is a more traditional-style resort which lies in wooded hills above Olu Deniz, giving you easy access to its sumptuous beach without being permanently in the thick of the action. Just hop on the frequent, cheap dolmus service running to Olu and back, and you'll be right there – relaxing beside its dazzling-blue lagoon that also offers canoeing and pedalos.
Recommended Accommodation: Green Forest Hotel, St. Nicholas Heights Hotel, Hotel Olympos, Pine Hills Hotel, Asena Village Hotel
Fethiye. If you're seeking a lively destination where you'll be able to immerse yourself in Turkish life, the ancient Lycian town of Fethiye could well be the perfect resort for you. Nestled at the foot of the verdant Taurus Mountains, this bustling harbour town offers a host of activities and amenities guaranteed to cater for every taste. Meander through the cobbled streets and discover the history of the old quarter, explore the colourful weekly market or simply relax on the sweeping sands of the island-strewn bay; this charming resort has it all.
Recommended Accommodation: Mediteran Hotel, Ece Seray Marina and Resort Hotel, Letoonia Club Hotel
