Originally a peaceful little fishing village, the beach resort of Ozdere has developed into a popular Turkish holiday choice with both families and couples alike although it is still relatively quiet and unspoilt. The resort of Ozdere is located on the Aegean coast in the Izmir region of Turkey. Set on a beautiful bay the resort features narrow sad and shingle beaches which stretch along the promenade coastal road. Ozdere is just 30 minutes from Izmir International Airport between Kusadasi and Cesme. Accommodation in Ozdere offers great value for money for families looking for cheap package holidays to Turkey. The resort is quiet and romantic with just a few bars and some small restaurants serving traditional Turkish food and international cuisine. Just a 10 minute walk from Ozdere are some excellent seafood restaurants overlooking the bay, just right for that special meal on your holidays to Turkey. Attracted by the beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear water, many yacht and Turkish gulet cruises anchor in the bay of Ozdere.

Ozdere Bay

The miles of golden sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters are ideal for families with younger children as the sea is only knee-deep for the first 30 yards. If you are looking for a bit more action at the beach there are a variety of water sports to choose from including surfing, water-skiing, banana boats and the popular pedalos to name just a few. If you just want to relax and top up your tan this is the place to be. Some of the resorts around Ozdere even have their own private beaches.

Boat trips are very popular on last minute holidays to the resort. Trips around the bay will give you the chance to see dolphins swimming freely and you can even take a ride across to Greece. A boat trip along the Aegean coastline, stopping off for a swim in the small coves which are dotted along the shoreline, makes a great day out for the family.

Away from the beach there are lots of places of interest to visit including Kusadasi, Ephesus and the wonderful natural springs at Cesme.

Ruins at Ephesus

Culture lovers will be in their element as they wander around the ruined temples of Ephesus, a memory that will stay with you for ever. The whole family, especially the kid’s will love a day out at Europe’s largest water park Adaland, situated just 30 minutes from Ozdere. This huge park is close to Kusadasi and has plenty of exciting rides and water chutes to keep the children amused for the whole day.

Ozdere enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers with glorious sunshine every day during the long summer months. The summer season starts in June with temperatures reaching 27C, sea temperatures of 22C and 13 hours of sunshine a day. By July and August the temperature rises to between 29C and 32C, sea temperatures rise to 24C and the sun shines down for 14 hours a day. Even September sees average temperatures of around 26C with 11 hours of sunshine every day and with humidity levels dropping the heat becomes more bearable. Winters in Ozdere are mild and wet with temperatures remaining around 11C to 13C.

This popular coastal town is located in the Izmir Region on the western tip of Turkey. Cesme (meaning fountain) has a reputation for being a health resort where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday whilst recharging your batteries. This reputation comes from the nearby thermal springs at Ilica which reach far into the sea. The therapeutic hot mineral springs are located on the coastline, on the beach. These springs have a temperature of 58C and are believed to hold curative properties.

Cesme

The resort offers accommodation to suit all budgets including family-run guest houses for cheap holidays, hotels, villas and pensions. Cesme also offers yachting holidays for those wishing to spend their time sailing on the crystal clear blue Mediterranean Sea.

Cesme Castle

Cesme Castle acts as the centre piece for the surrounding authentic Turkish restaurants, cafes and tea houses. Some of the best restaurants are found along the waterfront where diners can enjoy a romantic meal as they watch the sun setting across the sea.

The town’s miles of golden sandy beaches makes it very popular with visitors looking for beach holidays in the Mediterranean. South of the town is the long golden sandy beach of Pirlanta Plaj and Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach) which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Pirlanta Plaj is extremely popular with surfers. The white sandy Buyuk Plaj Beach is popular with families due to its calm shallow waters which are warmed by natural thermal springs. Clark Plaj with its shallow waters is also very popular with families looking for a safe place for the children to swim. The remote, windswept beach of Alacati is popular with water sports fans including wakeboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. Cesme plays host to International windsurfing competitions every year. Scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing are also very popular water sports in Cese. There are also beaches in the area with private beach clubs including the Seaside Beach Club at Piyade Cove.

Away from the beach you can enjoy an exciting visit to the Sunday market in Cesme and the Saturday market in Alacati. At the markets you can haggle with the vendors for Turkish rugs, leather goods, fake designer clothes, gifts and souvenirs, spices, fruit and vegetables. For a great day out the whole family will love a boat trip to the nearby Greek island of Chios and island hopping boat trips to explore the beaches and enjoy

Pamukkale

some snorkelling at the local islands. There are lots of day trip opportunities when holidaying in Cesme including visits to Sardis, Hierapolis and Pamukkale where ancient ruins can be seen alongside the mountains with frozen waterfalls. Other historical sites that are worthy of a visit whilst on your holidays to this popular resort are the ancient ruins at Pergamon and the museums at Izmir.

Cesme enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with long hot dry summers and mild wetter winters. The summer holiday season here lasts from April to October with temperatures averaging 28C and 300 days of sunshine. The peak season of July and August sees temperatures reaching 29C and a glorious 14 hours of sunshine a day. Sea temperatures during the peak season maintain a very pleasant 23C. Even September sees daytime highs of 26C and 11 hours of sunshine a day. Winter sees mild weather with the coolest month being January and the wettest month December.

For fantastic sun-filled holiday packages to Turkey you can’t go wrong with a relaxing break in Cesme.