The town of Manavgat is a popular holiday destination in the Antalya region of Turkey. Situated on the Manavgat river this is an authentic Turkish town with a scenic riverside setting but still within easy reach of some beautiful Mediterranean beaches. The area surrounding Manavgat is still used as agricultural land and is dotted with waterfalls, crystal clear pools, caves and stunning rivers. The town has a vast choice of restaurants, perfect for a romantic riverside meal in the evening. You will find plenty of nightlife in the town at the discos and bars or you take a trip to the coastal villages of Kumkoy and Llika which both have lively evening entertainment. Manavgat holds a weekly market which draws visitors from surrounding holiday area. Here at the market you will find lots of bargains like jewellery, rugs, leather goods, copperware and spices. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenirs and gifts when you visit the market. Apart from the market Manavgat has some great shops selling local tradition goods and also some more upmarket shops.

Although Manavgat is located inland there are still plenty of beaches nearby for you to enjoy. Side is very close and there are lots of beaches and coves in the area just waiting to be explored. The beach resorts of Alanya and Antalya are well worth a visit and the whole family, especially the children, will love the Antalya Aquapark. Most beaches offer a range of water sports.

Using Manavgat as a base there is so much to see and do in the surrounding area. For a cool contrast to the beach there are the cool Manavgat Waterfalls. With beautiful lush green surroundings and shaded restaurants, the waterfalls provide a great day out for some rest and relaxation. If you are feeling a bit more energetic then walking in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains is an excellent choice for nature lovers. The best time for walking and hiking is in the spring and early autumn when the temperature is better suited for walkers, the town is much quieter than the peak season and there are plenty of last minute holidays on offer. If you are looking for sightseeing excursions then you should take a trip to the ancient ruins at Side, the ancient cities of Ephesus and Perge, the Aspendos Amphitheatre and the amazing lunar landscape of Cappadoccia where you will find cities built into rock and caves to explore.

Manavgat is great for activity holidays with golf, river rafting and canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking and jeep safaris. There are plenty of golf courses in Manavgat and nearby Belek which is home to six world class courses. With perfect weather conditions and amazing backdrops this is the place to enjoy a golfing holiday.

Not to be missed when in Manavgat is a boat trip. As the Manavgat river flows through the town to the sea at Side visitors can take both river and sea boat trips. A river boat trip  will take in the beautiful scenery of the town and surrounding area. From Side you can take a tradition gulet cruise along the coast, stopping off at the secluded coves for some  swimming and diving.

Whether you are looking for a romantic holiday by the river, a family holiday on the beach, an adventure holiday or a cultural holiday there are always lots of package holidays available throughout the internet.

Olu Deniz is a popular area in Turkey, situated in the South West of Turkey and made famous by its lagoon and distinctively shaped beach.  It’s popular with families due to the great beaches and clear waters in the area, plus all of the watersports and facilities available.  Lykia World OluDeniz is just 3km from this famous beach and lagoon, on it’s own stretch of beach.

Location:

Lykia World Olu Deniz

Lykia World Olu Deniz is located on its own beach 750m long consisting of sand and shingle.  It’s 3km from Olu Deniz itself and in a secluded area with beautiful views.  If you take a trip out at all then Fethiye and the Blue Lagoon are a short taxi ride away.  There’s a market in Fethiye on a Tuesday worth visting should you want to explore whilst there.

Type of hotel:
Lykia World is a self contained holiday resort offering high standards of accommodation.  It prides itself on having a relaxed welcoming atmosphere in which to stay and is ideal for holidaymakers who prefer a resort hotel with all the amenities it has to offer.  Great for both families and couples alike, the hotel is a popular chouice for many holidaymakers visiting Olu Deniz in Turkey.  The hotel is rated as a 4+ star hotel by many of the main operators to Turkey.

Accommodation:
There are two main areas of accommodation here 1) The Village – aimed at families and focused on making life easy for parents and their children, with 609 rooms to choose from.  2) The Residence - which caters for single holidaymakers and couples, with 265 large rooms.  These

Lykia World hotel resort Olu Deniz

can hold between 1 and 5 guests in each room.  This includes 23 deluxe suites with sea or pool view, jacuzzi and balcony for up to 3 guests.

Amenities/Facilities:
The hotel is worth visiting just for the sheer amount of things to do here.  There are 19 swimming pools in total, including one indoor, plus numerous sports facilities such as tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, spa, turkish bath, gym, yoga, watersports and many more. The restaurants include 3 main restaurants plus speciality restaurants such as Italian, Chinese and even Sushi.  There are 14 bars in total to choose from to while away the evenings depending on which mood you are in.  Children have a ‘children’s paradise’ area including numerous waterslides and cannons, kids club and many nore adventurous activities to keem them amused and for them to enjoy.  There is a supermarket/shop on site but also on a short walk outside of the resort you will find a supermarket if you need to buy anything.

Overall:
The Lykia World OluDeniz hotel complex boasts an imperssive list of facilities and everything you could want from a resort hotel on

Lykia World Resort Turkey

the beautiful Turkish coastline.  With the ability to book direct holidays with many tour operators and travel agents to this resort it proves very popular during the Summer season every year.  The staff are very friendly and helpful and do their best to accommodate every request.  The pools are great if a little cold if not visting during high season so bear this in mind when packing swimsuits.

The beautiful beach resort of Bitez is located on the Bodrum Peninsula in south west Turkey, just 10 minutes from Bodrum town. The Bodrum Peninsula has glorious sandy beaches and beautiful coves lapped by clear blue seas, making Bitez popular for family holidays. The large crescent shaped sand and shingle beach at Bitez has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Because the bay is sheltered with onshore winds the beach at Bitez is very popular with windsurfers. Other watersports available here include scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing and sailing, and not forgetting the pedalos which offer heaps of fun for the whole family. Dedeman Waterpark offers a great fun-filled day out for the whole family when you need a break from the beach.

Bitez

The town of Bitez is much quieter than Bodrum with traditional houses and shops blending well with the more modern hotels and apartments. Although Bitez itself is a quiet and relaxed resort there is plenty to do and see in the surrounding area. There isn’t a awful lot of evening entertainment on offer here apart from the bars and waterside tavernas but there is much livlier entertainment at Bodrum and Gumbet.

Boat trips are very popular with tourists here including trips to the Greek island of Kos, trips on a traditional Turkish gulet, relaxing trips that stop off at the hidden coves for some snorkelling and beach relaxation, catamaran

Traditional Turkish Gulet

and yacht charters and romantic moonlight cruises.
Explore the beautiful countryside by foot and follow the trails which meander through the pine forests and orange and olive groves. Spring is the best time for walking or hiking in Bitez as the weather is cooler and the fruit groves are in full bloom. Experience the amazing trails on horseback or bicycle which will take you through the countryside where you will discover quaint villages before reaching the amazing coastline where you will marvel at the beautiful views across the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
For history entusiasts there are excursions to historical sites including the 3,000 year old ruins of Troy, the temples and theatre of Ephesus, the fabled city of Pergamum, the natural pools of Pamukkale and Bodrum Castle which is just 10 minutes from Bitez.

Ancient Troy

Enjoy the fragrant smell of the fragrant blossom during the spring on one of the many cheap holiday packages that are on offer to this unspoilt resort.

Cheap holidays are always available to the great hotels and apartments here in Bitez, with most offering a wide choice of sport facilities, health and fitness clubs, saunas, spas and jacuzzis.

Beldibi is a small Turkish resort on the scenic coastal route between Antalya and Kemer. The sand and shingle beach is the heart of the resort. Add a magnificent mountainous backdrop with vibrant green pine forests and you have the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday. Set in a tranqil picturesque spot

Beldibi

on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Belibi offers a small marina, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Between the main road and the resort there are acres of fruit groves. If you visit Beldibi during the harvest season you will find road side stalls by the groves which sell freshly squeezed orange juice.
Although the beach here is a mix of sand and shingle it is ideal for families as the warm Mediterranean waters are safe for children to swim and play in while the rest of the family enjoy a spot of sunbathing. Beldibi Beach has a small marina, wooden jetties which lead lead out into the sea, beach bars and plenty of watersports. Next to the marina is Yoruk Park. This small park is great for taking a family picnic after relaxing on the beach. If the watersports on offer here are not enough then you can try your hand at a spot of golf at Belek’s 18 hole golf course.

Beldibi marina

Need a break from the beach, then visit the resorts shopping mall where you will find such items as perfumes, beautiful Turkish jewellery, spices, rugs and linens. Remember, if there is a price tag on the item you wish to buy then you must pay that price but if there is no tag you will be expected to haggle and maybe bag yourself a bargain. Antalya, the nearest large resort to Beldibi, is great for shopping with streets lined with stalls.
The Beldibi cave in the village of Oba is an intriguing archaeological site which has with cave paintings and evidence of religious activities from over 10,000 years ago.

Termessos

The ancient city of Termessos in the hills above Antalya are worthy of a visit, making a great day out for the whole family.
If you are in Beldibi during the summer make a trip to preserved 20,000 seater amphitheatre in Belek which is used for concerts.
A boat trip to the Greek island of Rhodes is another great day out. Explore the beautiful walled city of Rhodes Town and shop for lace, ceramics and some exquisite Greek olive oil.
Evenings here in Beldibi are as relaxed as the days. The restaurants and bars offer the perfect atmosphere for an evening socialising over a traditional meal or enjoying a few drinks. Beldibi is all about quiet relaxing family holidays and not about all night lively clubs.

A great place to take the whole family, look for the great holiday packages that are always available to this amazing country of Turkey.

Altinkum is a relatively small resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey, close to Bodrum and Kusadasi. Growing all the time this popular beach resort is visited by holiday makers looking for great beaches that are perfect for all the family to enjoy. The name Altinkum means ‘golden sand’.

Altinkum

With three beaches, Altinkum’s main golden sandy beach is located in a bay which is backed by lush pines and is particularly popular with young families as it is very safe. The warm waters here are deep blue in colour and extremely clear. Located very near to the resorts third beach is a horse ranch which offers riding trips along the beach.

The resorts scuba diving centre offers diving experiences for all ages and levels. The waters here are teaming with marine life including dolphins, octopus and barracudas.

The resort can be described as having three different areas. On it’s west side is the original fishing village complete with traditional Turkish cafes. The

Altinkum

 centre of Altinkum is a modern commercial area with hotels, apartments and residential properties with the third area being the resorts beautiful beach area. The sea front is pedestrianised with a lovely promenade which is lined with restaurants, cafes and shops. Evenings can be spent enjoying some great different cuisine in one of the restaurants overlooking the bay or by taking a romantic stroll along the promenade. Altinkum is known for it’s outstanding fish restaurants, as well as those serving international dishes and fast food. For those looking for something a bit more lively in the evenings there are bars, pubs and clubs offering music and entertainment. During the day activities are geared towards the beach, with watersports and boat trips on offer.

Didim

A great day out is a trip to the Roman Temple at Didim, just 3 miles away, or the archaeological site of Ephesus. Bodrum and Kusadasi are not far fron Altinkum and also offer a good day out for the whole family.

Whilst in Altinkum a visit to the resorts huge Saturday market and a relax in a Turkish bath are not to be missed.

Altinkum has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Altinkum is ideal for direct holidays during the summer season when temperatures hover around 30C to 35C in July and August with plenty of sunshine, warm waters and no rain. Winters here see a high rainfall, especially in December and January.

A great place to take the whole family, look for the last minute holiday deals which are always available to this amazing country of Turkey.

Belek is a resort in south west Turkey, about 22 miles from Antalya airport, which is popular with golfers and families alike.

With six international class golf courses in the area, Belek is fast becoming a centre of golfing excellence.

Belek golf course

The white sandy beach here is surrounded by pine forests which provide shade and shelter. The coastline of Belek is lined with fishing villages and coves which are best seen whilst on a boat excursion along the coast. This coastline is also a nesting site for the Loggerhead and Green Turtle and also a haven for birds. The Tyto Alba is a hooded owl and a symbol of Belek.

There is plenty for families here as apart from the beautiful beach there is an aqua park, kiddies zoo and a riding school. For a great family day out there is Koprulu Canyon National Park which is located in the mountains of Belek.

Belek

Here you will see a variety of animals, including mountain goats, deer, bears, wolves, foxes, badgers and rabbits. Running through the park is the Kopru river where you can fish for trout or enjoy a spot of rafting.
Another must for the family is a trip to see the popular waterfalls of Belek, including Duden Falls, Manavgat Falls and Kursunlu Falls.

By using Belek as a base you can explore the ancient cities of Antalya, Perge and Selge, and also the historical site of the Roman amphitheatre Aspendos. This theatre is still intact and holds concerts, recitals and traditional Turkish wrestling.

Belek is a great place for some traditional shops and markets, including

Koprulu Canyon National Park

 those selling gifts, jewellery and turkish traditional carpets.

Evening entertainment is provided mainly in the bars, casinos, clubs, with many of the hotels in the area offering themed nights and shows. For a quieter evening families can enjoy an evenings dining in one of the restaurants which serve traditional and international cuisine.

Temperatures during the hot, dry summer months from April till November average between 30C and 34C, with around 14 hours of sunshine a day. During the winter months of December till March temperatures average around 16C.

Aspendos

If you are looking for a great destination for your family holidays then you need look no further than Turkey.

You will always find great cheap holidays to all resorts in Turkey available throughout the internet.

The Dalaman region in south west Turkey stretches from Antalya in the east to Marmaris in the west. To the west of Dalaman are the resorts of Icmeler, Marmaris and Turunc, with the resorts of Olu Deniz and Fethiye to the west. The region is regarded as the gateway to Turkey’s Mediterranean Blue Coast, boasting miles of sandy beaches, including Patara Beach and the family friendly Ataturk Park, and many quiet coves.

Dalaman region

The wonderful golden sandy Patara Beach is backed by semi submerged Roman ruins, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some exploration along with relaxing on the beautiful sands. Ataturk Park, to the east of Marmaris, is great for families as the waters here in the bay are warm and shallow.

The region is steeped in history and natural beauty, including the Lycian rock tombs which are set in the Dalyan cliff face, the ruins of Olympos and the Xanthos Valley, and the 12 mile canyon of Saklikent Gorge.

Lycian rock tombs

There is a multitude of things to do and see in the Dalaman region. A visit to the large resort towns of Marmaris and Bodrum is a must, for some great watersports  including windsurfing and paragliding  there is the resort of Olu Deniz, and for those seeking something different there is hiking and bird watching on offer in the Besparrnak Mountains. There are lots of boat trips on offer, including an excursion to Butterfly Valley or an island hopping trip which includes stop offs for a swim along the way. Boat trips to Rhodes can include an overnight stay so that you can explore this lovely island.
Although there is plenty of nightlife in the area, the best place for the liveliest bars and nightclubs is Marmaris.

Holidaying in the Dalaman region wouldn’t be complete without sampling the regions traditional aubergine stews, aromatic lamb and the rose-scented baklava at one of the great restaurants. The restaurants also serve international cuisine, catering for all tastes.

Olu Deniz

The Dalaman region enjoys 320 days of sunshine a year with mild weather all year round. Temperatures average between 20C AND 35C from April to October, July and August being the hottest.

To enjoy some winter sunshine there are always great last minute holiday deals available to Turkey.

Holiday packages to this Turkish haven are always on offer throughout the internet.

Marmaris is a busy beach resort on the southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey, about 60 miles from Dalaman. Considered by many as the most popular resort in Turkey, Marmaris is located on a wide bay surrounded by forested mountains.

Marmaris

The resort offers a wide choice of activities, including some of the countrys best and liveliest nightlife.

The Old Town is a warren of tiny lanes lined with traditional houses, bars and shops. It is here in the Old Town that the clubs come to life at night. During the day you can visit the famous bazaar here which sells all sorts including jewellery, leather and pottery.

Next to the Old Town is the working harbour with its many waterfront restaurants and the Netsel Marina which is one of the largest in Turkey. Here at the marina you will find up market restaurants, great boutiques and

Netsel Marina

 impressive yachts.

Beaches

Marmaris Beach (Uzan Yali Beach) is a long shingle and sand beach with a palm-lined promenade which runs all the way to the neighbouring resort of Icmeler.
Water taxis run a service from Marmaris to the beaches at Icmeler and Turunc.
The lagoon at nearby Olu Deniz is worth visiting for its outstanding beauty.
There at lots of boat trips available for visits to Cleopatra Island and Caretta Beach and other more secluded spots.
A variety of watersports and diving opportunities are available frm the beach.

Atlantis Waterpark

Places to Visit

For a great family day out visit The Atlantis Waterpark. The park has its great water rides, chutes, bumper boats, its own beach, a bowling alley, restaurant and bar.
Marmaris Castle has some good exhibits on show and offers some great photographic opportunities.
A visit to the Dalyan Mudbaths is a must for that little something different. Here you cover yourself in mud which is then washed off in a sulphur pool. It is said that this can give great relief to arthritis and rheumatism sufferers and also cleanses the skin!

Climate

The climate here is mild all year round, with summer temperatures often reaching 35C and winter temperatures often reaching around 15C.

Marmaris Beach

During July and August there are around 13 hours of sun a day, dropping to about 7 hours a day in October. However the sea is still warm enough to swim in during October.

When planning your next visit to Turkey why not look on the internet for those great late deals.

There are always lots of last minute holidays available to this wonderful country for the whole family to enjoy.

Kusadasi is a lively resort located about 56 miles from Izmir on the west coast of Turkey.
With great beaches, restaurants, bars, nightlife, historical sites, shops, friendly people, great weather and much more Kusadasi is a wonderful place to visit.

The following are just a few things to do and see whilst visiting Kusadasi, there are far too many to mention them all!

BEACHES

Ladies Beach, Silver Sands Beach, Love Beach and Long Beach are ideal for just relaxing or enjoying one of the many activities on offer.

WATERPARKS

Aqua Fantasy.
Adaland.

SAFARI

Horse Safari – you can take a horse safari over the mountains to Pamucak where you can ride along the beach and even swim with your horse in the quiet waters here.
Jeep Safari – this is a fun day out when you can take in the surrounding area and have a lot of fun on the way!
Quad Safari – a great adventure riding on dirt tracks, the beach and sand dunes.

NATIONAL PARK

The National Park (Millipark) – located about 19 miles from Kusadasi. Here you can relax on one of the beaches, walk in the mountains, take in a spot of snorkelling and visit the Cave of Zeus which is situated just outside the park.

HISTORICAL SITES AND TOWNS

The Ancient City of Ephesus – Seluck – located about 20 minutes from Kusadasi, the town of Seluck has a castle, the Isa Bey Mosque, The Basilica of St John and a market here is held on a saturday. For the more adventurous you can sky dive from the airport here and enjoy magnificent views of

Ephesus

 Ephesus.
The Ancient City of Aphrodisias – located near Geyre, here you will find the ancient ruins of the Baths of Hadrian and a museum with some fascinating exhibits, including sculptures, statues and ceramics.
Pigeon Island – here you will find an old Byzantine Castle and museum. 
Sirince – located about 18 miles from Kusadasi this lovely little village has cafes and wineries where you can enjoy gozleme (traditional pancakes) and a glass or two of the locally produced wines whilst admiring the views of the olive groves and vineyards.
Kirazli Village (Cherry Village) – a traditional village with restaurants serving locally grown organic cusine. Once a year the village holds a cherry festival with stalls selling fruit and locally made handicrafts.
The Old Village of Doganbey – here you will find examples of ancient Turkish and Greek architecture, many of these buildings have been restored.

With hot summers and mild winters, Kusadasi enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal destination for your family holidays.

For a holiday where there is so much for everyone to do and enjoy, why not take advantage of one of the many holiday deals on offer to this fantastic resort.

Thinking of visiting Turkey but don’t know which resort to chose? Then why not have a look at this interesting and informative destination guide to Bodrum. As i enjoy lots of watersports, my favourite part of Turkey is Bodrum where i can enjoy both modern and tradition activities. Cheap holidays to this lively resort can always be found on the internet.

Bodrum is renowned for its watersports, including snorkelling, wind surfing and boating, but also has lots of tourist attractions, fine beaches and nightlife. There are also regular boat trips to the Greek island of Kos on offer which make a lovely relaxing day out.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.