The attractive seaside holiday town of Yalikavak is located Turkey’s Bodrum peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Situated close to some of the country’s top beach holiday resorts, the town is popular with couples and families looking for cheap holidays in the Bodrum area. The town offers lots of good cheap accommodation, including self-catering apartments, low-cost family hotels and top quality

Yalikavak

larger hotels along the coast. With ideal all year round sea temperatures and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Yalikavak is the ideal destination for both diving holidays and winter sun holidays. The town has an impressive marina which attracts many yachting enthusiasts and a picturesque harbour where you can sit and relax, watching the world drift by. The town’s weekly market attracts people from all over the Bodrum region looking for gifts, souvenirs and the odd bargain or two. The market also sells local hand made products and freshly caught seafood.

Yalikavak itself has a traffic-free town centre and a beautiful harbour with an excellent choice of quality restaurants. You can sit back and relax whilst watching the fishing boats unload their catch which are displayed in the harbour restaurants. Enjoy some fresh seafood and fish dishes as well as Turkish traditional cuisine at the waterfront restaurants. Visitors can linger over a romantic meal while watching the beautiful Turkish sunsets.

Yalikavak Beach

Holidays in Yalikavak are an excellent base for exploring the many beaches along the Turkish Riviera. Popular beaches include those at Gumbet, Bitez, Turgutreis and Gumusluk. There are also many small scenic beaches lapped by crystal clear blue waters where visitors can enjoy a leisurely evening stroll with the added bonus of a spectacular Turkish sunset. There is a good variety of water sports available with first-class schools offering tuition in scuba diving, snorkelling for non-divers, windsurfing and sailing.

Away from the beaches there is plenty to do and see on your last minute holiday deals to Yalikavak. Visitors can take an island boat trip, explore the ancient sites and even take an excursion to the Greek island of Kos where you will find some beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife. Boat trips are a great way to explore the Turkish Riviera, including the secluded caves of Black Island where you can swim in the Mineral rich waters, and the amazing Camel Beach and Bagla Bay. A day out to Bodrum, with its attractive old town, large variety of restaurants and great shopping

Black Island

opportunities including markets and bazaars, is a must on your holidays to Yalikavak. Bodrum is also home to the ancient Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum.

Nightlife in the town is very low-key, mainly based around the waterfront tavernas and cafes. The town does have a few small nightclubs but most evening entertainment is provided by the larger Yalikavak hotels.

Yalikavak enjoys 12 hours of sunshine a day during the peak summer season with temperatures around the 30C mark. With virtually no rain and warm summer nights, this is an excellent time for a romantic holiday to Turkey. Cool sea breezes also help to make the temperature more bearable. May and October are the perfect times to visit if you are planning a more active holiday, such as walking, hiking and exploring the ancient sites, as the temperature is in the mid to low 20′s and accommodation is very cheap.

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.

Akyaka is an unspoilt village set in a beautiful riverside location at the end of a beautiful bay in the Dalaman region of Turkey. This traditional beach resort attracts couples and families looking for a quiet scenic setting in which to spend their holidays. The village can really be divided into three areas : the town, the river and the beach. Akyaka has it all, a laid back village centre, an unspoilt beach, a quaint harbour and amazing mountain views. Accommodation in Akyaka includes stylish hotels on the River Azmak, luxury resort hotels and plenty of cheaper hotels and self catering apartments near the beach.

Akyaka Beach

The gently shelving sand and crystal clear sea is perfect for children and for relaxing in the sun. Along the beach there are several restaurants and cafes where you enjoy some refreshments whilst watching the world drift slowing past. There are plenty of water sports available at the beach, including snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing and the family favourite pedalos.

Away from the beach you can relax on a lazy boat trip along the river or for the more energetic try some river rafting, paragliding, hiking and horse riding through the mountains. A visit to the lively resort of Marmaris and the ancient sites of Aphrodisias and Pamukkale are ideal for days away from the beach. Must visits on your holiday deals to Akyaka are the famous mud baths at Dalyan and Turtle Beach. The amazing mud baths are not only great for conditioning your skin but also for gastric disorders, rheumatism and sciatica. Don’t forget to visit the kofte boats at the mouth

Turtle Beach

of the river where you can buy kofte sandwiches or fish in batter that not only taste really good but are also very cheap.

Evenings here in Akyaka are a relaxing time for enjoying a quiet romantic meal at one of the restaurants along the rivers edge or at one of the restaurants close to the beach. The riverside restaurants are famous for the delicious fresh fish dishes that they serve.

Akyaka enjoys a long summer season which starts in April and carries on till October. June till September sees temperatures around the 30C mark with 10-12 hours of sunshine a day. Sea temperatures are perfect for snorkelling, swimming and water sports from April right through to October. Spring and Autumn are an ideal time to take one of the many last minute holiday deals to Akyaka as the village is very tranquil and the temperature is perfect for sightseeing and walking. Winter in Akyaka sees the bulk of the resorts rainfall with temperatures still very pleasant at around 15C.

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.

The small fishing village of Kas is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Sitting on a hillside with sheer imposing cliffs as a backdrop, Kas overlooks the crystal clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. The resort has a laid back atmosphere with narrow cobbled lanes and amazing views of the coastline and sea. For visitors looking for a bit more activity there are hiking, trekking and climbing opportunities in the

Kas

mountains overlooking the resort. The village has many restaurants and cafes serving freshly caught fish and seafood, authentic dishes, meze, kebabs and a host of other types of cuisine. Nightlife is very quiet here. Evenings are usually spent relaxing with a nice meal or enjoying a drink in the cafes and pubs which serve alcohol. The seafront tavernas serve excellent meals of locally caught fish. Try some Turkish coffee on your package holidays to Kas but be careful as it does tend to be very strong.

The village is built on the former ancient Lycian town of Habesos which was renamed Antiphellos by the ancient Greeks. The ruins of a Greek amphitheatre and the many rock tombs around the town are a reminder of the town’s history.

Kas has three shingle beaches, Buyuk Cakil (Big Pebble Beach), Kucuk Cakil (Little Pebble Beach) and the white shingle beach at Kaputas. These beaches are not really suitable for beach holidays although they do offer crystal clear blue waters which are perfect for swimming and

Kaputas Beach

diving. However Kas is one of Turkeys top diving holiday destinations and has nine local diving centres. The clear blue waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for discovering shipwrecks, ruins of ancient civilisations and the many species of colourful fish. Non-divers can take a ride on the glass-bottom boat and marvel at the amazing marine life swimming below them. Kas offers a range of water sports including snorkelling, sea kayaking, parasailing and the ever popular banana boat rides. Take a cruise along the coastline for some dolphin spotting and a relaxing dip in the sea at one of the many coves.

The area surrounding Kas is steeped in history with many ancient ruins waiting to be explored. These include Phellos, Kandyba, Nisa, Istlada and Komba in the village of Gombe. Dating back to the 8th century BC are the ruins at Xanthos. Once the capital of Turkey these ruins are worth a visit on your last minute holidays to this amazing country.

Kas enjoys a typically sunny Mediterranean climate with a long summer season from April to November. During the peak summer season the

Kas cobbled lane

resort enjoys temperatures in the low 30′s with 12 hours of sunshine a day. May and October are the best months for walking in the mountains as the temperature is around the mid 20′s. But with more than 300 hours of sunshine a year, Kas is the perfect destination at any time.

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.

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.

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.

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.