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.

Located on the western coastline of Turkey in the Izmir region, the town of Foca lies along the shore of two bays. The larger bay is known locally as ‘the greater sea’ and the smaller bay (Castle Bay) as ‘the smaller sea’. This pretty seaside town has a history which dates back to 600BC when the ancient town of Phocaea stood where Foca stands today. The town is so old that it is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. The town itself has an authentic Turkish feel with cobbled streets lined with old stone houses and a pleasant seafront promenade where fisherman land fresh fish daily for the local restaurants, including sea-bass and calamari which are local specialities. Great restaurants are found in the town and along the seafront. Fresh fish, meatballs, amazing salads, sweet honey pastries and the local speciality pastry Boyoz are all on the menu and worthy of sampling. Foca town has a good selection of shops and a weekly market selling all kinds of wares including fake designer clothes, leather goods, gifts and souvenirs, fresh produce, spices, olives and much more. If you are looking to do some serious shopping then it is best to visit Izmir where you will find shopping centres complete with boutiques.

Foca

Foca doesn’t have any large hotels, holidaymakers tend to stay in pensions, guesthouses and small boutique hotels. For families there are villas which often have their own private pool.  

If you are looking for a perfect beach holiday with quiet unspoilt beaches then this is the place to be. The Blue Flag beach at Foca never gets crowded and is very tranquil, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

There is not a great deal to do in Foca apart from relaxing on the beach, however this quaint fishing town has been left with a legacy of ancient buildings, tombs and castles. Not to be missed on your cheap package holidays to Foca are a visit to the Ottoman Turkish Baths in the Ataturk region, the 4th century ‘Devil’s Bath’s’ tomb, the amazing Bes Kapilar Castle (the Castle of the Five Gates) which is used as an open-air theatre and the External Castle which is located in Castle Bay. Not to be missed on your late deals to Turkey is the well preserved city of Ephesus. where you will find the Temple of Artemis which is regarded as one of the Great Wonders of the Ancient World. There are lots of small islands dotted around the bays, including Incir and Orak. A day out on a boat to visit the islands is a great way to relax in the glorious sunshine, you might even see a Mediterranean Monk Seal in the beautiful blue waters. Lots of these islands have secluded sandy beaches so don’t forget to take a picnic on your day out.

Foca enjoys a typically mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and short mild winters. In the peak season the area enjoys up to 13 hours of sunshine every day and average temperatures of 28C.