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.

Celebrity Cruises is offering three new round-trip Greek Isles and Turkey cruises out of Istanbul on the Bosphorus Strait. The cruises will depart in September and October 2011.

Istanbul Port

The 12 night round-trip cruises on the newly refurbished Celebrity Constellation will call at the ports at Bodrum, Marmaris and Chania.
The new itineraries will include an overnight stay in Istanbul and trips to Ephesus, Rhodes, Athens, Mykonos and Crete.

Celebrity Constellation

Celebrity Constellation – Cruise ship information

The Celebrity Constellation has all the luxurious features of a floating resort, including award-winning cuisine at the casual Waterfall Cafe, the main dining room and the specialty restaurant. You can see a film at the cinema or a show in the tri-level Celebrity Theatre, or just lounge in the Italian coffee house, champagne bar, martini bar or Michael’s Club. For the children there is the Ship Mates Fun Factory and the video arcade. One of the ship’s unique features is the Magnolia Garden, a floral boutique that offers flower-arranging classes. For guests who wish to unwind there is the two-story library and Notes, where you can pick your favorite tunes from a large music library and settle into a listening station. The AquaSpa offers the ultimate way to relax, with its wide range of traditional and exotic body treatments. Staterooms include interactive television (use it to order room service, shop or play casino video games), VCR, direct-dial telephone and voice mail, safe, hair dryer, minibar and complimentary room service.

Dining: The San Marco Dining Room is on 2 levels and provides freshly cooked good food with excellent service. Dinner is also available as room service. Alternative dining is provided in the Speciality Restaurant and the Oceanview Cafe & Grill.

Cruise ship amenities

Cabin Features & Amenities
24hr Room Service, Hairdryer, Safe, Telephone,Television.

Special Needs
Adjoining Cabins with private connecting doors, Kosher Meals, Wheelchair Accessible Cabins.

Childrens Facilities
Babysitting, Playroom, Supervised Youth Programme, Teenagers Centre.

Services & Amenities
Bars/Lounges, Beauty Salon/Barber, Shop, Casino, Cinema, Disco/Dancing, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Laundry/Dry Cleaning, Library, Lifts, Onboard Weddings, Shops, Showroom, Spa, Video Arcade.

Fitness & Sports Facilities
Basketball Court, Fitness Centre, Golf Simulator, Jogging Track, Swimming Pool (inside), Swimming Pool (outside).

Ever fancied a cruise? There are loads of offers from all the cruise lines for last minute holidays throughout the internet.

First time cruising? Look out for the many bargain holidays that are being offered for this year and next year.

For more information on Turkey and to view my latest articles please visit my Turkey Blog.

Turkey is one of the few destinations that offers cheap package holidays whilst still offering all the attractions of the more expensive destinations. This glorious country has an abundance of resorts offering anything from self catering to bed and breakfast to all inclusive accommodation.

Marmaris

Resorts in Turkey include Marmaris, Bodrum, Dalaman and many more.

If you are looking for a beach holiday, diving holiday or even an outdoor activities holiday, this is the place to be.
With a long history which was influenced by the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires, Turkey has many historical attractions to visit including the ruins of Ephesus, regarded as one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey.

Turkey also offers sailing along the blue coast, paragliding, hot air balloon rides, river rafting and even skiing in the mountains!

Alanya beach

But don’t forget apart from the more unusual activities Turkey has beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of restaurants, bars, nightlife,bazaars and shops. Istanbul has a bazaar that has over 3,000 shops spread across over 60 streets!

Some of Turkey’s best beaches are located on the Bodrum Peninsular and at Patara (Fethiye), Olu Deniz (Fethiye), Calis (Fethiye), Side (Antalya), Kemer (Antalya), Olimpos (Antalya), Iztuzu (Dalyan), Pamucak (Ephesus) and Alanya.

This review has been supplied by our reader Gabby Harrison

“Great hotel for cheap holidays. Food could be better but worth what we paid for the holiday. The staff made it all worth while, especially Gerard, and we really enjoyed the Turkish night. Rooms were basic, comfortable and clean and the grounds of the hotel were well kept. If you are looking for a good cheap holiday then i would recommend you try the Aloe.”

ALOE HOTEL OVERVIEW

Location

Situated in a quiet part of Marmaris about 500m to the beach and about 2km to the Marina area of Marmaris. There are restaurants, bars and shops close to the hotel.

Facilities

Swimming pool & terrace with sunbeds, children’s splash pool, bar, restaurant, pool table, table football, playstation, internet access, 24 hour reception, safety deposit boxes in reception area.
 
Accommodation

All rooms have a shower, WC, air conditioning and balcony.