Turkey - Any Recommendations?

suzi · Apr 6, 2011

Hi

Thinking of going to Turkey for summer hols - anyone got any recommendations?

Looking for a villa for 5 - inc 3 kids 6 - 12 years old, so with a pool and preferably within walking distance of an OK beach.

Ideally, shortish transfer, direct flights, not too touristy, not too much night life, but a reasonable selection of restaurants.

Any thoughts?

Ashton · Apr 6, 2011

I have stayed in Ortakent, its a nice non-touristy area with local run shops, there is a larger town over a hill called Bitez. There are regular local shuttle buses you can just hop on, no fixed price just pop them a few euro's.

Was a short transfer from Bodrum, beaches are pretty nice too. The place we stayed at was run by Crystal but has since closed.

Worth looking for something near anyway.

suzi · Apr 6, 2011

Hi Ashton, thanks for the quick response! I'm looking at a few options round Bodrum, which seems to be a good choice for flights and transfers. We did a Sunsail holiday there about 3 years ago and really liked the people. I'll have a look at Ortakent.

Pred · Apr 7, 2011

my tip, go to Greece, forget Turkey

Aegean · Apr 7, 2011

Pred, I agree with you, although I'm biased as I live on Rhodes. Turkey is nice but money-wise it isn't the deal it used to be, prices have shot up. My sister-in-law sayed with her friend last August in Marmaris for one week before staying with us on Rhodes for the second week. It was cheaper here than it was there, and since they were two women they found the hassle from the Turkish men a pain after a few days.

Just her opinion by the way. If it was me I'd go to one of the Greek islands.

domainseller200 · Apr 7, 2011

Yes I also agree - go to Greece. We went to Crete in 2008 and then decided to try Kos in 2010, and enjoyed it so much we are going back to Kos this year again.

We are also a family of 5, with 3 kids aged 5-12 years old. If you want to email me / pm me then feel free for more info on where we stayed etc.

Coincidently you can actually see Turkey from Kos, and it is only 30 minutes away by boat, so if you do decide to go to Turkey, take a day trip over to Kos and experience the Greeks.

suzi · Apr 7, 2011

Ha ha!! Thanks all for the thoughts! We've done Greece about 6 times over the last 10/12 years, including both Kos (3 times!) and Crete.

We've only done Turkey once before (Sunsail near Gulluk), so Turkey is as much about a change as price - although price is also a factor.

So, OK, any recommendations for Turkey or Greece!! We ideally want reasonably priced flights direct from Birmingham and if Club 18-30 go there, it's probably not what we're looking for!! ;-)

SF · Apr 7, 2011

Heres some advice dont go to Turkey or Grease

Have you tried Blackpool?

WigWam · Apr 7, 2011

suzi · Apr 7, 2011

DB said:
Heres some advice dont go to Turkey or Grease Have you tried Blackpool?

Tempted, but probably fails the 'Club 18-30' test!

Oh - and I've just checked the average temperatures and they're not quite as good as Turkey. Rainfall is much better though...

suzi · Apr 7, 2011

WigWam said:
Turkey Pic

Turkey isn't just for Christmas.

KarlM · Apr 7, 2011

Went to side in turkey a few years ago and had a great time, not sure what it's like now though I hear turkey is getting more expensive.

mojoco · Apr 7, 2011

We went to Turkey a while back and had a Turkish Gulet for a week. Sailed from Bodrum. Complete with skipper and chef. Wake up in a different bay every morning, have a swim, breakfast prepared for you. Go wandering for the day, get back on the boat and go somewhere else. Had a great time. The kids in our group were around 10 - 12 at the time and they loved it.

www.gulet.co.uk

JackG · Apr 7, 2011

I've been to Ishmala many times, wonderful place.

Angel Inn is where we stayed. It's lovely and quiet but very hot at the same time. I've also stayed in both the Grand Aquarium and the Club Aquarium (Sister hotels) but both seemed to be busy which could be to do with the fact we arrived in the kids holidays. The weekly markets are nice but they get a little rowdy with with the 'cheeper then asda' quotes.

It's also near the lively town of marmaris if that's more your thing. Wherever you go in turkey be prepared for millions of stray dogs and cats.

Our flights where fairly cheep as well when we flew from Humberside to Dalaman. (You tend to arrive late a night but it's not too bad.

Hope this helps.

Pred · Apr 7, 2011

mojoco said:
We went to Turkey a while back and had a Turkish Gulet for a week. Sailed from Bodrum. Complete with skipper and chef. Wake up in a different bay every morning, have a swim, breakfast prepared for you. Go wandering for the day, get back on the boat and go somewhere else. Had a great time. The kids in our group were around 10 - 12 at the time and they loved it.

www.gulet.co.uk

actually that sounds brilliant!