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Mugla
Mugla is the ideal destination for those who want
everything at once. It is one of the most ancient cities of the Caria region.
The most beautiful holiday resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca, Koycegiz and the
like, are all within the borders of Mugla province. There are many quality
holiday villages, comfortable hotels and hospitable guest houses Mugla and here
you may enjoy every type of holiday, except for winter sports. The landscape is
perfectly mingled with dozens of historical sites bearing the traces of past
civilizations. The beaches are available for every water-sport, as unspoiled
bays and clear waters await you in Mugla. In the city center there are
picturesque views with the traditional Turkish houses and an Aegean type of
living. The international airport of Dalaman (a town of Mugla) is the only one
in the region.
Gokova
Lying on the south coast of the Bodrum peninsula,
the Gulf of Gokova is a fascinating corner of Turkey, offering lovely views with
charming combinations of colors. Pretty shorelines covered with woodland offer
every tone of green, while the sea is a wide range of blues. The mountains
shelter the setting sun under hues of red and yellow. If you would like to
witness all these beauties, there are opportunities to take a yacht tour along
these coastlines, and a boat trip on this gulf will make your holiday as
beautiful as the place itself.
Bodrum
(Halicarnassus)
A picturesque town at the junction of the Aegean
and the Mediterranean is Bodrum, occupying a small but beautiful peninsula. It
is one of the prettiest holiday resorts of Turkey, popular and famous for its
vivacious, friendly and bohemian atmosphere.
Greeting its visitors with the marvelous castle
built by the Knights of Rhodes, the town appears elegant, filled with sweet
white houses, with colorful bougainvillaeas dotted about.
The clear, deep blue warm sea is an inherent
characteristic of the place, rather than being a specialty, and the numerous
beaches of unspoiled bays adorned with interesting rock formations offer perfect
days for swimmers, divers and nature-lover. Octopuses, and sponges of various
shapes and colors are also found here, complementing the aquatic beauty.
Part of the fascinating atmosphere of Bodrum is
its history; remains of which are spread over this ancient city of
"Halicarnassus". The tomb of King Mausolus is one of the seven wonders of the
ancient world, and dates back to the 4th-century BC stands on this land where
Herodotus, the father of history, was born. A theater (1300 seats) from the 2nd-
century BC near Goktepe, is worth seeing, together with St. Peter's Castle
presenting the architectural style of the 15th- century which is now
a museum of underwater archaeology.
A different spectacle in Bodrum is its marina,
which is a busy place hosting elegant yachts that come from all parts of the
world. Bodrum Cup Race is held every October in the boatyards, and it is an
enjoyable event for those interested. Bodrum is the leading place for
boat-building.
The most prominent feature of Bodrum is the
prevailing activity, especially filling the nights. After the intensive action
in the daytime, one may choose one of the discos here -some of which are the
best in Europe- and spend an exciting night of fun under the gleaming lights.
Bodrum is the one of the starting points for an unforgettable "Blue Voyage"
along the turquoise coast of Turkey which offers the limitless pleasure of
seeing the virgin bays of mythological legends; the beauties of Kekova where the
light combines with turquoise; or sailing into the antique port of Phaselis
where Alexander the Great loved to stay during the winter.
The Bodrum Peninsula
The Bodrum peninsula is an excellent place for
those who prefer a smooth and relaxing atmosphere. The charming villages on the
secluded bays open their guest houses to you. The sea is beyond comparison in
that area and you will find beautiful beaches adorning azure waters in Bardakci
Bay, Gumbet Bay, Bitez Bay, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla, Guvercinlik,
Torba, Golkoy, Turkbuku, Yalikavak, Gumusluk, Kadikalesi, Turgutreis, Aspat,
Karaada, Ada Bogazi (Akvaryum), Akyarlar. Holiday villages and hotels, discos
and bars beside the picturesque bays contribute much to the beautiful picture.
Gumbet and Bitez are heavenly places for wind-surfers with the wind and the sea
perfect for this sport. Ortakent is the best choice with its sandy beaches for a
solitary walk. Akyarlar beach is famous for its powdery sand. In Karaincir you
will have lively days on wonderful beaches and a fine relaxing atmosphere at
night in the public coffeehouses.
The northern side of the peninsula is
interesting. To enjoy the best of the region, it is better to take a car trip
along the coast or a boat trip to explore the coves and little islands. The
white windmills, which are still used to grind grain, are fascinating and lie
among the orange groves and green olive trees. You will come across a
well-equipped marina in the modern village of Torba, 5 kms north of Bodrum where
there are fine holiday villages, which offer active holiday facilities. Golkoy
(13 kms north) and Turkbuku (15 kms) are enchanting, with taverns overlooking a
nice bay. A boat trip to Karaada offers an amazing beauty. The warm mineral
waters flowing out of rocks in a grotto in Karaada are known to to bee good for
revitalizing the complexion.
To the north of Bodrum at Kiyikislacik (lassos)
near Gulluk, is the birth-place of the mythological Dolphin Boy. The Gulf of
Gulluk is very much frequented by yachters, and the town harbor has the exciting
air of yachtsmanship. There is Varvil, the ancient Bargilya, with its
interesting location a little south of Gulluk, at the end of a deep, narrow bay
resembling a river. It is a pretty place to visit, surrounded by hillsides
covered with olive trees.
Heading inland, Milas greets you with its typical
Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows. The beauty of handmade
Milas carpets will fascinate you and most probably you will buy some to take
home. In the western part of Milas is Gumuskesen, which has a monument
resembling the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, but with miniature dimensions.
Labranda, close to Milas, is a site of the
worship of Zeus. Ancient people must have chosen this spot in the high mountains
as the closest place to Zeus, the God of the skies. These exhilarating, high
peaks are now rediscovered for an escape and offer fascinating scenery.
Turgutreis, Gumusluk, Yalikavak
Three pretty villages close to Bodrum, and Iying
on the western end of the peninsula are Gümüslük, Turgutreis, and Yalikavak.
Though all of them offer perfect opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and
water sports with their lovely beaches by the clear blue sea, each has a
distinguished beauty of its own possessing distinct natural and environmental
beauties.
27 kms to Bodrum in Gümüslük lie the ruins of
ancient Myndos, which was once an important Persian port. The city walls here
contribute to the attractive atmosphere of the region, and the district is a
peaceful and lovely one with hospitable locals.
Turgutreis, extending to the south of Gümüslük,
has taken its name from the famous Turkish admiral who was born here, and he was
further honored with a monument. This village is one of the most active places
in Bodrum, with numerous facilities for accommodation, entertainment and sports.
Yalikavak is another pretty site, with its
picturesque appearance of bougainvillea-covered white houses along the typical
tiny streets, while interesting windmills adorn the land behind, providing
extraordinary sights.
Datca
With the Gökova Gulf to its north and the
Hisarönü Gulf to the south, Datça is situated on a tiny peninsula with charming
scenery.
Extending towards the wide deep blue sea, this
land offers a picturesque panorama, and refreshing air with no humidity. Here
golden beaches join the green forests lying along the coastline, and gently
surround the little town of white houses covered with bougainvillea.
This delightful holiday resort welcomes the
visitor with many facilities for a perfect vacation. For the campers, there are
numerous spots from which to choose while comfortable villages are present for
people who would like to "take things easy".
The marina on the northern bay hosts many
visiting yachts while the bars, cafes and boutiques here, please the
"strollers". At nearby restaurants, one may find classic Turkish dishes,
delicious and world-famous, while the discos offer memorable nights under
glittering lights.
Knidos
38 kms from Datça at the end of the peninsula is
the Carian city of Knidos, which it is said, was built for the most beautiful
Goddess, Aphrodite, on this most beautiful peninsula. There are two harbors, one
on the Mediterranean Sea and the other on the Aegean Sea. Knidos was famous in
the 4th- century BC as a center of art and culture. Today the city
houses the remains of a circular temple dedicated to Aphrodite and an arcade
with interesting marble heart-shaped columns.
Fethiye
Fethiye is one of the most popular resorts due to
its extreme loveliness. Set on a way wide bay, strewn with many islands. Fethiye
is 135 kms southwest of Marmaris and has an outstanding and busy marina. The
ancient name of the city is Telmessos and you will see a fortress on the hill
overlooking the city which was built by Knights of Rhodes. Fethiye is known for
its rock tombs carved into the faces of the cliffs by the Lycians. These are
elaborately carved and an especially remarkable; one is the tomb of Amnytas
dating from the 4th-century BC built in Doric architectural style. It is worth
well visiting. Other historical places in the city are the Sarcopaghi and the
Fethiye Tower.
The Beach and the Sovalye Island are real the
destinations for those who like to enjoy the most beautiful sea. Belcegiz Bay is
also good for such a visit and provides natural mountain scenery. The guest
houses here, will give you all the comfort you expect.
The bay forms the dreamlike Belcegiz - Ölüdeniz
(Blue Lagoon) known as "the paradise God granted to Earth", a very fine place
with 3 kms of natural beach and crystal blue waters in enchanting surroundings.
For camping, Belcegiz Beach is ideal and for picnicking try the Kidiril Park,
for sightseeing the Gemiler Islands with their Byzantine ruins among the pine
trees are recommenced. At Koturumsu, a heaven like beauty awaits you, where you
may reach only by boat. There are waterfalls flowing across valleys where
thousands of butterflies, exhibiting tremendous shades of colors, fly amongst
the pine forest bordering of the lovely beach. Some of the other natural
attraction are Katranci Bay, Gunluk (Kusuk Kargi) Bay, Oyuktepe, Gocek with its
harbor and marina.
Around Fethiye, there are important ancient
cities of the Lycians. To the southeast of Fethiye lies Xanthos at Kinik
village, an important capital of Lycians. Its setting is naturally adorned while
Letoon, by Kumluova village and close to Xanthos, is also interesting. Letoon
was a cult center during the Lycian period and remains can be seen of temples
dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo. Patara by Ovagelmis,s, Pinara by Minare,
Tlos by Doger, Cadianda by Yesil Uzomlu, Sidyma by Dodurga, Karmilassos by Kaya,
Pydnai by Kavadere, Araxa by Oren, Lydoe by Kapidag, Lissa and Arsada by
Kayadibi, and Daedela by Inlice are other significant sites to visit in the
environs of Fethiye. There are also many camping and picnicking facilities
around Fethiye.
Koycegiz
Possessing the most special gifts of nature and
history, Köycegiz stands beside the same named lake a tip of which touches the
Mediterranean. Now a nature and wild life preserve, this site is a real paradise
with its rare and beautiful setting, and with a history going back to 3500 BC.
It is possible to cruise over the natural labyrinth-like channel, walled with
reeds, that link sea and Lake Koycegiz, which is described as "smooth as glass"
till noon and suitable for wind-surfing in the afternoon; it contains almost
every kind of seafood including carp and crab, Dalyan can be reached at the end
of a road decorated with scented frankincense trees. The Dalyan Delta is a
unique site, lying peacefully with its golden beach. Sea turtles of Caretta, and
blue crabs live here making the area more attractive.
On the other side of the channel is the marvelous
view of the ancient city Caunos, which was situated on the border between Caria
and Lycia and a most important sea-port. The first sight here, is the unique and
fascinating tombs carved into the rock and overlooking the waterway. Also of
interest in this district is the acropolis lying a litte inland, together with a
Roman temple, antique theatre, Ibrab and Susandaa castles.
The Dalyan region is not the last site in
Köycegiz to offer natural beauty. The Gulf of Gocek, with its many bays facing
numerous islets is another spot. Holding a lovely marina, it constitutes a
perfect center for sailing, and here there are also the ruins of the ancient
city of Arymaxa, furnishing a different scenery.
Ekincik is another stopover for yachts, and the
right place for those who wish to rest in the relaxing atmosphere of unspoiled
bays. Sangerme, near the international airport of Dalaman, is still another
point of attraction, and constitutes one of the nicest holiday villages of
Köycegiz, with its fine beaches with neighboring pine forests
Sultaniye Thermal Springs (on the south side of
the lake) are one of the most important spa waters in Europe and the world, for
its higher mineral content, and rich radioactivity.
Kulak, Gedova and Yuvarlak Cayi are naturally
attractive places with picnicking and camping facilities.
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TransAnatolie Tour
- A - Group
License N°4938 - The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
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