operator view: turkey

operator view: turkey

We asked three operators to name their favourite places in Turkey. Here is what they said:

kalkan

Kalkan: has escaped the attention of mass-market tourism

Andrew Lee, sales and marketing director, Tapestry Holidays

“My favourite Turkish destination, without any shadow of doubt, is the picture-postcard village of Kalkan.

“I first visited Kalkan in 1986 and immediately fell in love with its cobbled streets, whitewashed villas and enchanting harbour. Kalkan originally catered for Istanbul’s high society, resulting in a somewhat more sophisticated feel than all other resorts in Turkey. Fortunately the locals are aware of maintaining quality and in the intervening years have treated Kalkan kindly.

“In keeping Kalkan special, the worst aspects of mass-market tourism have been kept at bay. Kalkan’s lack of obvious beaches makes it difficult for operators to sell solely as a summer-sun destination. However, those of us in the know are aware of how easy it is to reach the stunning sandy beaches of Kaputas and Patara and the rock garden beach clubs that surround the bay. In addition, Kalkan is ideally located for those interested in culture set as it is in the heart of the ancient Lycian region.

“No matter how enjoyable your day, it is the evenings that make Kalkan special. Having a drink at sunset in one of several roof terrace bars followed by dinner at one of the renowned harbour side restaurants, is an experience not to be missed.”

dalyan

Akin Koc, managing director, Anatolian Sky Holidays

“My favourite resort – Dalyan – is still unspoilt and featured only by a handful of operators. It’s very picturesque and full of things to do.

“The beach is just a short boat ride away and is very special. It is beautifully sandy and in a conservation area.

“The town itself is very Turkish and tourists are made to feel welcome. There is a good choice of cafés and restaurants, including some great fish restaurants

“One of the best things about Dalyan is that it is overlooked by pine covered hills and has a gentle river flowing through it. The Lycian tombs are also unmissable. They are accessibly only by boat and remain almost untouched since they were created thousands of years ago. The mud baths of Caunus are also close by – excellent for curing arthritis and great fun besides.

“The river delta here is one of the few remaining homes of the Mediterranean turtle. In June to August, loggerhead turtles nest on the Istuzu beaches – they have to be carefully protected and visitors are given information on how to make sure they remain safe. I think it’s easy to see why Dalyan is one of my favourite resorts in Turkey but of course the best way to find out is to go there yourself.”

Lycian rock tombs: a must see for visitors to Dalyan

bitez

Zoe Ireland, regional sales manager for thesouthwest, Sunquest

“My favourite resort would have to be Bitez on the Bodrum peninsula. It is perfect. It’s a lovely quiet place that’s only about 15 minutes by taxi from Bodrum, so you get the best of both worlds.

“The narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses, which gives the place a traditional Turkish feel.

“What I really love about it is the Hotel Manuela. Everybody who goes there seems to come back the following year because it’s run by the friendliest and most hospitable people you could ever meet. During the day, it’s quiet and relaxing. By night, though, the place really comes alive – they have fantastic Turkish evenings when they put candlelit tables on the beach – it’s very romantic.

“The best time to go is either June or September, before it gets really hot. July and August is for the real sun worshippers.”

Bitez: is only 15 minutes away from the popular resort of Bodrum