The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations Straddling two continents, Europe and Asia , and bordering the volatile Middle East,Turkey has an unrivalled history stretching back thousands of years. From the ancient Hittites to the Ottomans , dozens of civilisations have made Turkey their home, leaving behind them a dazzling historical and archaeological heritage . But despite its ancient roots, Turkey is a rapidly developing modern state. Born from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, the country was transformed by its far-sighted and ambitious first leader Kemal Ataturk. Since his death, the republic has maintained its Western orientation and European aspirations, despite the often-strong counter-current of traditionalism and Islam. Today, the country's archaeological and cultural wonders , and its long Mediterranean coastline , are a Mecca for tourists , attracting millions of European holidaymakers each year. Among the top draws is Istanbul with its fabulous setting, wealth of historic sights and vibrant cultural life. Also not to be missed are the amazingly well-preserved remains of Greco-Roman cities such as Ephesus or Pergamon, and the coastal resorts with their sandy beaches and hedonistic nightlife . The small town of Köycegiz is a quiet refuge set on a broad, placid lake. The ambience here is unlike that of any other Turkish Mediterranean tourist town. Perhaps it's so placid because it's nowhere near a Mediterranean beach . The lake is the source of the Dalyan Çayi (Dalyan Creek) which runs through nearby Dalyan to the south, past the ruins of ancient Caunos , through the fishing weirs, and into the Mediterranean There's not much to do in Köycegiz except stroll along the lakeshore, have tea in a cafe, browse the market (which is what the occasional bus- or boatload of tourists does) and perhaps enjoy a bit of music in one of the few small bars at night. The big thrill—such as it is—is having a mudbath at the Sultaniye Kaplicalari (hot springs), 30 km (19 miles) by road to the southwest, or a short boatride across the lake. Boats will also take you south to Dalyan, Caunos , and Iztuzu Beach , should you want to use quiet Köycegiz as your base. Buses run frequently between Köycegiz and Marmaris and Fethiye , and minibus dolmuses run frequently to Marmaris , Ortaca (change to a Dalyan minibus), Dalaman (with its airport ) and Mugla . Turkey - The Lycian Coast: Marmaris - Fethiye - Kalkan Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains,Marmaris is one of the most attractive maritime parklands,ideal for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the yachts captains and crews. With plenty of provisions aboard you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.

The Aegean shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods.

Kusadasi, which means "bird island", is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Sea , broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats. A glorious ancient city stands beside it, Ephesus with hundreds of thousands of visitors from tours each year. The town is not far from Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir (only 80 km). Numerous holiday villages and hotels line its shores and hundreds of restaurants serves food from all around the world and, of course, Turkish Cuisine , which is one of the largest cuisines of the world. We mustn't forget discos, bars, cafes, pubs and "Turkish Nights"; all those to cater holiday-makers.

Kusadasi has retained a certain earthiness to it and inexpensive meals and pensions can still be found in town. Many shops do a brisk trade with passengers from hundreds of cruise ships that dock for a day or two, allowing enough time for a trip to Ephesus and a shopping expedition.

Just over an hour from Bodrum airport and only 20 minutes from the lively resorts of Didim and Altinkum lies a tranquil paradise on the shores of Akbük Bay.

There beside the village is a beautiful sandy beach used only by the nearby villagers and a few tourists who have ‘discovered' it.
  In reality this is the perfect location for a varied yet relaxing holiday, an idyllic permanent residence or an investment of exceptional potential. A short walk away, Akbük is a charming unspoilt fishing village with a weekly market and a good range of restaurants supplied fresh from the quayside every morning. A shuttle runs to Altinkum every 20 minutes, where any need outside the scope of the village can be met. Both have good medical facilities for their size

TURKISH RIVIERA

In Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting in an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and sports activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and spelunking. If you come to Antalya in March or April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Awaiting your discovery are important historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.

The Turkish Riviera is the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of accommodations from basic to luxery hotels, and the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable.

ANTALYA

Surrounded by amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya , Turkey's principal resort, is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls. Present Antalya,  is a charming city with a lovely yacht marina and a beautifully restored historic city centre. Kaleiçi is the name of the peaceful historic old quarter which features Ottoman houses sprinkled with Roman ruins.