Hotels in Ovacik

Holidays to Icmeler in Turkey are perfect if you want to enjoy the quieter side of life. Popular with families looking for laid-back days on the beach and couples who want leisurely meals by night, this beautiful beach resort offers everything you could want to kick back and relax.

Much lower-key than its vibrant neighbour, Marmaris, it started life as a small fishing village. It’s blossomed into a sophisticated holiday destination, while still retaining bucket-loads of its original charm. The beach offers golden sands and blue seas and is maintained by the locals, who are fiercely proud of what is the resort’s greatest draw. In town, you’ll find a good selection of shops and some superb, authentic restaurants.

For a real taste of Turkey, try out one of the ‘lokantas’, also known as ‘tradesmen’s restaurants’, where the locals go for quick, convenient and home-cooked food. If you’re on holiday in Icmeler with the kids, the resort is within easy reach of Marmaris’ top attractions, such as the Atlantis Waterpark.

Things to do

Icmeler’s beach is spectacular with dark, golden sand, and is backed by a leafy promenade. Ideal for those travelling with little ones, the shore shelves gently into the sapphire seas, giving them plenty of opportunity to splash about. If you can bear to tear yourself from your sun lounger, the resort has plenty up its sleeve to see and do.

The midweek markets are the perfect hunting ground for those looking to bag a bargain, while kids will love a day out at Atlantis Waterpark, popular with all ages for its water slides, wave pool and mini-golf. In the evenings, pick a family-friendly bar for after-dinner drinks and, if the raki is working its magic, join in with the karaoke.

History and culture

Once a small fishing village, its customs are still celebrated throughout this charming small town. From its whitewashed buildings to its picturesque harbour, Icmeler has created a good balance between its traditional roots and a modern tourist resort.

Holidaymakers only recently started visiting the picturesque resort just 20 years ago. The surrounding towns began to get more attention because of the growing popularity of its bustling neighbour, Marmaris. Today it’s a great basecamp for visiting some of Turkey’s most popular historical sites like the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and the 16th century Marmaris Castle.

Lovely beaches

Enjoy a day at the resort’s Blue Flag paradise and bask in the unspoilt beauty of this long, golden beach. Like any great beach in Turkey, you’ll come across thrilling water sports and excellent snorkelling spots that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Or if you prefer, relax on a sun lounger underneath a shady umbrella. There are plenty of beachside restaurants and bars to refresh after an afternoon on the sand.

If you fancy a walk, you can take a stroll through the lush, green mountains to take in the stunning views of the coast. For those early risers, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunrise that glistens as it’s reflected off the shimmering water.

Exciting nightlife

Once the sun comes down the town comes alive with an array of bars and restaurants that stay open late into the evening. Sit back and enjoy the sunset as you dine on a traditional Turkish feast. After a delicious meal, the waterfront is a popular after dark hotspot as it’s where you’ll find live music, karaoke, entertaining shows and lots of opportunities to dance. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, head to Marmaris, which is only 15 minutes away, to find vibrant nightclubs and music bars.

Icmeler Location

If you’re wondering “where is Icmeler in Turkey?”, the answer is that you’ll find it on Turkey’s south-western coast, about 8km from Marmaris and roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Dalaman Airport. Surrounded by perfumed pine forests and with a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped bay, this superb resort is for those who want to enjoy the quieter side of Turkish life, but with access to the bars and nightlife of nearby Marmaris for a kicking night out.

In the air and under the water

Beyond the pine forests on the Icmeler map you’ll find a mountain range which is popular with hikers, horse-riders, and cyclists. Ölü Deniz’ Babadağ mountain is the setting for the region’s Air Festival, which sees paragliders launching themselves from rocky outcrops and taking to the skies. Ölü Deniz is also home to one of the area’s greatest secrets: the Blue Lagoon. Wreathed in powder-soft sands and with clear, blue waters, it offers perfect conditions for scuba-divers and snorkellers.

Neighbouring Marmaris

Look on the Icmeler map and you’ll find that Marmaris is just across the bay. While it’s easy to walk there from Icmeler’s buzzing promenade, it’s even more fun to catch a water-taxi and head over to Marmaris in a few minutes.

Where is Icmeler in Turkey?

As part of the famous Turkish Turquoise Coast, Icmeler’s beach is ideal for families and couples looking to spend some quality downtime together. Clean and safe for even timid toe dippers and
tiny tots, the beach is maintained by the locals who are fiercely proud of this stunning part of the Turkish coastline. Book your break in the spring or autumn for the best sightseeing weather, or in the summer for some serious sunbathing. When you get back, if anyone asks you “where is Icmeler in Turkey?”, the only decision you’ll have to make is whether to tell them, or to keep it a secret!

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Dalyan | Fethiye | Hisaronu | Istanbul | Izmir | Kalkan | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc

If you’re looking to treat your family or your better half to a little slice of luxury, then book one of our holidays to Kalkan. Once an idyllic fishing village, this holiday resort is now a mixture of old-school Turkish charm and modern, high-end hotels. Among the narrow streets, you’ll find brightly-decorated shops, cafés, and restaurants.

This isn’t the place to find pizzas and burgers: the tavernas and restaurants here serve traditional Turkish cuisine, although they’ll make something simpler for confused-looking holidaymakers!

History buffs can spend some time visiting some of the finest Roman ruins in the region, while if you’ve got a taste for adventure you can go kite-surfing, quad-bike across the sands, horse-riding at sunset, take boat trips along the coast, or wallow in a rejuvenating mud-bath at the nearby springs.

However, if your idea of downtime is to park yourself on a sun lounger and catch some rays, Kalkan is blessed with some of the best beaches around!

Things to do

The best place to get your bearings is on the picturesque waterfront. There, you’ll find some laid-back bars and rustic restaurants in which to enjoy a cheeky drink or a leisurely lunch. If the sapphire-coloured sea takes your fancy, make for the marina, where you can hop aboard a coastal cruise.

Anyone with even the faintest interest in history should visit some of the area’s historical sites. Xanthos boasts a superbly preserved Roman amphitheatre, alongside some imposing tombs and a Byzantine street.

Alternatively, lose yourself in the markets in the Old Town and hunt out some treasures of your own.

Excellent beaches

The Blue Flag beaches that line the coast of Kalkan are beautiful. A long stretch of soft, white sand shelves gently into calm, glistening waters. The tranquil waves make the beach ideal for relaxing afternoons, reclining on sun loungers under parasols.

If you’re after a more upbeat activity, there are lots of water sports available, from water skiing and paragliding to banana boats and canoeing.

Cafés and restaurants line the coast where you can eat fresh seafood and sip on delicious cocktails. A pleasant, pebbly beach lies next to the beautiful harbour, where the sun-soaked sea is a perfect romantic spot to sit and watch the boats dance on the horizon at nightfall.

History and culture

Kalkan was once a working fishing town and a safe harbour between Kaş and Fethiye. Its traditional character can still be seen through the cobbled streets of whitewashed houses that sit along the shore. Kalkan is close to significant, historic landmarks including Kayakoy; an evacuated ghost town and the Lycian city ruins of Tlos. Tourism has only become apparent in the last 40 or so years so the town still thrives on the traditional Turkish laid-back way of life.

Lively nightlife

Aside from its romantic setting and rich history, Kalkan has a vibrant nightlife to keep you entertained. Whether you want a quiet drink in a scenic setting or a dance floor in a buzzing nightclub, this modern town has it all.

Drink cocktails in a feel-good contemporary atmosphere at Club Karma, where resident DJs play the latest summer hits giving you a chance to grab your friends and dance the night away.

A popular place for a drink and a meal during sunset is the Botanik Garden Bar, with its unique setting along a peaceful river, decorated with green flora. With the glow of the garden lanterns, it’s easy to relax on the hammocks that hang from the blossoming trees.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Dalyan | Fethiye | Hisaronu | Icmeler | Istanbul | Izmir | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc

Once a quiet, mountainside village, Hisarönü, Turkey, bears all the hallmarks of a laid-back holiday haven. However, looks can be deceptive. While the destination has retained much of its old-school Turkish charm, it’s a buzzing holiday destination with plenty of things to see and do. Not to mention a stellar nightlife, making Hisarönü an ideal choice for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Suppose you want to dive head-first into the local culture on your Hisarönü holiday. In that case, Fethiye’s Old Town is buzzing with shops, cafés, and street markets. It’s a perfect choice for a day or afternoon of adventure away from Hisarönü. For lazy days back in your village destination, potter around plenty of shops and sleepy bars, sipping traditional Turkish tea to fuel your experience.

Things to do

If you fancy swimming in clear, blue waters then be sure to pay a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, which has its own sheltered beach and offers excellent conditions for scuba-divers. Swim or dive in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a cooling break from the warm Turkish sun.

For those who like the water, but would rather not be under it, nearby Dalyan River is unmissable. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy some kayaking or rafting. To enjoy the river’s charm in a more relaxing way, book a leisurely boat trip, an ideal opportunity to see the local landscape.

Beaches

Suppose you want your holidays to Hisarönü to involve lazing around on the beach. In that case, you’ll find plenty of soft, sandy shores to choose from. Ölüdeniz and the famous Blue Lagoon beach are just a short water-taxi ride away. Both sunny spots offer ideal sunbathing conditions and glistening, warm waters for swimming or splashing.

The Blue Lagoon in Ölüdenizis only a short distance from Hisarönü and is a perfect spot for a relaxing day spent topping up your tan. The wide, powdery beach surrounding the Blue Lagoon is a perfectly picturesque spot for relaxing or playing with the kids. A lush green landscape surrounds the lagoon and beach, just one more beautiful reason to visit. You’ll be able to chill out on a sunbed or shade beneath a parasol, grabbing drinks and snacks from nearby bars throughout the day. If you’re feeling energetic, you could go parasailing and see the beautiful landscape from a birds-eye-view.

Fun for everyone

The boats in Hisarönü do more than fish and taxi visitors around. Why not book a boat cruise? A perfect day out that the whole family can enjoy. Glide along the Aegean Coast and enjoy unparalleled views of the natural landscape as you go. The Turkish coast is shadowed by forested mountains, making every moment of a boat cruise more than picture-worthy.

If you prefer getting around on your own two feet, there are many opportunities to explore around Hisarönü. The Babadag mountain foothills offer a challenging day’s hike, with some of Turkey’s best scenery acting as the reward for your efforts. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure on your Hisarönü holiday, this is the way to go.

Maybe a full day of hiking sounds like a little too much work. In that case, Hisarönü offers plenty of cafés and bars where you can enjoy a leisurely drink and watch the world go by. Settle in and soak up the local atmosphere, fuelling with snacks and traditional tea throughout the day. Once the sun’s slipped over the horizon, the resort erupts into a riot of music, dancing, and good times as nightlife takes over. There is truly something for everyone in this beautiful Turkish destination.

Shopping

Looking for momentoes to remember your holiday? There are plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy in and around Hisarönü. The Monday market is a great place to put your haggling skills to the test, and there are plenty of treasures available to buy. Or, take a drive into nearby Fethiye for lots more shopping as well as restaurants, bars, and a beautiful marina. Fethiye also boasts a captivating Old Town, a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. Pick up some fresh Turkish delight for the ride back to Hisarönü for a satisfying way to end your adventure.

Nightlife

Hisarönü may be small, but its nightlife rivals some of Turkey’s larger towns, with plenty of bars and clubs catering to the tourist crowd. Most in the village stay open and busy until the early hours, so there will be no need to go home if you’re still having fun!

Follow the sound of music and excitement to the main harbour, where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants kicking off the evening in style. Many Hisarönü bars boast live music from around dinnertime, so you can enjoy a meal or some delicious drinks with a vibrant soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. For something even more exciting, look out for pool and karaoke bars dotted around Hisarönü.

Hisarönü’s clubs start to open their doors as the night draws on, attracting night owls from all around. DJs and dancefloors are easy to come by in this unassuming Turkish village, with various clubs offering music to suit all tastes and moods. Try Bar Rumba for classic nightclub vibes and themed events throughout the week, or Tango Fun Club for DJs and cheap drinks all night long.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Dalyan | Fethiye | Icmeler | Istanbul | Izmir | Kalkan | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc