Tag Archives: where

Where to find Turkey’s laidback budget villages

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Monday, 14 October 2013 04:32

Turkey has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Brits, but despite the growth of its coastal resorts there are still some lovely, peaceful fishing villages that are a much more authentic option for a break in the country.

Another reason why these villages are such good choices for a holiday in Turkey, aside from their authenticity, is the price. Typically staying in one of these small seaside destinations is cheaper than heading to the larger resorts, so it’s great if you’re looking for a break on a budget.

We’ll talk a bit about how to plan a holiday without a lot of cash, as well as where you can stay.

Finding the best holiday deals

To make sure your money goes as far as possible, you need to do some careful planning before you jet off. Checking for deals on flights and accommodation is the obvious place to start – Jewel in the Crown Holidays is a great company to check out if you’re looking for hotels in the quieter villages.

Don’t forget to set aside some funds to cover everyday costs such as eating out and transport (if you want to go on day trips). While it can be tough to budget for these things before you travel, you should be able to get a rough idea of how much things cost with a bit of research. You can also ask your tour company for some advice about the price of food and tours.

Where to stay on the Turquoise Coast

There are some exceptional villages on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and there are great places to stay that won’t cost the earth. We’ve put together a bit of information about a few of the best:

• Selimiye – Selimiye is the picture-perfect Mediterranean fishing village, with its small harbour, traditional boats, white-washed houses and olive trees growing in the street. There are two small bays and a larger beach here, so there are plenty of places to sunbathe and swim – great free activities. Selimiye is also home to a good selection of restaurants and one of its most interesting features is its small Gulet shipyards where traditional boats are still made. If you don’t mind walking, there are some lovely places to explore just outside Selimiye, such as the ruins of a medieval castle and a waterfall in the hills.
• Ovacik – This is one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations on this part of Turkey’s coast, making it a fantastic option if you’re on a budget. The bay here is truly stunning, with its lovely sweep of white sand backed by pine-covered hills. What’s really great about Ovacik is that it’s close to the more popular holiday spots of Olu Deniz and Hisaronu. There’s a dolmus service between them, so it’s easy to go for a day trip to either without having to spend a lot of money. Olu Deniz is particularly picturesque, thanks to its striking blue lagoon.
• Turunc – Turunc is another sleepy village with good connections to livelier resorts – this time Icmeler and Marmaris. These two are easy to reach by dolmus and the boat ride itself is an experience because of the spectacular mountain scenery that backs the coast. Let’s get back to Turnuc, though, which has a lovely sand and shingle beach, as well as a seaside promenade. The water is generally calm, so it’s a good place for families.
 

End of summer sunshine: where to go for a budget break

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Monday, 16 September 2013 02:30

If you’re yet to organise your summer getaway, now’s the time to crack on with your planning. By leaving it late you’ll have the opportunity to snap up some last-minute deals, and there are a few destinations that combine bargain prices with amazing attractions.

We have listed some of our favourite places for holidays in the sun in 2013 below.

Majorca

With 550 km of coastline and a sunny climate, Majorca is a natural choice for a short-haul getaway before autumn arrives. One of the nice things about going on holiday here is that there is a good balance between beaches, natural wonders and cultural attractions, which means it’s easy to have a varied and interesting break.

Of course, hitting the beach is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the sun – especially if you do a little forward planning and bring a picnic with you. In terms of where to go, Cala Llombards on the south-west coast is extremely pretty and great for snorkelling, while Es Trenc in Campos is conveniently close to the capital Palma.

Speaking of Palma, make sure you spend some time exploring this exciting city. You don’t need to break the bank – just stroll around the streets and soak up the atmosphere, popping into the occasional attraction like the Gothic Majorca Cathedral.

Tenerife

Tenerife has long been a popular holiday destination, and there are loads of reasons to come here. Like Majorca, this Canary Island has something to offer all sorts of people.

For example, beach lovers will feel right at home at destinations like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, while Las Teresitas Beach is beautiful and perfect for snorkelling.

If you prefer activities like hiking and cycling to spending time on the beach, you won’t be disappointed by visits to Teide National Park – home to the island’s highest peak, Mount Teide – and Corona Forestal Nature Park. For golfers there are plenty of courses to try out, including Golf Costa Adeje, while families are well catered for too.

Indeed, if you’re travelling with the kids you’ll have some great choices like spending a day splashing about in Siam Park – a Thai-themed water park – and spotting animals in Loro Parque.

Lanzarote

Our final choice is another of the Canary Islands – this time Lanzarote. Renowned for its lunar-like landscape, this is also a destination that has an excellent reputation for its weather and beaches.

However, there are also plenty of cultural attractions to be discovered. For instance, the Cesar Manrique Foundation is definitely a must-visit for art lovers, since you can explore his former home and see a host of works by both the man himself and other artists, including Picasso.

Many people don’t realise that Manrique was also a skilled architect, and when exploring the foundation you can get an idea of his abilities, with many of the rooms being created from volcanic bubbles that occurred naturally in the terrain.

It’s also well worth visiting Timanfaya National Park, where you can fully appreciate just how impressive the island’s volcanic landscape is. Head up to the Montana Rajada natural viewing point, from where you’ll be able to see over the strange lava formations all the way out to sea.