Home of beautiful beaches and captivating coast lines, and a haven of historical ruins and battle grounds, Turkey is a fantastic holiday destination. Whether you prefer to find adventure in the National Parks, culture in the bazaars or relaxation on the beach, there is something for everyone. Choosing a resort with villas in Turkey ensures that you have a comfortable base to come back to at the end of a busy day’s sightseeing. These are some of our favourite villa locations:
Kalkan
Once a small fishing village known as Kalamaki, Kalkan was discovered by travellers in the 1980s. On the turquoise coast of Turkey, it is renowned for being both a peaceful and sophisticated resort. Resting at the bottom of the Taurus Mountains, the town prides itself on the warm welcome it gives to tourists. Narrow streets wind their way towards the harbour, which offers a view out over crystal clear waters and a stunning bay. There is plenty of activity in this bustling town and you will not be stuck for something to do. For those who love the water, there is plenty of snorkelling and diving, or for the less intrepid there are pedalos and even a floating trampoline. If you are less keen to take the plunge, the beaches around Kalkan are some of the best Turkey has to offer, and are ideal for a day’s relaxation and recuperation. In the evening, make the most of the rooftop terrace restaurants and bars, where you can watch the sun set over the water, and enjoy the fresh catch that the fisherman brought in that very afternoon. There are plenty of resorts with villas in Turkey, but Kalkan really is one of the most special.
Kaya Valley
One of the most atmospheric places to find villas in Turkey, the Kaya Valley will capture your imagination and show you a completely different side of the country. This resort is surrounded by the greenery of pine forests and small farmed fields and exudes a sense of seclusion and tradition. However, for those who do not wish to be completely separated from civilisation, the popular beach and lagoon of Oludeniz is not far away. Also nearby, the mountain pass leading to the Gemiler beach provides a rewarding walk with dramatic scenery. There are several other particularly picturesque beaches around Gemiler, where you can take yourself out of reality and into an unspoiled and relaxing quietude. The Kaya Valley has most recently become famous for being the inspiration for Louis de Bernieres latest novel, Birds Without Wings; after a week in a secluded villa in the valley, you will soon understand how his imagination was captured.
Islamlar
Embedded in the Taurus Mountains, the traditional mountain village of Islamlar lies at an altitude of 400 metres, and is famed for its sensational views over the sea. The most individual location in which you will find villas in Turkey, it has not always been possible to stay in Islamlar itself. Historically, visitors could only visit the area to enjoy dinner in one of the local trout restaurants, and would then have to return to nearby Kalkan. The introduction of a few villas to the area means that visitors can really enjoy the rural traditionalism of Islamlar. With its old architecture demonstrating the true spirit of rural Turkey, and local traditions still in place, such as the baker’s mill stone, and the tea garden where local men drink tea and put the world to rights, this is a world away from the rest of the country. Restaurants serve locally grown, organic produce and trout that has been freshly caught and delivered up to the mountains, giving you a taste of the real Turkey.
Turkey is a popular destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, if you choose to stay in villas in Turkey, you can enjoy the freedom of having your own accommodation, and make the most of the privacy and seclusion offered by these quaint resorts.
Author Resource:
Nick Wrightman is the founder and M.D. of The Tapestry Collection, specialist holiday tour operators who can provide villas in Turkey (http://www.tapestryholidays.com/turkey-holidays/villas.html ) as well as holiday packages for Crete, Kefalonia and Morocco, in a selection of delightful resorts.