| Your Holly holiday in Naturel and Historical place |
| Unit: |
Cottage |
Bedrooms: |
2 |
| Bathrooms: |
1½ |
Sleeps: |
2-6 |
A crystalline bay and wooded shoreline backed by imposing mountains, gulets sailing silently between sun bleached islets and a pace of life almost in reverse. These are just some of the attractions of the backwater hamlet of Tasbuku on the shores of the Gulf of Gokova.
The hamlet itself is home to a few farming families, two small beachside motels with simple restaurants and the Mandalin Villas in their lush gardens. Its pebble and sand beach looks out towards Cleopatra's Island where allegedly Anthony and Cleopatra enjoyed a tryst on sand specially imported for her comfort. Today Cleopatra's Island is a favourite destination of the midday tour boats but the lucky few staying at Tasbuku can usually find a boat to ferry them over in the early morning or late afternoon when the island is at its quietest.
From Tasbuku a lane winds through a wooded landscape, at times climbing to give tantalising views of the crenellated coastline, and past pretty tree-shaded restaurants serving fresh fish and local produce and small village stores selling all the necessities of life. After about ten kilometres the lane joins the road running from the head of the gulf to the town of Marmaris, only a twenty-five minute drive from Tasbuku but light years away in atmosphere. All the facilities, attractions and excesses of a major town and resort are found here together with countless shopping arcades and a huge weekly market.
Beyond Marmaris the land splits into two peninsulas, almost enclosing the small Greek island of Symi, and the serpentine road of the narrow Datca peninsula traverses stunning landscapes with glorious seascapes on both sides. Datca itself is a bustling port of entry for yachts and home to numerous carpet shops and a tortuous drive beyond this lies the famous site of ancient Knidos, a prosperous city made notorious by its cult statue of Aphrodite.
About a twenty minute drive from Tasbuku toward the head of the gulf lies Akyaka, a popular small town with pretty wood bedecked traditional style houses, some delightful river restaurants, a small market and a silt beach near the river-mouth. The cosmopolitan and low-key atmosphere makes it an ideal place to linger. Venturing slightly further afield a visit to Mugla, the capital of the province, offers an intriguing insight into everyday Turkish life, especially on market days when everything from livestock to fabrics are vividly displayed for sale.
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Near Cleopatra's beach |
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Airport transfers |
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BBQ |
Marmaris was a Carian city of which history goes back to the 3500 BC. Its ancient name was Physkos of which antique ruins can be seen at Asartepe (1.7kms north). A wonder of nature in itself, in this wonderful country, is the town of Marmaris greeting the Aegean, as well as the Mediterranean, on a dreamlike bay. Here, where the pine-clad mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the beaches of clearest waters, the medley of green and blue tones are fascinating.
This land of lacy coastline is ideal for the sun-worshippers, and offers the most attractive coves and inlets for those who would like to swim, dive or fish. The sheltered bay is a favorite for a relaxing holiday, while also being amazingly excellent for a lively vacation of water sports and sailing.
Along the promenade, adorned with palm trees, the Marmaris marina is a busy yachting center and also a pretty sight. The "Yacht Charter Show" organized here every May, is an enjoyable event with captains and. crews coming together to sail with nature-lovers, among the impressive southern coasts of Turkey. One also may take the famous "Blue Voyage" from here, and make a fascinating trip along the elegant coastline of the Aegean. Marmaris is a yachting heaven with vast facilities for yacht owners.
If you do not get lost in this wide natural beauty, there is also a lot to see inside the plentiful little towns.
A 16th-century citadel, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, the Ottoman caravansary of 1545, and the Mosque of Ibrahim Agha, dating to 1789, are some interesting buildings in this ancient town of "Physkos" for the devoted sightseers.
Marmaris today is a popular holiday resort with all these scenic points, supplemented by numerous facilities, including modern accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars, and others. The beautiful boutiques, markets and bazaars provide a good deal of shopping opportunities which will give a last colorful aspect to your vacation. You may choose from excellent souvenirs among the Turkish handicrafts here, and do not forget to buy "Caam Ball'' which is a tasty pine-scented honey, locally produced in this area of pine forests.
Sedir Island, the ancient Cedrai, known as "Cleopatra and city islands" lies in the Gulf of Gökova. You will need to drive north from Marmaris to Gelibolu Bay and then take a boat to the Sedir Islands to find the ancient city walls, a theater and temples and the panoramic view of mountains across the bay. It is said that Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius swam together in a little bay on the northwest of the island of which it is said the sand was brought by ships from North Africa. It is an unforgettable experience. Going to the inner parts of the gulf, there is the little village of Gokova, with its traditional houses spreading to the edge of the mountain. Gokova Park with its dense pine forest and cool breeze, gives a welcome break from the sun. The restaurants, by the fresh water springs streaming from the mountains, are places to enjoy
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| Reservation/Availability: |
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High season 03May03-04Oct03 600$ per week |
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Mid season 15 Mar03-03May03 500$ per week |
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Mid season 04Oct03-01Now03 500$ per week |
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Low season 01Nov03-15Mar04 300$ per week
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