Relaxing Beach Vacation
 

I'm looking for initial ideas for a European trip for summer 2009. Our trip will include 3 to 5 couples, and I think we will want to stay for a week in one place - a gorgeous beach in Turkey might be nice. As not all of us are big beach fans, I would also like it to be close enough for an easy day trip or two to some sightseeing (Epheseus?). Greece is another possibility. In this region, June seems to be the best bet. In trying to please so many people, budget (moderate), accomodations, activities & travel difficulty will all be factors. Oh- and nowhere toooo touristy. Any helpful suggestions from travelers w/ experience in that corner of the world will be appreciated.

ttt

Arrive Istanbul, fly Izmir for Ephesus. From there drive couple of hours to Bodrum and base there. You can even hop to Greek island Kos.

Another suggestion is Kalkan. You can do day trips, enjoy beaches ( Kalkan itself more with great platforms right to the water, I like it better than beach personally) but 12 km.s to Kalkan Patara beach is there. If you are travelling from UK. you can fly directly to Dalaman airport. Daily yacht tours can be fun and evenings can be spend at narrow cobbled streets and good restuarants to top up.

Happy travelling,
Murat

Are there any gorgeous beaches near Bodrum, Murat?

Steve

I'd second Kalkan in Turkey, we loved staying there, loads of great places to eat and plenty to see in the area. Our favourite beach there was Kaputas, about 10 minutes dolmus or car drive away.

For Greece how about Parga on the western mainland? Valtos beach is a long sandy stretch and you can get a water taxi between there and the harbour, if you don't feel like walking. The town isn't too big, with narrow streets of little shops winding up to the ruined castle on the headland and plenty of good places to eat. There are loads of places for day trips from there, including the ruins of Dodoni, the mountain villages of Zagoria, the river Acheron and Necromanteion - even Meteora is possible.

Hi Steve,

Turkbuku is Ok but to crowded in July and august better to avaoid as the place turns to who is who stage.

Personally I prefer gulet to go to distant coves. There are nice beaches like Gumusluk etc. but my beach standarts more mediterranean than Aegean. Having said that taking even daily boat trips would serve the purpose to enjoy.

Happy travelling,

Murat

How about staying in Selcuk? It is convenient geographically to Ephesus, Kusadasi (if anyone is so inclined), Pamucak Beach (how is the beach?), and a day trip to Davutlar National Park (how are the beaches there?). I would appreciate any positive or negative opinions on the town & accomodations, plus suggestions for other locations.

LETON is the Relaxing Beach for the people who like SILENT. Far from ephesus BUT worth it

Have a nice trip in Turkey
Sinan

Selcuk is pretty inland and requires a drive to the nearest beach. Why not Kusadasi? Right on the coast with great beaches, 20 mins to Ephesus, short ferry trip to greece for the day or night and loads of other things to do.