I’d drove past the sign for Magnesia ancient city ruins many times. Hardly talked about or featured in guidebooks, I figured there was not much to see, yet curiosity still made me want to visit. So last month, our hobby photography group piled into the cars and made our way there. Sitting in the Aydin region of Aegean Turkey, it was just an hour’s drive away from my home, and when we arrived, only one other group was there. Magnesia city ruins … [Read more...]
Aegean Coast of Turkey
The Aegean coast of Turkey stretches from the North near Istanbul to the Marmaris peninsula. The region has a variety of holiday resorts, beaches, things to do and places to go. One of the highlights is the ancient ruins of Ephesus which at the height of it's existence was the second largest city of Rome. Camel wrestling is a favourite past time and tradition while the gorgeous, sandy beaches of Izmir, Bodrum, Kusadasi and the Datca peninsula will suit those who are looking for beach holidays.I also happen to be biased because it is where I live in Turkey.
Things to Do in Kusadasi: Around the Port, Centre, & Close By
I have been rather critical of Kusadasi in the past. Yet following developments in the town; I’m warming up to it and now highly admired it for the famous international reputation it has built up. It is also extremely hard to ignore the fact that there are plently of unique things to do in Kusadasi. Indeed, as a major cruising port, cruises from around the world dock in yearly for passengers to see the nearby historic ruins of Ephesus. For many, … [Read more...]
Breakfast at Bafa Lake
Sitting by Bafa Lake eating breakfast, always makes me feels creatively bohemian. Even better, is that it is a traditional Turkish breakfast, and not my native English fry up that cures my hangovers. In my mind, the rustic lakeside settings, fresh organic ingredients, and the ideal summer weather takes me away from the standard 9 to 5 lifestyle. I love saying to my friends “Oh hey, let’s pop down to the lake for breakfast” as if I do it every … [Read more...]
My Plans and Izmir Travel Tips
In 2012, CN Traveler called Izmir “Turkey’s most overlooked city “and they were right. Although it is the third largest metropolis in the country, it is often pushed into the shadows by the likes of Istanbul and Ankara. Let’s be honest though. Izmir cannot compete against Istanbul as a top city break destination, simply because it’s historical timeline is nowhere near as impressive, sordid or varied as the former Constantinople and Byzantium’s … [Read more...]
Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk : Was He Really Buried There?
Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk is one of those places that still intrigues me, long after my visit. Actually, if you are a Christian, the whole district is worth visiting because the nearby grand theatre of Ephesus is where Paul the Apostle faced the wrath of the silversmith crowds, who were angry that he questioned the validity of the goddess Artemis. Also, the suspected last home of the Virgin Mary and the place of her assumption is high in … [Read more...]
Visiting the Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey
There is no denying that visiting the Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey will introduce you to one of the most picturesque places in the country. Often reflected in travel brochures with images of sugar-cubed houses dotted over the green hillsides, it covers a large space on the Aegean coast of Turkey opposite the Greek Island of Kos. As well as the town centre, many small surrounding coastal villages make up the large peninsula that has a strong … [Read more...]
The Isa Bey Mosque of Selcuk
Finding the Isa Bey Mosque was easier than expected. I had geared myself up for a bus ride or long trek, but felt quite the fool when the hotel receptionist said, “leave the hotel, turn left, walk 50 metres and it’s there.” Situated in the heart of Selcuk town at the bottom of a hill, Isa Bey Mosque was originally built in 1375 in honour of the ruler of the Selcuk region from 1360 to 1390. It doubles up as a place of worship and one of the … [Read more...]
Cave of the Seven Sleepers at Ephesus
Visiting the cave of the seven sleepers near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, (one of the biggest cities of the Roman Empire) was a disappointment. I had previously read many websites describing graves, a church and ancient inscriptions on the wall, yet I was stood looking at three walls of rusty colored bricks that could resemble an old village house. My guide with an “I told you so” smile confirmed we were in the right place yet I could not feel … [Read more...]
Walking the Sacred Path of Miletus
Walking the sacred path of Miletus was an immense physical achievement for me. Not only did I do it with a raging hangover, garnered from a heavy night before, but as well as the long distance of 14 kilometers, the rugged path is a winding route of grass and stones, going up and down hills through the country land. My walking partner that I met for the first time was Pat Yale, a famous author of many travel guide books about Turkey and former … [Read more...]
The Historical Treasures of Ancient Priene
According to history books, two extremely important treasures emerged from the ruins of ancient Priene, a former city in the Aegean region of Turkey. They are the Priene Inscription and the Priene Calendar, two informative scripts passed down for future generations. Albeit no city could ever leave behind as greater legacy as that, but for me, strolling around the ancient ruins provoked a state of joyful excitement, even though they are not as … [Read more...]
Dilek National Park, 2 Angry Boars and a Cave
Sitting on the Aegean coast of Turkey, Dilek National Park is a protected green area and an all-rounder in terms of things to do. Gorgeous beaches attract swimmers and sunbathers while landscape photographers adore the scenery. Hikers love the extensive range of walking trails and an abundance of wildlife lures lovers of nature. I could return again and again to this mass of green land simply because there is always something new to … [Read more...]
Iasos : The Forgotten City of Bodrum
When it comes to fame and glory, Iasos is one of the humble historical sites of Turkey. It normally receives no more than a paragraph mention by websites and guidebooks and this problem has been officially recognized by the head of the excavation team. Yet to locals and expats of the Bodrum peninsula, Iasos is a small but cherished historical landmark. I had first attempted to visit in 2010 and staying true to habits, I got lost and ended up … [Read more...]
Izmir City: Misunderstood and Underrated
Any good travel book naturally lists Istanbul as the best destination in Turkey for a city break holiday. Attempting to knock Istanbul off its throne is something only a fool would contemplate but further down the Aegean coastline is the bustling city of Izmir and its surrounding coastal resorts. Though it doesn’t have the historical value of Istanbul, there are many reasons to visit Izmir. Repeat visitors to Turkey who want to see something new … [Read more...]
Going Local : 7 Holiday Resorts in Bodrum
Bodrum on the Aegean coast of Turkey attracts rich and famous celebrities, budget holidaymakers, solo travellers and white collar Turks from the big cities. Infact it appeals to everyone and this is evident from its reputation as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country. Credit can be given to its diversity in amenities such as the cheap B&B hostels or the 5-star luxury hotels in Bodrum whose personal services include your … [Read more...]
Beautiful Pamukkale and Ancient Hierapolis
Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city ruins in the Denizli region of Turkey is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nicknamed “Cotton Castle” because of its white calcium thermal pools solidified on the side of a hill, along with the landmark structures of Hierapolis, they were the country's most visited tourist attraction in 2014. Sitting inland within an agricultural province, the last time I went to Pamukkale and Hierapolis was in 2002 but I didn’t … [Read more...]
Majestic Architecture of the Celsus Library in Ephesus
The Celsus library in Ephesus is probably one of the most photographed historical structures of Turkey. It belongs to the ancient city located on the Aegean coast, near the holiday resort of Kusadasi and the working town of Selcuk. One of my interests, while I learn about my adopted country is the history of Turkey, so naturally, I have a huge amount of respect for the excavated ruins and their magnificent architecture. However to write from the … [Read more...]
Guide to Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins
The colourful timeline of Turkey’s history means that the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. Out of all of them, Ephesus ancient city ruins are probably the most well-known, attracting thousands of visitors every day. Ephesus ancient city is to Turkey what the pyramids are to Egypt or the Colosseum to Rome and in 2014, 3 million people walked through its gates. Sitting on the Aegean coast of Turkey, near to … [Read more...]
My Turkish Painting Holiday
Drawing and painting have never been strong talents of mine. I believe I’m a creative person but throughout my life, have never been able to use a pencil or art brush to create pictures worth hanging on the wall. Maybe that is why I drifted towards photography instead, because it seems like all the work is done for you. The eagerness for artistic creativity has always been there though, so when I saw a Facebook page, advertising Turkish Painting … [Read more...]
Aphrodisias : The Lost City of Sculptures
Along with my personal guide, I had arrived in Aphrodisias, the city of sculptures, creativity, ancient ruins and a story of how it dominated one man’s life nearly 500 years after it fell into oblivion. Standing in the long hall of the museum, what I saw left me speechless. The hall had no windows, just four white walls, a door and a shiny tiled floor that reflected everything because of bright lights shining down from the ceiling. Called the … [Read more...]
The Ruins of Ephesus Theatre
To be truthful, the Ephesus theatre is not my favourite place. I feel detest for this prominent ruined structure of the ancient Greco-Roman city, because it was also the scene for gladiator and animal fights. I don’t want to pay homage to a place, where unnecessary death and pain reigned simply for the pointless pleasure of human beings. Having said that, the natural course of human evolution has buried those days, and now, the Ephesus theatre … [Read more...]
The Roman Terrace Houses of Ephesus
When the Roman terrace houses of Ephesus opened up to the public, I was absolutely thrilled. I had listened with jealousy as other people described the extensive finds of pain-staking excavations and read with envy as other bloggers wrote about how much they enjoyed their visit to the new attraction and significant landmark of the ancient city. Often postponing planned visits again and again, I finally made it back to Ephesus in March of this … [Read more...]
Laodicea & the Seven Churches of Revelation
I have a goal to visit the remains of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, which are all in the Aegean region of Turkey. One such city was Laodicea; an extremely profitable centre of trade that did especially did well in wool, because the nearby plains provided sheep with ample grazing food. Turkey has an extremely strong Biblical history that any hard-core Christian would be a fool to ignore and slowly … [Read more...]
Reasons Why You Should Visit Bodrum
Turkey is one of the most appealing destinations in Europe because of the wonderful mix of its rich culture and breath-taking sceneries. It also has some of the most enticing package holidays thanks to the wide range of those natural and cultural attractions. One of the centers of the country's tourist industry and a must-visit spot is the ancient, yet cosmopolitan peninsula of Bodrum, lying on the edge of the Aegean Turkish coast. But why you … [Read more...]
Why You Shouldn’t Visit the Temple of Artemis, One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Antipater of Sidon, a famous Greek poet lived during the latter half of the 2nd century BC. During his travels, he visited landmarks belonging to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This included the Temple of Artemis that now stands near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, in Selcuk on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Greek Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, was built in honour of the goddess of fertilely Artemis and was rebuilt two … [Read more...]
Apollo Temple in Didyma (Altinkum)
The Temple Of Apollo in Didyma, Turkey is a major landmark for the surrounding touristic resorts of Altinkum and Didim. It is on the Aegean coast and receives thousands of travelers and tourists every year. In historic times the area was referred to as Didyma and even today signs of Greek history are everywhere. This is not the only Temple of Apollo. There are four temples dedicated to Apollo in Greece, three in Italy and five in Turkey. I … [Read more...]
Selcuk Town in Turkey: Why is it ignored by the Mainstream Travel Market?
A particular aspect has always puzzled me about the Turkish travel market. The ancient ruins of Ephesus on the Aegean coast of Turkey are a top visited attraction of the country, receiving thousands of visitors daily, especially in summer. Yet, if I look at a majority of overnight tours on travel agency sites, hardly any of them mention Selcuk town, where Ephesus is based. I am not the only one to notice this. When I visited, locals complained … [Read more...]
Exploring the Aegean Coast of Turkey
The Aegean coast of Turkey stretches from the North near Istanbul, down the coastline to the boundaries of Marmaris. Also known as the west coast, the attractive small resorts dotted along the coastline, were previously fishing villages, and now are popular tourist destinations. They are ideal for independent travel, although due to mass tourism in the area, there are many cheap holiday packages available from travel agents. Airports serving … [Read more...]
Sevgi Plaji – The Beach of Love and Hate
Turks have a habit of naming places, with a direct translation that means something. For example, the bustling holiday resort of “Marmaris” means “hang the architect” in reference to an Ottoman sultan, Suleyman the magnificent who in 1522, ordered a new fortress to be built and was totally disgusted at the finished result. Likewise, Altinkum means “golden sands” referring to the many miles of sandy beaches on the coastline. Not sure, where the … [Read more...]
5 Things to Do in Yalikavak on the Bodrum Peninsula
Having travelled to Yalikavak in Bodrum many times, it is now, my favourite holiday destination in Turkey. With much to admire, this beautiful seaside resort, is popular with foreign and Turkish tourists. There are five reasons in particular why I keep going back, and this article also serves as a good guide for first time visitors to the resort. Things to do in Yalikavak Sandy Beaches in Yalikavak Yalikavak’s beaches are just a narrow … [Read more...]
Travel Scam Alert : Fake Antique Coins in Selcuk
Last month, on impulse, I stayed in the town of Selcuk, near the ruins of Ephesus. Due to my hasty decision, I did no research but despite my lack of planning, the trip was fantastic. I made new Turkish friends, explored recommended attractions, ate good food, and drank lots of beer! However, I was seriously disappointed by a travel scam, targeting foreign tourists. Infact, the same scam was tried on me, twice in two days! The scam artists … [Read more...]
Altinkum Boat Trips – A Lazy Day Cruising
Altinkum boat trips are the perfect way to change the mundane routine that has become my life. Routines are boring, pathetic and have no business trying to force their way into my day-to-day existence. However, unfortunately in the past months, an urge to save money for traveling had me chained to my computer in a boring repetitive action that has more or less destroyed any enthusiasm I had. So when friends mentioned they were going on a lazy … [Read more...]
Wine Tasting in Sirince Village
If you ever find yourself on the Aegean coast of Turkey then be sure to take a visit to Sirince Village. Known throughout Turkey for wine tasting and production, it's mountainside location is perfect for seeing natural Turkey and all through the village are shops where you can put your wine tasting skills to the test. How To Get To Sirince Village I drove a car which took two hours from Altinkum to Sirince. Head for the town of Selcuk … [Read more...]
Old Doganbey Village Near Dilek National Park
There are many old Greek villages situated around Turkey. They now either have Turkish citizens or are deserted as in the case of the ghost village of Kayakoy on the Mediterranean coast. This happened after the Greek / Turkish citizen exchange treaty that was agreed at the end of the Turkish war of independence. Greeks had to go back to Greece and vice versa. The Greek village of Old Doganbey on the Aegean coast of Turkey is one such … [Read more...]
Kusadasi Harbour in Turkey
Kusadasi harbour is one aspect of the town that has remained true to its roots as a small village despite the growing popularity of the town as a cruise-ship destination. A lot of people miss out on this part of the town because it is distanced from the main center. Some prefer the private marina where luxury boats dock in and restaurants charge a fortune for fine dining. Alternatively, the place for locals to hang out is the new harbour … [Read more...]
The Flying Fish Boat in Altinkum
When I lived in England, I never understood the popular sport of fishing. It seemed pointless to catch fish and throw it back in. I was also a city girl and my staple diet was fast food, or frozen microwave meals. I hardly ate fish unless it was from the local take away, coated in thick, batter, served with greasy, fat chips, and wrapped in paper. Later I moved to Turkey, and during my first year, was introduced to Aegean cuisine, which is fresh … [Read more...]
Soke – A Town On The Aegean Coast of Turkey
Soke is not a tourist town and does not seem to be in a rush to make itself one. It is on the Aegean coast of Turkey and is a short drive from the holiday resorts of Altinkum and Kusadasi. Alternatively, you could visit there if you are on your way to Izmir, Ephesus or Selcuk as Soke has a major bus station which is a stopover point for many people traveling by bus. I have been to Soke many times before but never actually walked around. So on … [Read more...]
Degirmen Farm, Horse Ranch, and Restaurants: Kusadasi
I have always stated that the Aegean resort of Kusadasi does nothing for me. I find it false, pretentious, and annoying that when cruise ships dock in, prices everywhere suddenly go up and local sellers seem obsessed with American and Chinese passengers. It is a popular holiday resort though, especially for people looking for a decent package deal or some spontaneous last minute holidays at the Turkish Riviera. Although a number of … [Read more...]
Venosa Beach Resort and Spa
I recently got the opportunity to have a full guided tour of a 5 star luxury resort and spa. Now, considering how nosy I am, it did not take me two seconds to scream “yes, I am coming”. I am talking about the Venosa Beach Resort and Spa that opened it's doors in May of this year, in the area called Yesilkent on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Trip Advisor would indicate that once Venosa Beach Resort and Spa had got the teething problems under … [Read more...]
Is Turkish Village Life Doomed?
This morning I was out and about, and found myself racing back to life in the touristic obsessed destination of Altinkum and normality. English breakfasts and football shirts suddenly seemed like a welcome sight. Normally, I am a fan of getting off the beaten track and seeing traditional Turkish life so you may be asking the reason for my doom and gloom. The answer is my trip to a village called Akkoy. This is a small village situated between … [Read more...]
The Serene House of the Virgin Mary
The house of the Virgin Mary near Kusadasi is close to the ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus, yet despite the huge popularity of the latter, many people do not take the detour to visit the suspected house where the Mother Mary lived and died. Although the Catholic Church has never confirmed this to be the place of her assumption, three popes have visited, and the Church takes responsibility for running the house through donations and … [Read more...]
Animals at Izmir Zoo and Wildlife Park
Zoo animals are a great way to get behind the lens of a camera and practice your photography skills while traveling. In my last article, I discussed my reason for visiting Izmir Zoo and Wildlife Park and that was to answer if animals should be kept in zoos? However I did not realize until I arrived at my chosen destination, that the zoo animals and landscapes made it the perfect place to tone up and hone in on my photography skills. This … [Read more...]
Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos?
I recently spent a lot of time thinking about the question of “should animals be kept in Zoos?” I was prompted to ponder this topical debate subject after discussing Izmir zoo with a few friends. These friends stated strongly that they would not accompany me on the two hour journey to Izmir, because they viewed zoos as cruel establishments that had no place on the face of the earth. However the truth is there are many zoos around the world that … [Read more...]
The Ancient ruins of Miletus in Turkey
Miletus is just one of many ancient ruin sites that I have been exploring lately on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. I can say that after viewing the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, all the other ancient-ruin sites have paled in comparison however I was impressed by Miletus. It has an aura around it that leaves you feeling it is hiding so many secrets from the past. About the Miletus Ruins in Turkey In its prime, it was a bustling ancient Greek … [Read more...]
Bogazici and My Quest To Find It
In my quest to find the tiny fishing village of Bogazici, I got lost in the Mugla region of Turkey. I was previously told directions of how to get to Bogazici but instead found myself driving up narrow, mountains roads that were taking me to the middle of nowhere. Eventually, I made it back onto the Bodrum Mugla highway where crazy “MALE” drivers were breaking the speed limit and playing roulette with their lives and everyone else's on that … [Read more...]
The Floating Restaurant Called Giritli
I spend a lot of my time eating out for a number of reasons. The first reason is that I always think food tastes better when someone else has cooked it. The second is that I cannot cook and the third reason is that I won’t cook out of pure laziness. Hey, this is my life and I totally admit that I am not a master chef in the kitchen. I am always on the lookout for new places to eat and when the floating restaurant of Giritli was recommended, I … [Read more...]
The Sleeping Valley of Uyku Vadisi
Uyku Vadisi translated from Turkish to English means Sleeping Valley and the person that gave this touristic establishment the name; definitely hit the nail on the head. My visit on Sunday was totally unplanned however it reinforced my belief that the best days are the unplanned ones. Even though this is a tourist establishment, I have never seen it mentioned in any guide books, nor have I heard it mentioned in casual conversations. The visit … [Read more...]
Gallipoli Battle & Anzac Cove : A Poignant Reminder in Photos
Today's post is by Ash Clark, a writer from Australia, who traveled to Turkey to take part in the Gallipoli and Anzac Cove remembrance day, a poignant reminder of the innocent casualties of war. Brighton Beach, found on the coast of the Turkish Dardanelles, is a humble beach with no stand out land features within its immediate surroundings. Put simply, it is ‘flat’ from the water of the ocean to the terrain that leads further inland. From a … [Read more...]
Bozbuk Beach Life
I have found my new haven and it is a beach in Bozbuk. This beach is going to be my place to get away from it all. My place to relax, unwind and calm down when daily life gets too much. Bozbuk beach is a place that has gone straight to my heart. The strange aspect is that the beach is just part of a small village which is not really attractive at all. Bozbuk as a village consists of a holiday complex and a dirty housing site as you drive into … [Read more...]
Altinkum Resort Information
Altinkum is a small and clicky holiday resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It has attracted much negative press because of expats who have been swindled out of life savings by unqualified property dealers who saw quick cash to be made during a property boom. Also a famous American writer visited Altinkum last year and declared that she will never come back because it was not traditional Turkey. Now, I could come out in defence of “Tinky town” … [Read more...]
Kusadasi – Not Quite The Jewel Of Turkey
I have been meaning to write this post about Kusadasi for quite a while but other ideas have popped into my mind and it was pushed on a back burner. You see, Kusadasi is a place in Turkey that I neither love nor hate. It does not excite me but it does not disappoint me either. I have spent many years both living in the resort and also traveling to it from my home resort of Altinkum. Now I could write a post just like the travel brochures, … [Read more...]