Scuba Diving
The seas around the Bodrum peninsula are a magnet for scuba divers of all abilities. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner like myself, see pic opposite,( if I can do it, anyone can) Enjoy the abundance of fish life in the clear blue waters of the Aegean sea, safe in the hands of qualified PADI instructors. Lunch, transfers to the dive boat and one on one instructors for beginners costs about £30, and boats leave daily from Bodrum harbor.
Turkish Bath
Any visit to Turkey would not be complete without a visit to a Turkish Bath. It is an experience unchanged for thousands of years but perhaps even more useful today when you can relax and let the stresses of modern life ease away in the steam of the Turkish Bath. Work up a sweat on the cooler outside edge of the steam room or try the even hotter center section before cooling off in the Jacuzzi. Finish off with a scrub down an a relaxing soapy rub which will leave you completely relaxed. Note : most baths are mixed so you’ll need you swimwear and try and go at the start of your holiday as the scrub down can be painful on sunburn! Bath and transfer from as little as £6.
Boat Trips
Numerous boat trips leave from the ports of Yalikavak and Bodrum on a daily basis. You can visit the isolated beaches and coves all along the coast and anchor up for lunch or to cool off with a swim or some snorkeling in the gin clear waters of the Aegean. The crew feed the fish so there’s always plenty of variety.
Trips will also be available to the famous Blue Lagoon. Trips including lunch from about £7.
Rafting in Dalaman River
For the more adventurous, try a days rafting on the Dalaman River, guaranteed to get the adrenalin flowing. 6 people rafts are provided and the difficulty grade is 3-4. Insurance, lunch and transfer about £38.
Jeep Safari
Get away from the crowds and explore the hidden places in the ever changing countryside of Turkey on an organized Jeep Safari. Lunch, guide and insurance from about £17.
Markets
You can visit a different market every day of the week in and around the Bodrum peninsula. Yalikavak has a great general market on Thursday with a similar one held in Bodrum on Tuesday at the bus station. There are bargains galore with clothes, fabrics and
linen less than half the price in the UK. Leather and gold are also much cheaper. You are expected to bargain and you can get 15 to 20% off the start price. Make sure you come to Turkey with your suitcases empty because they’ll be full going back!
Turkish nights
Loose yourself in the atmosphere of a Turkish night, where you will see dancers from all regions of Turkey, including the mesmerizing belly dance while you enjoy a 3 course meal, typically a general selection of Turkish mezze as starters, followed by kebabs then dessert. All local beer and wine are included. Entertainment, transfers, food & drink about £20.
Eating out
While the kitchen in Azelea villa is fully equipped, and the local produce excellent, don’t miss eating out in the many local restaurants. During the day you can snack at any one of the many kebab stalls-£1.50 – or cafes, and explore the excellent restaurants at night which will specialize in seafood caught that day, Turkish mezze, meats and a good variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as more familiar western food are all on the menu.
Alcohol is freely available, and local drinks such as the famous Raki, drunk as an aperitif, are relatively cheap. Family dining is a pleasure, as the Turkish people love children, which makes for a relaxing time for everyone.
Most good restaurants will offer a selection of mezze’s, these are Turkish starters such as stuffed vine leaves, aubergine with garlic & spices, fresh sardines, cheese platters etc for around £1.50 a portion, which are a good value way to have a shared starter and try the local specialities. As a rough guide, a good 3 course meal including local beer and a bottle of local wine (Angora red is pretty good at about £9 a bottle ) will cost about £12 - £18 a head.
