OLU DENIZ REGION

This stretch of the Turkish Coastline is known as the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, and stretches from Fethiye in the west, right through to the Syrian coastline in the east. Without doubt one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in the Mediterranean.

The area from Fethiye to Kemer is known as Lycia and has Turkey’s most dramatic coastline with mountains falling away into crystal clear waters. Summer temperatures average 32-42 degrees with a winter average of 15 degrees. The villages of Hisaronu (translated as "in front of the fortress") and Ovacik are located on a plateau 1,000ft above sea level under Mount Babadag. All around there are magnificent views of pineclad mountains with a cooling breeze coming in from the sea during the hot summer months.

The apartment is based between Ovacik and Hisaronu, in the Olu Deniz region of Turkey. Its convenient location make it an ideal base for enjoying all the diverse aspects of this captivating area. Hisaronu is a resort on a mountain plateau, set above the famous Olu Deniz beach. Lively and bright, the resort is packed, with gift shops, music bars and restaurants catering for every taste (Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, British and of course Turkish cuisine). Hisaronu really comes alive after dark as visitors and locals head out for a drink in the bars or to enjoy a meal.

Fethiye (7kms from the apartment) is a bustling traditional Turkish town, with plenty of atmosphere and ambience. In Fethiye you can stroll the beautiful harbour, take boat trips, shop abundantly, eat in a huge selection of restaurants, drink in the many bars and dance the night away. For a real taste of Turkey try the "Ottoman" nightclub, which is popular with tourists and locals alike and has a great relaxed traditional Turkish atmosphere complete with Turkish music, tambourines and smoking pipes!! - Turkish nightlife is NOT to be missed!!

There is also a huge market each Tuesday in Fethiye that sells everything from leather goods, clothes, spices and food all at bargain prices. A smaller market is also found in Hisaronu on a Monday.

Olu Deniz boasts probably the most fascinating and beautiful beach anywhere in the Mediterranean. For a very small charge you can spend the day at the Blue Lagoon (which is a designated natural park of outstanding beauty). The lagoon has fantastic calm, crystal clear waters, with a range of activities including pedaloes, kayaks, canoeing, volleyball etc.

The resort of Olu Deniz also offers a wide range of beach front bars, restaurants, cafeterias and shops, all with a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. It really is paragliding heaven with many companies offering you the chance to 'fly tandem' and jump 6000 foot off the Babadag mountain, landing on the beach front in Olu Deniz. If this is your thing - the views of Olu Deniz and the surrounding area as you descend are breathtaking. If you are happy with your feet firmly on the ground, you can easily spend all day watching the paragliders land all round you.

Olu Deniz is easily available both day and night from Hisaronu via Dolmus (minibus) and costs about 60p. Taxis are also widely available for approximately £4 - £5.