Icmeler is a popular Turkish holiday resort situated 8 kilometres southwest of Marmaris, surrounded by three pine forests and mountains. Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know about Turkey:
• Turkey’s national sport is oil wrestling.
• Father Christmas is Turkish, he was born in Patara. Recognised as Saint Nicolas in Turkey.
• Modern day Turkey was formed in 1923 following the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
• Foods such as Kebab, Lokum (better known to us all as Turkish delight) and of course baklava.
• Istanbul or Constantinople as it was called was the Roman Empire’s capital.
• The famous Julius Caesar quote, “I came, I saw, I conquered”, was spoken in the Black Sea in Turkey.
• Istanbul is located in two continents. Most being in Asia a total of 97% and just 3% being in Europe.
• 8o% of the world hazelnut export is from Turkey.
• When visiting Turkey you will often see camels and be offered rides, they are only a holiday attraction. Camels are not native and there is no Turkish desert.
We ask our Operations Manager Sarah Bond about her recent holiday in Icmeler.
TLG: A 4½ hour flight time from London Gatwick to Dalaman, then a transfer of 1 hour 30 minutes, why did you choose Icmeler?
SB: It was a long way to go but so worth it when you get there. It is an idyllic area of Turkey, very mountainous with beautiful beaches. It is the perfect location as it is small and quiet, but if you want to shop and experience nightlife, it is only 20 minutes from the popular resort of Marmaris.
TLG: We mentioned in the introduction Turkey has some wonderful places to visit. Staying in Icmeler, did you take a trip to some of the sites and tourist locations?
SB: There aren’t that many in İçmeler itself, but it is the perfect location to visit any of the Greek Islands as a day trip. I have done this on my previous visits to Turkey. This time however, I visited the beautiful Dalyan which is home to the notorious Turkish Mud Baths and natural thermal springs. I also visited Turtle Beach where Loggerhead turtles nest and got to see a very large one up close. We also enjoyed the Kings Carlos tombs that are etched into the side of the mountains on the way to Dalyan and date back 2,400 years.
TLG: Turkey is a paradise for bargain hunting holiday makers and have the most wonderful markets. Did you get time to visit any?
SB: Yes we visited some and you can get anything out there. There are so many imitations!!! The gold is a bargain and bartering is the thing to do in Turkey.
TLG: You travelled with family, where did you stay and was it a family friendly location?
SB: We chose a resort based on its favourable TripAdvisor rating and seemed perfect for the whole family. We travelled with children and wanted somewhere that catered for them as well as the adults. This particular hotel was large and had its own water park for the kids, as well as an adult only area for us! We particularly wanted an all inclusive holiday as we needed to relax and this hotel had its own Turkish spa which was very special and the food was amazing.
TLG: What activities did you do to keep the little kids (and big kids!!) happy?
SB: We had a really enjoyable holiday despite it being so hot. It actually went over 40 degrees! We hired scooters which were fun! Went off on an off road safari, beach, boat trips and lots of shopping. It really was a typical R&R holiday but with a few little trips thrown in! I certainly made use of the spa facilities.
Turkey: It’s All About the Memories
TLG: Spending time with your family is very special and about creating long lasting memories, any you would like to share?
SB: I travelled with my sons, my mother, my brother and nephew. My eldest son is 25 now and it’s always nice to get some special time with him. Plus with the whole family so busy, it is nice to spend quality time together.
TLG: You said that you like Turkey as a holiday destination, have you stayed their previously? What is it about Turkey that you like and would you recommend it as a travel destination?
SB: I absolutely love it! In fact, this was actually my fourth visit to Turkey! I have stayed in Marmaris, Izmir and Istanbul before. The Turkish baths are amazing and I love them. The food, meze, kofte (lamb mince with herbs) and traditional baklava! Plus, you can’t go to Turkey without having a doner kebab or the amazing Turkish Delight which originates from there.
