Mrs has just declared we should have a 4-day break in Turkey next week. We have been to Istanbul, she is going to Cappadocia next year with her Indo/Mcr mates so we need somewhere else. Been to Ephesus and I have spent too long working in Ankara. So need recommendations for Antalya or somewhere else. Has to have more than just lying on the beach and drinking. We can only do Turkey as she needs a visa for everywhere else reasonably local except Morocco and Algeria and she was in Morocco earlier this year.
Marmaris as there’s some local excursions to do etc or Side (next to Antalya). I’ve got 2 weeks till my next holiday. This time Benidorm. Wor lass has never been and wants to give it a try. ffs.
Is Antalya itself any good? We won’t be spending much time on the beach as, and I quote, we could go to Bali for that. We will need some decent local restaurants as I don’t fancy all-inclusive. Only time I tried was my first honeymoon and a cruise. Lots to eat on both but got bored of the same thing every day.
Antalya is more of a city mate. Deffo more to do. Lots of Russians though. Not stayed there myself though. Side has glass streets where you wan literally walk over the ruins. Canny shops too.
Antalya is ok, there's a nice and quaint "old town" area, but it's quite small and the new town is modern and commercial. As a base, I'd definitely recommend Marmaris over Antalya, as Marmaris has hotels right on the beach, and you can get the same excursions that you can get in Antalya.
Plans changed already - she cant get the time off end next week so plan now is to go walking on Arran the following week! This may change again by tomorrow. Definitely not the type who book holidays months in advance.
Friend of mine bought a property in Yalıkavak about 15 year back and has just recently sold it. Sod all there when he bought it, but a lot of development has happened since and it's quite a popular little area. Worth a look.
I would say his plan that "Has to have more than just lying on the beach and drinking" means we are odds, as lying on the bench and drinking pretty much spells out my last visit to Marmaris...
Skiathos on Saturday. Went a few weeks ago but it hoyed down most of the time. Looked great when the sun was out, so we’re giving it another go. Portugal end of August, Corfu end of September.
the irony is, me and sombrero have met and I may even bump into him at the airport on Sat as I head off myself.
Ahh am off from NCL. Heading to indonesia on a work trip. Looking forward to lots of Bintang beer and sweating my nuts off in a suit (not).