Talking Turkey

I have been very lucky and visited Turkey twice in the last two years. In June 2012 I did a week long gulet cruise with a group of friends and family. The cruise took us from the pretty marina of Gocek as far as Olu Deniz and Fethiye calling at deserted islands and beaches along the way often in the company of dolphins.

The cabins were very comfortable and the crew very friendly and efficient - they weren't bad cooks either with mean barbecue skills.

The days were very lazy starting with a relaxed breakfast before setting sail to an island or beach where we could go ashore to explore or swim, snorkel or kayak (there were windsurfers and motorised water sports available too). Then it was lunch before we set sail again for more time reading and relaxing or in our case impromptu pilates classes and games.

We would anchor in a quiet bay at night with more time for swimming etc. before a tasty dinner. One night we stayed in the harbour in Fethiye giving everyone chance to shop, explore the town or visit the Turkish baths for a traditional Hammam.

In October 2013 we took an equally relaxed trip to Kalkan where the weather was unusually hot for the time of year with temperatures in the low 40's (we were expecting low 30's).

We stayed at the adult only Lykia Residence Hotel & Spa set on the hillside allowing for stunning sea views but within walking distance of the harbour and village centre. Days were lazy spending time at the beach club swimming and snorkelling or hiring a car and exploring the neighbouring resort of Kas and the stunning beach and ruins at Patara. Diving was also an option with some interesting dive sites but we missed out this time. Evenings were spent exploring the winding streets of Kalkan with the most difficult decision being which of the 164 restaurants we wanted to eat in that night. Many of the restaurants have roof top terraces with far reaching views out over the harbour and the sea - great for watching the sunset. There was no shortage of shopping opportunities either so there is something for everyone.