Located in the picturesque village of Sarigerme, Villa Babaada offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience, making it an ideal retreat for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. Just over a 2-kilometre drive from the villa lies the stunning white sandy beach, a true gem of the Turkish coast. As you meander through Sarigerme town, the tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delectable snacks beckons from the cosy cafeteria/bar nestled under the shade of lush trees—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sun-soaked exploration.
The beach itself, a nature reserve, promises pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, inviting guests of all ages to soak up the sun and indulge in various water sports. From kite surfing to windsurfing, there’s no shortage of excitement for thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts alike. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, sun loungers dot the shoreline, offering a serene spot to bask in the beauty of the Mediterranean.
Beyond the beach, Sarigerme boasts a wealth of attractions and activities to suit every taste. Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities for bird watching and exploration of the surrounding landscapes. And for history buffs and culture seekers, Sarigerme’s central location provides easy access to iconic landmarks and historic sites, including the neighbouring towns of Dalaman and Ortaca, just a short drive away.
For culinary delights and shopping adventures, Sarigerme’s charming streets are dotted with a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, where visitors can sample the flavours of Turkish cuisine and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. And for those eager to explore further afield, the bustling markets of Fethiye offer a tantalising array of treasures, just an hour’s journey from the village.
The Region
Turkey is an eclectic mix of dramatic scenery, amazing food and a deep history. A visit to Turkey almost always inspires comment about the hospitality, maybe because the Turkish people believe a visitor is a gift from God. A trip to Turkey will almost definitely inspire you to return. You’ll be following in the footsteps of many a famous person from ancient history.
The South West coast of Turkey offers the perfect climate for your holiday, boasting over 280 dry days a year and an average June temperature of 28C in Dalyan, with sea temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius.
The Carian’s once ruled this coast and there are lots of signs of their existence, such as rock tombs and the ancient riverside city of Caunos that sits opposite Dalyan. An area surrounded by pine trees, which are believed by locals to clean the air and increase the oxygen levels. The area is favoured by beekeepers for honeymaking and you will see many of the traditional blue beehives, and a few bees, in the area.
Modern Dalyan is a small resort on the river’s edge. Tourists enjoy the small wooden boat trips chugging along to the Iztuzu beach, maybe stopping at one of the sulphur mud baths, for a somewhat rudimentary beauty treatment and some one-off photos for the holiday album. The river has a great view of the rock tombs and has much wildlife along the reedbeds. The Istuzu beach is where the endangered loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs. The beach caught international interest in the 80’s when David Bellamy and fellow environmentalist stopped a hotel development. Today it’s a conservation area and at the far end of the beach, there is a turtle rescue centre you can visit.
Dalyan has lots of restaurants, bars and a selection of gift shops. Dalyan has a local market on a Saturday, which has an amazing selection of fruit and vegetables. You should take the opportunity to enjoy breakfast at the water’s edge in nearby Gokbel. Slightly further out is the village of Beyobasi, where you can enjoy a trout meal in a restaurant cooled by the fast running waters, just off of the main Dalaman-Akyaka road.
The Koycegiz lake is at the other end of the river. The small town of Koyceyiz is perched on the side of the lake. The small bazaar gives the idea Koycegiz was once more important than Dalyan, thus probably the best day to visit is Monday when the weekly market is in town. Try one of the restaurants on the edge of the lake for lunch. If you’ve driven, don’t forget to stop at one of the fruit stalls on the road side, plying a healthy mix of orange & pomegranate juice. The Sultaniye Hot Springs sit on the south-west shore the lake. The hot mud pools contain mineral waters that are rich in chloride, sodium, hydrogen sulphide and bromide. There are even rudimentary cabins that some braver souls come to stay & take the waters
