Incir Evi is only 6km from the vibrant resort city of Marmaris in southwest Turkey. The villa is in a peaceful spot, nestled between pine-clad forests, and apart from the owner’s two other villas, there’s only one farmhouse in the area. You can take scenic walks through the trees, explore the natural surrounds on mountain bikes (hire available) or there’s a popular fishing spot close by.
If you can bring yourself to leave the comfort of your villa and head into Marmaris centre, there’s a local dolmus (minibus service) which passes just 250 metres from the villa and runs between 8 am and 10 pm. Taxis cost around £15 one way, and drivers are reachable by texting or phoning. If you prefer, the owners at the villa can arrange car hire for you, so you visit more of the charming part of Turkey.
In Marmaris centre, the 16th-century castle is a famous attraction. It’s perched on a hilltop and draped in beautiful bougainvillaea flowers. There’s also an archaeology museum with underwater excavated treasures, a classy marina and picturesque harbour lined with colourful yachts and restaurants, cafes and bars serving everything from fresh seafood to meaty kebabs (the country’s speciality).
Stroll along the shops and haggle for local honey and traditional rugs or head by water taxi to Turunc or Kumlubuk Cove – often stated to be the most beautiful beach on the Bozburun Peninsula. You can swim there or wander through the peaceful village of Kumlubuk. From there, you can also walk to the ancient city Amos, where there are parts of the city walls and theatre remaining. Relax after your Marmaris sightseeing with a massage at a traditional Turkish bath and then by watching the sunset.
Other places to visit include; Akyaka for it's fish restaurants along the river, Selimiye which is a small boutique resort with a lovely selection of fish restaurants or Dalyan for the Iztuzu beach and the ancient site of Caunos.
The Region
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 28 degrees Celsius in this area, with sea temperatures of 23 deegress celsius. For keen walkers the paths of the Carian way will take you around the area.
Sat on the site of the Carian city of Physkos, Marmaris started welcoming European tourists in the 1980’s. At the time big hotels were what the travel agents were selling. The surrounding areas remained unspoilt and in recent years villas have popped up in less touristic areas. Marmaris still has a picturesque vista and the areas around the harbour, Netsel Marina and the castle are worth a visit. The castle was reconstructed by Suleyman the Magnificent during his expedition against Rhodes and houses a small museum. You couldn’t find better places to try an authentic Doner Kebab than some of the restaurants behind the bazaar, or for a more sophisticated version go to the Baris Ustu Kebabci in the Netsel Marina.
The Bozburun Peninsula represents the real hidden Turkey. In recent years wealthier Turks have headed to these parts to enjoy the thyme-scented air that is said to be ultra-healthy due to being high in oxygen as a result of the trees and proximity to the sea Throughout the peninsula villagers live as their ancestors did a century ago, tilling the land of a small holding, keeping bees or working in ancient trades handed down through generations. The women work hard to keep house and land. Every village has a teahouse where you’ll see the men making business over a game of Tavla (backgammon), slowly drinking endless cups of crystal clear black Cay (tea), drunk out of tulip-shaped glasses. The peninsula has loads of lovely restaurants, simple but delicious food. Enjoy fish in Selimiye; choose mezes from the kitchen and wash it all down with a glass of Lion’s Milk, the slang for Turkish Raki, an aniseed spirit that becomes white when water is added.
Travelling around the peninsula, there’s Orhaniye where you can walk the sand spit, Turgut where you can see the ancient trade of carpet weaving and visit the waterfall to cool off, especially if you purchased a carpet. Sogut is a hidden gem, and where a long seafood lunch is the way to go. There is a bee ‘museum’ in Osmaniye which pays homage to the local production of pine honey. Turunc, Amos and Kumlubuk sit on the southeastern coast of the peninsula. Kumlubuk has a sweeping beach, and a sandy shingle, water-sports and a few restaurants. Amos has a smaller pebble beach and a popular restaurant selling a range of Turkish favourites. Turunc is more of a resort, with a few streets behind the beach, plenty of eateries, shops and bars. Give it a little time as it is somewhere people fall in love with. Further around is Icmeler, which merges into the bigger Marmaris.
