Villa Bitki

Villa Bitki is in Turunc, 20km south of Marmaris on the Turkish Mediterranean coast and boasts a stunning backdrop of the majestic pine-scented Taurus Mountains. Occupying a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay on the sublime Turkish Riviera, the waters are calm and crystal clear – perfect for swimming – and there are plenty of places to relax on the shore’s soft sands. Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village and has since turned into a popular, yet still laid-back, holiday destination and is ideal for families, friends and couples who want to enjoy some quality downtime together.

Despite its peaceful reputation, you’ll still find plenty to see and do on your holiday. There are fabulous fishing opportunities and water sports like sea kayaking and scuba diving for an adrenaline rush. For outdoor lovers, you can join a hike or horseback trek to explore the natural scenery. There’s a charming waterfront with restaurants and cafes and vibrant markets selling everything from fresh local produce to handmade clothes, rugs and souvenirs – perfect for picking up gifts.

For exploring more of the beautiful part of Turkey, Marmaris is a short drive or bus ride away where there are more scenic swimming beaches and a charming restaurant-lined seafront promenade. Marmaris is livelier than Turunc and is also known for its vibrant nightlife.

For fun family-friendly days out, you can jump on a boat from Turunc or Marmaris to Dalyan, stopping off to swim through coves and the clear waters of Adaköy peninsula before cruising east to the coastal village of Dalyan. You can turtle spot at İztuzu Beach, cruise along the Dalyan River to visit the local mud baths and thermal pools; and then explore the ancient King’s Tombs at Kaunos.

Read more about Marmaris & The Bozburun Peninsula

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.