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Aphrodisias, Aydin
Tusan-Kustur Beach, north of Kusadasi is one of the cleanest beaches and 23 km south of Kusadasi is the charming resort town of Guzelcamli West of Guzelcamli and 30 Ian from Kusadasi is the Dilek Peninsula National Park, and a visit is a must for those with the time. Here, amidst beautiful surroundings, there are wonderful views but also some of the rarest wild animals in Turkey, including the Anatolian cheetah and some of Turkey's last wild horses. The park is a wildlife preserve and a haven for many species of animals and birds.
The exquisite Menderes River valley known in the West as the Meander, has been the cradle of many civilizations. Set amidst pine, olive and oleander trees, the magnificent Camici (Bafa or Latmos) Lake is a lovely place for a stopover. Tourists can choose between guest houses or campsites. To the east of the lake rise the five peaks of the Besparrnak Mountains. The iconoclastic priests who came here from Constantinople to live built monasteries churches, and chapels around the base of the mountains and on the islands in the lake. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia lie close to the lake, while the remains of Alinda are found on the eastern slopes of the Besparmak Mountains. The valley has witnessed the rise and fall of several great cities, notably Priene, Miletos, Didyma, Aphrodisias, and Hierapolis. This peaceful national preserve is an excellent place for bird-watchers, hikers, nature-lovers and photographers.
Sponges in Bodrum - Mugla
Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak, all with excellent beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Gumusluk Beach is blue-flag rated. Turgutreis was named for the, great Turkish admiral who was born there. In the ancient port of Myndos (Gumusluk) you can easily make many friends with the hospitable and outgoing local population. In Yalikavak, white washed houses with cascading bougainvillaea line narrow streets. Small cafes and the occasional windmill create a picturesque setting. Though you can see the north coast of the peninsula and Torba, Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan by road, it is even better to hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills, still providing the energy to grind grain crown, hills covered with olive trees. Torba, a modem village with holiday villas and a nice marina is located eight km north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turkbuku are small, simple fishing villages with a handful of taverns overlooking a lovely bay.
Yachting in Bodrum - Mugla
Half an hour from Bodrum by boat, you can bathe in the grotto at Karaada where the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to enhance the complexion.
The deep, translucent waters of the Gulf of Gokova, off the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula vary in color from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, while the coastline is covered in every hue of green. In the evening, the sea reflects the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun, while it shimmers with phosphorescence at night. You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for tour of the gulf lasting from two days to a week.
The Gulf of Gulluk, and harbor of the same name, lie north of the Bodrum peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said to have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). South of Gulluk, Varvil, ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of a deep narrow inlet surrounded by olive-covered hillsides.
Icmeler, Marmaris - Mugla
As you travel out of Datca, either by road or by boat, you will find unspoiled bays and golden sandy beaches. Kargi is one of the most popular. At the end of the peninsula, 38 km from Datca, stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos, described by Strabo as "a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas." (Earlier in history Datca, itself was also called Knidos). The city which was famous as a center of art and culture in the 4th century B.C. had two harbors, one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love overlook the two harbors; the arcaded way was built of white marble, heart - shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite statue by Praxiteles was one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity and once graced this temple.
Beach
Four km from Hisaronu, Kayakoy is a picturesque ghost town of old houses and churches. Explore the bay and the beautiful Blue Lagoon (Olu Deniz) where the calm, crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and other water sports. The Blue Lagoon is one of the best places in the world to do absolutely nothing except soak up the sun amid stunting natural surroundings. At Mt. Baba (1,969 m), you can paraglide into the lagoon. For those seeking accommodations or other facilities, Belcegiz beach is recommended. Intoxicating scenery surrounds the beach and shady park at Kidirak. On Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas' Island), Byzantine ruins he tucked among the pines.
South of Kidirak beach, Koturumsu Bay is reachable only by boat. Beyond the idyllic beach, a forest, waterfalls and a valley filled with hundreds of varieties of butterflies await. High in the mountains above Fethiye a rushing torrent cuts a narrow gorge through the mountains, creating Saklikent (Hidden City) located 44 km south of Fethiye. A cool refuge on hot summer days, Saklikent is a favorite picnic spot, with rustic restaurants serving delectable fresh trout. Yakakoy (Tlos), 36 km southeast of Fethiye, is the oldest city in the Lycian region and home of the Lycian hero Bellerophon. Visitors can see the remains of a castle, agora, necropolis, theater, Roman baths and a good view of Esen Valley. Two km east of the villages is Tlos Park, ideal for picnicking. Pinara, 49 km south of Fethiye, is another ancient mountain city ideal for hiking where visitors can see the remains of a theater, agora, rock tomb, and baths.
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