Pssstttt: There’s also a Riviera in Turkey
Promoters of the Bodrum region in Turkey claim the area is already known for Turkish travelers but for Americans, it may be the “best-kept secret in the world.”
“Along with its sister resort region of Antalya, Bodrum is one of the most popular sun and fun destinations for Turks and foreigners alike, offering luxurious accommodations in a setting that both respects the area’s fishing village past and revels in its jet-setting present,” says a press release.
The area has attracted such A-list celebrities as Tom Hanks, Beyonce Knowles, Sting, Elizabeth Hurley and Nicole Kidman.
Jutting into the Aegean Sea in southwest Turkey, the area has a French Riviera feel but at much lower prices, promoters say.
Modern-day amenities are offered such as wooden jetties for guests to sunbathe on the water but the area’s past natural charm is also part of its appeal.
“The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods,” says a press release.
The area is dotted with 5,000-year-old fishing villages.
For Americans, most journeys to Turkey start in Istanbul and, from there, several daily, direct flights are available to Bodrum Airport. Another popular route is flying from Istanbul to Izmir, where a few miles drive in either direction lets travelers explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pergamon, respectively. Bodrum is a three-hour drive from Izmir.
By David Wilkening
David
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