Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey
where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built
beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavour,
with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan
crowd of holidaymakers sipping cocktails at the sea-front
bars. Its package-holiday aura is, however, tempered
by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine
forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around
the town. Unlike its close neighbour, the bustling resort
of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed
village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern
amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well
maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches
to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent
with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the
dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.
Icmeler holidays Shopping:
Icmeler does have a central shopping mall, which is
adequate for acquiring essentials and having a pleasant
browse for souvenirs. There is a local market on Wednesdays
where bargain hunters and hagglers can test their skills.
Serious shoppers, though, would be better advised to
take a short dolmus taxi ride into nearby Marmaris where
it is possible to literally shop 'til you drop', especially
in the fascinating covered bazaar of the old town.
Restaurants: Icmeler is well-supplied with restaurants
of all sorts, but most visitors particularly enjoy local
specialities like Guvec, a clay-pot casserole, or tasty
kebabs, washed down with some Turkish wine or raki,
the traditional aniseed spirit. Good choice for Turkish
cuisine is the Turkish House in Turunc Road where the
food is served up to the tune of traditional music.
For good steaks a favourite is the Love Boat at the
Devamli Hotel. For variety the menu at the Majestic
Restaurant is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Italian.
On Sundays the Kingsland Chinese Restaurant above the
undercover market surprisingly serves up a top British
lunch.
Nightlife: Icmeler is not a clubbing resort, but
there are plenty of pubs, which keep hopping with a
lively atmosphere until the wee hours. The nightlife
may be low key, but those who want something more frenetic
have only to grab a dolmus taxi and ride a short distance
to Marmaris, where the pace is hotter. Icmeler's only
true nightclub, Abone, provides for those who enjoy
a dance, and some of the bars have discos, karaoke and
live shows.
Activities: Having a magnificent beach, Icmeler is
primarily a sun, sea and sand holiday destination, and
a wide variety of watersports are on offer at the resort
hotels and along the sea front. Those who feel inclined
to make excursions, however, will find plenty of interest.
Favourites are boat trips to 'Cleopatra's Isle', the
waterfalls of Pamukkale with their therapeutic spring
waters, and the archaeological site of Ephesus.
West Turkey holidays
Turkey holidays
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