Read Mel’s latest blog as she just returned from Turkey.
Not travelled much in the last couple of years? Neither had I, so I was excited to visit our resort of Olu Deniz in Turkey this month. It was almost like covid hadn’t happened. No filling out of forms is required, no mask wearing mandatory at the airport or on my flights.
With the exchange rate on average around 20TL to £1 Turkey is still great value for those on holiday, although if you are a regular visitor it will seem prices have increased a lot, but not when you calculate at the high exchange rate. It’s still very reasonably priced whether you’re dining out, enjoying a few drinks listening to live music in the bars, or shopping and splashing some cash on ‘original fakes’
It was lovely to see the resort busy and in the evening restaurants and bars bustling with activity. But you can’t visit Olu Deniz without going to the beach. The views, the crystal clear waters and a long golden sandy beach with plenty of sunbeds and parasols to hire, who wouldn’t want to just lay back & relax. I don’t think I will ever tire of the picturesque scenery of Olu Deniz.
Something new for this year is the cable car that goes up Babadag Mountain where the paragliders launch off. I had to try it out while I was there. So along with Jean, (Friendship Travel Host) we decided to be brave and give it a go. After we had got over our nerves and actually got in the cable car all I can say is wow! The views are amazing! We could see all of Fethiye, Ovacik, and the coastline right round to Butterfly Valley. Once you reach the top there is a spacious café serving food and drinks, so enjoy some refreshments while you take in the views and watch the paragliders prepare for take-off. Costing approx. £7 for the ticket to go up and down I can see why it is already popular, especially if you’re not brave enough (like me) to actually paraglide.
Two other things I always like to do when visiting this area of Fethiye, and still very popular with our guests every week is an evening in Paspatur (old Fethiye) dining outside in the cobbled streets at the Megri restaurant enjoying traditional Turkish food. And no trip to Turkey is complete without a lazy day cruise on a wooden boat around the little islands of Fethiye, a swim in the cool waters and tasty homemade meze with BBQ served for lunch.
As always, the Forever Hotel is very welcoming with comfortable rooms, lovely gardens, a spacious pool and friendly staff. Along with Jean they continue to look after our guests very well. So that only leaves me to decide, when should I go back?
Written by – Mel Sparks the Friendship Travel Overseas manager.
