Why Turkey? | SPL Villas Blog | The Villa Specialists"

Villa holidays in Turkey

As a holiday destination, Turkey is hard to beat. A villa holiday in Turkey provides you with so much to enjoy.

Firstly, it is a dream for sun seekers as Turkey is bathed in warm sunshine for most of the year, ideal to maximise the use of your Turkey villa with a private pool.

Secondly, its natural beauty is breath-taking. Turkey's south western coast curves around the Aegean to the Mediterranean with a tantalising mix of golden beaches, dramatic mountains, secluded islands and sparkling azure sea. It is an idyllic setting for water sports, trekking and beach holidays.

Thirdly, the food is incredible. Feast on mouth-watering mezes, grilled delicacies and sweet cakes. Dine in rooftop restaurants, on the sand or by your own private poolside terrace, the choice is yours.

When to go to Turkey

Turkey is blessed with warm, sunny weather from spring to autumn. It is ideal for a family break over the summer or May and October half term.

The climate varies across the country but where our villas are located along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, it reaches a glorious 30°C and higher in July and August. Spend blissful evenings outside with no need for an extra layer and cool off in your pool or the sea by day.

Although the temperature dips significantly in winter, it starts heating up again as early as March or April. If you wilt in hot weather then May, June, September and October are the best months for pleasant, warm temperatures in the mid to upper 20's.

How to get to Turkey

Fly direct to Dalaman Milas-Bodrum airports from the UK to be within easy reach of the majority of our villas in Turkey. It is a four-hour flight so be sure to bring a book or two and entertainment for little ones.

We advise timing your flights to coincide with villa tenancy times so that you arrive in the afternoon and leave first thing in the morning. Having your own rental car gives you an easy way to get around for the rest of your stay without relying on others. Exploring Turkey is a must after all!

Highlights of the turquoise coast and turkish riviera

When you choose one of our villas as your holiday home, you stay in the most sought-after areas of south-west Turkey. Known as the Turquoise Coast and Turkish Riviera, the coastline is a gorgeous collection of scenic sandy stretches and coves. From bustling resorts offering water sports, waterparks, bars and restaurants to quieter villages and rural retreats, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Kalkan and the Lycian Way

Coastal Kalkan is a jewel on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Snorkel in clear, calm waters here, admire mountain vistas and stroll through its picture perfect old town with its bustling boutiques and rooftop restaurants. Our villas with private pools in Kalkan are based in the ideal locations for exploring everything that this wonderful region has to offer.

This part of the coast is fantastic for invigorating walks too. Trek along one of the most dramatic mountainous paths in Turkey, the Lycian way, for striking gorges and hidden beaches.

Beaches of Patara and Oludeniz

Head to the long, golden sands of Patara, just 20 minutes’ drive from Kalkan. Here you find exceptionally beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife. It is part of protected national parkland so blissfully free of built-up tourist structures, save a small cafe for refreshments and sun loungers. At sunset, the beach is returned to wildlife including loggerhead turtles which come to nest here. Combine your visit to Patara beach with exploring the awe-inspiring, ancient ruins of the Lycian civilisation nearby.

If you are staying in our private villas in Hisaronu or in a villa with a private pool in Kayakoy, you are in easy reach of the most visually stunning part of the coastline - the Blue Lagoon beach at Oludeniz. Part of a national park, its alluring white sands, lagoon, and pine covered mountains are simply heavenly. Bars, restaurants, and water sports are all nearby so take your time and spend all day soaking up the atmosphere.

Boat trips around Turkey

A boat trip in Turkey is a holiday highlight for all ages. A favourite tour takes you around the twelve stunning islands of Gocek in the gulf of Fethiye. Alternatively ride a traditional wooden 'gulet' sail boat down the Dalyan River. From the boat you spot spectacular carved rock tombs in the cliffs from the ancient city of Kaunos. It is an impressive sight. Stay in one of our Gocek villas with private pools or in a private holiday villa in Fethiye and sample the spectacular surroundings.

If you love water sports and beach life then head to a holiday villa in Bodrum and the surrounding area, known as the Turkish Riviera. Bursting with water sports centres, they offer everything from water skiing and parasailing to scuba diving. Our villas with pools in Yalikavak, Bitez and Ortakent give you easy access to wind surfing, kayaking and a more chilled beach vibe than Bodrum itself, so ideal for couples and families who can experience the best of both worlds.

How is the food and wine in Turkey?

Turkish food is a delight. From sweet pastries to tasty meze and kebabs, nourishing salads and juicy fruit, it is all irresistible.

Food shopping in Turkey

Shopping for your own food is one of the many joys of staying in a private villa, for foodies. Turkish supermarkets offer an easy fix where you find all the usual family favourites and exotic alternatives. For the full Turkish experience though, venture out to your local open-air market. Colourful and bursting with the sweet smell of spices, markets are a full-on, delicious assault on the senses.

Pick out the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as a selection of sweet honey dipped baklava, then head back to your terrace for a feast together. Finish off with a rich Turkish coffee or dark sweet tea. Don’t forget to try a Turkish delight or two for the full taste sensation!

Eating out in Turkey

Eating out together is a must. Follow the scent of freshly baking flat breads and sizzling grills to your nearest ‘lokanta’ or ‘meyhanes tavern’ for delicious grilled meats and fish. For a scenic view and convivial feel, try a restaurant with a roof top terrace by the sea in Kalkan. Choose a meze for an array of Turkish specialities from stuffed vegetables in vine leaves, aubergines, tomatoes, spicy dips and salads to grilled meats and crusty bread. Top it off with raki, a milky aniseed liquor and you feel a satisfied glow inside!

Children are always welcome in Turkey so eating out feels family friendly and relaxed. Furthermore, sweet pastries and ice cream are always on offer in Turkey so it's a win win for all ages.

Wine, coffee & tea

The rich soils and sunshine of Turkey produce a tasty range of fruity wine, best paired with traditional Turkish meze and a sea view. Bear in mind that with a mostly Muslim population, wine is not widely consumed in Turkey, so it is a niche product reserved mainly for visitors.

Coffee connoisseurs love its distinctive, rich taste in Turkey and the coffee house is best for sampling the real deal. It is prepared in a traditional copper ‘cezve’ pot and served sweet or strong and bitter.

Tea drinking is a traditional ritual in Turkey. Step inside your local Turkish tea garden and enjoy a glass or two. Here you find a range of satisfying flavours from traditional tea leaves to sage, mint, and apple. The experience may change your idea of the perfect cuppa forever!