Destinations To Visit

During our lives, we are exposed to so much data, surrounded by ads or marketing e-mails. I even forget what I read yesterday. So, I decided to take some notes in here.

DEMRE MYRA (ANTALYA)

SKI RESORTS TO VISIT IN WINTER

1- BALKANS

Mavrovo Ski Center in Macedonia.  It is in 1.5 km distance from the capital of Macedonia, Skopje.  Mavrovo Town, located in a valley in the northwest of the Republic of Macedonia, consists of small villages and houses positioned around the lake. The Weather is dry and hot in summer, rainy and cold in winter. There is clean air with 80% relative humidity. Mavrovo Ski Resort, spreading over 73 hectares across Macedonia’s western borderline, is located in the Mavrovo National Park, which is the country’s largest national park. Mounts Şara and Pind in the national park area are covered with pine forests with 52 peaks higher than 2 thousand meter.  Zare Lazarevski Ski Resort was the advised facility in the article I read, but still got to take a look. Ski trails are in the Alpine and Nordic categories. After the skiing, the apreski parties organized by the famous music groups of Macedonia should not be forgotten. After arriving to Skopje, it took only 1 hour to reach Mavrovo Ski Center and Macedonia is a visa free country 🙂

2- AGAIN BALKANS

Mount Kopaonik in Serbia extends for 100 km with the title of being the largest mountain of former Yugoslavia.  Peak of Kopaonik is 2017 meters above the sea level. Ski resort is located in Kopaonik National Park. Local people refer the mountain region and its peak as Suvorudiste.  It is also a well known destination with thermal mineral springs. At Banjski Kopaonik, there are mineral springs at 88 degrees celsius. It is in 230 km distance from Belgrade.  Grand Hotel & SPA and Snezna Kuca Apartments are recommended facilities.

3- BULGARIA

Bansko, located next to the well known Pirin Mountains at an elevation of 930 meters above sea level, is the largest and most indispensable ski resort of Bulgaria.  It is a ski resort that has been approved for the 2014 Winter Olympics and a favorite of European skiers. Tomba is the most well known ski trail of the resort. Bansko resorts serve skiers during months from December to May. It is also a remarkable place with its historical monuments. Dating from 1835, Holy Trinity Church is one of the most spectacular historical buildings of not only the town but also the region. It has a 30 meter high bell tower with a clock installed. By the way, Pirin National Park was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Mehanas, which are traditional taverns, are very famous in Bansko. They serve traditional Bulgarian food and wines. Some of them serve accompanied with the Bulgarian folk music. In addition to Mehanas, there are many cafes and bars that are open until the early hours of the morning. Local delicacies can be tried such as Kashkaval Pane (Bulgarian fried cheese), sautéed mushrooms, delicious Bulgarian vegetable soup, mushroom soup and chicken with creamed Leek sauce. Hotel region in Bansko is located separately from the city center. Transportation from the city center to the ski tails is achieved via 30-minute gondola lift. It is advised to prefer a hotel close to the gondola lift. The article I read was recommending Ivan Rilski Hotel & SPA, a year-round holiday complex. Other suggestion was the Grand Hotel Bansko, but suggested as a Business Meeting Facility Hotel rather than a holiday complex.

LONDONS’ SECRET GARDENS

JAMES BOND ISLAND, KHAO PHING KAN, THAILAND

AEGEAN VILLAGES

We put aside the phenomenon holiday destinations such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Çesme and start off an interesting tour in Aegean villages of Çanakkale and Ayvalık via caravan.  We prefered obscure and virgin routes, which we found and tasted lots of organic food. If you wish, we advise you to start an Aegean tour along the coast, or maybe to start the tour with a flight from the very edge of Aegean coast. Here are the 30 most peaceful villages of the Aegean..

1. PHOTOSHOOT DESTINATION: ÇAMLIBEL VILLAGE

There are many routes from Ayvalık and Balıkesir in our list. These villages, each of which could be a national park, should take place in your route especially because of fresh air and calmness in place.

First route: Çamlıbel village. Located in Balıkesir/Güre, there is much to see in this destination.  Famous with its boutique hotels, one of the most important accommodation is Albatross Mountain Houses. No one wants to leave the hotel adhering foothills of Mount Ida (Kazdağları). The inside part of the hotel is in fact a natural wonder.

Every year in August, a festival is taking place in the village and lasted for 3 days. Although I could not attend yet, it is said to be very festive.

Almost everything is authentic in this village, an incredible place for photo shooting.

2. HASAN BOĞULDU WATERFALL

I will not write here why this place is called Hasan Boğuldu and the details of the sad love story. I wish you visit the place and learn the details. Because it is the most important stop around Mount Ida region.

Here, you will find a great view, safari tours and Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum. To find the way to the waterfall, simply ask for its direction at Zeytinli Town which is located between Ayvalık and Edremit.

Before you reach Akçay, turn through to “Zeytinli”. There are enough sign boards along the road.

When the road followed straight ahead, you will sea a crossroad with two distinctions. One is ”Sütüven Waterfall and Hasan Boğuldu” and the other is ”Kazdağları National Park“.

3. HOMELAND OF STONE PINE TREES: KOZAK

Kozak Plateau, which extends from Bergama to Ayvalık, is a natural wonder in 20 km distance to Ayvalık and is fully covered with stone pine forest.

The destination between Ayvalık and Bergama is a surprising settlement that produces stone pine trees since the Kingdom of Pergamon (Bergama).  It is hard to fully illustrate such destinations without visiting. At Kozak, everywhere that eye touches is full with stone pine trees. Kozak is the so called region of the unity of Yukarıbey, Aşağıbey, Kaplan, Demircidere, Göbeller Villages and is the homeland of the stone pine trees. Even drinking water is served with pine nuts in the village.

At Çınar Restaurant, located in the plateau of Yukarıbey Village, you can taste the famous and delicious pine nut halva.

Pine nuts are the main source of income. As well as pine nuts, Bergama cheese, wine and grape molasses produced with grapes from Kozak vineyards, Kozak apples, Kozak halva, hand-woven carpets and rugs are among the products of the region.

Villagers told me that there are roughly 5 million trees in the region. After hearing that more than 800 tons of pine nuts are produced yearly, I can not imagine what agricultural capacity our country (Turkey) might have. Pine nut producers are paying too much effort for this product. First of all, a tree must be 10 years old in order to have pine cones. They pick up the cones with sticks called “Keye”. Carefully and lovingly. This process is called “pine removal”. Pine nut yield from one tree is only seven kilograms. I strongly recommend you spend some time watching or even participating to this ceremonial collection.

To distinguish a pine nut, it is enough to be briefly informed by villagers or examine the surrounding. Tall and dark green leafed trees are full of peanuts;  it is that simple.

Kozak is located in between Bergama and Ayvalık. All the distance between two towns is only about 67 km. It is pleasant to visit any village in the region. The road with the rocks and forest scene is also differentially impressive.

The waterfall in Nebiler Village should also be visited. A small thermal spring is also present there. And don’t forget to visit the cave.

There is an ancient city in Ayvatlar which the excavations not started yet. The first settlement in the region begins at Atçılar. Keep this in mind while your visit.  There are camping areas and hiking trails in Göbeller. The region is also suitable for birdwatching.

Spend some time to examine the Turkmen traditions in Demircidere.

Visit especially the ancient Roman Baths in Aşağıbey. There is a fantastic corner with an incredible scenic view, so that…

One of the favorite routes of motor bikers and cyclists. It is also one of the favorite places for off-roading.

What to eat

Local cheeses, pine nuts and grapes! I could not have chance to taste, but delicious keşkek food is served at Demircidere. There is also “sura” cooked while wedding ceremonies: Boneless lamb ribs, Kozak pine nuts, currants and herbs collected from the mountains are all baked together in the oven.

4. CITTASLOW: SIĞACIK

Turkey’s slow town, so called Cittaslow, is Seferihisar. It is one of the Aegean’s most robust peaceful destinations. Those who come to Sığacık for the first time, may feel like wearing ear rugs. We also were quite surprised when we entered to this slow but cute village and could not hear any sound other than the wind with the grunt of our caravan.

Sığacık, where is in 45 km distance from İzmir, has everything related to organic life in Sığacık Bazaar set up at Kaleici on Sundays. Homemade borek, baklavas, jams, handicrafts, organic vegetables and fruits are sold by region people. Neighbor bench sellers help each other when a bench seller is failing to meet the demand of customers. Solidarity and work sharing with lovely made products come together on Sundays in this bazaar for all visitors and deserves to be one of the places to visit. I also recommend you to taste the fish dishes, especially Stuffed Mussels in the beach restaurants. Let me give a little magazine news: House of Aslı in TV Serie Kavak Yelleri is also here.

When we went, Aslı’s house visits were 5₺. Even the bedroom was open to visits. Taking photo was allowed.

Owners of the house have prepared menus for the visitors. Visitors could eat Turkish gözleme, sarma or baklava. Well, it is good food with this low fee paid for visiting the house.

“Kavak Yelleri Gözleme” board is hanged at the entrance of the garden. This house attracts both the local and foreign tourists, so contributes to the tourism of Seferihisar.

5. ENGINEERING WONDER: TAŞKÖY

On the old Foça road, there is an interesting destination near Ilıpınar Village. This is an engineering wonder because 3 friends from university (METU) have founded this destination. Here, there are olive trees and vineyards. Olive oil is produced from these olives by pressing, processing and packaging. You can see the production on all around the village – Olive oil, soap, wooden products…

While traveling with our caravan, we stopped to see the interesting architecture here, but when we went inside, we were completely impressed.  Be sure to visit this village even if it is only for its garden.

6. A DESTINATION OF OTTOMAN HISTORY IN NATURE: BIRGI VILLAGE

The village of Birgi, which is in 10 km distance from Ödemiş, is famous for the Grand Mosque (Ulu Mosque) built by Mehmet Bey from the Aydınoğlu Principality. For those who want to fully feel the Ottoman ambience, I think this city can compete with Bursa.

Handcrafts, fruits, vegetables and the famous Ödemiş potatoes can be bought from the villagers at the village square, opposite the mosque. One of the most beautiful respresents of wooden Turkish houses is Çakırağa Mansion, dating back to 1971 and Imam-i Birgivi Madrasa. A unique place for those who love nature and photo shooting. A destination which should be visited when around Izmir.

7. A WEAVING PARADISE: YEŞILYURT

There is an interesting village called Yeşilyurt in Muğla, favorite holiday city in Aegean. In fact, this village is not different from the typical villages of the Aegean, but has some interesting statistics. The literacy rate of this village is nearly 100%, but its true value is in weaving.

In the early ages, people here processed stones. Over time, they started sowing tobacco. Due to the increasing demand of tobacco, in 1990s, Turkey’s first woman governor Lale Aytaman and mayor Mehmet Güner revived tobacco sowing in the region just as in ancient days. Qualified woven fabrics of the region is also sold abroad or Turkey’s prestigious textile brands such as Vakko or Beymen. Nowadays, weaving textiles is disappearing, but interesting represents of weaving can still be seen in this region.

8. DOOMSDAY SURVIVOR: ŞİRİNCE

Believing to the mayan calendar’s doomsday on December 21, 2012, many local and foreign tourists flocked to Şirince in Selçuk, a small village in Izmir.

A mayan calender was found in the excavations in Guatemala. Calender was pointing out former dates and future dates of December 21, 2012. Believers thought Marduc (Nibiru) would hit earth on the 21st of December in 2012. As a result, Şirince and Bugarach village in south of France would be the only places not been affected in earth. Luckily, doomsday did not come true.

Region having interesting represents of First Age, is also famous with its delicious red meat. If you are not looking for spirituality here, I recommend you to taste the meat.

9. SERENITY: ADATEPE

In Turkey, it is possible to see miniature villages like the ones in Greece. Adatepe Village is such a famous destination with its stone houses, flower-filled courtyards and village coffee shops. Many visitors prefer a stop at this village just to sit and drink coffee against the scenic view of Mount Ida (Kazdağları).

Adatepe in Altınoluk, is the stop for enjoying serenity and calmness.

10. NESIN MATHEMATICS VILLAGE

Parents, each year, are trying to decide on which summer camp is better for their children’s attendance. If I had children, I would send them to this village both summers and winters. Nowadays, the village is tried to be extended with establishing an additional village of philosophy.

This village, located in 1 km distance from Şirince (İzmir – Selçuk) is in an absolute desolation and in green nature. Everyone (every villager!) from any age (7 to 70) is teaching or learning, solving all levels of mathematics here. This village, belonging to Nesin Foundation, includes 30 acres of olive groves in a total of 55 acres field.  Away from luxury. Simple and sincere. Houses built from stone, mud and straw.

Apart from cicadas, it is far from any disturbing element that prevents concentration and thinking. No TV, no music. But there is electricity, hot water and internet.  Insects are naturally not missing.

Source: matematikkoyu.org

Giving education at all level, the library built by Sevan Nişanyan in this village is a selective architecture of Turkey.  A place with only math problems instead of other problems of life, takes people to different levels.

11. AN ECOLOGICAL VILLAGE: BAĞLARÖZÜ

Bağlarözü, located in Yazı Village of Datça, you can find lots and lots of organic agricultural product. The village that is still in construction and will be completed in 2014,  provides lots of information about ecology and agriculture. In fact, this village has been built for well-incomed people to experience the village life. I add this village to my list for some outstanding experience.

12. AN ISOLATED PARADISE FOR FISHING AND DIVING: KARABURUN

Due to the fact that there are very few facilities in the district, this place is not much popular within visitors. That’s what makes it great! Its virginity….

Apart from its serenity, the water at Karaburun is refreshingly cool, wavy but rich in underwater life. You can consider Karaburun as an alternative route for diving and fishing.  Even though I don’t have such hobbies, it was interesting to see such a serious underwater paradise.

I didn’t count one by one, but later  I learned that there are 303 sharp bends on the road to reach here. Danger of the road cause a considerable decrease in the number of visitors. Don’t leave here without visiting “7 Kardeşler Dondurmacısı”. 150 years of experience of a family on making ice cream from goat milk of the region. I especially advise bubblegum ice cream.

One of the interesting places to visit here is the Çakmaktepe location. You will see some interesting archeological structures of Hittites in the region. Don’t forget that, Karaburun has the best crystal clear sea of all around İzmir region.

13. COAL PORT HIDDEN AT FINDIKLI VILLAGE

There is a quiet bay at the end of a virgin village on the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) side of Çanakkale. Coal Port is located here at Fındıklı Village, which is the closest destination to Istanbul for diving. Because sea water here is cold, vacationists prefer this destination for a limited period during the year. Because of being a bay, water is not wavy especially the waves comes from Saros doesn’t reach here. This bay is also ideal for campers too. Let me give a hint for those who will go to the Coal Port; a very sturdy slipper or sea shoe is necessary because everywhere has full of pebbles…

14. WATERFALL, PAMUKKALE AND THE PARADISE OF CAVES: SÜNGÜLLÜ VILLAGE

Denizli is a geological paradise with travertines, thermal springs and natural ponds.  Denizli should not be considered only with holiday villages at Pamukkale, Süngüllü Village should also be visited to examine the local culture. It is close to many destinations at the region, Kaklık Cave, Gümüşsu (Homa) Waterfall and Pamukkale. I suggest you to taste especially bükme, a dish similar to gözleme.

15. A NOMAD VILLAGE: KUYUCULAR

Kuyucular is a typical nomad village in Umurlu, Aydın. By husbandry and weaving, they underpin an interesting culture in Anatolia. It is one of the interesting destinations in the Aegean Region. For their uncommon customs, their dishes made from though and milk, especially their ayran (yogurt drink) and bazlama (round buttered bread), I recommend you to visit this village

16. BLACK GRAPE PARADISE: TÜRKMEN VILLAGE

Türkmen village is in 44 km distance from Manisa. One of the most beautiful villages in the Aegean. Most delicious black grapes of the region grow here.

What makes Türkmen village different from others is there is a “Türkmen Village Project Office and Yunt Mountain Rural Attempt Center”. One of the most important places to visit here is Türkmen Village Waterfall.

17. HAVING CONSIDERABLY RICH ARCHITECTURE: KAYAKÖY

In the time of Liberation War, the village was abandoned after moving Greek residents to Greece. There are more than 2,000 stone houses, churches, chapels and cisterns in the village.  Kayaköy, which gives rich architectural poses in terms of photography, is considered to be a historical site today.

Don’t end your visit without eating gözleme at the village that hosted the horror movie: Büyü in 2004.

18. AN UNDISCOVERED PARADISE: BADEMLİ VILLAGE

Dikili, a replica of Ayvalık, is an undiscovered paradise for visitors other than the summer vacationists.  One of the most famous places in Dikili is Kalem Island, where you can watch the beautiful scene of Mytilene. Although the prices are a bit high, a trip to Kalem Island is still advised.

Bademli village, in 7 km south-west of Dikili, is a cute village with 1500 inhabitants, labyrinth streets and stone houses. A kind of concentrated syrup of grape juice and some herbs, Koruk Suyu is a famous drink of the village.  It is a refreshing drink in hot summer days.

19. A DESTINATION THAT SUNRISE IS PURPLE: MORDOĞAN

Mordoğan is the land that sun rises in purple color, is the homeland of peace and tranquility. Old Foça is located on the shore of Mordoğan, a short distance from Karaburun. For those traveling with boat, Mordoğan-Old Foça is among fantastic routes.  Seal Bay and Ardıç Beach are places to see.

20. A FANTASTIC DESTINATION FOR DIVERS: DALYANKÖY

Dalyanköy is one of the most popular destinations for diving in Çeşme. It is also famous for its fish restaurants. Prices are a bit high, but a good choice for those looking for tranquility around Çeşme. There are also boutique hotels in the region where you can have SPA and massage.

21.VISITORS DON’T WANT TO LEAVE THIS PLACE: MAZIKÖY

Located in Gulf of Gökova, Mazıköy is a wonderful destination with its stone hostels, nature and İnceyalı Beach.  Pine trees on one side and sailboats on the other side.

Mazıköy, frequently visited during blue tours, has also some important historical places for cultural visits. You can watch Hurma Beach from “Gözyaşı Kayası”. In history, knights of Malta were hollowing out the rocks of “Gözyaşı Kayası” and hiding their gold-filled jars. Another interesting rock is “Kayık Kayalar “, which is located at the entrance of the bay. Its shape resembles a Viking Canyon.

Since zoning is not permitted here, the region is still virgin and beautiful.

22. AHMETÇE VILLAGE, A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL FORGET ALL THE PROBLEMS OF CITY LIFE AND FIND A PIECE

Ahmetçe village is in Ayvacık, Çanakkale. It is probably founded by a person named Ahmet. Land here is a bit rugged. So, it is difficult to examine this village, but this should not discourage you!

3% of olive production in Turkey is being done here. Apple, plum, fig, tangerine, almond, and many other products can grow in this highly productive soil. Dishes cooked with olive oil taste awesome. Don’t leave before tasting.

In history of the village, around 35 years ago, uranium mining was being done by foreign companies. Peaceful environment of Ahmetçe and neighboring villages was disrupted due to this mining activity.  Many of the villagers, who worked for a short period of time in the uranium mines, had cancer. Then, mining companies were closed.

It can be an exciting route especially for those who are interested in underground resources and have a purpose of journalism.

23. AN IONIAN CITY OF ANCIENT TIMES: GÜZELÇAMLI

At Güzelçamlı, an ancient Ionian city in Kuşadası, you will find yourself enjoying history. From Persian to Greek, many ancient population took part in this area.

It is located between Dilek Peninsula and Dilek Mountain (also called Samsun Mountains). Soil here is productive and plant diversity is rich.

I strongly recommend you to visit Cave of Zeus and the cave lake.  Stunning blue color of the water and daylight reflection from water to cave walls are incredibly beautiful. Outdoor sports such as trekking, mountaineering and paragliding are also available here.

24. MOST PEACEFUL AND CALM PLACE IN MY LIST: DENIZKÖY

On the map Denizköy is located a little under Dikili but the natural beauty is not less than Dikili. Prices here in Denizköy are relatively more convenient and food serving sizes are big.

Most attractive part of this village is that not crowded with visitors. Being one of the most peaceful village of my list, Denizköy has adorable golden sand beach and crystal clear sea water.

25. CENTURIES OF OLD TRADITIONS STILL LIVE HERE: KIZILAĞAÇ

Kızılağaç in Milas is the second Turkmen village of my list. Here, I strongly recommend you to taste mushrooms and gözleme made by locals who still maintain their old customs. Villagers here still live according to their centuries-old traditions. That is the most striking point of this village. You will understand this at first sight, seeing interesting clothing of women which they wear in their daily life.

26. A PARADISE IN AEGEAN REGION, FAR FROM THE SEA BUT CLOSE TO HEART: ADALA

For those who look for a destination with thermal springs, Adala is a recommended place for this. Valley sightseeing and trekking are preferred activities here.  Kurşunlu Thermal Springs, Sardis Ancient City and Homeros Valley are among the recommended touristic places to visit.

27. A VILLAGE SMALL IN SIZE BUT BIG IN HISTORY: KAPIKIRI VILLAGE

Kapkırı is a small village 40 minutes away from Bodrum. It is located near Lake Bafa. If you are interested in history and archeology, you may be interested in the historical ruins of Hellenistic and Byzantine Empire in Kapıkırı.

The other beauty of this village is Lake Bafa, which was unique with the Aegean Sea in ancient days. Lake Bafa is historically rich with islands that historical ruins on. There are nearly 20,000 population of birds present at this natural habitat. Small boat tours and bird photography are pleasant tips to visit here.

28. WITH BEAUTIFUL NATURE, AN OUTDOOR STUDIO FOR TV SERIES: BOZÜYÜK VILLAGE

Bozüyük is a typical Aegean village. In history, it was one of the most important stop during Siege of Rhodes by Ottoman Empire.  Having virgin nature and productive soil, beautiful photos can be captured with a camera. As a result of that, Bozüyük became an outdoor studio for TV series such as “Baba Ocağı”.  Pınarbaşı is one of the best locations for both dining and resting.

29.GUARANTEED SATISFACTION: SOKAKAĞZI

Another historical village in Ayvacık, Çanakkale is Sokakağzı. It is in 18 km distance from Assos. You will be satisfied from visiting here if you are not looking for nightlife but tasty food and tranquility.

30. A BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF THE GREEK ARCHITECTURE: DOĞANBEY VILLAGE

Doğanbey Village in Aydın is a characteristic village of Aegean with its restored historic houses and the beauties of the Greek architecture.

The history of Doğanbey dates as far back as 7 BC. By the protocol signed between Turkey and Greece in 30th January of 1923, Turks emigrated from Salonika to this village.

Important places to visit at Doğanbey (formerly Domatia) are historical Greek houses, Şorlak Waterfall and Fauna Museum, which has been restored in 2003.  Don’t forget to climb the peak of the village to take a beautiful photo.

DUPNİSA CAVE

Dupnisa Cave is located at 5 – 6 km southwest of Sarpdere Village in Demirköy district of Kırklareli province. It is the only show cave in Thrace that has been opened for touristic visits.  The cave has an underground system with three entrances. Total length of the cave is 3200 m. The first part of cave is 1000 m and named as “Sulu”. It is the source of the spring water flowing into Rezve Creek, the frontier between Turkey and Bulgaria.

The first entrance is Dupnisa Dolin entrance. The second cave is “Kuru” and starts with two separate entrances.  One of these is 456 m and the other is 363 m. The third cave is “Kız” and starts with a 60 degree inclination. “Kuru” and “Kız” caves are fossil, “Sulu” cave is active.  It also has a hall with dimensions of 150x 60 meters.

AĞLAYAN WATERFALL

Ağlayan waterfall is also known as Patlak Çınar among region’s people.

Between Akçay and Altınoluk, the road leading from Güre İskele Thermal Springs takes you to Güre Village.  At the entrance of the village, the road to the left will lead you to a neighboring region called Yassıçalı.  500 m away on this road, there are two beautiful picnic areas which must be seen by nature lovers. This road is a bit narrow, but is also asphalt. So, it is smooth and easily driven with any vehicle.

You can have a barbeque, and have a picnic here at Ağlayan Waterfall. This place serves visitors in a natural environment with the park, dark shade areas, wooden tables or floor tables in place. You can also visit Pınarbaşı picnic area at the end of the road. But this is a fire-free picnic area where you can find ready-made food.