La Belle Vie
La Belle VieArt Lifestyle Design
Ephesus
Stop at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World at the ruins of Ephesus. This ancient Greek
city is home to the Temple of Artemis, where today
you can see a single column still standing against the
ravages of time. This ruined city began on the site in
the 10th century BC, had its heyday under Roman rule
from 129 BC, and also has great Christian significance
as the city was mentioned in the Book of Revelation
and the Virgin Mary is said to have lived out the end
of her days here.Marmaris
Known as Turkey’s yachting capital, on the heart
of the Turquoise coast, Marmaris is a dynamic resort
town that is favoured with one of the world’s largest
natural harbours. This busy coastal town sits on a
sweeping bay, with a backdrop of towering mountain
peaks. Marmaris can offer the visitor both an exciting
nightlife, as well as quiet, secluded islands perfect for
tanning or snorkelling. Whether it is exploring bars
or phosphorous caves, or trekking through markets,
Marmaris can delight in many ways.Göcek
Four of Turkey’s main marinas are located in the Gulf
of Göcek making the area one of the Mediterranean’s
best sailing regions. The port of Göcek is registered
as an area of special protection, it has maintained its
allure as a charming fishing village, however the weary
holidaymaker can easily find a luxurious boutique
hotel and a premier restaurants to refresh and re-
vitalise them. For those who enjoy shore-based
distractions, the surrounding Dalyan Delta has vibrant
nature reserves, mixed in with ancient ruins and
quiet beaches.Kalkan
This coastal village is festooned with bougainvillea,
while the community itself is set off by the towering
Taurus Mountains. Strict conservation laws ensure
that the village maintains its simple, old-world magic.
Away from the village, abundant beaches and a myriad
of outdoor activities keep the visitor entertained
and distracted.Ekincik
Ekincik retains its unspoiled beauty due to its
status as a nature reserve. Sitting on the sailing
route between Marmaris and the Gulf of Göcek, this
small, picturesque harbour offers the perfect stop-
over point. Visitors can enjoy the Sultaniye Thermal
Baths, these natural springs reach 40 degrees Celsius
and are guaranteed to bring a soothing cure to all of
life’s demands.Kekova
This inhabited island is home of the sunken city of
Simena. In the 2nd century CE, Simena was hit by a
series of violent earthquakes and sank beneath the
waves. Today it is still possible to see the city ruins,
clearly visible just a few meters below the clear waters
of the Mediterranean. The ruins of Simena include a
shipyard, foundations of public buildings,houses, and
a couple of amphorae. Above the shoreline, further
houses, a few Lycian tombs with their distinctive
arched roofs, and the remains of an early church
are visible. A stone staircase can also still be found
descending into the calm watersSOUTHERN TURKEY
Turkey is the link between East and West. As a destination the country offers a
delightful conglomeration of influences and offerings, whether they are cultural
or culinary. Culturally, Turkey is sprinkled with a dazzling array of archaeological
sites that are diverse and colourful: churches and mosques share the same
neighbourhood with bistros, cafés, nightclubs, all of which are surrounded by
monuments of both Byzantine and Ottoman origin. Outside of the capital, the
sailor has a choice of Mediterranean or Aegean coastlines. Beaches and fishing
villages tempt the eye, while diving among the rich marine habitat is a pleasure.
Some of the best ports of call along Turkey’s southern coast are: Ephesus,
Marmaris, the Gulf of Göcek, Kalkan Ekincik and Kekova.©Istockphoto ©Istockphoto©Istockphoto©shutterstock©IstockphotoYI28_pp52-58 EAST MED HIGHLIGHTS v5 NB.indd 54 09/06/2018 00:17