If you can't decide where to holiday try Ovacik - the possibilties are endless

For both new visitors and seasoned veterans there is more to do than there is time available

Whilst there is a huge range of things to do and places to see, getting to know the local people is one of the most memorable experiences. The  Turkish folk are genuinely warm and friendly. It is one of the main reasons we return to Turkey again and again.

Whether you want to take it easy or fill your day with activities, you won't find a better location 
 

Ovacik

Ovacik  is situated on a plateau 4km from the famous beach of Olu Deniz. It benefits from cooler temperatures and lower humidity than at sea level.  It has many lovely restaurants and bars just a few minutes walk from the Villa.   Shops in which you can buy fresh bread and all of your other supplies are "open all hours" and are equally handy.

It is lovely to be in an area which retains its rural character yet is still convenient for all of your holiday needs.  Ovacik really is the best of all worlds.  The convenience of getting around cheaply and quickly using the Dolmus (local bus) can not be over-estimated.

The complete lack of "high-rise" building is another pleasant surprise for first time visitors.

5 minutes walk takes you to the local stables for horse riding. Just some of the activities nearby are;
 
  • Walking
  • Horse Riding
  • Aqua-park
  • Turkish baths
  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Quad Bikes
  • Jeep Safari
  • Rafting
  • Gorge Walks
  • Historic sites
  • Sailing
  • Paragliding
  • Microlights
  • Fishing
  • Rafting
  • Boat trips
  • Gulet cruise 
  Olu Deniz
Olu Deniz is the nearby beach which is world famous and is much photographed.  It has a sheltered lagoon area which shelves gradually and is perfect and particularly safe for young families.   On the  main sweep of the bay you can pick up a day trip boat for very little money or just enjoy swimming in the lovely clear waters.   It retains an unspoilt feel as it has National Park status so it is protected from unsympathetic development. (In fact it is protected from almost all development).

We wouldn't want you to think it is all sand, sea and paragliding. There are many other activities available including water-sports .  Motorised water-sports are both minimal and unobtrusive. They are strictly controlled outside a large area set aside for swimmers.

We particularly love the restaurants and bars there which cater for all tastes.  Sitting on one of the roof terraces for a refreshment whilst watching the sun go down is something you will never tire of.   

The Kumsal at the far end of the beach produces wonderful oven baked traditional dishes and "pide". This is like a pizza but Turks will tell you the Italians stole their idea!.  

There is no need to worry about getting home as a Dolmus leaves Olu Deniz every ten minutes or so up to about 01:00 am. It passes through Hisaronu, Ovacik then on to Fethiye

Hisaronu
A short 15 minute stroll (or shorter Dolmus ride) will take you to the larger village of  Hisaronu.

This has many wonderful shops, restaurants, bars & nightclubs. It also has cash machines, doctors, pharmacies, supermarkets, a Post Office and a weekly market. There you can haggle for leather goods such as handmade jewellery, crafts and of course Turkey's "genuine imitation" designer goods.   The local people expect you to haggle which can be a lot of  fun, especially when you end up with a super bargain.

Babadag Mountain
The pine covered mountains around Ovacik are a spectacular backdrop. The biggest of  the mountains is Babadag  which is world famous as a paragliding site. . The paragliding community give Olu Deniz a unique chilled cosmopolitan atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else. Whether young or old you too can enjoy the thrill on a tandem flight.

 

Fethiye
The main market town of Fethiye is a 15 minute journey away by Dolmus (local Bus) and is a typical bustling harbour town .  Old meets new here, with Rock Tombs carved into the cliff  & the remains of an amphitheatre alongside colourful shops and restaurants. 

From the wonderful harbour there is a choice of daily boat trips. This is a great way to combine seeing the spectacular coastline with some good swim-time in one one of the myriad of secluded  bays.

Strolling along the marina and harbour is lovely day or night. Stopping at waterfront restaurant for a bite to eat or a drink is a great way to watch the world go by. From Fethiye you can even hop on a fast boat to Rhodes

There is a large weekly market on a Tuesday.  As well as traditional goods & crafts you can see the local produce. The colours of the fruit & vegetables are brilliant. There are stalls selling freshly prepared pancakes with fillings such as honey, nuts and of course chocolate  Even if you are not out to buy anything it is a lovely experience just to explore.

Fethiye has a choice of fantastic restaurants and lovely shops.  The pedestrianised old town is a short step from the seafront and is an interesting place to go for a wander. Unlike predominantly tourist towns Fethiye has not lost its Turkish character and atmosphere.
 


Kayakoy
The peaceful "ghost" village of Kayakoy is a short Dolmus ride away or a pleasant walk downhill through the trees.  It was abandoned in 1923 when people of Greek origin left the village under a population exchange agreement.  Today it is a fascinating place to explore and sample one of the many restaurants and wine-houses in the village. You can continue on to the wonderfully secluded  Gemiler Bay or even walk over the hill through the trees to Olu Deniz.  It really is a tranquil haven not to be missed