Travel guide – icmeler

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Overview

Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavour, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of holidaymakers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars. Its package-holiday aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town. Unlike its close neighbour, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.

Shopping

Icmeler does have a central shopping mall, which is adequate for acquiring essentials and having a pleasant browse for souvenirs. There is a local market on Wednesdays where bargain hunters and hagglers can test their skills. Serious shoppers, though, would be better advised to take a short dolmus taxi ride into nearby Marmaris where it is possible to literally shop 'til you drop', especially in the fascinating covered bazaar of the old town.

Restaurants

Icmeler is well-supplied with restaurants of all sorts, but most visitors particularly enjoy local specialities like Guvec, a clay-pot casserole, or tasty kebabs, washed down with some Turkish wine or raki, the traditional aniseed spirit. Good choice for Turkish cuisine is the Turkish House in Turunc Road where the food is served up to the tune of traditional music. For good steaks a favourite is the Love Boat at the Devamli Hotel. For variety the menu at the Majestic Restaurant is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Italian. On Sundays the Kingsland Chinese Restaurant above the undercover market surprisingly serves up a top British lunch.

Nightlife

Icmeler is not a clubbing resort, but there are plenty of pubs, which keep hopping with a lively atmosphere until the wee hours. The nightlife may be low key, but those who want something more frenetic have only to grab a dolmus taxi and ride a short distance to Marmaris, where the pace is hotter. Icmeler's only true nightclub, Abone, provides for those who enjoy a dance, and some of the bars have discos, karaoke and live shows.

Activities

Having a magnificent beach, Icmeler is primarily a sun, sea and sand holiday destination, and a wide variety of watersports are on offer at the resort hotels and along the sea front. Those who feel inclined to make excursions, however, will find plenty of interest. Favourites are boat trips to 'Cleopatra's Isle', the waterfalls of Pamukkale with their therapeutic spring waters, and the archaeological site of Ephesus.

Climate

Both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, with temperature often rising above 30ºC (86ºF) in July and August. Showers are unlikely in the summer months, but the rainfall is quite high in winter.

Health

Twenty cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans; the four people who died had close contact with poultry. Authorities are taking stringent measures to contain the outbreaks. Visitors are unlikely to be at risk, but are advised to avoid close exposure to caged, domestic or wild birds, and to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are cooked thoroughly. There is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. There are no vaccination requirements. Most tap water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors should be treated with caution. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is recommended.

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