Bay View

More on Selimiye, Turkey - Dalaman

Tucked away in a sheltered bay and surrounded by rolling hills, Selimiye is one of those rare places that’s been untouched by time. It’s quiet. It’s laid-back. And up until a few years ago it could only be reached by boat or dirt-track. These days, the village is much easier to get to, but the Turks have somehow managed to keep it very much off the map. As a result, tourists are the exception rather than the rule. You won’t find packed-out beaches or designer shops here. Instead, family-run restaurants serve up the daily catch. Local women weave skeins of wool under road-side magnolia trees. And fishermen mend their nets on the pebble beach. It really is a place of old-world charm. And it’s steeped in history, too. Make sure you visit the village’s three castle ruins – each one is over 2,000 years old. When it comes to going out, the village has a handful of friendly shops, restaurants and bars. Venture a bit further afield and you’ll come across neighbouring Bozburun and Orhaniye. These sleepy towns move to the same laid-back rhythm as Selimiye, yet are well worth a visit in their own right. But for the hustle and bustle that only a city can provide, a trip to Marmaris is in order. Famous for having the best nightlife on the south coast, the resort has countless restaurants, clubs and bars. There’s also a few lively beaches offering water sports and boat trips.