The best thing for you to do is go to maybe page 20 on this forum and start reading everything back to page one and then you will have all the answers to your questions plus lots more.

John

Turkey is a big country and there are many different types of resorts. I hear they are clamping down on 'harrassment' in the larger resorts like Marmaris. It's something that can be a pain, but I'm told it's worse in places like Tunisia. They are very friendly people and a polite no usually does the trick. I've had far worse from bleddy time share touts in Malta (nightmare!).

I don't know about all inclusive resorts, but there are lots of reviews on here if you have the time to search and read. From that point of view I don't know about entertainment in these hotels either. I have read some good things about a couple of all inclusives in Olu Deniz.

I have been to Marmaris - too big and bustling for me these days but is a firm favourite for many. It has a lovely harbour area, lots of nightlife and every type of restaurant you could wish for. It combines traditional Turkey in the older side with the 'brit hol' side in abundance as well. As I said, not for me these days. I don't want english breakfasts and sunday roasts!

Also been to Bodrum, but late in the season. More compact than Marmaris, can be very lively.

Kusadasi is a very big place these days. I can't really comment as I went in 1988 so no doubt it's changed a lot. It was very big then and also a good base for trips to Ephesus and Pamukkale.

Olu Deniz I think is lovely. On a much smaller scale and is very touristy and doesn't have the old and traditional areas that Marmaris and Bodrum have, but it's much more laid back. Ovacik and Hisaronu are very close and Hisaronu has lots of nightlife and restaurants and is up in the hills just 10 minutes on a dolmus away.

Kalkan currently my favourite. Traditional, old windy streets, beautiful roof top bars. No hassle from restaurants or shops, friendly people, marvellous beach clubs but not your rave all night type of place.

I have always found Turkey to be very clean, all the resorts I've been to have been. Even way back in 1988 my first visit.

As for food, well they do wonderful things with vegetables - it's not all kebabs. The larger more bustling resorts will have all manner of brit food if that's what you want. If you want turkish then it's just gorgeous - fish, chicken, steak, lamb dishes.

I speak to people who say 'ooh wouldn't go to turkey'. Well that's fine - all the more for the rest of us! But whatever preconceived ideas you may have about the country and its resorts, well you're probably a bit off the mark. It's a favourite with many for good reason. And I believe the turkey forum is the busiest on here!

I speak to people who say 'ooh wouldn't go to turkey'.

We used to be like those people but last year we needed an AI that did a child place for a 15 yr old and found one in Turkey - my husband went nuts when he found I'd booked it
We worried about all the same things as you but we needn't have worried at all- we loved it
We are off to Olu Deniz in two weeks and my husband is more excited than me.

They can be pushy in the markets but they are very comical, friendly and do take no for an answer. Even our (now) 16 yr old is looking forward to a shopping trip as they talked to him in his own accent, made him laugh and managed to part him from some of his beloved arm rings- they'd sell snow to eskimos!

We've been ill after dodgy food in Britain -- it only takes one fly or poor hygene wherever you go! We had fantastic food in Turkey, most of it cooked in front of us - our mouths are watering already. We found the bread delicious.

The entertainment is not West End but if you join in with the right spirit, make friends with the staff and realise that the culture is completely different (one of the reasons for going) then you will have a good time.

We loved everything about our stay in Kusadasi - it had history (Ephesus), perfect weather, outstanding scenery, great food and friendy people - we couldn't have asked for a better holiday and only 13 more sleeps till we experience it all again. I know we've only been once but that's all it takes to fall in love with a place and we are sorry we didn't go earlier. Next year we are going to try another part of Turkey.

As said previously check out all the different parts of the forum.

You'll love it!

My first trip to Turkey was by default.....the holiday we had booked was cancelled and Turkey was all I could get for the same price on the same dates.

Never fancied it because Mother In Law likes it and if Mother in Law likes it it is no recommendation.

How wrong I was!

We all fell under Turkey's spell from the moment we arrived. Can't wait till October.......

I only go to Marmaris and the odd visit to Icmeler and one word sums it up for me
BRILLIANT
It is clean, regardless of what people tell you, IMO its no different to any other resort.

Food wise, its good too, i honestly think it would be a shame to go all inclusive.

there are lots of trips to do when you are in Turkey.
Hassle this year was less than previous years, you do honestly get used to it, a simple no thanks or i have already eaten usually works.

My sister and brother in law came to Marmaris with us in june and he was very dubious before we went, lots of people had told him turkey was awful.
firstly he could not believe how beautiful it was and that was only on his way from the airport to resort
after 3 days there he had made up his mind that he would be back, he loved it.
Be warned if you do book up once you visit Turkey, the spell will be cast and you will get hooked
Also tell your boyfriend to take no notice of "the turks will steal your wife/girlfriend" obviously it does happen but they are not ALL ready to pounce, the Turkish are the most friendly, pleasant and helpful people i have met.

Loulou

I know what you mean about allinc loulou...we have been allinc for the past 3 years and going again this year.We do like to go out and see the town and eat in the restaurants..but it would still be more expensive to go self catering.My friend is going away to turkey the same time as me and she is paying just £300 less than me and she is self catering.So even if we go out every night we will still be quids in as that £300 wouldnt cover drinks and ice creams in the day for 2 weeks ..well not with my kids anyway..ha ha.We have never been to turkey before but everyone i talk to who has says that it is lovely.Cant wait now...off to olu deniz on monday...woohoo...nicole

You will love Turkey which ever resort you go to.

We always go A/I and really enjoy it

We also love Icmler and Marmaris

Also been to Belek which was good best A/I we ever had but for the resort we love Icmeler/Marmaris

in reply to your first query "is it clean" last year the gardners were up at 6am shaking the leaves of trees so they didn't bother the guests!
Spotless - we in the UK should be trying to adopt their standards!
Lally

We used a petrol station toilet on the way back from Ephesus and I would have gladly eaten off the floor it was that clean!

You'll love Turkey and I can certainly recommend Fethiye/Ovacik/Hisaronu/Olu Deniz areas. There's lots to see and do in the area and Hisaronu has clubs and bars for the nightlife if that appeals. I would think again about going AI though as it does seriously limit you as there are so many restaurants to try and meals and drinks can be found at very reasonable prices. Where do you live? You might try getting a flight only to Dalaman and then you can book a hotel directly and arrange an airport transfer with them. Lots of folk on here will offer suggestions if you want to look at that and I can certainly recommend the Leda hotel in Ovacik http://www.ledahotel.com You could also get in touch with KandS holidays as they have some good deals http://www.kandsholidays.com