Country has so much offer

Travel by Bill McCarthy

Think of Christmas and you probably think of the actual festive bird, and not associate it with Turkey, the country.
Turkey, Now known as Turkiye, it is a vast nation that spans two continents. 
It offers plenty for tourists, but the legend of Santa Claus may be something of a surprise. Experts in the country say they have uncovered the tomb of St Nicholas, who is believed to be the inspiration for Santa. 

A Christian bishop of Greek origin who was known for giving to the poor, he lived between the years 270 and 343 and the legends are believed to have inspired the Christmas tales we tell today that Santa Claus will bring presents if you’ve been good. St Nicholas’ tomb was found in St Nicholas Church in Demre, in the Antalya district of southern Turkey.

It’s a country of diverse and beautiful regions and further west is the popular tourist area of Marmaris on the Turkish riviera.
It hosts miles of beaches with a range of watersports, including jet skiing and windsurfing with plenty of bars and cafes nearby. 
We booked a holiday package with easyJet and flew from Birmingham to stay  in the large, but good quality Prime Beach Hotel.

It is a couple of miles outside the old town of Marmaris, with the actual beach on its doorstep. Busy, but not so busy as to be uncomfortable.
The area hosts many hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions as well as all sorts of excursions and historical visits.
But it’s much more than sun, sea and sand. For those who want to split their time between sunbathing and absorbing the region’s culture and history, there are fewer finer places. 

Like many countries, its tourism has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and then Turkey suffered the devastating blow of the giant earthquakes in the east of the country, but it is a country with so much to offer and an influx of tourists will have a major beneficial effect on its economy after such disasters. 

It’s a four-hour flight from Birmingham. For those worried about security issues, don’t be, as airport measures are strict with visitors having to go through an initial security check before even getting into the airport proper. Then they go through the usual check-in process. 

Before becoming modern-day Turkey, a state founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, the region was colonised and conquered by many races, from the early Hittites, through to the Greeks, the Romans, Seljuks, Byzantines and the Ottoman Empire. 
Marmaris is known for its striking contrast between modern resort life and ancient history.

Marmaris Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, overlooks the harbour and provides panoramic views of the town and the sea. Now a museum, it offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s past by showcasing historic artefacts from the ancient civilisations that once inhabited the area.
In addition to the historical sites, the surrounding pine-clad mountains create a dramatic backdrop that invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy nature walks, or take boat tours along the coastline and visit the islands, again pine clad. 

These stop off for a swim around the islands before a visit to the bustling market town of Turunc to catch up with your holiday presents.
Back at Marmaris, the area offers beaches, with their golden sands and turquoise waters and are ideal for swimming or relaxing.

Activities of fly and flop the choice is yours with all inclusive taking the financial strain.

Information:

easyJet is expanding its Birmingham operations, visit

https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/holidays-from-birmingham