Turkey was our holiday destination for two weeks in June 2009. Our previous experience of Turkey had been limited. I had a two day business trip to Ankara some years ago; Gill had also spent a week in Turkish Cyprus. Turkey is such a large country that it is almost impossible to define. If our brief experience of the southwestern coast (the Turquoise Coast as it is known) is typical of the country as a whole we look forward to returning, to exploring more of the magnificent scenery, to enjoying more of the generous hospitality and to experiencing more of the interesting culture.

We booked our holiday at Doga Apartments in Kaya Koyu through Tapestry Holidays. However Ali, the owner, will also take private bookings from independent travelers.There are other apartments and hotels in Kaya Koyu and a good selection of restaurants. Kaya Koyu is famous as the ghost village of houses that were deserted in 1923 when Christians of Greek descent were "repatriated" in exchange for Muslims of Turkish descent. The ruins are a popular attraction during the daytime but in the evening Kaya Koyu returns to being a peaceful village.

For shopping, nightlife, sites and beaches Fethiye is the nearest town of any size was a 15 minute drive away over the hill to the north. The merged sprawl of the resorts of Oludenez, Hisaronu, Ovacik and Ocakkoy is about the same distance to the east. Further afield along the coast to the south east the former fishing villages of Kalkan and Kas are pleasant places to spend some time browsing and the magnificent Lycian ruins at Xanthos, Oenoanda and Kadyanda reward the effort made to get to them. The beaches at Kaputas and Kidrak and the beautiful Butterfly Valley all offer excellent places to swim or relax as the mood takes you and for the energetic the Saklikent Gorge demonstrates the power water has to carve through rocks or to provide a soothing accompanyment to a drink or a meal.