Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

fl ourished in the delta of the Büyük Menderes (Meander) River and became the birthplace of philosophy based on natural observation. Miletus is known as the city of Anatolian philosophers like Thales, while Priene is notable as the city that applied the fi rst example of a "grid system" in city planning. BODRUM: THE ART OF COASTAL LIVING Thanks to its whitewashed villas with sun-bleached terraces, posh resorts and marinas, MICHELIN Starred restaurants, balmy Aegean climate, and thriving cultural calendar, Bodrum is the ideal year-round vacation destination. The Bodrum peninsula has cast an enchanting smile across the faces of visitors since it staked its claim as Türkiye's own slice of heaven on earth more than half a century ago. The Blue Voyage, an experience uniquely intertwined with Bodrum, off ers an unparalleled journey to secluded bays and hidden islands aboard the gulet. This authentic wooden, double-masted sailing yacht, known for its distinctive design, has become emblematic of the Bodrum region. Apart from a magnifi cent seascape, the peninsula features several coastal towns and villages, each with its own distinct charms. While Göltürkbükü and Yalıkavak attract a cosmopolitan clientele with their luxury beach clubs and fi ne dining restaurants, glitzy luxury hotels at the forefront of contemporary design and gleaming marinas berthing the mega-yachts of billionaires, Gümüşlük emits bohemian vibes from its jazz bars and fi sh restaurants located right on the beach. Bodrum center, on the other hand, is ideal for shopping therapy at its historic bazaar, swarming with artisanal boutiques selling high-quality linen beachwear, as well as authentic hand-made leather sandals and jewelry. The long coastal promenade at the center also allows you to wave the day goodbye with a sundowner at a seaside bar, enjoying the luminous waters of the bay and Bodrum Castle's iconic silhouette as the backdrop. Not to Miss Visit the Bodrum Castle to see some of the oldest shipwrecks ever found and a rich collection of ancient fi nds at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology; catch a live performance at Bodrum Ballet Festival, or performances at the ancient theater or see Türkiye's most elegant sailing yachts and gulets compete at the annual Bodrum Cup each October. MARMARİS & GÖCEK: SAILING THE TURQUOISE WATERS Between the Bay of Gökova and Marmaris lie the twin peninsulas of Bozburun and Datça, two beautiful swathes of land jutting out to the Aegean Sea. Both are easily accessible from the international airports of Milas and Dalaman, and integral parts of classical cruise itineraries, whether aboard a sailing yacht or motorboat, as they unveil crystal-clear coves lined up in succession. Many of these secluded corners off er hidden restaurants that are only accessible by water, serving some of the freshest seafood plates in the country. The must-see points along this coastal stretch include Akyaka with its kite-surfi ng beaches; Bördübet with its teeming greenery and crystal streams pouring into the sea; Datça with its charming old town, notable port and azure beaches; Bozburun and Selimiye with their laid- back coastal living; and Turunç with its secluded cove and small luxury hotels and villas keeping watch over the expansive landscape from their patios and infi nity pools. Marmaris, the main port of the region that has developed around a medieval castle, is also a peaceful town to stop over for its lively market area, and maze of streets full of bars. Those who venture further south can stay in a riverside lodge in Dalyan to enjoy the tranquility of the natural setting and vistas of the gorgeous temple-like tombs cut into cliff walls in the ancient Carian city of Kaunos. An added bonus is discovering the endangered Caretta carettas (loggerheads) and green sea turtles nesting from May to August along the İztuzu Beach, a 5-km strip of golden sand near Dalyan. Lake Köyceğiz, a former bay that has been transformed into a lake in thousands of years, has also developed into a town that is now listed as one of fi ve Cittaslows in the region, thanks to its peaceful nature dotted with orange groves and sweetgum (liquidambar) forests. All are explorable on a bike along miles of eco-trail routes marked around Köyceğiz. Köyceğiz Lake and Dalyan Delta are also famous for their grey mullet population and the regional caviar made of their roes, enveloped in beeswax. A mere half hour's drive away is Göcek, where you can rent a bareboat and enjoy the bay's constant winds. You can further moor off a secluded isle, or berth at one of the well-featured marinas at Göcek's center to mingle with the well- traveled crowd. Not to Miss Datça is famous as the center of almond harvesting in Türkiye, with their bloom beginning every February, a recurrence celebrated with the annual Badem Çiçeği (Almond Bloom) Festival. Make sure to stop by local food boutiques selling almonds in every form. The awe-inspiring ruins of the ancient Carian city of Knidos, one of the wealthiest ports of antiquity and a center of arts and culture more than two thousand years ago, also deserve a day visit at the tip of the Datça peninsula. FETHİYE: WELCOME TO THE LAND OF LIGHT The ancient Lycians have bequeathed us dramatic ruins dating back to 1,500 BCE, including a monumental parliament building as well as distinguishing rock tombs and catacombs stretching from the beaches to the mountainsides. The modern town of Fethiye is where one can see the remnants of this bygone civilization. The town itself is worthy of attention, featuring a lively fi sh market where you can choose the seafood of your fancy and have it grilled right before your eyes in the marketplace. The real prize, however, is the scenic sandbank and lagoon of Ölüdeniz, lying at the foot of the majestic Mount Babadağ. Ölüdeniz Lagoon operates as a national park today, with paragliding from Babadağ off ering a hovering front-row seat to these breathtaking panoramas. One can also visit the Babadağ summit by cable car year-round to behold among the best sunsets imaginable. Not to Miss Usually shortlisted among the most beautiful long- distance treks in the world, the Lycian Way off ers a 540-km waymarked trail (rated moderate to diffi cult), starting from Ölüdeniz and ending at Antalya. One can hike the entire trail in a month or enjoy shorter, multi- day segments of the entire route. The Butterfl y and Kabak Valleys are two neighboring natural wonders on the Lycian Way, locales where you can indulge in ecological retreats and glamping domes. For more off - grid simplicity, Faralya hides some exclusive camps off ering safari tents in scenic havens adjoining private rocky beaches and overseen by watchful mountains above. Bozburun-Muğla Çeşme-İzmir A culinary feast

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