Ideas for romantic trips for couples in Turkey
Tuesday, 19 February 2013 8:55 AM
Looking for a romantic holiday destination for you and your partner that won't break the bank? How about a trip to Turkey? The country boasts plenty of sunshine, gorgeous coastline and a choice of romantic spots ranging from secluded villages and countryside to historic towns and cities. And best of all, you can have all this at a reasonable price, with plenty of low cost Turkish holidays available. Below are a few ideas for romantic trips in Turkey ideally suited to couples.
Beach bliss
Turkey, with miles upon miles of coastline, is home to plenty of stunning beaches and there's nothing like a few days basking in glorious sunshine amid beautiful surroundings to get you in a romantic mood. One of the best and most romantic spots along the Turkish coast is Olu Deniz, whose famous Blue Lagoon is one of the most photographed beaches in Europe thanks to its golden sands, sparkling turquoise waters and lush, green surrounding hillsides.
Hidden coves
While stunning beaches can be romantic, what might be even more appealing to couples is the chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy some more secluded spots. Thankfully, Turkey has plenty of these in the form of hidden coves and bays dotted around the coastline and nearby islands. Bitez, near Bodrum, is a great location for this, as you can charter a traditional Turkish gulet for trips to numerous secluded coves, where you can snorkel or just relax on the beach.
Also check out Butterfly Valley, reachable by boat from Olu Deniz or Fethiye. Spectacularly situated between two towering cliffs, the valley stretches out in a v-shape with a stretch of inviting beach at the end. There is no electricity, roads or buildings in the valley but this makes it the perfect spot for couples looking to get away from it all.
Ancient ruins
As you'd imagine with somewhere as steeped in history as Turkey, the country is littered with ancient ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras and many of these are not only fascinating in their own right but make for perfect locations to enjoy a romantic stroll or even an afternoon picnic. Strongly recommended is the Apollo Temple in Side, on Turkey's south coast. Located next to the shore, this ancient Roman temple looks particularly stunning just as the sun sets, with orange, red and yellow rays of light shining through its columns and creating a picture perfect silhouette of the structure.
Towns and cities
While privacy and seclusion are ideal for some, other couples would prefer the hustle and bustle and range of things to do and see that comes with staying in a town or city and here too Turkey has plenty to offer. Istanbul is as lively a city as they come and has plenty of romantic restaurants and bars to try out. But a city of that size can sometimes seem a little overwhelming. For a more laidback experience, give Fethiye on the Aegean coast a try. This historic city is full of labyrinth-like backstreets to explore, each lined with shops, restaurants and markets. You can also pay a visit to the city's traditional Turkish bath and check out its numerous historical sites like the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs, carved into the rock sides over 2,000 years ago.