Food, Drink and Shopping
Food and Drink
Eating out in Turkey is an enjoyable experience with a good variety of tasty dishes available, some of which are staples in the UK. Kebabs, of course, originated here - a delicious mix of thinly sliced meat (lamb is best), salad and a sauce slipped into fresh pittapide, the Turkish take on pizza. bread.
Local specialities to be sampled include mussels filled with rice, pine nuts and currants; dolma, which are vine leaves filled with currents and pine nuts; and ahtopot salatasi, an octopus salad served cold with olive oil. Fish is plentiful and popular, so why not order palamut (baby tuna fish), levrek (sea bass), or kalkan (turbot)? We're sure you won't regret it. Other tasty treats include karniyarik (aubergine filled with minced meat) and, for those with a sweet tooth, Turkish Delight.
For a tipple, raki is a safe bet. Served with water (like the French favourite, pastis), it makes a great accompaniment to mezes, and you'll feel like a local. Otherwise, white and red wine are popular, as well as beer. For non-alcoholic beverages, choose tea and strong, black coffee.
Shopping
The best place for high-quality local products are without a doubt the lively bazaars. Here you can browse what's on offer, from colourful textiles and kilimshalvah (a delicious sesame seed-covered sweet) to fresh fruit and vegetables. There's also the possibility of purchasing wooden furniture and household items - just remember you have to get them into your suitcase when you leave!
Looking for shopping centres? Antalya has two good ones: the Antalya Shopping Centre and the Golden Perge Jewellery Centre. In Side there's the Pamukkale Carpet and Kilim Gallery where you can browse an impressive selection of carpets and rugs.
Beaches
The beaches along Turkey's Mediterranean Coast are certainly a main attraction: picturesque with clear, blue waters and sandy shores framed by lush green forests.
Kemar has two main beaches, one smooth shingle with water sports, the other a mix of sand and shingle and backed by pretty trees - ideal for those who want an attractive place to relax.
Another popular spot is Belek beach, where you can laze on the sand or try your hand at some of the water sports on offer.
Finally, Side has two more lovely sandy beaches, as well as boat trips from the beach and more watersports to enjoy.
Nightlife
Nightlife on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast is varied but largely low-key. The bigger resorts are more animated come nightfall, but elsewhere evenings are spent lingering over a meal, walking the streets of the quaint old towns and enjoying good company.
Antalya has a selection of lively clubs, including 7 Mehmet and Olympos Disco, and more relaxed venues for singers and song writers to display their talents, and Side also has some popular haunts. The Blues Bar has great live music, and the Temple Bar has a great location near the Temple of Apollo. The Barracuda Café and Bar is right by the sea and is another popular spot where party lovers congregate.
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