The pretty seaside village of
Torba is a favourite destination for Turkish holidaymakers with
many exquisite summer houses surrounded by flower filled gardens
lining the small streets.
At one end of the bay the harbour accommodates local fishing
boats and luxury yachts alike. The other you will find the Escape
Beach Resort where you can try a variety of water sports. For
snorkelling enthusiasts Torba's pebble beach with its ruins of
an old church, chic hotels and a handful of restaurants
are but short walk from the village centre.
Much of the year the village is relatively unhurried but in summer
it is swelled by families from Istanbul coming to summer in their
seaside residences, the atmosphere is lively and very Mediterranean.
Restaurants and bars are scattered
along the sea front, some little more than a palm thatched dining
terrace, others with lively music , sophisticated menus and waterside
dining !
A holiday on the Bodrum Peninsula offers
an excellent combination of village life
with the allure of a nearby busy resort town.
In the
atmospheric shopping streets you will find local handicrafts such
as copper goods, painted ceramics, hand woven carpets and kilims
competing with street stalls selling "genuine fake watches",
designer name clothing and natural sponges. Jewellery shops abound
offering a huge array of beautiful designs and there are fabrics,
famed Turkish towelling, boxes of sweet pistachio filled Turkish
delight and pastry shops with a tempting selection of sweet and
savoury.
The
coastline is famed for its crystal clear waters where swimmers
and snorkellers will enjoy the deep blue water crowded with huge
living sponges, octopus and scarlet starfish.
Bodrum's
night life is the best. Dine in one of the elegant restaurants
overlooking the marina or in the busy and bustling Restaurant
Alley, a vine shaded lantern lit street with outdoor restaurants,
one spilling on to the next, authentic live music and impromptu
displays of Turkish dancing. The choice of bars is extensive,
some loud and blaring, others refined and chic, there is something
to suit all age groups.
Basing
your holiday on the peninsula allows great access to numerous
nearby historical sites.
