Turunc - Physkos - Turkey

As soon as Turunc came into sight via the lofty heights of the winding mountain road that threads it's way from Marmaris down into the bay we knew our holiday at Physkos was going to be a delight.

Physkos, where we were staying, is just a 10 minute stroll from Turunc which lies on the edge of a horse shoe shaped bay surrounded by tree covered mountains.  There is a narrow beach but it is stoney and was quite packed in September.  There is a promenade for wandering along with lots of restaurants. We had two excellent lunches at Korfez restaurant looking out at a dramatic, spectacular, backdrop of pine-clad mountains and beautiful unspoilt coastline -  together with the comings and goings in the harbour. What a location.
                                          Delivering turkish coffee by bike to the workers.

                                       
                                          The water taxis in the harbour.

                                       
                                          The bridge at Turunc village.

                                       
                                          The Ice Cream Man not Van.

                                          He delivers ice cream to the boats at anchor in the bays.

                                          View of Turunc beach.  A 500 metre beach of coarse sand.
                                           Sea shoes recommended.

Turunc is well placed for exploration.

Peaceful ancient Amos is the next small bay to Turunc.  The daily taxi boat makes a morning trip here and picks up again in the late afternoon.

On our way to Amos.....................

Ancient Amos (only Hellenistic walls and theatre remain) is stunningly beautiful with impressive, pine-tufted cliffs.

Lovely beach front restaurant:-
                                          Choose your food:-

                                         and they cook it in the oven.  Delicious fresh fish.
                                       

                                          The view from my sunbed:-

                                          With plenty of shade.  It was 35 degrees.

                                           Entry into the sea.  It was like a warm bath

                                          with lots of fish to see whilst snorkelling

We also enjoyed a visit to the Beach Club at Kumlubuku.  Gorgeous views on the drive over and the driver was more than happy to stop for us to take some stunning photos.

 
                                           Phil on the beach at the Beach Club.

                             
                                         The Gentleman's boat.  A restored lifeboat that can be
                                          hired for a day but was fully booked during our stay.

                                          It was hot - so another beer.

                                          The swimming area

                                          where Phil saw a turtle.  So annoyed he didn't have the camera.

                                          but these boys picked up an octopus!
                                       
                                          Waiting under the grapes in the shade for the transport home.
                                           Another delightful day out.

It's pleasant to have Marmaris at arm's length - only 50 mins. away on an hourly boat service from Turunc - not so far that you can't pop over to explore the harbour and bazaar before hurrying back to the sanctuary of Physkos.  The water taxi service leaves Turunc harbour every day on the hour and makes it way, sedately, past breath-taking scenery to Marmaris usually stoppping briefly at Icmeler along the way.  At 15 TL for a return trip it's an experience not to be missed.

Water taxi to Marmaris

Leaving the harbour

Turunc

Who pays the ferryman

The beach at Marmaris

When you leave the water taxi just turn right towards the Marina.  Unfortunately, for us, the Castle was closed for restoration.

Development in Marmaris has dwarfed the old village core of shops and likantas lining narrow, bazaar-like streets, an intricate warren contrasting strongly with the European-style Marina and Waterfront.  According to legend, the place was named when Sukyman the Magnificent, not finding the castle to his liking, was heard to mutter "Mimari as" (hang the architect) later corrupted to "Marmaris" - a command that ought perhaps still to apply to the designers of the 300 hotels that line the 5 km palm-fringed strip.

The old town

The Marina

Marmaris's yacht marina tucked away at the far end of town, is one of Turkey's largest.  Marmaris's history has been determined above all by the stunning local topography, a deep, fjord-like inlet surrounded by pine-cloaked hills.  In 1798 Nelson's entire fleet sheltered here before setting out to defeat Napoleon's armada at the Battle of Aboukir Bay in Egypt.

The Pineapple Restaurant in the Marina was very good.

Another beer:- (still very hot)

And whilst in Turkey a Doner Kebab

The Castle

Back in Turunc, there are lots of restaurants to choose from.  We had a delicious meal at BONDJUK on the upstairs terrace.  It's off the beaten track.  Turn left at the Mosque and follow the main road up the hill as if you were heading out of Turunc and Bondjuk is on the left-hand side.

We also enjoyed a romantic meal at Es on the terrace up the 39 steps by the harbour.

Beautiful views.

I hope you have enjoyed these photographs.

In the next blog I will tell you all about our wonderful Gulet trip.