we are planning a holiday in june to turkey, but i can't decide which resort - Bodrum, Altinkum or Kusadasi. we are an early 40's couple, who love beach holidays but also like varied nightlife ie, not clubs but lots of bars with entertainment. Where do you suggest - where should I go in Turkey?

Not been to Bodrum or Marmaris, Wou;dn't entertain Altinkum, would highly recomend Icmeler for your age group it's great, The bar staff dance and entertain the customers, you can join in with them if you want, they stay open late. They also do great boozy boat trips from the bull shit bar, i have recomended it to quite a few people and no one has been dissapointed with it, you can also get a bus to Mamaris and other places quite easily as they are not far away,

Regards
Janet ; Good luck with your choice.

I have seen a nice hotel in Gumbet - only 10 mins bus from Bodrum. Any comments about Gumbet???

Gumbet is a lovely place for all ages. Great beach. Bodrum is ok to visit. Avoid Kusadasi at all costs in my opinion.

Thanks for that - booked 11 days at Parkim Ayaz in Gumbet in June - Can't wait!!!

I ave already booked to Altinkum, Turkey, in August there is 6 of us going 4 children ages between 10 and 16. They are asking if there is a water park near by? I want to know if they have markets for clothes etc. Any other advice on where to go appreciated.

Ichmeler is a nice resort. Last year was out first trip to Turkey and we really loved the place. Busy without being over run and the Turks in the bars were all brilliant. Friendly without being pushy.
We went into Marmaris for a day trip and although the harbour was lovely, it was more built up and noisy for our liking.

We will be going to Altinkum at Easter (hope it's not as bad as it sounds on here!) We would like to visit Ephesus - is this possible? How long would it take? Can anyone recommend a local tour operator to go with?

goin to bodrum for first time how easy is it to change travellers cheques or is cold hard cash easier

Don't bother with travellers cheques. Either take cash (you can use sterling in the shops and markets anyway) or open a Nationwide Flex account and use the ATM (with Nationwide you don't get charged for this and you get a better exchange rate).

we went to Kalkan - would ecommend 100%

Where to go in Turkey? I have visited Olu Deniz, with it's stunning blue lagoon, but don't expect a sandy beach,as it is pebbles, and shingle. Its neighbors are, Hisaronu,not a favorite of mine, but ok if you like the pub & disco scene. Fethiye has a lovely harbor, no beach, but a gorgeous place to visit,with a lovely atmosphere. It is full of shops, bars and restaurants Calis beach, which is a short "taxi boat" trip away, is an extremely quiet little resort, with very few amenities. Kusadasi, was far too cosmopolitan for me, catering mainly for the German tourists, with lots of busy streets, that are overcrowded day and night, with holiday makers. Go there for a bargain on a Friday, as that is the market day.
Marmaris is more of a "nightlife" resort, and if you are looking for a beach holiday, steer clear, as the beach is narrow,with every inch being occupied by sun loungers,costing around 2.5 YTL £1, each. Times this by a family of four, over a two week stay £52 just to go near the sea!
Bodrum is lovely, with its restaurants lining the marina. It is also home to one of the seven ancient wonders, the Mausoleum, although it is nowhere near as grand as it was in its hey day.
Altinkum (meaning golden sands) has three sandy beaches, with a clear aqua sea, that is calm and shallow. The main beach is generally packed solid, but banana beach is quieter, and third beach, a short dolmus ride away from the main resort,is quieter still. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, that run parallel to the beach, to keep you occupied. All of these resorts are lovely,each in their own way.
Must see places are Ephesus,& Pamukale, with Cleaopatra's pool at its summit.(this in itself is a gem, with its warm crystal spa waters, that as you step into it, covers your body in a myriad of tiny bubbles.)
The Turks in general, are affable, and will gladly assist you, but beware, as they will try to hassle you, into eating at their restaurant, drinking at their bar, buying from their shop, or market stall, at greatly inflated prices. Be prepared to barter, and definitely shop around. A firm no, generally does the trick, and there is no need to be rude, as they are only after all trying to earn a living.
As for eating out, I do suggest that you try the lokanta's (cafes) Iskender kebab's are filling and tasty, kumpair (jacket potato) are cheap, and come with an array of fillings, & don't forget to try the Koft'e (meat balls).
Finally, relax, enjoy the sun, and a well deserved break from work.

I have a holiday booked to torba, I do not want night clubs, I want a nice relaxing holiday.Can anyone tell me what its like in Torba????

We have been to Turkey several times now. Went to Calis first time. Very quiet but now becoming more touristy. We have been to Kalkan several times and would recommend it as long as you dont mind a long transfer from airport to hotel/villa. Not many night clubs but the bars and restraunts are entertaining....some do dancing and encourage guests to join in. Alibabas restraunt (up the hill not down the hill) is really good for food and great value too.

I have recently returned from a holiday in Hisaronu. As a mother of a 17 year old daughter and a 4 year old son, I had to vary my time. The people are very friendly, and though most of the residents try to entice you to buy, as said before, you can always say no.

However, I found that unless you are a teenager or 20 something, you were not catered for in the evenings - fine if you can put up with the noise!

The scenery in the surrounding countryside was truly magnificent, as was Nicholas beach - wonderful. Fethiye was beautiful and the waters surrounding it are truly wonderful for swimming in.

This was my first holiday abroad, and I would go back to Turkey, but perhaps somewhere that catered more widely for people such as myself.