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Posted on 06/23/2002 1:58:23 PM PDT by a_Turk
THE hottest new getaway place opened its friendly doors to the Northern Ireland public for the first time this summer.
Families looking to find a safe haven for their kids, sun-seekers expecting an instant tan, and late-night revellers are all exceptionally catered for in the Turkish resort of Kemer.
Based in the Antalya region of Turkey, this area was once home to the ancient Celts (who became the Galatians) during their migration eastwards, while the main tribes travelled westwards into Europe.
Kemer itself is an hour's transfer from Antalya international airport - a four-and-a-half hour flight from Belfast International Airport.
A small and compact resort nestling on the shores of the clear blue Mediterranean, with the high escarpment of the Taurus Mountains displaying a magnificent backdrop, Kemer offers an outstanding location for those not wanting to travel too far from base camp to enjoy a perfect break.
In the forefront of Kemer lies the Med, and a number of the hotels that do not have a sea-front view may be able to offer a private plot for their clients on the coastline.
However, if you want to pull yourself away from the pool or fitness suites, massage and Turkish bath facilities, then there a number of public beaches - the biggest of which is the Moonlight Park.
All the beaches are within easy walking distance from your accommodation and there is a speedy and efficient dolmus bus service at 500,000 lira (25p each journey).
The Moonlight Park operates as a sunbather's paradise during the day, but at night the beach becomes a hotbed for party-goers, the area turns into a playground for late-night revellers, with a huge disco or theme nights, with parties rolling on to 5 o'clock in the morning.
However, be warned, Kemer is a hot place, with temperatures in July and August reaching the 40 degrees plus in the shade. High factor sunscreens are a prerequisite, as is a plentiful supply of bottled water.
The town centre itself is chock-a-block with splendid shops and restaurants, where bartering to reduce prices is taken for granted. The canny Ulster folk will find bargains to suit all pockets.
With entry into the European market on the collective Turkish mind - the majority of hotels, shops and bars price everything in euros. It makes life easier if you exchange the majority of your sterling for euros instead of Turkish lira, because, if you find you have spare cash on your journey home, then you can use it for trips to the Republic or mainland Europe.
The prices of hotels and apartments range from the top end of the market, with the fabulous Gloria Golf Hotel and resort complex, a 30-minute transfer from Antalya airport, in the Belek district, to the lower end of the market, with the Viking and Felice apartments in Kemer.
But, the hottest deal on offer to holidaymakers wishing to take their break from the middle of May to mid-June was the Ambassador Plaza, Kemer, which offered all-inclusive holidays (including discounts) for 400 euros (£270) per person.
The centrally located Tukiz Hotel, in Kemer, an accommodation that has everything a modern hotel has to offer, especially its Thallasso Therapy Centre, with Turkish bath, sauna, massage, fitness centre, is worthy of its five-star rating. It also has a new, separate apartment complex, also of five-star quality.
While just outside of Kemer itself, the wonderfully constructed five-star Merit Limra and four-star Marti Myra, with its own blue-flag beach, would suit honeymooners and families.
When you visit Kemer, you will find your holiday arrangements made much easier if you choose to link up with a reputable travel service agency for transfer from the airport.
While Kemer is a relatively modern resort, you may wish to take in some of the surrounding area. Akay Travel Service provides day trips to nearby Antalya free-of-charge. There you can visit the monuments of the old castle city ruins and the wonderful waterfalls that pour directly from the Taurus Mountains into the sea.
If you are a lover of archaeology, then this part of Asia Minor has many influences with the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman Empires all leaving an indelible mark, and Persians, Mesopotamians, Lydians, Dorians also playing their part in making up the history of the Antalya region.
One of the most remarkable sites to visit is the preserved Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos. Still in use, it seats around 15,000, and is host to many concerts and competitions.
For the kiddies, a visit to Aqualand in the middle of Kemer is a must. It's the most popular place for families, where children can safely enjoy the free adventures of massive waterslides and where parents sunbathe or relax in the shaded shelter.
But, one of the best parts of your holiday will be spent on a full-day tour on one of the Gullet yachts to the Roman ruins at Phaselis, and a visit to The Three Islands. The tour allows you to relax on the deck of the yacht, where the cool breeze of the Med is a welcome break from the heat. During the stopovers, where lunch is provided, you can dive into the sea to chill out.
For the more adventurous, there's an amazing trip to the highlands of Antalya, where white-water rafting in crystal mountain rivers will give you an immediate adrenaline rush.
There is much more to see and do - where the pearl of the Med is yours to hold in your hand and explore.
Says a lot.
I know it's a minor detail, but this area is not part of ancient Galatia. They lived on the central Anatolian plateau. I don't believe they ever controlled any coastal areas, although in their early years they probably raided these areas.
Sniff....
Maybe some day.
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