Expat escape: ditch winter, find Çıralı
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ISTANBUL - Bring out the rebel – take a romantic long weekend or a much deserved week off before the dark rainy blues set in. As a resident of Turkey, you hardly find the bustle of crowded southern resorts appealing. Çıralı is arguably one of Turkey’s most special – and undiscovered – beach towns. People come from all over the world to stay in modest bungalows along the pristine two-mile Olympos Beach, which is 90 kilometers from Antalya.
Most of the multiple guesthouse resorts are set in gardens with diverse local flora. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the stay is the secluded feeling you get nestled in wooden bungalows along Olympos Beach extending to the mouth of a towering green canyon. In the off-season it feels as though you have the run of the whole beach. But come nightfall this is Loggerhead turtle territory. They make their nests here and men actually patrol the dunes keeping guests off the beach after dark. With no paragliders or discos in sight, the area includes walking trails into the coastal mountains and to the eternal Chimera flame.
- Bellerofon Hotel
The Times calls this the best place to stay in Çıralı. The Bellerofon has five wooden chalets built amid mulberry, orange, lemon, olive and banana trees. Owner Akif, brings a warm charisma to the landscape, which feels like an exclusive resort with down-home hospitality. All produce is local and fresh and even the bread is baked on site. Evening meals are candle lit and served on the beach patio. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. The price is 1,650 YTL per week in November with Responsible Travel (01273 600030 www.responsibletravel.com)
- Arcadia Hotel
Another lush garden setting hosts a handful of wooden bungalows along the beach. In winter they feature two large indoor restaurants with fireplaces, doubling as salons for relaxation, reading and games on cooler evenings and rainy days. Rooms are equipped with heating when needed. The price is 170 YTL per night in November. Contact owner Ahmet Dogan+90 (242) 825 7340+90 (242) 825 7226 info@arcadiaholiday.com arcadiaholiday.com