Dalaman holidays

Afiyet Olsun! 'Enjoy your meal' in Turkish. Usually when you think of Turkey, a smoky-grilled kebab comes to mind – but authentic Turkish cuisine goes far beyond that. Turks LOVE their food so much that wasting it is considered sinful. Most importantly, meal times are meant to be treasured with family and friends, so don’t be surprised if you get an invite!

A traditional staple served with almost everything is bread. In fact, for some, bread is more desirable than the main dish itself (we are not exaggerating). An adopted food combination of melon, cheese, and raki is a favourite, which appears slightly quirky but trust us, your taste buds will thank you for taking a punt - honeydew melon contrasts the mature cheese so perfectly, as the flavours harmoniously bounce off each other. Meze is a popular appetiser, consisting mainly of vegetables and olive oil. Some restaurants feature additional seafood ingredients - don't miss the succulent octopus and calamari salads!

Music plays a big role in Turkish culture. The origins of the music developed from influences combining styles of Central Asian folk music with Persian, Arab, and Roman. American and European sounds have blended into the mix, creating traditional Turkish melodies that we hear today. Classical, Folk, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Belly dancing, and Polyphonic music genres star heavily in the music industry.

Turks are as devoted to their sports as any other European country and, as usual, football takes most attention. Basketball comes in second place on the list, after its increased popularity since NBA appearances of Turkish players Mirsad Turkcan, Mehmet Okur and Hidayet Turgoklu. Spartacus-wannabes can also enjoy volleyball, handball, or go full Byzantine with an oily-wrestling match. BYO loin cloth.

Don’t be deceived by the old-fashioned appearance of  shops and small stalls selling rugs and trinkets, as hidden treasures await your discovery. The Grand Bazaar in Marmaris is an expansive maze filled with clothing boutiques, handcrafts, souvenirs and food stalls. It's an excellent starting point, especially if you're open to haggling for better prices. Negotiating bargains with sellers is part of the enjoyable experience, so dive in—sometimes, you can snag items for half the original price! If you're shopping on a Tuesday, head to Dalaman market in the heart of Dalaman town centre. Immerse yourself in the colour and aroma of fresh produce, handcrafted accessories and gifts. Explore numerous foodie places to sustain your shopping stamina between stints of retail therapy. A terrific day out, but make sure you can add an extra bag on the flight home!