Yalıkavak

In Yalikavak, charming white-washed houses with cascading bougainvilleas line the narrow streets, and the many small cafes and shops, and the occasional windmill create a truly authentic Turkish ambience. Yalikavak is still home to a thriving fishing industry and it has been one of the most important fishing centres on the Turkish Aegean, home to fleets of fishermen and sponge divers alike. Visiting yachts and working fishing boats moor cheerfully together in the picturesque harbour, where the restaurants clustered around display a wide selection of fresh fish every day. There are many shops in the traffic-free centre, and every week the town hosts one of the biggest fruit, vegetable and clothing markets in the area. There is a small beach, and it's just as comfortable to sit in a waterside cafe and while away a relaxing hour or two. A number of buildings in the town have been tastefully restored - a former water cistern has become a small art gallery and a former olive oil press has been converted into a kilim showroom where visitors are more than welcome. As well as attracting holidaymakers, Yalikavak is also a favourite destination of Turks who live in the cities. In fact, in the months of July and August visiting celebrities descend on the village, bringing a certain sophistication to the area.