Tucked away in a peaceful bay on the glorious Aegean coast in southwest Turkey, you’ll come across the charming village of Özdere. For many, holidays to Özdere are all about miles and miles of golden sandy beaches; the perfect spot for relaxing in the sunshine. And if you do want to pick up the pace, you could always give watersports a go or head into the lush green hills that surround the town. You’ll also find yourself within easy reach of the ancient city of Ephesus, which is an absolute must-see while you’re in the region.
Things to do
The beach may be your first port of call on holidays to Özdere (after all, it’s hard the resist the temptation of those gloriously white sandy shores), but if you do fancy a change of scenery, you won’t be disappointed. The village itself is a hive of activity, with its lively markets and bustling restaurants.
And if you fancy taking a trip beyond the village, you’ll find a wealth of fascinating historic sights to see. You could also take a short boat trip over to a different country altogether, and hop over to the Greek islands for a great excursion.
Excellent beaches
Along a lengthy coastline full of beautiful Blue Flag beaches and stunning coves is the secluded bay of Özdere. The shallow, calm water of the Aegean Sea is every shade of green and blue and blends in with the colours of the surrounding forestry. Özdere’s soft, golden sand shelves into the crystal clear waters, which are great to explore by swimming, water sports or scuba diving. Relax by the beach and soak up the warm, Turkish sun in a location that’s a taste of paradise and just perfect for watching the striking sun setting along the horizon.
History and culture
Özdere was once a small fishing village until about 10 years ago when it began to develop into a popular tourist destination. This means that the area is full of authentic narrow streets, undamaged forests and traditional Turkish charm. Located in the southwest of Turkey, it’s one of the country’s most archeologically significant resorts, with historical sites nearby including the ancient city of Ephesus.
Nightlife
The quiet seaside town has a modest nightlife with only a small selection of bars that are open until the early hours. The atmosphere in Özdere is calm and laid-back with tradition at its heart. Expect to find an excellent selection of traditional restaurants and bars where you’ll be able to enjoy a cocktail or two, down by the sea. A popular place in Özdere for delicious seafood in the evening is The Love Square, which is a newly built promenade along the waterfront that gives spectacular views of the shimmering sea and distant Greek island, Samos.
More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including, including: Antalya | Bodrum | Cesme Dalaman | Istanbul | Izmir | Kusadasi
