Top things to do in Icemeler

This is a full-day cruise along the Turkish coast boasting astonishing views of the crystal bays and historic landmarks, with opportunities to explore its waters. The stops include Iztuzu beach, Lycian Rock Tombs, and Dalyan Canal and our favourite, the Sultaniye Thermal mud baths. A typical cruise lasts for 10 hours with available pick-ups and drop off arrangements from a designated hotel, but itineraries vary, so find one to suit your preference.

As the sun rises, witness astonishing sites of forest-coated hills, prehistoric Hierapolis, and cotton castles from a birds-eye view that can't be seen any other way. The views are truly spectacular and we've known guests to get a little emotional at the top. NB: If travelling as a family, children under the age of four can't participate in this excursion.

You’ll find an array of authentic cafes and restaurants aligning the coastal edge of Icmeler beach starring Tiki Beach dine-in and Coco Beach Italian Restaurant. Wine lovers prepare for an intimate meal at the Winehouse Hurriyet Cad number six; taste fine, Turkish wine under a canopy of vines - for a real treat, we recommend the mushroom and onion stuffed borca. Deeelish!

The fun in Iclemer continues into the night. The main hot spots include Beach Club, Backstreet, and Club arena with live music, DJ sets, cocktails, and more buzz than you can shake a (cocktail) stick at. Most bars and clubs are situated along the coast and remain open until dawn or even later. Depending on where you stay, your resort can likely book the Kervansaray Turkish night where you can experience how the locals traditionally spend their nights – great food and belly dancers! Isn't that how everyone spends a night out?

Once a sleepy fishing village, now the holy grail for beachgoers, Icmeler Beach is a classy destination where time seems to disappear. You can easily spend the whole day just topping up the tan and splashing in its sky-blue waters, and there's a host of fun to be had in the water if you just can't sit still. Banana rides, jet ski, snorkelling, and Ringo are the most popular activities here, the waters can keep you immersed for hours, and the dotted mangroves and parasols offer shade to cool off.

Rich in history, the Temples of Artemis are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walk in the shadows of religious monuments; the House of the Virgin Mary, the Hadrian Temple, Library of Celsus, and check out the Grand Theatre of Ephesus. Ephesus is situated around three hours from Icmeler town, the drive itself is composed of long, straight roads with very minimal traffic and scenic vistas. If seeing the ancient world is part of your bucket list, this is one of the big ones and not to be missed. The Ephesus tour is available on Thursdays and Sundays.

Welcome to a land renowned for bargain-priced items and freshly-picked produce. Icmeler is a perfect place to be for a little retail therapy and a bargain-hunter's dream. The Icmeler market takes place every Wednesday in the town centre, so bring your negotiating skills and your wallet. The sellers like to haggle and that's all part of the fun - the traders are really friendly and always ready to share a laugh.