Lara beach turkey

MummyOf1_2

Me and OH and my toddler son are off to here in May. Has anybody been? we went to Icmeler last year and loved it, Marmaris was like Blackpool with sunshine so we decided to try another area, plus its only a 20 minute transfer. Does anybody have any "must do's" or any advice? where is the markets etc is it all in Antalya?

Thanks in advance

poe.tuesday

we were in lara beach last august, staying in the barut lara beach hotel

there is not much in lara itself and not sure where you are staying but most of the hotels are along the beach and you just need to go out of your hotel to the main road and turn either way and you will find a load of shops

we went into antalya shopping and didn't think it was all that, you could get the same stuff from the shops around lara beach

we did do a day trip to Side which was nice, the shops there were good too so maybe you should save your money and go to Side rather than Antalya (they will take you to a leather shop but don't bother as you will get a lot more stuff and a fraction of the cost in Side itself)

we also did a day trip to Perge which was interesting, there is a lot of other things to do in and around the area and your reps will be pushing them on you I'm sure

MummyOf1_2

Thanks for that, OH will be pleased to know that there is shops nearby lol

mutley74

is Side a better place with more to see and do than Lara Beach?

john-306

mutley74 wrote: »

is Side a better place with more to see and do than Lara Beach?

I'm hoping it's ok as I'm off there in June:beer:

poe.tuesday

I really liked Side, we went there for a shopping trip and it port was lovely (that's if Side is the place with the temple of appolo?)

I much preferred the area around side than lara beach - far prettier

john-306

poe.tuesday wrote: »

I really liked Side, we went there for a shopping trip and it port was lovely (that's if Side is the place with the temple of appolo?)

I much preferred the area around side than lara beach - far prettier

Yeah just had a google, thats the one.

mutley74

anyone recommend any decent 4* or 5* hotels in this area? preferably not with sky high rates!

mutley74

anyoen stayed here?
Paloma Club Sultan, Beldibi

zzzLazyDaisy

I spent three weeks in Lara Beach in Feb, and I'd go back like a shot!

Tips - Take your time to get to know the locals, smile a lot and try to learn please and thank you in Turkish, they really appreciate it.

Also, if you are in an all-inclusive hotel it is worth tipping the barman each evening - 5 lira is about £2.50 but it will guarantee you preferential service all night. The same with the restaurants - remember a tip is not the same as paying for the meal, it is rewarding good service. They don't get paid a lot, so a small tip is really appreciated.

Antalya old town is worth a visit, but dont be persuaded by the shoe shine boys (unless you really want your shoes shining!) and dont respond to 'can I ask you a question' or 'where are you from' unless you want to spend time in the person's shop! Also haggling is a way of life for the turks, so don't be offended, just enter into the spirit and have fun, they will respect you for it.

I am sure you will have a great time!

mutley74

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

I spent three weeks in Lara Beach in Feb, and I'd go back like a shot!

Tips - Take your time to get to know the locals, smile a lot and try to learn please and thank you in Turkish, they really appreciate it.

Also, if you are in an all-inclusive hotel it is worth tipping the barman each evening - 5 lira is about £2.50 but it will guarantee you preferential service all night. The same with the restaurants - remember a tip is not the same as paying for the meal, it is rewarding good service. They don't get paid a lot, so a small tip is really appreciated.

Antalya old town is worth a visit, but dont be persuaded by the shoe shine boys (unless you really want your shoes shining!) and dont respond to 'can I ask you a question' or 'where are you from' unless you want to spend time in the person's shop! Also haggling is a way of life for the turks, so don't be offended, just enter into the spirit and have fun, they will respect you for it.

I am sure you will have a great time!

which hotel did you stay in?

getting a cheap deal for Paloma Club Sultan but it does not get good reviews on trip adviser.

any suggestions welcome please!