Is Dikiil Safe?

Turkey as a whole is statistically as safe as Europe and Northern America.  As with all other Countries the crime rate is higher in Cities and commercial resorts. Dikili on the other has an almost non existent crime rate for several reasons.  It is off the tourist trail.  It is in a mainly rural area where people know their neighbours and look out for each other.  The holiday makers that go there are Turkish not foreigners. However as no where is completely safe you should still take sensible precautions.

What Facilities are Available at the Villa?

The villa has a fully fitted kitchen equipped with a gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher, washing machine and large frost free fridge freezer. You will also find a toaster, juicer, cappuccino make and electric weighing scales. We have top of the range stainless steel cooking pans, forged iron cutlery and a porcelain dinner service. Other utensils such as can openers, garlic crushers and measuring spoons are amongst numerous others supplied in the kitchen. 

On the ground floor we have air-conditioning in the dining/living area which is capable of cooling or heating the whole house due to the open plan design of the villa. 

Upstairs you will find two well furnished bedrooms with plenty of storage space and lots of hangers, a multifunction hairdryer, ironing board, steam iron and two large fans are also available. In the garden we have a stone built BBQ perfect for cooking meat, vegetables or  fish which can be bought freshly from the harbour every day.  

There are also 4 smoke alarms in the villa, first aid kit and 2 fire extinguishers for your safety. 

Will I get Hassled?

It’s extremely unlikely,  as Dikili is not a commercial resort.   People sometimes get the wrong impression of Turkey in commercial areas or Istanbul as the people working in bars and restaurants and shops are normally paid a commission for the number of customers they bring in. This can lead them to hassle you and not take no for an answer as the competition is so fierce.  As Dikili is a small resort catering to mainly Turkish people this just does not happen and the businesses and holiday makers are much more laid back. 

What are the Locals like will I be Welcomed?

The locals are very friendly. There is a saying in Turkey ” In Gods eyes a stranger on your doorstep is your guest for 3 days”. Most Turkish people take this literally and if you have not been to Turkey before you will be surprised and deeply moved by the hospitality of the people. Typical experiences of previous guests  include being invited for meals, or neighbours dropping off fresh grapes, olives and cheese.  

What does the price include?

The accommodation and all utilities such as , gas, electric* and  water. We also supply cotton bed linen, bath towels, hand towels flannels and dressing gowns. A basic welcome hamper will be supplied containing some essentials such as drinking water, bread, butter, milk and some
seasonal extras.  Free travel planning is also  included in the price.

How many does it sleep?

We have two double bedrooms each containing two single beds, a double wardrobe, dressing table, and chest of drawers. In the living are we have large sofabeds which brings the number we can accommodate up to 6.

Are there Mosquitos?

There are mosquitoes in Dikili and in Turkey as a whole.  There  are several things you can do to ensure that they do not spoil your holiday.  We recommend that on your day of arrival you purchase a plug in machine and tablets for each of the rooms.  You should  also buy some mosquito spray for trips out after sunset.  If you have children we recommend you purchase a formula suitable for them.  The Turkish repellents are much more effective and cheaper than the products you can buy over here. 

We have screens on each window and nets over each bed to minimise any problems.    When you  are going out in the evenings ensure you are covered or have applied  spray to areas which are not.  If you do happen to get bitten and have a lot of irritation then you may be allergic so should visit a local pharmacy for advice.

Do I need vacinations?

Some vaccinations are still recommended before traveling to Turkey.  We   suggest that you visit your own GP for advice or read the following information from the department
of health.  Please note that in Dikili the mosquitoes do not  carry Malaria.

Where is Dikili and why haven’t I heard of it?

Dikili is located in the region Aegean region of Turkey and in the vicinity  of Izmir. It is directly opposite the Greek island of Lesbos and is a 2 hr transfer from Adnan Menderes airport. The nearest commercial resort to Dikili is Foca which is roughly an hour away. You have probably not heard of Dikili as it well kept secret of the Turkish people.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities in Dikili are excellent. There is  a weekly organic market, Tesco’s type supermarket, and numerous shops and restaurants in the centre. There is also shop selling the basics at the end of our road.

There are 4 Dolmuses (buses) per hour in peak season into the town centre which is about 5-7 mins drive and 2 in medium season falling to 1 in April and October. In the Town center there is also a bus garage  with buses to most of the places of interest mentioned on this website.

There are numerous shopping opportunities in both Dikili and Bergama where items such as traditional Turkish crafts, gold, leather and carpets can be bought.  Bergama and the Kozak mountains are one of the most famous carpet weaving regions in the whole of Turkey and you can be sure that if you buy you will be getting the real deal.

Do I need to know any Turkish?

On this website courtesy of the Turkey Travel Planner you will find all the Turkish you will need to know to enjoy a holiday in Dikili. English is taught in the Schools as standard, and you can always find a helpful soul to translate for you if necessary. The staff at the Mysia hotel all speak
perfect English and will be glad to help if necessary.

Do I need to drive?

It is not essential to drive but we do recommend it if possible, mainly for convenience. If you do not want to drive we can arrange airport transfers for up to 4 and more on request. You can also hire our personal chauffeur Suleman for day trips to places of interest.

You can still have a fantastic time at the villa without driving. The public transport in Dikili is good and frequent buses go to most of the places of interest from the Town Centre. Taxi’s are also available and we have a free phone and some numbers at the villa for your convenience.

Is there off road parking?

Yes, off road parking is available on a paved area of our garden which is gated. 

How do I get there?

You will need to fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes airport in Izmir. From there the villa is a 2 hour drive on a virtually straight road once out of the city. This is the start of the holiday as you get to see some stunning scenery that many touring holidays would die for. 

How can I pay?

Our standard terms are a 25% deposit to secure the weeks of your choice. The balance is then payable 8 weeks before the holiday commences. 

Do I need a visa?

It depends on your Country of origin so please check with your embassy.  For UK citizens £10 per person including children and babies is payable upon arrival at Adnan Menderes before you reach passport control. Visas can not be purchased in advance, so ensure that you have the correct amount of English currency for your party upon arrival.

Is Dikili good value?

In a word, yes.  Dikili is unbelievably cheap and Spain, France, Italy and Greece, simply can not compete.  As it is not a commercial resort the prices are not inflated. A typical meal with meze and main course will cost between £3 and £5. Alcohol is very cheap, as is entrance to the historical sites and places of interest.  Most of our guests have commented on how they had trouble spending their money during their holiday.

Can I make telephone calls and use the internet?

The villa has a telephone which can be used free of charge  to  make local calls and to receive international calls. Families and friends can call you for only 7p a minute to get an update on your holiday or pass on any urgent news. We also have a laptop which you can use on a dialup connection. For a maximum of an hour a day or 7 hours per 7 days there is no charge. If you require further use please contact us first. 

What about health care if I need it?

There is a doctor service available at the Mysia Hotel where the staff speak excellent English. There are several chemists in Town which stock antibiotics and all Medicines you would find
in Europe or America. The private hospitals in Turkey are normally on par with any hospital you would expect to find in your Country of origin.  

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask.

* Electric is included in the price unless excessive use is noted at the end of your stay.  On your arrival you will see in the welcome book the average  amount of units used per week by guests (based on the hottest periods)  with a generous 20% added on top.  If the number of units is over this amount then we reserve the right to charge for them.  We have never had to do this so far but have included this condition mainly to ensure that the air- conditioning unit is used responsibly, for example switched off when you are out of the villa