Foca

Foca is about an hour and half drive from Dikili and literally one straight
road. This is also the place of legends. Remember the sirens in your history
lessons, then why not pay a visit. There are many more reasons for including
Foca in your Itinery please click
here to find out more.

Ephesus is truly amazing and is well worth a visit if you can manage it. It is 172km from Dikili so would take about 3 hours each way.

Ephesus Turkey

Although a day trip would be possible, you might want to consider
staying over a night to get the most out of the trip. A room in a pansion
similar to a hostel can cost as little as £5 per person per night.

The links below contain information on the location and well as an online
booking facility for accommodation should you wish to book online.

All about
Ephesus

Accommodation
in Ephesus

Diving in Candarli

The Diving School Owner Details

Address:
Candarli Sualti Toplulugu
Dikili Dalis Merkezi

Name Sirri Özsen

Tel: 0532-297 4595
Denizköy Sahil Yolu
Çandarli / Izmir
Instructor Email

Please note the owner does not check his emails on regular basis as he often lives on the boat. If you want to make arrangements before you go let us know and we will contact him for you.

Important Notes:

If you intend to dive on holiday then visit your GP before you go to rule any pre-existing medical conditions that may make it unsafe for you.

You should also ensure you are covered on your holiday insurance as your policy may be invalidated if you do not.

We also recommend that first time divers take a pool lesson in their country of origin before attempting a dive in the open sea. This will ensure that you comfortable with the apparatus and the concept of being un-water.

This region is rich in thermal springs and no trip to Turkey would be complete with a a mud bath. All of the following Thermal areas and the Mud Bath are within 40 minutes drive of the Villa.The most famous is recommended by Cleopatra herself so read on.

Zeytindali

Set amid a beautiful rural view and just 4km from Dikili this thermal spa is hard to beat. With restaurants landscaped gardens even if you were not participating in a dip we would still recommend it.

Zeytin Dali Private Pool

The thermal spas themselves consist of a totally private area for your group including a private pool of natural hot spring water, sleep quarters, a garden and toilet and shower. This trip in our opinion is one of the must do’s during your stay in Dikili.

Natural Spring in Dikili

Güzellik (Beauty) Spa:

This spa, which is 4km away from Bergama, has a dome and two marble pools. It is said that this spa is set during the period of Eumenes, the king of Bergama. It has been famous with the name of “Eskülap Baths” for centuries. Today the spa is in a woody area, and there is a hotel and chalets run by the municipality. It was restorated in 1986 and became more modern.

Temperature of its water is 35C. It contains sodium bicarbonate and sulfate. There is a high radioactivityi in the water. It is curative for rheumatism, nephralia heart diseases. I also has a beautifying effect on oily and sborrheic skins. It is said that Cleopatra visited Bergama and had a bath here and became beautiful.

Thermal Spa in a cave near Dikili Turkey

Nebiler Thermal Bath

The Nebiler hot springs are 4km on the right of the Dikili-Ayvalik highway. The water temperature is between 55 and 75 degrees. There are enough facilities to serve the needs of the area Hidroacetate ion is found in the water. The baths are said to be beneficial for painful condition and skin diseases.

he Bademli Thermal Bath

It is 15 km. away from Dikili and the water temperature is 41C. It contains arsenic and Hidroacetate.

Recommended: Kaynarca Mud

The Kaynarca Mud is found 10 km. east of Dikili. There are accommodation facilities around it. It is a swamp with rushes and reefs, which has boiling hot waters in the centre. It is good for curing skin and gynecological diseases and is also good for painful conditions.

Mahmudiye Thermal Bath

These baths are high in sodium and used by the villagers as washing water. It is stated that they are beneficial for the skin diseases.

Pascha Thermal Bath

Located 15 km North of Pergamon. There are tents and huts for visitors. The water is beneficial for painful conditions such as Chronic Rheumatism, stomach problems, diabetes. The water is also said to be good for the pains of old age, kidney problems and gynaecological diseases.

Geyiklida Thermal Bath

There are not any accommodation places around the thermal-bath that stands between the Pergamon and Kozak Bucak center. For that reason the people who live closer to the region use the hot and sulphured water of this thermal which is especially useful for chronic inflammations syndromes; and chronic inflammations of upper respiratory system.

THE DEREKÖY THERMAL BATH

This thermal bath, which is found about 15 m. East of the Altinova (Ayazment) sub-district that is on the west of Pergamon. Its waters are good for curing people in pain.

THE HAYDAR THERMAL BATH

It is situated in the Ilica Village which is tied to the sub-district of Kozak, which is on the north of Pergamon. There is only one bath remaining from the Roman period. The hot and sulphuric waters are good for the painful illnesses, stomach and skin diseases.

Çandarli Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in Turkey. Built in the 13th &14th century it was restored in 1995. Some vases and small pieces of other art works that were found in the excavations (Pitane) are exhibited in the Bergama Archaeological Museum. The castle has five towers, constructed in the Ottoman period on the Hellenistic foundations. Dominating the sea to the west, it was restored during the reign of Mahmut II and recently by the Department of Antiquities.

Candarli Genonese Fortress Description

To the north of this castle lies a site, now called Tuzla or Terazi, where the statue of a Kouros (V.cent.B.C.) was discovered by chance in the winter of 1958 (9). The excavations conducted here by the Ankara University brought to light a large necropolis, containing thousands of funeral urns and belonging to the VIIth and VIth centuries BC Some of these finds are exhibited now at the Pergamon Museum and some others at the museums of izmir and Istanbul.

Candarli Coastline

The favourite deity of Pitane was Zeus Ammon and the emblem of the city was the pentagram, as shown on the coins dating from the IV.th century BC.

Pitane became, like Elaea, a harbour-city of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period. According to Strabo (XIII,I.67),it had two natural harbours. The one to the west was sheltered by a mole, the remains of which may still be seen in the sea.

Pitane was known as the birthplace of the philosopher Arcesilaus (316-241 BC) (10). The ancient authors, such as Strabo (XIII, 614) claimed that bricks which floated in water were made at Pitane; but no specimens survive today.

Some remains of the city-wall, about 2.5 meters thick, which followed the coastline of the peninsula, are preserved here and there. Of the other monuments of Pitane, only the site of a theatre and a stadium to the south can be recognized.

We recommend that you also see the Genoese fortress in Candarli, which is one of the best-preserved in Turkey.

Interesting links on Candarli

UFO’s in Candarli click here

Bergama is second only to Ephesus in terms of historic sites to see Turkey. We would definitely recommend at least 2 days, one to see the sites, and one to visit the Museum.

The following Link will take you to a site giving you information about Bergama. Click
here

Sun-worshipers – If you are a sun worshipper and enjoy beach life then our villa is only 100m to the sea and a Blue Flag sandy beach which is always un-crowded and relaxing. You also have use of a stunning beach side pool courtesy of the 4 star Mysia Hotel. If you prefer something of the beaten track go to nearby Candarli which has miles of unspoilt coastline. Want to visit one of the best beaches in Turkey then go to Ayvalik 30 minutes drive from Dikili. A trip to nearby Bademli is also a must this coastline is truly unspoilt and stunningly beautiful and the nicest we have ever seen in Turkey and believe me we have traveled nearly everywhere.

Historical Sites and Culture – Prefer culture and site seeing? No problem you are in one of the most historic and fascinating parts of Turkey. Within 15 minutes drive there is one of the best preserved Genoese fortresses in the world where it is even possible to get the local Town Hall official to unlock it just for you. The major site in the region however is Bergama or ancient Pergamon as it was known, which in its time was one of important cities of the ancient world. Other places of Historic Interest include the lovely Ayvalik mentioned above. It is also famous for its interesting history Cunda Island and the Seytan Sefrasi (Devils Table). A day trip to the greek island of Levos is also possible. Click on the Ayvalik link to find out more. Foca is an hour and half away from Dikili and famous for the sirens luring sailors to their death in ancient myths. Troy and Gallipoli are also places you might want to consider during your trip. The most famous of all sites in Turkey is Ephesus, although this is further than the other places a day trip is possible but you may prefer an overnight stay in Selcuk, click on the Ephesus link to find out more.

Mountain Trip To the Kozak Mountains – Nothing could have prepared me for my first visit to the Kozak mountains just off of Bergama. I was stunned by the natural beauty as we drove the gentle curves up the mountain clad in pine nut trees more

Diving – If you have never dived before, or are a professional there are few other places in the world that can compete with diving in this area of the Aegean. You will find a largely unexplored region with over 30 dives points. In terms of value we have not been able to find cheaper courses in the whole of Turkey and the School comes highly recommended by our guests. Click here to find out more.

Photography – Are you a keen photographer? How does mountain views, olive grove, vineyards, and cotton fields sound? This region of Turkey is known as “The pearl of the Aegean” and is stunningly beautiful just check out our photo album to find out why. The majority of photos in this area have been taken and passed on to us by past guests. Tuscany eat your heart out.

Fishing – Dikili is a fishing town why not charter a boat from one of the local fisherman and catch the Town’s dinner. Alternatively do you fancy a trip to a Greek Island during your stay. Ferries go at regular times from nearby Ayvalik to the island of Mitilini. Fresh fish can also be bought daily from the harbour and cooked on our stone built BBQ.

Health & Beauty – Deserve a treat? There are 8 Thermal Springs in Dikili and Bergama and also a mud bath. Cleopatra Beauty Spa spring named after the lady herself was endorsed as making her fairer still. When in Turkey you must have a Turkish bath and in this region thankfully they were not built for tourists. A rule of thumb is no Turkish bath worth it salt would allow mixed bathing. Feeling energetic? There are numerous opportunities for walks and hikes in the rural areas surrounding Dikili.

Restaurants – If you think Turkish kebabs are all that are on offer you will be amazed and delighted. Turkey has one of the finest cuisines in the world and the food is largely organic. It is also possible to eat a 3 course meal (without alcohol) for £3 a head. Click here to find out more about the cuisine. Also a great tip is to learn about the food before you go and ask for the Turkish menu as it is not unknown for the restaurants to charge more to foreign guests.

Check out the quick links above or below to find out more about the individual areas of interest.

Unspoilt Beach Bademli

Thermal Springs

After you have soaked in the beauty of the coastline it is then time to soak in a thermal bath. Here you will find several indoor pools and one large outdoor pool. The pools are rumored to be beneficial for a number of conditions including chronic pain such as arthritis. They are also beneficial for the skin and you will feel wonderful after your dips. From the photos you can see they remain in a totally natural state that adds to the appeal further. Bademli Village

As if the above were not enough you will also have the opportunity to visit Bademli village which remains unspoilt and with a wealth of traditional architecture. There are several coffee shops and a few restaurants of course we would recommend a fish meal to top of a visit to this beautiful place.

Thermal Spa

A visit to Bademli is truly a must for any guests that visit Villa Hanorah

There are also several islands that can be reached from the centre the most famous being Cunda.

Go to Greece for the Day

Greek Houses Ayvalik

Ferries run daily in summer between Avyalik and the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytileni), less frequently at other times of year, these trips can cost quite a lot so look about for a good deal. Also, ensure that you get a whole day there as some of the trips just take you over in the evening for dinner, a night in a hotel and straight back again in the morning.

Ayvalik Greek Houses

Night Life

The main evening activity in Avyalik and its area is to enjoy a meal in seafood restaurant, a walk along the harbour or a drink in the bars or discos.

Avyalik is only 30 minutes drive from Dikili so has to be must see on your holiday.

http://dikilivilla.co.uk/?p=381