Reviewed 21 Aug 2012 by Amy Pickard
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
One of the main reasons we picked Cirali as our holiday destinations was to see the sea turtles, or as the locals know them, the Caretta. We woke early one morning to try to catch a glimpse of one on the beach. On our arrival we found a WWF employee at one of the nest sites. After some digging about he eventually unearthed the eggs and, amazingly, one baby turtle that had survived under the sand. We were honoured to watch the turtle's arduous journey down to the sea, just as the sun was beginning to rise. It was exactly like the natural history documentaries, only without the commentary from David Attenborough!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would highly recommend this holiday to other travellers. In terms of tips to make the most of your time:
-Buy a snorkel to look at all of the wonderful marine life
-Get up early one morning if visiting in July/August to catch a glimpse of the turtles
-Go to see the Chimeara where natural gas seeping from rocks on the hillside catches light, a phenomena that inspired ancient civilisations to worship Hephaestos, god of fire
-Kayak or take a boat trip to explore more of the beautiful coastline
-Explore the ruins at Olympus, although do this in the morning or early evening as walking in the middle of the day can become very hot and uncomfortable
And finally, relax! It's one of the most beautiful, unspoilt places I have been, so take time to enjoy your surroundings.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
£5 of the booking fee went towards turtle conservation in Cirali, which was evident as nest sites on the beach were clearly marked and WWF staff attended these sites each morning. I would therefore agree that the holiday supported conservation efforts in the surrounding area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday exceeded my high expectations, providing a perfect place to relax for the week.
Reviewed 18 Sep 2011 by Anna Bradley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sitting in the shade having a fantastic breakfast looking straight out onto the beach in glorious sunshine and swimming with turtles on a day out in a local fisherman's boat.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go out on a boat trip at least once, don't bother with the local village - there is nothing that could be nicer than the hotel dining area right by the beach, and buy some water shoes - the beach is pebbly down at the water's edge and shoes make it so much easier to get in and out.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The food was locally sourced, the staff seemed to live locally and the whole rasion d'etre of the place seemed to be consistent with sustainability, so a definite 'yes'.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent place to unwind, read, sleep, eat some nice food and see the sun.
Reviewed 24 Aug 2011 by Laura Smith
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fantastic service we received at the restaurant area from all staff. The breakfast was brilliant and set us up for the day. Nothing was too much trouble, and the staff were able to advise us on anything we wanted to do. The walk up to the Chimeara is well worth it... although quite busy with other tourists in July.
The chalet was as advertised and the orange grove was a proper little oasis of calm. I loved starting the day in the hammock listening to the insects and the chickens roaming around.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to relax.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This was not particularly apparent whilst on holiday but a percentage of money did go towards supporting the turtles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant for a honeymoon. Perfect place to relax, enjoy each others company and great food. The sea is great for swimming as it gets deep quickly.... you don't have to wade out for miles!
Reviewed 03 Aug 2011 by Tracy Solman
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all nice - especially baby turtles on the beach and swimming in bays with adult loggerhead turtles. I also enjoyed cycling around Cirali early in the morning, looking at local life, birds and flowers, and swimming and snorkelling in a warm sea. We further enjoyed exploring the Roman archaeological ruins in the area and star spotting in the clear night sky.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My partner and I had a good, relaxing holiday.
Reviewed 09 Jul 2008 by Victoria Ward
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We arrived, late, dirty, very tired and starving, depressed at surviving on the deli bag tossed at us by airline staff which constituted our supper. In 5 minutes of us landing in our hut (chalet, cabin) an apparition in white cycled towards us out of the dark, dismounted and said 'Hello, I'm Ihsan and I am your waiter. Come with me.' We walked, through orange groves and past plastic greenhouses, about 5 minutes without any clue about what was going on, to find a candlelit table spread with a white table cloth and had the most delicious three course meal which finished well after midnight. At every state Ihsan and everyone else gave us the impression that serving us at all hours of the day and night was their pleasure. It was a delight.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go and enjoy the most laid back, charming, hotel experience I can recall. Do as little as possible. Pack less than you can imagine. Take a backgammon doubling dice. Don't expect the beach to be totally brilliant. The sea can be very clear, but the odd storm blows in sad flotsam and jetsam of human rubbish. Know that nearly everyone else there, in our experience, is likely to be a honeymooning coupled. It's probably not great for kids, but perfect for adults who are content in their own and each other's company and want a rest and to be looked after very well.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, very much.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
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