"Introducing Dikili" Dikili by segin

Dikili is situated at the north of Izmir, and opposite the Greek Island of Lebos/Mitilini.

This charming county which is 120 km. away from Izmir, attracts Turkish tourists with its lovely beaches and clear water. The excavations revealed that the history of Dikili goes back to 4000-5000 B.C.

The drive into Dikili offers some spectacular scenery consisting of mountains, olive groves, vineyards and cotton fields. See the people working the land; horses and carts are still widely in use. Alternatively, how about the sight of a tractor with about 20 workers hanging on for dear life. This is where you start to get a feel for real Turkish life.

Dikili is a seaside fishing town that is made up of mainly holiday villas and a few hotels. The charming centre with cobbled streets has restaurants, bars and shops.

American and European tourists from cruise ships briefly pass through on their way to Bergama. This means that although the resort remains uncommercialised, the locals are used to and interested in foreign visitors.

Dikili becomes largely deserted in the winter, except for the die-hard residents that live there all year round.

In the summer months, Turkish tourists with summerhouses venture there for their holidays, and at weekends.

Dikili Sunset

Transport

There are good transports links both internally and to the surrounding sites of interest at very reasonable prices. In peak season there are 4 buses per hour allowing the locals to travel in and out of the town centre for approx 30p a trip. At other times the Dolmus run 2 times per hour.

From the centre you can get frequent dolmuses to Candarli, Avyalik, Bergama and Bademli and other areas of interest. If you enjoy walking a walk to the centre across the beach will take you approximately 20-30 minutes.

Restaurants/Eating

There are numerous restaurants throughout Dikili though the majority are in the town centre and harbour. Eating out options range from the equivalent of Turkish fast food which includes Pides (Turkish Pizzas) or Cafes with a variety of pre-cooked hot food such as casseroles rice or vegetarian dishes. They may look quite basic outside but the food is normally very good and with prices a £1 for a meal. A step up is a visit to a Pide/Kebab Salonu which again look quite basic but serve high quality food including mezes, salads, Pides, Kebabs, mixed grills, and fish dishes. A meal in this type of establishment will normally cost in the region of £3 per person. Near the harbour and the Town centre you will find the posher restaurants that normally specialise in fish but do have a variety of food on the menu. These places are more expensive by Turkish standards at about £5-7 a head but again the quality is excellent and this would include mezes, a salad and bread. Overall you will be surprised at the variety, quality and cost of the food in Dikili which in my opinion you would be hard pushed to beat in the whole of Turkey.

Shopping

Dikili has a weekly organic market on Tuesdays where farmers from the surrounding areas sell their produce. The market also sells other goods such as gifts so it is an ideal place to stock up on some presents. There is also a Tansas supermarket near the centre. Here you find most goods that you would expect to find in a European Supermarket with the exception of pork products (so if you can not do without your bacon sandwiches during your stay then don't forget to bring some with you). People with young children will find the supermarket especially useful as it does stock items such as cornflakes, yogurts, and pampers nappies. For the older generation you can buy tea bags and even Nescafe. Items such as branded sun creams, shampoos and feminine care are also on offer at reasonable prices so it might not be necessary to bring these with you.

Shopping for Leather, Gold, Plates, Carpets and Other Turkish Goods

You will find numerous shopping opportunities both in Dikili and the surrounding areas. Gold can be purchased cheaply in Dikili and Bergama. If you are looking to buy a Turkish carpet then Bergama is a famous weaving region in turkey. Turkish plates and leather can also be found in the more commercial Bergama which is only a 20 minute drive from Dikili.

Nightlife

In the summer months the Turkish professional classes, or those that can afford a holiday home arrive from cities such as Izmir and Istanbul to enjoy their yearly holiday. The main activities revolve around the harbour in the evenings where Dikili lazily comes to life. People eat drink and relax by having a fish supper and watching the stunning sunset. There is a small bazar where you can purchase local crafts and sometimes traditional music is arranged on the beach. The feel is very provincial and relaxing and catered firmly towards families and couples with a lack of noisy bars and discos thankfully. Children are welcomed with open arms in all establishments.

Value for Money - Dikili compares favorably to other more commercial resorts in Turkey as it caters mainly for Turkish people who are aware of the real cost of living. However, a tip is to ask for the Turkish menu, as the English menu may be more expensive.

All in all Dikili offers all the services you would expect to find in a more commercial resort but retains a charm that few can match.

Dikili Harbour

Two beaches in Dikili hold blue flag certification and the sea is very clean and crystal clear.

1. Belediye Halk Plaj (public beach)

2. Kyra Beach

• Pros:Uncommerialised, Friendly, Good Value, Real Turkey, Cultural
• In a nutshell:Charming unknown Fishing Town with a Provincial Feel