Selimiye – A Slice of Heaven

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Normally I’m too busy trying to make sense of the things I see, do and experience in Turkey, to write about places. However, I’ve just returned from a wonderful holiday in Selimiye, in the Marmaris region of Turkey, and I couldn’t resist putting pen, and photos, to paper.

Well beyond the pink and white assault of English and Russian tourists flooding into the city of Marmaris every day, a hot, slightly bumpy 50 minute dolmuş ride through the Marmaris peninsula of Hisarönü brings you to Selimiye. Set in an enormous bay surrounded by rolling mountains, this sleepy little town is a hidden gem.

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My time in Selimiye reminded me of childhood holidays where all we did was eat and sleep and swim. Our hotel was set at the start of the road leading into town, in an area bounded by the sea on one side and olive groves and mountains on the other. Largely favoured by Turkish families, Selimhan Hotel has an English speaking staff headed by the more than capable Kerem. Our stay was perfect. We booked a standard room which had plenty of room for two people. Larger families could rent one of the stone houses scattered around the grounds.

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We slept soundly every night and when the sun appeared over the mountains I could hear the crowing of roosters and the bleating of goats. Every morning we ate breakfast by the pool.

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I’d seen pictures of it on the hotel website, so I thought we’d have a choice of menemen, or French toast, or eggs. When two waiters appeared each bearing a tray, my eyes widened in amazement as they set down everything pictured and more. They informed us we were welcome to ask for seconds, but we never needed to.

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In the evening we’d stroll into town and take our pick from family run restaurants like Zekeriye Osmanli Sofrası or the beautifully named Badem Mantı, whose food more than lived up to its promise.

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For us, it was enough to eat and then walk along the harbour before turning in for the night, but there were plenty of laid-back bars and upmarket dining establishments for the night owls.

Looking for somewhere new to go in Turkey this summer? Look no further than Selimiye
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If you’re after a quiet holiday with just enough to do to tire you out at the end of the day, Selimiye could be for you. I only wish we’d had a car so we could have explored further afield, but there’s always next time.

Please note this is an unsolicited photo essay and I paid for the accommodation myself. Here are more places to stay in Selimye. Enjoy your holiday!

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2 Comments

  1. Very nice! I’ve heard great things about the Marmaris Peninsula OUTSIDE of town. Well done, good pics and enticing words.

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