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Travel

28th Oct 2024

‘Paradise’ destination where pints are just €2.70 is just €50 flight from Ireland

Nina McLaughlin

Escape the temperamental weather in Ireland.

A new ‘paradise’ destination has emerged as a holiday hotspot, and it’s really cheap to get there from Ireland.

If you haven’t yet been abroad yet, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been cheated out of a season.

Well, what if we were to tell you that you could escape to white sands and clear sea from just €45 one way from Dublin.

That’s the case when it comes to Turkey’s hidden gem, Dalaman.

Located on the west coast of Turkey in an area known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’, Dalaman boasts blue lagoons, classic Turkish cuisine and pints of ice cold beer for just €2.70.

One of the highlights of Dalaman is the picturesque resort of Oludeniz, which boasts the impressive Blue Lagoon, a gorgeous bay with golden beaches nestled between green headland. One visitor on Tripadvisor described it as “one of the best beaches I’ve ever visited” and added: “The water and scenery are absolutely stunning.”

For thrill-seeking holidaygoers, you can head up Babadağ mountain and paraglide over the lagoon during sunset.

OLUDENIZ, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 05: Tourists take photographs overlooking Butterfly Valley on September 5, 2017 in Oludeniz, Turkey. Turkey’s tourism industry spiraled into crisis in 2016 after a year of terrorist attacks, diplomatic rows and political uncertainty. Since then the tourism industry has struggled with foreign tourist numbers plummeting. However recent government figures for May 2017, show a 16per cent rise in numbers on the previous year, bringing hope to local businesses and tour operators. Despite the return of Russian and European charter tour flights to Turkey and the overall increase in tourist numbers the industry is burdened with a 17bn debt and with the current political crisis between Turkey and Germany continuing to deepen recovery continues to be slow. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

At Dalyan Mud Baths, you can slathered yourself in therapeutic mud before rinsing off in the thermal waters.

Afterwards, you can explore the Mediterranian coastline in a traditional and elegant gulet boat. Many of these excursions stop at hidden coves and secluded beaches, perfect for a crowd-free photo backdrop.

The area is full of quaint fishing villages and ancient city ruins, so you’ll feel like you’re getting an authentic Turkish experience.

To compound this, you can tuck into local Turkish cuisine like mezze, pide (thin layers of dough topped with meat, cheese or vegetables) and freshly grilled sea bream.

Another beautiful destination along this coast is the waterfront town of Gocek. The town has a laid back feel to it and has become popular for those seeking a more luxury experience.

Gocek features a ‘natural harbour’ which is dotted with 12 islands. It’s a popular spot for yachts to moor up, and you may even spot a celeb or two stopping by. For those unable to acquire their own yacht, there are boat trips which will take you to one or all of the islands.

There’s plenty to see and all can be experienced in less than a week.

If you’ve got the annual leave and want to truly take the time to relax and get a decent tan, make it two weeks and squeeze in a trip to Sarigerme.

This coastal village is a perfect base for beach days and those looking for a more peaceful vibe with it’s mountain backdrops and the chance to spot loggerhead turtles.