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, after a wonderful holiday in Selimiye, in the Marmaris region of Turkey, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. If you’re looking for accommodation in Selimye, I recommend using Booking.com.

Here are my some other helpful tips for planning your trip to Selimye and elsewhere in Turkey

For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com.

Don’t pay extra for an E-VISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off.

However E-SIM are the way to go to stay connected with a local phone number and mobile data on the go. Airalo is easy to use and affordable.

Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.

I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide website AIRPORT TRANSFERS.

ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my bespoke guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.

Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!

However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.