Bodrum to the peaceful sandy beaches of Bitez that are so ideal for paddling. Watersports enthusiasts have plenty to keep them occupied here, and there's plenty of history and rural charm if you want to experience the 'real' Turkey. Bitez on Turkey's Aegean coast has been popular with the British for many years.

Water sports enthusiasts love it for its pleasant onshore winds and safe crescent-shaped bay.

There are market stalls and small restaurants open late into the evening making a picturesque holiday setting. Even if you are not staying in Bodrum a visit to this busy resort is a wonderful day out. The Castle of St Peter with its amazing maritime museum is fascinating; alternatively stroll through the marina with its charming boutiques and elegant yachts.

There is a fantastic selection of waterfront shops, and Bodrum's pedestrian shopping lanes will keep you busy during the day.

All around the Bodrum peninsular there are wonderful opportunities for watersports. You can try your hand at water skiing, parasailing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing or perhaps the more sedate pastimes of canoeing or pedaloes. For more organised excursions experience a day out to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world.

Also worth a visit is Pamukkale, one of nature's phenomena where hot mineral waters flow down the mountain and have solidified to form snowy white pools.

As you might expect, boat trips are widely available and you can even take your passport and take a trip to the nearby Greek island of Kos. Flying to Bodrum Bitez takes 1 hour driving right from Bodrum Airport.