Foca Holidays

Located on Turkey’s western coastline in the Izmir Province, Foca has a history stretching all the way back to 600 BC, when an ancient town called Phocaea stood where modern day Foca is now. In fact, the town is so old it is even mentioned in Homer’s The Odyssey. The town curves along the shore of two arching bays, a big one known locally as ‘the greater sea’ and a smaller inlet within that known as ‘the smaller sea’. Essentially, Foca is a pretty seaside town with good access to unspoilt, uncrowded beaches – perfect for beach holidays in Turkey. The town has a pleasant, authentic Turkish feel, with old stone houses, cobbled streets and an attractive seafront promenade from which fisherman set out and return daily with succulent fresh fish to fill the local restaurants here. Local specialities include calamari and juicy sea-bass.

 

Accommodation in Foca is befitting of a small fishing village resort; you will not find large, multiplex hotels here, and the atmosphere of the town is all the better for it. Instead, holidaymakers tend to stay in comfortable pensions, welcoming guesthouses and delightful boutique hotels, many of which are based in the traditional stone houses around the resort. For those on family holidays or group holidays, there are also larger villas which make an excellent base and often come with their own private pool. There is a good selection of shops around the town, and like many Turkish fishing villages, a colourful weekly market where leather goods, fake designer clothing, olives, spices and much more can be brought. Those particularly interested in a shopping holiday will find an even greater variety of shops at Izmir, just a short drive away.

 

The area around Foca provides plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Approximately 2km away from Foca is Seytan Hamami (Satan's Bath), an ancient tomb over 2000 years old. There are two ruined castles in the area also; Bes Kapilar Castle, or the Castle of the Five Gates, which is used nowadays as an open air theatre, and the External Castle, located in Castle Bay (the smaller of the two bays over which Foca looks). Many small islands dot the bay, some of which are accessible on boat trips arranged from the town; a number have secluded, sandy beaches ideal for picnics. So for a superb relaxing holiday in the sun, use directline-holidays’ online search facility to look for a bargain today.