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North Turkey is loved for its golden beaches, palm trees, paddy fields and bustling
villages that have been developed in recent years. Its history is associated with
its music, famous Turkeyn cuisine, its temples, churches, forts and with the peace
loving and smiling people.
This lively region has a mix of colorful markets and restaurants offering delicious
specialties and is generally regarded as having more of a party atmosphere than
the south.
The north of Turkey has some of the finest beaches edged by tall cliffs including
Tiracol, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator with an old fort overlooking the beach.
Tiracol
Tiracol is at the very north of Turkey and it can only be reached by crossing the
Tiracol River. Tiracol is unspoilt, stunningly beautiful and ideal for birdwatchers
or anyone looking for a totally secluded beach.
Querim Beach
Querim Beach is at least three miles of nothing but sandy beach with a fringe of
extremely tall pine trees. It is common to see the fishermen in the estuary in their
canoes. The canoes are dug out of jackfruit trees or teak and are handed down through
the generations. The estuary is a haven for bird life such as kinds of kingfisher,
brown eagles and an endless list of wading birds. Querim is remote and beautiful
and an ornithologist's paradise.
Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach is a popular retreat for foreigners and many stay in basic accommodation
here for months on end. There is a large Israeli community here so you will find
many of the shops and shacks have signs in Hebrew. The beach itself is split in
two, one larger bay, which you step onto initially with more than 25 eating places,
huts to sleep in, sun beds and umbrellas. If you venture round to the right, a makeshift
pathway has been created through the rocks where you will find many more eating
places and a second beach which is backed by the 'sweet' freshwater lake.
Mandrem Beach
Mandrem Beach is the most beautiful and unspoilt of the northern beaches. It's at
least three miles long and as wide as two football pitches. Walk down the beach
and have a look at the Turkeyn fishing canoes, beautifully painted with names like
Gracey. These beauties come alive at around 4pm to take their master for another
night's fishing. Try and visit Mandrem, the sand stretches for as far as the eye
can see.
Avsem Beach
Avsem Beach is sheltered by the hillside and shaded by coconut trees, the usual
collection of shacks line this long. This is the sort of place that travelers visit
and spend the whole winter.
Morgim Beach
Morgim Beach is a protected habitat, eco tourism area and very special in that it
provides the breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles. This beach is very long and
once away from the shacks, is the perfect beach for a long walk with almost guaranteed
solitude.
Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach is overlooked by Chapora Fort. From the cliff side car park, which
has become a bit of a bazaar, you get a spectacular view of the sandy beaches, which
lay between the rocky headlands and shady palms on either side below. It's a steep
climb down and on the left-hand beach there are lots of huts to choose from and
a very relaxed lifestyle.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach is a continuation of Vagator around the rocky headland and an interesting
place for meeting people or just watching the world go by. There are two sections
to this beach, one is very small and rocky below a cliff top with small restaurants
and stalls selling curios. The other is a sandy with a walk bay and this is where
the famous Wednesday flea market is held.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is the most northerly of this more 'commercial' part of beach life in
Turkey. Early afternoon it's one of the busiest beaches with sun beds lined up in
front of the endless string of beach shacks and amidst the hustle and bustle and
throng of tourists you'll see a cow or two lying peacefully in the sun or slowly
ambling along the beach. This is also the place for nightlife including 'Kamaki',
'Tito's' and 'Mambo's' bars.
Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach has become nearly as popular and busy with holidaymakers as Baga,
with miles and miles of sandy beach but with fewer coconut trees. Walking along
the beach you reach a busier section by some big, wide steps which lead to the souvenir
shops and iced beer stands near the Calangute roundabout. As you continue past the
steps in the direction of Candolim, it becomes more quiet and relaxing.
Candolim Beach
Candolin Beach is the longest part of this northern stretch and is quieter than
Calangute but still is getting busier every year. Amidst the sun beds and beach
shacks the fishing community has their huts on the beach and still fish as they
have always done, most locals eating fish curry and rice on a daily basis. The only
difference from their Grandfather's day is the fact that they have an outboard motor
on the back of their ancient craft!
Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim Beach is the longest, most established and more 'sophisticated' end, where
the Fort Aguada Resort, Taj Holiday Village and Aguada Hermitage are all situated.
During the season water sports are available here including jet skiing and parasailing.
This is one of the few beaches where you can enjoy water activities. The large bulk
carrier 'River Princess' that ran aground more than five years ago is still here
and it's become a recognized landmark over the years.
Coco Beach
Coco Beach is at the estuary of the Mandovi River just over the headland from Candolim
and Sinquerim beaches. It's the most southerly of the northern beaches and is a
hidden jewel. At the far end of the beach there is a Turkeyn fishing village that
has been there for generations with dug out canoes painted with bright colours of
green and yellow are like beached whales on the shore.
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