Share this Turkish beach with loggerhead turtles

The first human visitors may already be arriving, but it is June when the most popular guests visit Cirali beach: Caretta Caretta, the loggerhead turtle.

100 or more turtles will lay their eggs in the soft sand at one end of the beach under the watchful eye of the Ulupinar Conservation Co-operative, just a few hundred yards from the chic beach huts featured by Journey Anatolia.

New for 2013 is the inclusion in holiday prices of evening meals – using local ingredients to create typical Turkish dishes, sometimes served by candle-light on the beach patio – as well as breakfast, and transfers from/to Antalya, Cirali’s nearest airport.

For simple hospitality that’s outstanding value, Journey Anatolia founder Serkan Cetin recommends Ettena, a collection of a dozen wooden cabins where a week’s half board in June costs just £420 per person.  Each cabin has ensuite shower and air-conditioning, plus a fridge and coffee-maker, and each has a pretty porch from which to enjoy the mature gardens.  A child under six is free, while older children or additional adults pay £40 per night. 

For a touch of luxury, Arcadia has just five spacious, hand-crafted individual chalets set right on the beautiful beach.  Each is ensuite, has air-conditioning as standard, and a mini-bar, plus rocking chair on the deep porch. 

Arcadia owner Ahmet Dogan is passionate about sustainable tourism in Cirali and has created a quiet, upmarket retreat in gardens where loquat and lemon trees provide shade and privacy.  As well as TVs, loud music in the bar is banned and there are no set times for meals.  A week’s stay this summer, after 15 May, costs £700 per person, including half board and transfers.

As part of its Responsible Tourism commitment, Journey Anatolia donates £5 from every booking to the turtle project.

Flights are not included.  Antalya airport is well-served by Easyjet, Thomas Cook, Monarch and Thomson airlines.

For more information, visit journeyanatolia.com.