how about spiltting the holiday between icmeler and akyaka, icmeler is probably about as lively as hisaronu although bigger so doesnt give the feeling of too lively and has a nice beach, good shops. akyaka is gorgeous, lovely turkish small town with fab beach a handful of bars, cafes restaurants, some on the beach others on the riverside, we are going to akyaka next month, prices in restaurants are cheaper than main resorts too, this is about 45 mins from the airport whereas icmeler around 1 hour 30 mins depending on the traffic, having been to icmeler, hisaronu and akyaka, hisaronu is my least favourite out of the 3, but i do love olu deniz, link to akyaka for you to look at

http://akyaka.com/index.php

is a great base, its flat..... mosies are ok, just put loads of repellant on.. they are more atracted to greenery...

have a look at http://www.dalyan.co.uk for property. transfer is about 30 mins!

Enjoy

Would prefer somewhere a little less touristy if it exists in this part of Turkey!

Yes this stil exist in Turkey but not too many tourists know about it.!!!!

If you are looking for a more out of the way village but still close to main attractions, check out the quiet village of CIRALI located 80kms south from Antalya. It is a wonderful place for families and the mature traveller with it's clean 4km quiet secluded beach, the ancient ruins of Olympos and the flames of Chimeara.

Protected by the WWF for the preservation of the sea turtles and natural forests, Cirali is one of the last remaining villages on the med. coast that has not been taken over by mass tourism.

You can easily rent a car for daily trips to surrounding areas like Antalya, Termessos, fish restaurants of Ulupinar, Kekova ( sunken city of Simena ), Kas, Kalkan, Arykanda etc.

Also daily boat trips are nice to the surrounding islands. If you like to hike Cirali to Ulupinar is part of the Lycian Way.

Cirali only has a few quiet bars playing turkish folk music and restaurants on the beach and in the village center. No discos, or big A/I 5 star hotels just nice liitle family run hotels and pansiyons.

for more info look here http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=71706&highlight=cirali

Or http://www.cirali.org/index_eng.html
http://www.cirali.com.tr
http://www.ciralirehberi.com/konaklama.asp
or do a google search for CIRALI

Tish... Dalyan would be a great choice,i went for the first time at the begining of May and fell in love with the place, so much so that i am off to TURUNC (nr. Icmeler) tomorrow and have made plans to have a couple of nights in Dalyan next week... also i have booked for September for a week....it's only 25 mins. from Dalaman Airport which is good if you have a grotty flight time,peaceful,very good restaurants,nice beach, beautiful scenery ,river trips, plenty to do and see and NO hassle .... i've sent you a p.m. with extra info..

We think Dalyan is a great choice as well. We had a wonderful holiday there about 4 years ago. getting the boat to the beach gave it a different aspect which we really enjoyed. It's also so beautiful sitting by the river eating dinner in the evening, and as long as you take the usual precautions against mozzies, you should be fine.
Caretta - don't think they would go to Cirali - as they said they are flying into Dalaman airport.
Have a lovely time wherever you choose!

Opps sorry Alfie, you are right I missed seeing that they were in and out of the Dalaman airport but still not to many people know about Cirali. Yes it would be a long drive but well worth seeing. Have you been yourself??

No Caretta, but sounds lovely!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I had considered Akyaka, but felt it might be too quiet from what I had read about it. Although now I might investigate further - thanks!

Am leaning towards Dalyan - do people think there's enought there and around the area to fill 18 days?

I had also been thinking about Icmeler, but had read some reports that it is quite lairy and becomming a typical English tourist place.

Anyway, will do more investigating - especially about Dalyan (and will make sure I pack my mossie repellant!)

Thanks everyone - Tisch x

Have just returned from icmeler[friday 16th] and found it neither lairy nor full of british.There was a good mixture of nationalities.It is very pretty[surrounded by hills] and not too in your face like other resorts.It is as lively as you want it to be,there are lively bars but there are also some lovely ones to go to for a quiet drink.The music is turned of at 12 every night.Alot of people we spoke to have been returning for many years due to the fact it is not too commercialised.

Hi tish28

If you want a 2 centre holiday, how about a split between Olu Deniz and Akyaka. Then you can go for the authentic turkishness of Akyaka with Olu D being a bit more touristy but without it being a total Brits Abroad type experience.

Hope you get it sorted. Enjoy.