Balkanatolia Blog

The best little hotels from Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Albania

Tudyali Hotel, Gaziantep

Gönderen Balkanatolia Friday, November 20, 2009 yorum (2)

 
Gaziantep with its convenient flight connections and its combination of a modern western town and a highly oriental Bazaar quarter, is the gate to Southeastern Turkey  and the ideal starting point for a South-East tour.

Tudyalı Hotel, consisting of two historical Antep houses from 1850 and 1900 is situated at the almost highest point of the Old Town, just two steps from the former majestic St.Mary's Church (now Kurtuluş Mosque). Everything is well-restored here and has a touch of luxury. Rooms and suites are decorated in a perfectly traditionnal style but at the same time fit all needs of a modern traveler.
Enjoy your breakfast in the atmospheric courtyard or a glass of red wine in the romantic cave bar.

Don't miss to visit famous Gaziantep Museum - there, you will find one of the world's best and biggest mosaic collections from Ancient Zeugma on Euphrates River.

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Bozkurt Hotel, Kemaliye (Egin)

Gönderen Balkanatolia Saturday, October 31, 2009 yorum (0)



   Imagine a breathtaking wild gorge in steep rocky mountains, a deep green river, colourful gardens, forests, cosy stone and wooden houses, waterfalls, fresh mountain air and warmhearted locals... This is Kemaliye, one of Balkanatolia's most exciting places in terms of natural beauty and architecture. The landscape here is a fascinating mixture of Alps and Orient, a true paradise in deep Eastern Anatolia.

After a two hours curvy drive close to Euphrates River and the impressive Keban Dam, historical Kemaliye (former Eğin) will welcome you with her unique old houses and mansions and a rather developped infrastructure, a handful small hotels, pensions and restaurants, a former Armenian church and some nice small mosques.

BOZKURT HOTEL, consisting of two buildings, is our favourite. Rooms here are perfectly clean, modern but also traditional, and most of them have a splendid view on the Euphrates canyon and the steep rocky mountains.

Sezai Bey, one of the owner brothers, is a true Eastern Anatolian - friendly, warmhearted and really caring for his guests. He will be happy to show you this historical place and if you are lucky, he will take you to the old "Lökhane" (mixture of sweet things without artifical sweet! Impossible to describe the taste, really.) or down to the canyon, where locals have constructed the famous impressing "Taş Yolu" with their own hands, a scenic 30 km stone road with plenty of tunnels and "windows" for paragliders.

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Inceyali Pension, Mazikoy, Bodrum

Gönderen Balkanatolia Tuesday, September 22, 2009 yorum (0)



One of the very few undiscovered escape points close to Bodrum is Mazıköy. Offering a unique beach and sunset view, this place will give you the chance of experiencing the one of your best holidays ever. As Balkanatolia, we have visited this place and we have been truly impressed by the nature of the region.


Inceyali Pension is a family-run hotel. The owners are warm-hearted, friendly and ready to help you in any case. We believe you will enjoy your bungalow and want to have a naporchard. Or you can sit right next to reception point and read your book while watching the sea from time to time when your eyes get tired. The breeze under the shadow of the accessing every single part of your body will make you relax and see how worth it is to be in this place.


There is no noise, nothing disturbing. You can swim in the pension's lovely beach or go and discover nearby beaches. You understand Halicarnassos better when you see here, as he said "They say, you should see Italy before death but I think you should see here to keep on living!"


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Kaya Pension, Lake Bafa

Gönderen Balkanatolia Monday, September 7, 2009 yorum (0)

Lake Bafa is one of the most fascinating and unbelievable landscapes in Western Turkey.  Ancient Gulf of Latmos used to be a part of Aegean Sea until geomorpholigic development of nearby delta of Great Meander River (Büyük Menderes) turned the region into a lake. Nature and Culture here created a rare composition of unique beauty – the salty lake, the ruins of ancient Herakleia, the wild steep Latmos Mountain (1400 m) in background, the islands with Byzantine monastery ruins on it, the incredibly rich fauna and flora are breathtaking. Since 1994, Lake Bafa has the status of a Natural Park, so nature and bio-diversity are protected.

Kaya Pension is situated in the small village of Kapıkırı with its ancient Agora, just a few meters from a superb sandy beach. It consists of some stone and some wooden houses, all together 10 guest-rooms which have been recently renovated and have all ensuite-showers and air condition.

Kaya has its own restaurant with local products and fish from the Lake. Watching the sunset from the veranda is a unique experience. You can book bed and breakfast or half pension for +5 Euro per person. KAYA also organizes boat tours on Bafa Lake and trekking tours through Mountain Latmos.

Famous ancient sites like Didyma, Miletus, Priene and Euromos are just a half-hour drive from here. If you can’t come with your own vehicle, we advise you to rent a car. Balkanatolia will be happy to help you find one with good conditions.

Click here to view the location of this hotel from space. Don't forget to watch the Lake Bafa video we have prepared for you.

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Savur Konağı, Savur-Mardin

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Savur is a town of Mardin district sometimes referred as "Small Mardin" since it is a small copy of Mardin town. With its historical settlements made of stones, Savur doesn't hesitate to share the richness of its stress and natural landscape around with the visitors. Let's not forget to mention Syrian villages (Dereiçi/Kıllıt, famous for traditional home-made decorations, ornaments) and old monastries close to town. These are just few things that make Savur one of the best places for a much-needed escape holiday.
Savur Konağı looks like a castle from outside. The special thing is that rooms are large and a mixture of modern and historical design. The hotel also has its own fruit gardens (Savur is famous for fruit gardens), you can go and pick a fruit up for you and enjoy the fresh fruit. We recommend you to watch the 'huge' and eye-catching kitchen carefully since you may not see something similar anywhere.

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Karvalli Hotel, Güzelyurt, Ihlara

Gönderen Balkanatolia Thursday, September 3, 2009 yorum (0)

This is a place for lovers of incredible views, of culture and of unique landscapes, just one hour drive from Cappadocia. The village of Güzelyurt (former Greek Karvali) is situated 20 km from world-famous Ihlara Valley with its scenic canyon and cave-churches painted by Christians who were forced to hide here for centuries.

Modern, well-built Karvalli Hotel was a surprise for us as we didn't expect a hotel like this at such a remote place. German owner is a friendly person, rooms are spaceful with comfortable beds and heating, there is also a cute roof-restaurant.

The best of all is the unique view from your window on Mt. Hasan Volcano, the brother mountain of famous Mt. Erciyes Volcano, close to Kayseri. You shouldn't miss to walk inside Güzelyurt, to visit its Orthodox church and a superb green valley with hidden cave churches and an underground city, just 1 km out of the village.

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Hotel Hidden Garden, Kalkan

Gönderen Balkanatolia Wednesday, September 2, 2009 yorum (0)

So close to crowdy Kalkan (just 3 km) and world-famous Patara Beach (10 km) but at the same time so far from them... Situated next to the road which leads to the mountain village of Islamlar, in a small valley surrounded of green gardens, flowers and olive trees, Hidden Garden is the perfect retreat for those who want to enjoy nature and calmness without being too isolated from contemporary tourist infrastructure.

Hidden Garden consists of one-room and two-room wooden bungalows, all air-conditioned, some of them with their own kitchen. If you have booked half-board, Çağla hanım and her friendly children will prepare some nice rural food for you.

Nights here are perfectly silent, full of oxygene, with much less humidity than at coastal areas. But the absolute highlight of Hidden Garden is its wonderful large pool. After swimming in its perfect clean water, you should relax under an olive tree and enjoy a good book.

If you have escape-addicted, you can reach to Kaş following the road of Islamlar and see famous forests made of Sığla trees. You can rent a glass boat to see the sunken city of Kekova and swim in the clear waters of Aegean. Or you can take a different path to Patara Beach and antique city of Xanthos or a perfect natural walk in Saklıkent, a world wonder. We suggest you to have your rent-car as there are many nice places in western and eastern part of this location.

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Blue Mansion, Muğla Old Town

Gönderen Balkanatolia Saturday, August 29, 2009 yorum (0)


If you love to experience the atmosphere of a genuine old Ottoman mansion, you should stay at the BLUE MANSION in historical centre of Muğla which is less than one hour drive from crowdy Marmaris.

The owners of Blue Mansion are a charming German couple who have restored this wonderful old house in a professional way and they will be happy to explain you anything you would like to learn about architecture and how people used to live here in older times. Older locals call Blue Mansion "greek house" because of its intensive colours and this makes us remember that this region used to be inhabited by Turks and Greeks.

The owners' hospitality is great. As Muğla is situated at an altitude of 600 metres, summer nights are not hot here (like in nearby coastal towns) but warm and romantic. Sitting on the atmospheric wooden balcony and watching the stars will make you forget the stress of modern urban life, having the tasty breakfast in the wonderful green courtyard and then walking through the streets of old Muğla will give you an impression of true Turkey and will make your stay unforgettable.

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Öztürk Pension, Olympos

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Since Stanley Kubrick's "Odyssey in Space" Olympos is a mythic place among nature lovers, backpackers and all kinds of adventure-addicted people from the whole world.
Olympos has everything romantic souls are looking for: an extraordinary nature beach, ancient ruins, situated in a steep valley full of wild vegetation, scenic mountains everywhere. Due to this marvellous environment, "Downtown"-Olympos with its famous tree-houses in summer sometimes can be at bit crowdy and noisy. without big concrete buildings, a small river among

Öztürk Pension is just 1 km from all that, and it is a small paradise. Mrs. Öztürk, a teacher in Ankara, is a charming lady which lets her guests feel what Turkish hospitality means. Together with her husband, she has created a half-dozen woulden bungalows with ensuite showers, all of them air-conditioned. Mrs. Öztürk prepares tasty dinners and barbeques under a wonderful mediterranean sky with millions of stars.

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Baris Pension, Çırali

Gönderen Balkanatolia Wednesday, August 26, 2009 yorum (0)



Please dont't tell this to too many people: Çıralı for insiders has the best beach of whole Turkish Mediterranean coast. Thanks to its position inside the Tahtalı National Park you won't find any big hotel and even the small pensions are situated discretely under trees and in green gardens.

Çıralı is one of the last ecologic paradises at Mediterranean and an important biotop for Caretta Turtles. Landscape, sea, beach, flora and fauna, culture (Ancient Olympos) here are of incredible beauty... This is how Turkish coast must have been before Antalya, Side, Alanya and others became crowdy tourist spots. If swimming, relaxing in green gardens among hen and enjoying fresh fish are not enough for you, you should go for a walk to nearby Olympos, situated in a scenic gorge, or to Yanartaş - the Eternal Flames.

Among numerous small pensions at Çıralı we preferred BARIŞ PENSION for its cute bungalows (preferably upper wooden floor!), its superb tropical garden and its friendly, relaxed hosts.

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Kervansaray Nemrut, Kahta

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Nemrut hosts a beautiful landscape as much as the history itself[/caption]

Mythic Mount Nemrut, 2206 metres high, close to Euphrates River, is a well-known sight-seeing place in Eastern Turkey. Most tourists stay at one of the concrete hotels in Kahta town. Kervansaray Hotel is different and much more romantic. It is the nearest to the summit of the famous tumulus. Hotel Kervansaray is therefore the perfect starting point for the last 8 kilometres to the top of the monument.

The Hotel provides you the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the local people and will make you feel at home. It has only 30 beds. Due to this small scale, it can offer its guests the maximum attention. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water and the rooms are clean and neat. In addition, there is a swimming pool which gives you a chance to relax. Next to the hotel is a small camping site. You can sleep under a clear sky with thousands of stars which will guide you through the night.

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Harran Beehive Houses

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This is where you can sleep and try to count the stars.

This is one of our most exotic accommodations! And it shows how rich Turkey is in terms of culture: Harran (ancient Carrhae) in the vast plains of Northern Mesopotamia, one of the oldest towns of mankind, the place where Abraham lived before he reached Canaan, where Adam and Eve set foot after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden is a valuable archaeological site. Except several Roman monuments, Harran is famous for its ruins of the first Islamic University in the World with the stunning minaret of an old mosque.Contemporary Harran is a poor village in south of Şanlıurfa, not even 10 km from the Syrian border, inhabited by ethnic Arabs with long-established traditions. Typically families consist of 10-15 children. Local women are tattoed and closed in traditional Bedouin clothes.

By the late 1980s the large plain of Harran had fallen into disuse as the streams of Cüllab and Deysan, its original water-supply had dried up. But the plain is irrigated by the recent Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and is becoming green again. Cotton and rice can now be grown.

Harran’s best are its traditional beehive houses, constructed entirely without wood. The design of these makes them cool inside (essential in this part of the world) and is thought to have been unchanged for at least 3,000 years. Some of them offer basic accommodation, we chose the best of them for you. If you come in hot spring, summer or autumn, you should sleep in the wooden bed in the courtyard, under a night sky which has more stars here than at any other place you have been before...

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Bukla Auberge, Ayder, Çamlıhemşin

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Ayder is one of the best places for escapers

Is this Switzerland or Austria? - No, it is a wonderful unspoilt Alpine region in deep northwestern Turkey.

Çamlıhemşin area is known for its steep mountains, deep forests and green yaylas (pastures), a paradise for mountaineers and nature lovers. Ayder is situated at 1300 m above sea level and its thermal springs are just 500 km away, Black Sea coast is just a 1,5 hours drive from here and that is not really so far for the escapers.

We chose Bukla Auberge for you because we think it is one of the best accommodations around here (it is arguably the best hotel in Kackar Mountains National Park). Rooms are completely wooden and beds will make you feel warm in cold mountain nights. We believe you will relax by watching the waterfall right across the hotel and feel lucky to be among the rare people who can enjoy such moments.

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Artuklu Caravanserai, Mardin

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Artuklu is one of the best in eastern Turkey

Imagine a relaxing room with the view of Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates. That's what Artuklu Caravanserai basically offers you. The 800-year old hotel building dates back to Artukids who ruled Eastern Anatolia and northern parts of Mesopotamia between 12th and 14th centuries.

This architectural monument, which has been restored, will bring the old hospitality and times back to modern life. We think that comfort meets history in this caravensarai. With jakuzis, hair dryers, air-conditioner and orthopedic beds will make you relax as much as you need. In the meantime, you will experience the advantage of being in the old town.

We believe that Mardin is one of the best cities to accomodate in Southeastern Turkey. Well-known for its Arab-style skirt of a rocky mountain, the city offers a look on plains of northern Syria. Besides, you will find a mixed population of Turks, Assyrians (Syriacs), Arabs and Kurds as well as a minor community of Armenians. Hospitality of people in this region and at your hotel will make you visit these lands again as soon as you leave here. buildings on the

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Kale Konak, Cappadocia

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A breathtaking view of Cappadocia and Mount Erciyes

Kalekonak lies inside the old walls of two typical Turkish houses restored and renovated.

Kalekonak is located just next to Uchisar Castle, the highest peak in the region, from where you can appreciate a breathtaking view of the entire Cappadocia and of the Argeus Mountain.

Kalekonak was born from a fusion between different styles which mingle the typical Turkish architecture with the variety of ancient furniture. The result is surprisingly amazing!

As soon as you enter the door of Kalekonak, you will be plunged into the atmosphere of this luxurious Turkish residence. The entrance in the cave and the many underground galleries which connect the two houses reflect the richness in contrasts and emotions of the place that is hosting you, and of the country to which it belongs. The use of ancient stones and doors, the unique architectonical details make Kalekonak a very pleasant, comfortable and romantic environment which evoke the magical atmosphere of the ancient manor-houses.

The comfortable terrace welcomes you at breakfast. Here a breathtaking view of the Cappadocia and the bewitching light and colours of the morning will surely make your awakening unique. The loggia and the arches create the ideal atmosphere to taste the specialities of the house, cooked daily with fresh and genuine ingredients, and meant to meet any alimentary requirement.

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Selimiye Taş Odalar Hotel, Edirne

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Located in Turkey’s westernmost city of Edirne (Adrianople), Selimiye Taş Odalar Butique Hotel lies in the shadow of famous Selimiye Mosque, one of the grandest of all in Turkey. Hotel’s architecture, decoration and atmosphere will take you back to old times. With its large and comfortable rooms of which ornamented with Ottoman-style furniture, the hotel is probably the best option for you if you look for an atmospheric place at the heart of center. It is suitable for families with children and has a nice garden. We think that you will adore the place one more time when you have breakfast and watch the magnificent Selimiye.

This is not the only thing in the border city of Edirne for sure. The city hosts ruins of Sultan’s ancient places, many beautiful mosques (Selimiye, the most famous, with the highest minarets in the country, dating back to 1575), attractive palaces and caravanserais as well as beautifully-ornamented Bulgarian churches. Let’s not forget the beautiful landscape Edirne has (River Meriç / Meritsa is just wonderful). We believe that it will help you much if you want to experience ‘the escape’.

Did we mention that the hotel is in the same town where Kırkpınar, Turkish oil-wrestling festival, is held annually and usually in late June? Kırkpınar is said to be the oldest active sport organization following the Olympic Games. It’s a Guinness World Record for the longest running sports competition.

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Kashmir Butique Hotel, Dalyan

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Kashmir is located near Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach

Here is the perfect mixture of an English landlord House and an Ottoman Konak!

Located on the canals that bind Köyceğiz Lake to the Mediterranean Sea, Dalyan is a hidden paradise that hosts both environmental beauty and ancient history. It has a unique place among Turkey's natural wonders and historical sites.

Nearby İztuzu Beach is crucial for Caretta Caretta Turtles. Facing the danger of extinction, they are well protected in this hidden nest. Carettas opened at least 300 holes for their eggs, last year and the number grows every year.

Kashmir has 75.000 square meters of land situated in the middle of a 400 acres of forest with a beautiful stream running through it. In this area, 26.000 m2 land for growing wheat. The building is situated on 22.000 m2, including its back garden restaurant and the lovely garden.

There are 2 VIP villas (74m2) with private swimming pool, Han (The Inn) part with 7 rooms, Main Building with 9 rooms furnished, 1 of them for disabled people, ANEX Suite with 2 Bedrooms private bathroom saloon and fireplace, other VIP room ANEX (furnished), 3 block buildings with 8 rooms, 28 rooms at total. All rooms have fireplace, sitting part and balcony, the smallest room is 38 m2.

Kashmir Boutique Hotel is magnificent facility with 21x10 mt grand swimming pool, Turkish Bath, sauna, masage room and shock pool, Pool Bar and sitting gazebos (suitable for the summer), Saloon with fireplace and restaurant (suitable for the winter), different, high quality garden and landscape.

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Cevahir Guesthouse, Şanlıurfa

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Cevahir is our choice from Sanliurfa


Cevahir Guesthouse, a traditional Urfa house, is run by Urfa-addicted business woman Cevahir Asuman Yazıcı. Modern and authentic at the same time, Cevahir Guesthouse is one of the best atmospheric hotels in Şanlıurfa which hosted many civilizations.


Cevahir is very rich in terms of food served at their restaurant. If you want to follow your nose in Urfa's narrow streets and visit Abraham's Pond, the hotel's location is perfect.


We think that you will get what you want at this hotel since the hotel workers are much praised and Cevahir is , without doubt, one of the best hotels in this region.


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Emin Efendi Hotel, Amasya

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Yeşilırmak passes through the old houses of Amasya

Imagine a city in a valley hidden by mountains. A narrow valley. Now, place a river flowing in this narrow valley into the image you have in mind. Think of houses exhibiting the traditional Ottoman house architecture. Then you can draw the frame of your image by adding Pontic tombs on the skirt of the mountain. It is Amasya and we are sure that you can't imagine all these as good as the city itself!

Surrounded by mountains in a valley and river Yeşilırmak passing through the lines of old Ottoman housesPontic tombs as well as a couple of well-maintained old mosques, that's where Emin Efendi Hotel is. We believe that this place is one of the best locations in Turkey since you are in town and nature at the same time. You can go trekking in nearby mountains or visit historical beauties of the town or visit close sightseeings. Don't forget to taste the beautiful and national-wide famous apples of Amasya during your stay there. and

Emin Efendi Konak is more than 7500 years old and hosted various people of different nations. It offers you a not-so-easy-to-experience holiday in its rooms and restaurant which has a lot to decorate your dinner table from Ottoman cuisine.

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Erdoba Mansions, Mardin

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Erdoba has a wonderful view

'Erdoba Konaklari' is a butique hotel complex composed of four konaks; Babel, Ottoman, Assyrian and Seljuk Konak.

Erdoba Ottoman Konak dates back to 18th century and Seljuk Konak to 14th century. You can reach Seljuk Konak by walking through the narrow streets of Mardin and feeling like travelling in the past.

Babel Konak is one of the best around the region and ornamented with beautiful Mardin stones and Asur Konak has the look of a typical Mardin house which makes it very oriental. Since Babel and Asur Konaks are recently made, you can feel the atmosphere much more in Ottoman and Seljuk than Babel and Asur.

We believe that you will enjoy the fertile lands of Mesopotamia, view of Syria and Turkey at the same time.


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Erdoba Konaklari

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