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Selimiye

Overview

Maybe it was just our timing, but during the week it was incredibly peaceful and beautiful. I can't remember the last time I found such a calm resort town in Turkey. That tranquility made our vacation wonderful.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Hanim Pinar Butik Otel and were very pleased. A true family-run establishment with great value for money.

Food & Drink

Prices are a notch above comparable towns, but some venues genuinely deliver on quality and service. Tamara Beach is one of the ideal spots for swimming, they don't impose a minimum spend, and the food is genuinely excellent. We had what might be the biggest portion of fried calamari we've eaten in Turkey in recent years, proper Greek-style. If you stop by, say hello to the American.

Sardunya Restoran, on the other hand, was a complete disappointment. It's the classic story of a growing establishment letting its quality slide.

If you're into wine, Asarcik Vineyards is just a 10-minute drive away. The prices are definitely steep, borderline absurd for what you get, but if you want a tasting experience without skipping Selimiye's local wine scene, I'd absolutely recommend it. The setting and ambiance are incredible, and the wines are by no means bad. It's just the price-to-quality ratio that's off.

Tips & Advice

Parking is pure chaos. They really need to build an upper bypass road and ban cars from the town center entirely. It's a tiny village and all this traffic creates an absurd mess. Best to park your car somewhere decent and not touch it until the vacation is over.

One of the most beautiful villages around Marmaris, and one we'll definitely revisit. Just make sure you go during the week.

My Place Reviews

Restaurants

Tamara Beach2024★★★★★

A place you'll either love or hate. We loved it and hung out here the entire 3 days of our vacation. The food at Amerikalı's is amazing :) don't leave Selimiye without trying the seafood casserole, I'd say.

Hotels

Selimiye Sardunya Restaurant & Otel2024★☆☆☆☆

Unfortunately there's no trace of what it used to be. The service is terrible, the food has become standard. Even though it was a weekday, they couldn't bring the food on time or even get the orders right. The setting and ambiance are absolutely gorgeous, but when it comes to a restaurant's most essential qualities, service and flavor, they're unfortunately in really bad shape compared to how they used to be.

Hanımpınarı Butik Otel2024★★★★★

A wonderful family-run place, we were happy with it in every way. We're planning to go again this year.

Attractions

Pamukkale Wines Selimiye2024★★★★☆

At a wine bar, honestly, we expect them to know more about wine than the average bar :) unfortunately there wasn't much difference on that front. Other than that, the prices are genuinely reasonable and it's great to have so many options. We already love Pamukkale wines. A nice atmosphere for hanging out in the evening.

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