Buzz Beach Bar Oludeniz

Buzz Bar is one of my favourite places to go to EVER! Its fun. Its Vibey. The Food is excellent and the drinks Fabulous!

I have been there so many times now its impossible to say how often. I always take visiting family and friends there because I know without a doubt that they are going to be satisfied with the food drinks and the atmosphere.  And if that doesn't float their boats I know the breathtaking views will.

Its so easy to find, its right on the beachfront in Oludeniz between Help Bar and Bella & Gusta you cant miss it. You just take the Oludeniz Dolmus from Fethiye and jump out at the last stop in Oludeniz at the taxi rank, walk straight down the promenade  and you will see it on your left. Watch out for the paragliders landing strips:)
Buzz Bar has been there for such a long time too. If  I'm not mistaken it is one of the first establishments to pop up in the 1980's or so (I could be way off so don't quote me on that.. I'll find out though at let you know;) catering to the backpackers traveling in the area in that time. I've heard they were mostly Australian and South African.
As Ive said, Oludeniz was very different back then only a few bars and eating joints and many backpackers lodgers and of course Paragliding.

Paragliding is the heart of Oludeniz. Many people come to Oludeniz to try, learn or practice Paragliding, as the conditions are very favorable for most of the year. If you haven't done it yet, you are missing out. Get your butt up there. It is an unforgettable experience and well worth the trip up Babadag. If its the road you are afraid of, fear no more! In recent years they have paved the way almost to the very top. There are 2 or 3 take off platforms. They very well organised and take every precaution for a safe and positive experience. And whats more the views are unbeatable and unbelievably beautiful. Go on. Give it a go! Your family and friends can wait in Buzz Bar and have a cold celebratory drink waiting for you when you land in Oludeniz.

But more on paragliding in another post...

Back to Buzz Bar. So Bugruz Abi or Bob to most, has owned Buzz Bar for almost 30 years. Buzz has grown from strength to strength. They now also have Mozaik Boutique Hotel and are in the process of building the New beach front hotel which they hope to have finished by 2017.  Although you can always see Bob around these venues its his sons Cem and Osman taking over the reins now.

On the ground floor you have the Grill and Seafood area which is a perfect setting to sit and have a coffee or a meal as you watch the coming and goings of the holiday makers passing by, and a perfect view of picturesque Oludeniz beach and the paragliders' landing areas.
The Open Grill kitchen allows you to watch Sivis, the Head Chef and his team prepare all the tasty meals. The aroma coming from he stone oven baking the Lavas, Pides, Pizzas is mouthwatering. Turgut Abi a well known fixture behind the bar always wears a welcoming friendly face and opposite him right on the walkway the smiley face of Ayse greets you at the coffee and dessert corner.

Going upstairs you enter a different world. First you hear the light upbeat tunes of the DJ already paving the way for a guaranteed good night ahead, you see the barman mixing his cocktails as he chats to the patrons around the bar area.Then you turn your attention to the view, you are taken aback by the absolute beauty. You kind of forget everything for a second and as you bask in its beauty.
Here is where I'm always split. Do I stay at the high tables and chairs in the middle and get swept up in rhythm set by the DJ and the hassle and bustle of the waiters and restauranteers? Or do I take my cocktail and go and sit at the comfy terrace tables and just chillax  and enjoy the view? And that's what I like about Buzz Bar you can do them both...

The one thing you should not forget to do, is make a reservation. As you can imagine Dinner time (19:00 to about 21:00) is a very busy time for them and if you don't book in advance you could end up having to wait more than a cocktail or two for a table.


So lets get to the good part. The Food!
They offer a delicious Mediterranean fusion menu, from salads, pizzas, gourmet burgers and pides to Kebabs, pastas, steaks and wonderfully prepared fresh fish. Everything is freshly prepared and sourced locally, and always comes with the most aromatic garlic butter and steaming hot Lavas bread (or bubble bread as my daughter calls it) straight from the oven. I like to order a Classic Margarita with the Mixed Meze Platter when its really hot and I cant stomach a big meal. But I'm always torn as they have so many mouthwatering options. I love the Buzz Prawns which are prepared in the most finger licking delicious creamy garlic sauce. The Pepper steak is also one of my favourites cause the steak is always so tender and well seasoned.

If you go to the Buzz Bar website link at the bottom of the page you can have a look at the menus. Diner, drinks, snacks/day time menu as well as the dessert menus are included. Try the deserts! Leave space for them, make space for them  or come back another day for them but try them.  They are divine!

So lets review...

Review Table
Location and Accessibility	JJJJ	Very easily accessible from Fethiye by Dolmus
Atmosphere and Decor	JJJJJ	I like the relaxed music decor and atmosphere. They view is magnificient
Menu	JJJJ	The menu caters to every stomach and palat
Price	JJJJ	Very competitive prices
Service	JJJJJ	I always find the service staff very friendly and efficient.

Please remember that this Review is based on my own thoughts and experiences.

www.buzzbeachbar.com
https://www.facebook.com/buzzbeachbar

Kayakoy and Bulentin Yeri

Kayakoy and Bulentin Yeri 

When visiting Fethiye you should most defiantly set aside at least one day to visit Kayakoy. 
It is an idyllic little village in the valley of the Taurus Mountains. Neatly tucked away between Fethiye and Oludeniz. When you climb the hill to the top, you are able see the Blue Lagoon and the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding Fethiye. 
When driving down from Hisaronu on the slightly steep, slightly potholed, winding road you reach and valley, you immediately want to take a deep breath and fill your lungs with clean fresh village air (unless you visit in winter, then you get more of a warm comforting smoky aroma, as most of the village homes burn wood or coal to keep warm;),

I lived in Kayakoy for one winter many years ago. It was quite an experience for me. For one, it was bustling with activity with the farmers waking up before dawn tending to their fields and animals. It was quiet too, well, except for the sound of farm animals and farmers shout-talking across fields.  We had a cow and her calf in the building next to us, chickens all around and of course roosters crowing all day and night. Forget just hearing them at sunrise, these seemed to worship light. Any light. They especially liked it when they spotted cars headlights in the middle of the night.  They can drive a person to drink, I swear!  
There were goats too. One morning I woke up in daze of confusion. I could hear our neighbours shouting and a lot of clanking and banging on our roof. Turns out one of the goats had climbed on the roof and refused to come down. 
Ah the joys of village life.

Borrowed image of Traditional Turkish  Village Breakfast

One of the best things about living in a village is the abundance of home grown, organic veggies. Warm milk straight from the udder (not my cup of tea if I’m honest but really great for making your own yoghurt and stuff) and loads of free range chicken eggs. I still like to go back to Kaya for traditional village breakfasts as often as I can.

There is great deal of hiking routes into the forest hills or into the Ghost town. You could even go horseback riding or if you are really adventurous they had camel rides the last time I was there!  

Us petting the Camels in Kayakoy

Although the houses seem ancient with their broken stone walls and no roof tops, they are in fact less than a century old. This was a modern city left in ruins after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and what lead to an agreement between Turkey and Greece agreeing to a mutual mandatory population exchange. Kayakoy was originally built in the 1700s, and by the 1900s, was home to as many as 20 000 Greek Orthodox residents. And that is how Karmylassos became Kayakoy.

Taking a little tour around the ruins you a likely to come across two Greek Orthodox churches as well as cisterns and fountains that watered the city and surroundings. There is also a little museum you could visit.

Me shopping for curios at one of the local Arts and Crafts markets

Kayaköy was adopted by the UNESCO as a World Friendship and Peace Village.

Getting to Kayakoy is relatively simple. And takes about 45 minutes or less from Fethiye. You catch the Dolums at the Fethiye -Oludeniz Dolums stop and the fare is about 5.50tl. You could of course take a taxi from Hisaronu as well but I think it’s part of the ‘Turkish experience’ to use the public transport. Many people hike down from Hisaronu in the morning before the sun gets to hot and catch lunch and drink in the village before taking the bus back.

Kayakoy offers many dining options if you find the fresh air has increased your appetite. From simple deliciously organic village breakfasts to traditional Turkish pancakes called Gozleme or proper restaurant style Turkish dishes, you can find it all. There are also a number of BBQ houses. Although the Turkish version is called Kendi Piser Kendi Ye which translates to You Cook You Eat. It’s a fun experience.  They supply the ready lit BBQ Grill so no hassles about getting the fire lit and provide accessories in a restaurant style setting.  You choose your meats from the butchers’ corner in the restaurant. Don’t be afraid to try all the delicious mouth-watering mezes they have on offer. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. These venues are also very kiddy friendly with playgrounds and Jungle Gyms and lots of grass areas for them to run around on. Be adventurous and order the national Turkish drink Raki to go with your meal J

 If you are more into your wine, you won’t be disappointed. Kayakoy has quite a few picturesque little wine houses. Many of the wines are locally produced and they have a many interesting fruit wines which are fun to try.

One of my favourite places to visit in Kayakoy is Bulent‘in Yeri. Its right on the main road into the village and very close to the entrance of the Ghost Village. Its location provides many photo or selfie ops of the old village. The restaurant itself is a very simple setting. You can either sit at the Turkish style, low corner tables which are very laid back, with their traditional throw pillows or simply choose to sit at the tables. 
But the reason for going is not the décor. It’s the most delicious freshly made Gozleme or Turkish pancakes made by the ladies of the house. There is no rush and you can just gear down and relax. Put your phone down, take in the scenery and chill while they prepare your meal. They have quite a few option of pancakes to choose from. Savoury mince, spinach, potatoes, feta cheese, cheddar cheese or mixed. Or if you have a sweet tooth, honey lemon or chocolate ones.  Yumm! I’m getting hungry just thinking of them. 
My daughter loves the potato ones and I can never choose between the mince or the cheesy ones…  They serve it with homemade pickles made of carrots, cabbage and chilli peppers. Wash it down with an Ayran and Bobs your Uncle. They do serve breakfast and other light meals and the usual selection of soft drinks and of course Turkish Tea and Turkish Coffee. 
It really doesn’t get any better than this inexpensive meal. I don’t think we paid more than 30tl for your entire meal of pancakes and drinks for the three of us.

I defiantly recommend it and would encourage you to visit Kayakoy and Bulentin Yeri on your next visit to Fethiye!

Review Table
Location and Accessibility	JJJ	Even though it is quite a way from Fethiye and the bus ride is a bit on the tedious side it is not hard to find.
Atmosphere and Decor	JJJ	I like the relaxed atmosphere and the mix of local and foreigners.
Menu	JJJJ	The isn’t much of a variety at it is a Gozleme house and that’s the beauty of it. What they do serve is perfect and delicious.
Price	JJJJJ	Very affordable.
Service	JJJJ	I always find the service staff very friendly and efficient.

Please remember that this Review is based on my own thoughts and experiences.

Have you been to Kayakoy? Where do you like to eat? Have you been to Bulentin Yeri? Let me know what you think in the Comments Section and if there is a place you have been meaning to go to or have heard about let me know maybe Ill go there next?

Thanks for reading.

X Nicci

Picture of kayakoy by http://mykonut.com -kayakoy-the-ghost-town-in-Fethiye-Turkey

DISCOVER FETHIYE with NICCI

Being a tourist in a foreign country is a wonderful experience. You see the world with wonder and pink tinted glasses ... Every new experience a delightful adventure. After a while though, the fun and excitement ware off and unfortunately give way to a more practical, cynical view. Luckily for me, I've lived here long enough to see past the razzle-dazzle of crazy summer festivities but not long enough for it to numb my sense of  wonder and intrigue in this wonderful country.
Having just recently moved back to Fethiye, I find myself once again in awe of the exquisite nature. The mountains with their mysterious cave-like holes dug out of them. The dazzling green hills. The striking blue sea displaying colours that artists only ever dream of capturing on canvas. The dark green forests and scary mountain roads branching off to simple quaint natural stone houses.

From Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon to Faralya and Butterfly Valley. Kayakoy to Calis. From the Harbour to the Paspature. Its all magical.
Between all this, I notice many new Cafe's, Bars and Restaurants. Some front and center on the promenade, many hidden in side streets or tucked in on dirt roads in the villages.
Having seen the sights I find myself wanting to get to know a different side of Fethiye. The yummy side of it!  My mouth watering for a 'Midiye dolmasi' with a squirt of lemon, or a 'Balik Ekmek with Ayran, or perhaps a juicy Steak and a tall glass of chilled wine in the evening while I enjoy the Sunset.  We can all agree that no matter where you are in Fethiye, the sunsets are AMAZING!
From cay and toast on tiny colourful chairs at the corner Cafe', to cocktails and dancing in the clubs, I want to try it all!
Join me on my adventure as I rediscover Fethiye, As I visit and review my experiences in all these wonderfully inviting locations. I'll fill you in on how I got there, How I thought the service was. What the atmosphere was like, Did the DJ get me tap my feet and nod in time with the rhythm?
Leave a comment if you like or any suggestions of your own. Where should I go next? and What should I order? Lets start Discovering Fethiye together..

Gorgeous Sunset at Oludeniz/FETHIYE