Its hotels, villa and apartment complexes are largely in the two to three-star category, offering self-catering, half-board or all-inclusive options, as well as entertainment such as belly dancers, karaoke and satellite television.

Getting there/around Hisaronu

The transfer time is about two hours from Dalaman airport, 45 miles away, in coaches, minibuses or taxis. Some operators offer trips to Dalyan on the final day of package holidays so you can enjoy the facilities there after checking out of your Hisaronu property in the morning.

The resort of Olu Deniz is 2.5 miles away, and has one of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean, which leads to the picturesque Blue Lagoon. Olu Deniz and the neighbouring resort of Fethiye are easy to reach by regular dolmus (minibus), taxi or rented moped.

Beaches in Hisaronu

The stretch of coastline below Hisaronu is known as the Turquoise Coast, or the Turkish Riviera, thanks to its crystal clear blue waters flanked by rugged bays and lush green slopes.

From Hisaronu, the closest beaches are at Belcekiz and Olu Deniz, which boasts the aptly-named Blue Lagoon. It is in a conservation area and you pay a small fee to enter. But the pebbly shingle and hordes of tourists in high season mean it may disappoint – nearby Suara is a quieter option. There are plenty of activities such as canoeing, boat trips, water skiing and pedaloes.

Boat trips to the other bays along the coastline whisk you away from the crowds. One of the Med's prettiest beaches is at Patara – about 20 miles away.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular, thanks to the warm, clear waters.

Sightseeing in Hisaronu

Flying by paraglider or microlight from Babadog mountain over Olu Deniz beach is not to be missed – it's not too expensive and offers breathtaking views.

From Hisaronu you can take pony treks, bike rides or just walk to Kaya, a deserted Greek village of about 3,000 houses abandoned in 1923.

For history buffs, there is a museum at Fethiye, featuring local archaeological remains, tombs, handicrafts and jewellery artefacts.

Family attractions in Hisaronu

Hisaronu is popular with families – but if you like being on the beach with toddlers, bear in mind it's a minibus ride away each day, so you may have to lug lots of kiddie equipment.

Some accommodation is set into steep hillside locations too, so may not be ideal for buggies or wheelchairs – but being in the mountains means it is cooler in the scorching heat of the summer holidays.

Many restaurants are child-friendly, offering play areas and even video games to keep them quiet while mum and dad dine. The quality of kids' clubs in various properties also varies but most hotels offer Turkish baths (hammams) and saunas which provide a relaxing escape for parents.

Sultan Aquacity at Calis, just north of Fethiye, has waterslides and pools.

Day trips in Hisaronu

Tour operators and local firms offer a range of trips – most popular are cruises to see the islands and bays; and jeep safaris in the pine forests. The destination is Saklikent gorge – a dramatic location for a cool escape from the heat of summer. The deepest, longest gorge in Turkey, it offers white-water rafting and canoeing. Jeep tours also include the ancient ruins of Tlos and Lycian capital Xanthos on their itineraries, and stop off for refreshment at Yakapark trout farm and water garden.

If you've ever fancied covering yourself in mud, head for the hot springs at Dalyan – where there also a turtle beach (but you won't see any turtles as they lay their eggs at night).

Boat trips will visit beautiful coastal locations such as Gemile Beach, with its Byzantine ruins, the Blue Cave, St Nicholas Island and Gocek. Another popular boat trip stop is Butterfly Valley, the home of the Jersey tiger butterfly – the best time to see the remarkable display of butterflies is from July to September.

If you want to travel further afield, how about a day trip to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Eating in Hisaronu

Most restaurants seem to cater for the Brits, with all-day English breakfasts, curries and fish and chips. Meals are relatively affordable but the resort is getting more expensive, like the rest of the Mediterranean, as Turkey bids to join the European Union. The beer is thankfully very cheap.Hotels offer similar fare, with barbecue nights and Sunday roasts with Yorkshire pudding.

If you do find more authentic Turkish food, you'll spot the kebabs, hummus and pitta bread we're familiar with in the UK, along with yoghurt and mint, pide Turkish bread, mezes of feta cheese with fish and vegetables, moussaka, vine leaves wrapped around meat, and stews.

Baklava is a very sweet pastry dessert - you can wash it down with strong Turkish coffee or local firewater, raki. You'll probably end up bringing home plenty of Turkish Delight too.

Nightlife in Hisaronu

Hisaronu is lively during the summer nights, with dozens of packed cocktail bars, karaoke venues, pubs and nightclubs appealing to teens and 20-somethings.

Hotels also offer similar entertainment (so beware if you want to sleep on your holiday), as well as dance troupes, bands, magicians and the inevitable belly dancers.

Shopping in Hisaronu

Plenty of shops in Hisaronu offer fake designer goods, handbags, carpets and T-shirts – but just because they are not genuine does not mean they are poor quality. You can haggle at the market for gold jewellery, clothes and leather goods – start off by offering half the asking price, and negotiate your way to about two-thirds of the original quote.

Olu Deniz shopkeepers offer gold, jewellery and watches, often far cheaper than you would find in the UK. You may be better off haggling in sterling – and it saves having to mentally convert those prices in lira.

Fethiye, about 15 minutes away by dolmus, has a lively market on Tuesdays, packed with bargains.