Going back to the original posting on this thread about the beach in general.
I have been going to Calis for 14 years but in June this year I(we)decided to try another part of Turkey for a change,not because I was unhappy with Calis simply for a change.
I have just returned from 14 days in Bitez.
This resort is similar to Calis with the majority of bars grouped along the waterfront of what is roughly a 'horseshoe bay'.The central area of the bay is,like Calis,flat but at both ends the ground rises very steeply.
The promenade is,like Calis,monoblocked but slightly narrower.
Almost all the bars/restaurants along the prom have extended their premises onto the beach with chairs,hammocks,huge cushions,bean bags,sun loungers and sun shades.
The beach furniture takes up most of the beach surface leaving very little available or even visible.
This concentration leaves the prom feeling very closed in,even during daylight, and when taking a meal or drink at a restaurant there is no view over the bay or of the sunsets because of the beach furniture.
The beach is a mixture of coarse sand and shingle(imported?)and shelves gently into the sea remaining shallow for a fair distance.
The costs of boat trips and other excursions are similar to Calis and are the same very good value.
However,almost everything else is at least 50% more expensive from haircuts to meals and drinks.
The beach furniture I mentioned is advertised as being free for use but with the the obvious,and reasonable, assumption that if you use them you buy food or drink from the bar providing them. Once on the beach the pressure is relentless to buy and continue to buy food or drink making it hard to relax.
Walking the prom is similar,it is impossible to walk along it at any time without being persistantly and annoyingly asked to come in and eat or 'see my menu'.
Bitez is very clean and tidy but,for me,lacks the atmosphere that brings people back to Calis.
So for us at least, we rejoice in Calis and will be back in June.
