Is the Famous Calis Beach Magnet Weakening?

[Bluwise]

The attraction is still there for me - I know what to expect (including some inevitable changes) and that means I can relax. 

[stuart1955]

We've only been coming to Calis for 5/6 years, normally at least twice a year sometimes 3, but said after last years September visit that we would cut back to once a year, the flights are getting more expensive, hotels putting prices up but no improvements ie issues with hot water etc , the beach is rarely cleaned and the roadworks around Calis seem to taking forever to finish. We nearly changed our mind and thought of booking now but passports run out soon and wasn't sure if we would have been ok. So opted for a last minute deal to Novigrad Croatia and have to say so pleased we did, I have never been somewhere so clean , you have to look very hard to find litter, the hotel we are staying in is a thomsons platinum and is big but staff very friendly, food excellent, free beer and wine with dinner and it's only half board . I doubt we will be back to Calis for a while

[Scunner]

Did you find Croatia expensive Stuart? Especially after Calis?

[stuart1955]

Only got here yesterday scunner, the only money we've spent was 50 Kunas  which is less than a fiverfor 2 sunbeds and parasols on a absolutely lovely beach and booked a boat trip drinks and food included 30 euro each and the actual holiday was £330 each 10 nights half board staying at the maestral hotel novigrad

[Karennina]

I went through a phase last year of thinking maybe I want to try somewhere else but then I went to Calis for a week with a friend and saw all the good bits through a newcomers eyes and fell in love with it all over again...
There are some changes that have happened including a new apartment block that has gone up next door to us, the building noise and dust has driven me crackers (well more crackers then normal!) but I have told myself this will end...
I have been looking at Sensatori holidays this weekend for my husbands 60th next year and had sort of settled on Ibiza then came across the Sensatori in Side Turkey and that just looks so more appealing so I guess I am being pulled towards Turkey still albeit maybe we will be having just a little change from Calis/ Fetihye for maybe one week next year!
 

[Phil]

I think it is worth remembering that as well as places changing, people change as well.

I actually enjoyed my 18-30’s holidays and we had some fabulous All Inclusive holidays with the kids but I don’t think I am likely to take an 18-30’s holiday or All Inclusive holiday ever again.

I regard Calis like a pair of comfy slippers. You keep wearing them because you like them and they just keep getting more comfortable. Even though people tell you it’s about time you bought a new pair you just carry on wearing them no matter how old and tired they become. Eventually you decide yourself that it’s about time you had a new pair and you take the plunge.

Same with Calis – you just carry on because you like it and eventually you move on.

People change – they get older (= less energy), their bank balances change, their attitudes change, they look for different things, different things annoy them, different things make them happier and more content. Lots of other things change in their lives and these all affect the type of holiday they want.

I don’t think the changes in Calis can be totally blamed for the natural wastage that is bound to occur. The challenge facing Calis is to find ways to attract new customers.

Personally, the thing I dislike most about Calis is ending up in a bar, cafe or restaurant next to a table full of Brits complaining how Calis has gone down the pan since they moved there ...............

[badger]

Good post Phil 

[mercury]

I think Keith's post is spot on as to how we now feel... It's our friends and the familiarity that keeps us coming back... We too are thinking about Croatia and Lake Ballaton... My sister in law has been numerous times.. Beautiful.. Cheap .Plenty to do..

[stoop]

We sort of fell out with the Calis Prom a couple of years back. We still get down there for a wander, maybe to watch the footy or have a meal but nowhere near as often as we used to. To be honest we are not ones for the 'dance on the bar' type of venue. Did that when we were younger   

We now find ourselves firing the barbie up, eating a pide in Ciftlik or dining locally on the Koca Calis beach. Guven's is really the only one we frequent more than once in Calis for a meal  - and maybe Dawn Beach to watch the footy or have a drink after getting off the water dolmus. Still enjoy Fethiye though and probably eat there as much as Calis Beach now.

Still love just sitting on our veranda when everyone has gone to bed. Last beer of the night whilst I watch the bats and listen to the owls.

Bring on August   

[stuart1955]

View from sunbeds on the beach at maestral hotel novigrad Croatia, not a dog or dog end to be seen