Weather lowdown
The final month of the year is when this particular part of Turkey moves into the winter season. Despite that label however, you're very unlikely to see any weather which you have pictured in your mind when you say the word 'winter' you won't see snow, you won't see ice, and you will actually see less in the way of rain compared to November, when rain levels were at their highest.
December is a wonderful time to visit this part of the country and experience traditions, outside of the summer tourism season. You can expect an average temperature of around 13°C, which can reach as high as a very warm 17°C during the warmer times of the month. Evening lows however are certainly chilly, so do remember to take a coat if you're heading out after the 4pm mark of the afternoon. You can expect an average low temperature of around 8°C during this time of year.
Calis Beach is still a very sunny destination despite the cooler temperatures at this time of year, with an average of 7 hours of bright sunshine per day. If you want to head off and swim in the sea, well, you may be a little chilly, as the average water temperature sits at the 19°C mark, which might not sound too cold but will feel it when you're submerged! There are still many diving opportunities despite this fact however, so enthusiasts will enjoy the quieter conditions.
Whilst the previous month was the rainiest of the year, precipitation is reduced in this following month, and you can expect around 76mm of rain across the month on average, which will affect around 11 days, to some degree. Winter storms are quite possible at this time of year, but these will be easy to predict, so simply check out forecasts and listen to locals telling you that "big rain" is coming!
Where to stay
December offers a variety of accommodation options in Calis Beach, many of them homely and apartment-style. Despite that, Adrian Beach Hotel offers a comfortable place to stay on the beach front, close to everything, with fantastic views over the sea and the promenade. The restaurant to the front of the hotel is great for your catering needs.
Hotel Seril 2 offers two-bedroomed family suites, which is an ideal and comfortable base for exploring at this quieter time of year. Situated just 350 yards from the beach, there is a buffet breakfast on offer, and a poolside bar.
If you do want a home away from home place to stay, then check out Aparthotel Cangul Apart, which is situated just under half a mile away from the main resort. The large pool is great for warmer days, with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for enjoying a homely feel to your visit.
What to do
December means a quiet time in this part of Turkey, and visitors to Calis Beach will be able to enjoy a more authentic experience, compared to the previous few months. Of course, this also means you can head off an enjoy some of the more mainstream attractions without the hindrance of crowds, and one of those is certainly Ephesus.
One of the most important ancient cities in historical Turkey, Ephesus is now one of the best preserved sites in the country, and although it is a few hours' drive away from the resort, heading towards the resort town of Kusadasi, it is a must visit for history fans. The Temple of Domitian, Fountain of Pollio, and Hercules Gate are just a few sites which remain, amongst a very long list, and visiting during the quieter months certainly allows you to experience it in its entirety, without heat affecting your visit, or people getting in your way!
Despite the quiet times, it's important to do a few touristy things, and that means tasting some delicious Turkish Delight! Servet Turkish Delight Factory is where you will find every kind of variation on the sweet you can imagine, and you can take some back home for friends and family. Along with this, why not head to SwitchR Gocek Bowling, Billiards & Sports Bar for some bowling fun with the family at the end of a long day's sightseeing? You could make an evening of it and stay for dinner too.
Another famous set of Lycian ruins should be visited whilst it's much quieter, and Letoon is certainly on that list. UNESCO listed Letoon is very well-preserved, and during the sunset hours you will see a beautiful sight before you. Many recovered artefacts from here are now found in museums around the area.
Restaurants & nightlife
On a bright December day, head to Secret Garden Restaurant, also known as Gizli Bahce Restaurant. This is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away in very natural surroundings, but once you find it you will certainly be heading back. The food here is famously good, and the service second to none.
Corner Restaurant & Pub has a scenic location and great prices too. The food is delicious and the ambiance quite classy, without feeling 'too much'.
Alternatively, if you fancy a spot of Mexican food, head to Café Bahane. The laid-back vibe and delicious food on offer means a great night out, and the view over the sea will complete your evening.
