Suluada

Suluada lies a few kilometres off Adrasan, a small uninhabited island of white limestone with two shallow coves where pale pebbles and a sandy bottom throw the light back so the water reads as a bright milky turquoise - which is where the Maldives comparison comes from, repeated in every brochure and worth discounting by about half. The island has no facilities and no shade to speak of, though its name, watery island, refers to its fresh water sources; boats anchor off, passengers swim in or land by tender, and lunch is served on board. There is a small cave and good snorkelling along the rocks. Day boats leave Adrasan in the morning, stop at Suluada for a few hours and take in one or two other coves on the way back. Because the island is small and the boats arrive together, the coves are busy in the middle of the day in season and empty by late afternoon. It is a protected area and taking anything from it is prohibited.

Highlights

• The two coves - white pebble bays with pale water.
• The snorkelling - clear water along the rock edges.
• The bare island - no buildings, shade or facilities.
• The boat day - the trip out from Adrasan and back.

When to go

May to June and September to October. Boats do not run in rough weather, and the crossing is open sea. August fills the coves.

What to expect

There is no shade, shop or toilet on the island - everything is on the boat. The Maldives comparison oversells it. Trips are cancelled for wind, and the pebbles are hard on bare feet.

Nearby

Adrasan is the departure bay; Olympos and Çıralı are north along the coast.

Key facts