An Idiot-ic Reader asked about the expense of the MedTrek in Turkey and I want to let him know that, for a backpacker, this is one of the best deals in Mediterranean travel today.

That’s because I keep it simple. All I insist on as a MedTrekker is a room with a sea view and wi-fi for less than 25 euros ($32.50) a night with breakfast included. That’s especially easy for The Idiot in Turkey before the summer season, and summer prices, get underway.

Each of my four base camps — in Akbük, Kuşadasi, Sığacık and Çeşme — on my current MedTrek outing had a pleasant view of the sea and cost €25 or less.

The Patio Beach Club in Akbük, Turkey.

The Stella Hotel in Kuşadasi.

The Orion Pension in Sığacık.

The Akpinar Hotel in Çeşme.

And here’s the typical Turkish breakfast that comes with the room.

My usual breakfast in Turkey.

It includes beyaz peynir (white cheese), honey and jam, black olives, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, clotted water buffalo cream (kaymak), a soft-boiled egg, lots of warm bread just out of the oven and, for me, black coffee instead of black tea.

Who could refuse?
 

Text and Photos: Joel Stratte-McClure

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About Joel

Joel Stratte-McClure has been a global trekker since the 1970s. He lived in France for over 30 years, working as a journalist, before he turned his attention to a unique life-time-project of walking the shores of the Mediterranean. The first 4,401 kilometers are explored in his inspirational and entertaining first book "The Idiot and the Odyssey: Walking the Mediterranean." The next 4,401 kilometers are covered in the gods-filled sequel, "The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Madness and Magic on the Mediterranean,” published on Valentine's Day 2013. The last 4,401 kilometers will be discussed in the last book of the trilogy currently entitled "The Idiot and the Odyssey III: Alexander the Great Walks the Mediterranean."