Just back from Icmeler. Weather was very hot and most welcome. There is a big BUT, though. I dont know whether it is just that we have been there so many times but this time, coming back, we felt that it was different from any other time we have been there. There are many changes, one of which is the canal area. Even with the new stalls, there is no atmosphere and is still pretty dead, apart from the music from Vemice and Majestic. I think the prettiness of the canal has been lost, even with the new paving. I think Icmeler as a whole is being overtaken by the dreaded all inclusive. This is the way it is going unfortunately. We still used the same restaurants (although they were emptier than I have ever seen them) and they were still good. Its just something that I cant put my finger on this year. We usually go twice a year and will still return in September, but as for next year, I think we will be trying somewhere else. It really upsets me to think I would ever be considering this but this time was different. The square has been done very nicely and all credit to the council, this is one of their better ideas. I think the seafront, although easier to walk along, has lost some of its charm. As for the beach, the sand that has been imported is rough and very unkind on the feet. With the hot weather, the sand has been so hot that you cant walk on it without shoes. Going into the sea was a chore in itself, as there are stones all the way in. I hope something is done or that the kids that go in July and August will need shoes to go in and out of the sea.
I am really sorry to be so negative and as I have said, we will be going back in September, mainly to see our friends who go at that time. I have never said this before, but I wasnt at all disappointed to come home.