During the summer months the village wing goes for a monthly night swim ideally on the night of the full moon – the website tells you the date.

If the moon is full late in the month swims start in May and go through to September. 

A full moon on an early date dictates starting in June and ending in October. 

This month the latter prevailed and, due to other commitments, we actually missed the full moon and swam one day later (when it still looks full!)

We watched the moon rise over the north flank of Mendos (we were on Yanıklar Beach) and then went into the sea. 

And a wonderful surprise awaited.  There was phosphorescence in the water (‘yakamoz’ in Turkish) so swimming movements created a glittering wake. 

In five years this was the first time we had ever encountered this phenomenon on our beach.

Full moon swimming is highly recommended: excellent way to relax at the end of a hot day; home to a shower and a guaranteed good night’s sleep. So why not try it? 

While hotel’s close their pools at night no-one is stopping you from swimming in the sea. 

And what better time than under a full moon.