Discover the wonders of the Turquoise Coast on the Turkish Riviera! If you are a lover of exploration, paradisiacal beaches and perfect vacations then this post is for you. There is nothing like starting new adventures and especially in such beautiful and impressive spots like La Turquoise Coast, in the southwest of Turkey. This incredible geographical region, also known as the Lycian Coast, is made up of the main cities of Aydin, Izmir, Mugla, Antalya and a vast part of Mersin, whose coasts face the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean.
It is a panoramic experience full of colors, textures and flavors. Its waters and environment are phenomenal, with mild climates throughout the year, fresh sea air, fishing villages, caves, archaeological ruins and a lot of historical culture. If you decide to enjoy your vacation in the Turquoise Coast you will have a wonderful time in every way.
For many tourists, who have left their mark on these white sands, the Turquoise Coast It is a source of unforgettable memories and moments of relaxation. For many, it is even the “Ibiza” of the Aegean. It is indeed a location full of emotions for everyone! Read on to learn more about the experience of visiting this incredible coast in Türkiye.
REACHING THE TURQUOISE COAST
How to get to the Turquoise Coast?
The Turquoise Coast It is one of the most ideal locations if you love beach days! Getting there is very easy depending on where you are, but most tourists access it via Istanbul.
You can get to the Turquoise Coast by plane from Istanbul, taking a domestic flight to Dalama Airport - to the west - or Antalya Airport - to the east -, although there are also direct flights from Cappadocia to Antalya Airport.
You can also get there by bus. There is a good public transport network and day and night buses that run through the main tourist spots in the area to get to the coast, so this is also an excellent option. However, you will need to make a reservation if you want to sit next to your travel companion if you wish, specifically to reserve mixed seats for men and women traveling on the same trip for religious reasons.
Can I use the bus on the Turquoise Coast?
Getting around the coast by bus is not a bad idea, but we recommend renting a car so you can travel around the different towns and beaches as you please. In any case, taking a taxi is always a valid option for getting around, everything will depend on your possibilities and your budget. The 1000km of coast are easily covered, although the road that runs along the coast does have quite a few curves that make the journeys a little longer than they should be. In any case, the route is beautiful wherever you look and full of incredible things to see and visit.
Where to stay on the Turquoise Coast?
The best option is to choose one of the towns on the coast and use it as a base to get to the different spots in the area, or stay 1 or 2 nights in a town or city and move on to the next one depending on your itinerary. We will talk a little about the best places to visit later so you can choose the one you like the most. The variety of accommodations is quite wide for being such a tourist location, you can find options from the most luxurious to the most modest.
ANTALYA CITY
What is the city of Antalya like?
It is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in this region and it is not for nothing that it is considered the capital of the Turkish Riviera, located in the Gulf of Antalya, birthplace of the “Altın Portakal” (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival held every autumn, as well as the famous Kemer Multicolor Carnival, held in the Kemer resort, west of the city.
Where is Antalya?
Antalya corresponds to the area of ancient Pamphylia (east) and Lycia (west), located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by coastal plains and lush mountains that can be seen from the coast along more than 600 kilometers of tourist beaches, caves and ruins where it is said that Mark Antony and Cleopatra lived their famous love story, for example the Temple of Apollo and Athena, the amphitheater, Hadrian's Gate and the Roman baths that continue to be visited by locals and tourists who travel from all over the world to this this historic and beautiful setting.
Should I visit Antalya?
Antalya is a city that is very representative of the Turquoise Coast. It combines elements and constructions from Lycia, Pamphylia and ancient Greece, as well as the Ottoman, Roman and Byzantine Empires, with new constructions and infrastructures that also give it a fairly modern style, although the picturesque atmosphere of narrow stone streets reigns. This city, and in fact the entire Turquoise Coast, has known how to adapt very well to the natural beauties and historical memories that make it up.
Some of the mountains along the coast, such as the Taurus Mountains, sink completely below sea level, creating small bays and natural peninsulas. Its rocky plains house both the city centre and the more residential Kepezustu area. It is the combination of European influences and a coastal atmosphere with a scent of spices that makes it such a special place to visit.
Its historic centre is worth visiting, you will see classic streets, and Turkish and Greek buildings. Today it is almost packed with hotels, bars, local jewellery shops and bazaars due to the level of tourism it has adopted, but the whole tourist atmosphere is an essential part of its charm. Its local gastronomy fuses the best of the East with the West in Turkish food, which is heavily influenced by seafood.
What tourist activities are there in Antalya?
This paradise area of Antalya (set by its pine forests, olive trees, palm trees and banana and citrus plantations) inspires sunbathing, swimming and adventure sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, sailing and mountaineering, or even morning skiing during the months of March and April in Sakilikent, about 50 kilometers from the city, on the northern hill of Bakirili Mountain.
There are many activities to enjoy such as visits to the museums in the area such as the Archaeological Museum, the Ataturk Museum and the Suna Inan Museum, as well as historical spots such as the city walls, the Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate (named after the emperor), the Hidirlik Kulesi tower, the Kaleici neighborhood, the Mosques in the area (such as Yivli Minareli or the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa) the monuments to Ataturk and the Theology school called Karatay Madrasa also located in the Kaleici neighborhood.
In addition, Kaleici Marina stands out because it is full of parks, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and bars, which give a lot of life to the city, especially for meeting up at night.
This area also has many parks and natural spots that will leave you speechless with their beauty, views, multicoloured flora and warm climate. Among the most notable are:
- Karaalioğlu
- Mermerli
- Atatürk
- Gençlik
- Bey Dağları (Olympos) National Park.
- Recep Bilgin
- Konyaalti Forest
- Yavuz Ozcan
- Upper Düden Waterfalls
- Lower Düden waterfalls (about 40 m high, falling directly into the sea)
- Kurşunlu Waterfalls and NiIüfer Lake (18 km from Antalya)
- Tünektepe, among many others.
And of course, the beaches along its coastline are among the most incredible, among which Lara Beach (one of the poshest of all), Adalar, Mermeli, Konyaalti and Topcam beach opposite Sican Island, a mysterious and delightful natural paradise, stand out for their atmosphere and tourist appeal.
You cannot miss the historical beauty and visual and tranquil experience that these parks and natural spots offer in the beautiful city of Antalya!
OTHER AMAZING VILLAGES ON THE TURQUOISE COAST
KEKOVA: What is it like?
The Kekova archipelago is made up of islands, bays and many ruins of ancient cities, as well as thousand-year-old houses that have sunk due to natural disasters. This area is ideal for those who love sailing on a yacht, because the calm, the views and the crystal-clear waters make it the most suitable place for this activity. Its main island is not very large, and it houses ports for the different boats that arrive at the place. It is there where you can rent and negotiate prices for boats for trips and boat excursions, as well as being able to take guided tours of the surroundings.
You can take a gulet cruise around Kekova Bay!
This is one of the best plans to do in the Turquoise Coast and truly experience the Mediterranean Sea. The pine forests blend with the ancient cities of the island of Kekova and the rest of the Lycian archaeological ruins, creating a truly impressive atmosphere. The proximity of the boat ride is a trip that you will truly remember forever.
If renting a gulet is out of your budget, you can take other boat trips with capacity for up to 20 people if you are going with a group of friends. The boat will make strategic stops with activities such as swimming in the waters of nearby beaches only accessible by sea, and snorkeling. The other option is to rent a kayak and explore Kekova Island and the coast independently.
If you love history, natural beauty, fun and relaxation, this trip will provide the complete experience.
KAS: Tourism
The fishing village of Kas, located in the province of Antalya west of Kekova, is surrounded by high mountains. Fishing is the name of the game in this charming place, as the coast has all the conditions for this activity. But, in addition, swimming and diving are two of the best activities to practice, especially in the fresh and crystal-clear waters that surround Kas. You will find many street kiosks to buy souvenirs, local crafts, original copper and silver pieces, and lots of clothes. In addition, this town has many options of bars and restaurants with excellent nightlife.
There is so much to see and explore.There is no doubt about it, from walking among the hills to discovering one new village hidden behind another, among ruins that inspire antiquity, culture and history. It really is a very idyllic setting where with a little imagination it is like travelling through time.
ALANYA: What is it like?
It has had a strategic geographical position since ancient times, as it was an important centre of operations for the ancient civilisations of the area. Its castle, built on the remains of the Byzantine and ancient Roman eras, is perhaps the piece that most identifies it among the rest of the spots in the city. Turquoise Coast, and functions as a very attractive open-air museum, with enviable views. In addition, the walls of the citadel are still very well preserved, as are other impressive ruins.
Today it is a busy tourist centre with modern hotels and motels catering to all styles, and plenty of delicious fish restaurants, bars and cafes surrounding the harbour. And let's not forget the shops with a variety of classic leather goods, local jewellery, handbags, clothes and also the classic and symbolic painted pumpkins that you can't find anywhere else.
Another highlight for the more explorers is to visit the almost ghostly rock formations at Damlatas Cave or stroll through the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum. You can take a boat trip to the three nearby sea caves such as Aşiklar Mağarası, Kızlar Mağarasi, and Fosforlu Mağara (with phosphorescent rock formations).
The International Folklore Festival is a classic event in the area during the month of August. It is beautiful how the place is completely transformed, multicoloured and multicultural.
SIMENA (Kalekoy today)
About 1900 years ago, an earthquake submerged the town of Simena under the sea. Today, it is one of the most fascinating landscapes in the Turkish Mediterranean. It is located in the province of Antalya, just opposite the island of Kekova. Its name translates as “castle town”. It is a very interesting area to see because you can perfectly see how it houses a large Byzantine fortress (the Castle of the Knights of Rhodes) on high and also houses a large Lycian necropolis below (under its waters): the famous sunken sarcophagus. Sailing through its crystal-clear waters, you can see the ruins of ancient Lycian and Roman buildings.
In addition, the Ölüdeniz Nature Park located there has some of the best beaches in Turkey to fully enjoy the Mediterranean. The place offers all the amenities, from sun lounger and kayak rentals, to restaurant and beach bar offers, and shower service. Kalekoy is a destination known for its tranquility and relaxation.
SIDE
What is the city of Side like?
It was once one of the most important trading ports in the entire coastal area and one of the best-known towns in Turkey. Today it is an ideal town to visit on your walk along the Turkish coast, with two beautiful sandy beaches and countless shops, cafes, and restaurants, all with beautiful sea views due to its idyllic location. Among its pine forests are the tourist resorts of Sorgun, Titreyengöl I and II and Kızılağaç, popular for their beautiful sandy blue-band beaches. Its ruins are considered among the most outstanding in Asia Minor. Among them is the Temple of Apollo.
Ephesus: Tourism
The Ephesus area houses one of the most impressive open-air museums of all with Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine influences.Some of its most striking ruins have been reconstructed and some are half buried. It is truly a very interesting location, full of history, and well worth a visit. You can take a full tour of the area with a tour guide if you wish, or venture out into its colorful rocky areas. Among its most representative places are the Vedios Gymnasium, the Port Street and the Great Theater that could accommodate 24,000 spectators at the same time, making it one of the largest theaters in the area. Ephesus really gives a better idea of what life was like at that time, and today it is one of the most important and largest archaeological extensions in the world, as well as being one of the best preserved.
These and many more are the building blocks of this amazing coastal line in Turkey. The truth is that the whole of the Turkish Coast is formed by villages, areas, ports and islands, which together create a cultural and coastal environment ideal for spending an excellent and different holiday.
FETHIYE: What is it like?
The name is a bit difficult to pronounce, but it is actually one of the most touristic towns in this historic enclave of the Turkish Mediterranean. In fact, it is one of the largest towns in the area, very well supplied with restaurants, shops, bus lines, beaches and ports. Among the activities that stand out the most is visiting the series of Tombs of Amyntas with guided tours if you wish or you can also visit it on your own.
Paragliding at this spot is the best! The views of the emerald mountains and crystal clear waters are truly a mind-blowing experience if you like adventure sports.
Another attraction in this area is the Valley of the Butterflies, a protected and preserved area and its access has a cost of approximately 6 liras per person. Nowadays butterflies are scarce, but none of that has taken away the charm of this green place with waterfalls and trails. The boat trips are incredible, and they also offer full-day tours to visit the beaches.
You can take a walking tour along the coast in Fethiye!
If hiking is your thing, on the Turkish Coast you have the opportunity to do so while enjoying the most spectacular views. The Turkish coast is just over 500 km long, while you cross beautiful pine forests, archaeological sites and incomparable cliffs.
The trek starts in Fethiye and ends in Antalya. Please note that the difficulty level is medium-high, so you must have some experience to enjoy this activity.
Among the enclaves that this route passes through, the Valley of the Butterflies stands out, which, as we have mentioned before, can only be accessed by boat from Olüdeniz or on foot.
THE BEST BEACHES ON THE TURQUOISE COAST
What are the best beaches on the Turquoise Coast?
Turquoise and crystal-clear beaches await in this incredible spot full of history. We have compiled some of the best beaches you can visit on your trip to the Turkish Riviera!
Olympus Beach
You will find it in the small village of Ciraly, on the slopes of Mount Olympus. It is one of the most famous beaches in all of Turkey. The area has hotel and guesthouse options if you wish to stay in this area.It is home to what is known as the Burning Rock: flames that burn spontaneously between the rocky cracks on the slopes, a natural phenomenon that has historically been attributed to legends of gods and mythological creatures.
Kaputas Beach
Although this beach is small, it is really beautiful, located a few kilometers from Kas at the mouth of the Kaputas canyon. It is often compared to the beaches of Mallorca and Ibiza. It is especially recommended for nature and climbing lovers. The view from its cliffs is unmatched, and its almost transparent water is excellent for snorkeling. Please note that Kaputas Beach does not have hotels or private services, and the sun loungers and parasols available are available to the public for free use.
Patara Beach
Completely unspoiled and with long stretches of white sand, ideal for that day at the beach you've been dreaming of. You can even climb its cliffs and cross its dunes, enjoying the natural beauty that this spot has to offer. Ideal for relaxing getaways away from the excess of tourists. It is really big, 18 kilometres long and about 300 metres wide with fine, golden sand. To access it, you must cross the remains of the ancient city of Patara. Its ruins are spread out along the path that the beach leads to.
Big Pebble Beach
Known for being the best beach in the resort of Kas, less than 3km from the city. This beach with large white pebbles and crystal-clear waters is ideal for spending a relaxing day at the beach and is also highly recommended for snorkelling and other water sports. It is small, quiet and cosy, although it is one of the most popular due to its proximity to Kas. In addition, it offers showers, toilets and changing rooms for free.
Ölüdeniz Beach
This is the furthest beach from Kas, but visitors claim that it is the best beach in Turkey, and also the most beautiful (about 5 kilometers long). It is also known as the beach of Blue Lagoon (The Blue Lagoon) where pebbles abound, but the waters are calm, shallow and so blue that they don't seem real.
Ölüdeniz, surrounded by green mountains full of trails that start at the beach itself, is home to this beautiful blue lagoon where you can find not only bathers but also some typical animals such as geese and ducks. It is truly quite a spectacle.
It is also a meeting point for lovers of paragliding, and the area is ideal for practicing this adventure sport, jumping from the Babadag mountain, in nearby Fethiye. Climbing to the top, at just over 1,900 meters high, in all-terrain vehicles that wind along roads covered with Lebanese cedars, is already an adrenaline rush.
The views from here are incredible, the perfect combination of a powerful green, an almost magical blue from the lagoon, and in the distance snow-capped mountains that visually cool off the heat of the coast. In addition, to the north of Ölüdeniz, you can start the so-called Lycian Way, one of the longest hiking routes in Turkey that extends for 500 kilometers in a demanding trek that passes through towns such as Kalkan, Kas, Mira, Olympos, Cirali and Tekirova.
It is one of the most touristic, so during high season it is full of people from all over the world.
STAYING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST
When you travel to the Turquoise Coast The recommendation is that you stay strategically to follow your tourist route.You can choose a base for lodging (a hotel or inn) and travel along the coast in a rented car. Or, as a second option, you can spend the night in different towns or cities along the coast according to your route and agenda of activities, in order to get to know each location in more depth.
Either of these two recommendations is interesting. Everything will depend on the reason for your trip and your companions. The important thing is that you choose a method of stay that suits your needs and allows you to enjoy this beautiful coastline to the fullest.
There are many accommodation options, and for all tastes. You just have to look at which location on your itinerary is the most convenient for you and which would be the most ideal location according to the spots and beaches you want to visit.
Should I visit the Turquoise Coast?
The truth is that a visit to the Turquoise Coast That sounds good! Nighttime fun? Daytime fun? This place has it all, and historically speaking, it's a place you should visit at least once in your life.
From the look you will feel as if you have traveled to the past, but in the present. We assure you that you will have a great time on your visit to the Turquoise Coast!
