A paradisiacal experience on the Turquoise Coast

Discover the wonders of the Turquoise Coast on the Turkish Riviera! If you are a lover of exploration, paradisiacal beaches and the perfect vacation, then this post is for you. Nothing like starting new adventures and especially in spots as beautiful and impressive as the 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 and Mediterranean Seas.

It is a panoramic experience full of colors, textures and flavors. Its waters and environment are phenomenal, with temperate climates throughout the year, fresh sea air, fishing villages, caves, archaeological ruins and a lot of historical culture. I am sure that if you decide to enjoy your holidays on the Turquoise Coast you will have a great time in every way.

For many tourists, who have left their mark on these white sands, the Turquoise Coast is a source of unforgettable memories and relaxing moments. Although for many it is even the "Ibiza" of the Aegean. Yes, it is a location full of emotions for everyone! Read on and learn more about the experience of visiting this incredible coastline in Turkey.

GETTING TO THE TURQUOISE COAST

How to get to the turquoise coast?

The Turquoise Coast 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 through Istanbul.

You can reach 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 reach the coast, so this is also an excellent option. However, you must 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 to travel on the same trip for religious reasons.

Can I use the bus on the Turquoise Coast?

Getting around by bus within the coast is not bad, but the recommendation is that you rent a car with which you can move as you please through the different towns and beaches. In any case, taking a taxi will always be a valid option to get around, everything will depend on your possibilities and your budget. The 1,000 km of coastline are easily covered, despite the fact that 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 at it and full of incredible things to see and visit.

Where to stay on the Turquoise Coast?

The most ideal thing is that you choose one of the towns on the coast and use it as an operations center to move to the different spots of the place, or stay 1 or 2 nights in a town or city and move on to the next depending on the route of your itinerary. We'll talk a bit about the best places to visit later so you can choose the one you love the most. The variety of accommodation is quite wide for being such a tourist location, you can find options from the most luxurious to the most modest.

THE CITY OF ANTALYA

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, home to the “Altın Portakal” (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival held every autumn, as well as the famous Kemer Multicolor Carnival, which is offered in the seaside resort of Kemer, 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 are visible from the coast for 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 amphitheatre, Hadrian's Gate and the Roman baths that are still objective of visit by locals and tourists who travel from all over the world to this beautiful and historic 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 Empire, 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 actually 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, along the Mount Taurus range, sink completely below sea level, creating small bays and natural peninsulas. Its rocky plains house, on the one hand, the city center and also the Kepezustu area, which is a more residential area. It is the combination of the European influence in a coastal atmosphere with aroma of spices that makes it such a special place to visit.

Its historic center is worth visiting, you will see classic streets, and Turkish and Greek buildings. Today it is almost crammed with hotels, bars, local jewelery shops and bazaars due to the level of tourism it has adopted, but the whole touristy atmosphere is an essential part of its charm. Its local gastronomy fuses the best of the eastern with the western in Turkish food, highly influenced by seafood.

What tourist activities are there in Antalya?

This paradisiacal area of ​​Antalya - set by its pine, olive, palm, banana and citrus groves - inspires sunbathing, swimming and adventure sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, sailing and mountaineering, or including skiing in the morning during the months of March and April in Sakilikent, about 50 kilometers from the city, on the northern slope of the 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 of the area (such as Yivli Minareli or the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa), the monuments to Ataturk and the theology school called the Karatay Madrasa, also located in the Kaleici neighborhood.

In addition, it stands out in the Kaleici Marina, because it is full of parks, discos, cafes, restaurants and bars, which give the city a lot of life, especially to meet at night.

In this area there are also many parks and natural spots that with their beauty will leave you speechless with their views, multicolored flora and warm climate. Among the most prominent are:

• Karaalioğlu
• Mermerly
• Ataturk
• Gençlik
• Bey Dağları (Olympos) National Park.
• Recep Bilgin
• Konyaaltı Forest
• Yavuz Özcan
• Upper Düden Waterfalls
• Lower Düden Waterfalls (with about 40 m. high that falls directly into the sea)
• Kurşunlu Waterfalls and NiIüfer Lake (18 km from Antalya)
• Tünektepe, among many others.

And of course, the beaches on its coastline are some of the most incredible, among which Lara Beach (one of the most posh of all), Adalar, Mermeli, Konyaalti and Konyaalti beach stand out for their atmosphere and tourist attraction. Topcam in front of the Sican Island, a mysterious and delightful natural paradise.

You cannot miss the historical beauty and visual experience and tranquility that these parks and natural spots in the beautiful city of Antalya represent!

OTHER AMAZING VILLAGES ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

KEKOVA: How is it?

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 to sail 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 boat trips and excursions, as well as being able to take guided tours of the surroundings.

You can take a schooner cruise on Kekova Bay!

This is one of the best plans to do on the Turquoise Coast and really live the experience that the Mediterranean Sea offers us. The pine forests mix 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 boating is a walk that you will truly remember forever.

If the gulet rental is out of your budget, you can do other boat excursions with a capacity of up to 20 people in case you go with a group of friends. The boat will make strategic stops with activities such as bathing in the waters of the nearby beaches only accessible by sea, and snorkeling. The other option is to rent a kayak and tour the island of Kekova and the coast independently.

If you are a lover of history, natural beauties, fun and relaxation, this trip does provide the complete experience.

KAS: Tourism

The fishing village of Kas, located in the Antalya province west of Kekova, surrounded by high mountains. Things are about fishing in this enchanting place, because the coast has all the conditions for this activity. But, in addition, swimming and diving are two of the activities that are best practiced, especially due to the fresh and crystalline waters that border Kas. You will find many mobile kiosks to buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, original pieces of copper and silver, and lots of clothes. In addition, this city has many options for bars and restaurants with excellent nightlife.

There is so much to see and explore. There is no doubt about that, from walking among the hills to discovering a new town hidden behind another, among ruins that inspire antiquity, culture and history. It is really a very idyllic setting in which with a little imagination it is like traveling through time.

ALANYA: How is it?

It has a strategic geographical position since ancient times, as it was an important operations center for the ancient civilizations of the area. Its castle, built on the remains of the Byzantine and ancient Roman times, is perhaps the piece that most identifies it among the rest of the spots on the Turquoise Coast, and works as a very attractive open-air museum , with enviable views. In addition, the walls of the citadel are still very well preserved, and other impressive ruins.

Today it is a busy tourist center every year, with modern hotels and motels catering for all styles, and plenty of delicious fish restaurants, bars and cafes surrounding the harbour. And let's not forget the stores with multiple and classic skins, native jewelry, bags, clothes and also the classic and symbolic painted gourds that you can't find anywhere else.

Another emblem recommended for the more explorers is to visit the almost ghostly rock formations in the Damlatas Cave or stroll through the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum. You can take a boat trip to the three nearby marine caves such as Aşiklar Mağarası, Kızlar Mağarasi, and Fosforlu Mağara (with phosphorescent rock formations).

For its part, the International Folklore Festival gives rise to a classic event in the area during the month of August. It is beautiful how the place is completely transformed, multicolored and multicultural.

SIMENA (Kalekoy nowadays)

Some 1900 years ago an earthquake occurred and submerged the city of Simena under the sea. Today one of the most fascinating landscapes of the Turkish Mediterranean. It is located in the province of Antalya, right in front of the Kekova Island. Its name translates as "castle town". It is a very curious area to see because it is perfectly appreciated as it houses a large Byzantine fortress on top (the Castle of the Rhodes Knights) and also houses a large Lycian necropolis below (under its waters): the famous submerged sarcophagus. Navigating through its crystalline waters, you can see the ruins of ancient Lycian and Roman buildings.

In addition, the Ölüdeniz Natural Park located there has some of the best beaches in Turkey to fully enjoy the Mediterranean. The place offers all the comforts, from sun lounger and kayak rentals, to offers of restaurants and beach bars, and shower service. Kalekoy is a destination recognized for its tranquility and relaxation.

SIDE

What is the city of Side like?

In ancient times, it was one of the most important commercial ports in this entire coastal area, and one of the best-known enclaves in Turkey. Today it is an ideal city to visit on your walk along the Turkish Coast, with two beautiful sandy beaches and countless shops, cafes, and restaurants, all with beautiful views of the sea due to its idyllic location. Among its pine forests it houses the tourist centers Sorgun, Titreyengöl I and II and Kızılağaç popular for their beautiful and sandy blue band beaches. Its ruins are considered among the most outstanding in Asia Minor. Among them includes the Temple of Apollo.

EFESUS: Tourism

Ephesus area houses one of the most impressive open-air museums of all with Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine influences. Some of its most impressive ruins have been rebuilt and some others are half buried. The truth is that it is a very interesting location, and very full of history that is very worth going to visit. You can take a complete tour of the area if you wish with a tour guide, or venture through its colorful rocky areas. Among its most representative places are the Gimnasio de Vedios, Calle del Puerto and the Gran Teatro that could seat 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 that today it is one of the most important and largest archaeological expanses in the world, as well as being one of the best preserved.

Among these and many more, this amazing coastal strip in Turkey is being built. The truth is that the entire Turkish Coast is formed between small towns, areas, ports and islands, which together create an ideal cultural and coastal environment to spend excellent and different vacations.

FETHIYE: How is it?

The name is somewhat difficult to pronounce, but it is actually one of the most touristic cities 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 in this spot is the best! The views of the emerald mountains and the crystal clear waters are truly an amazing experience if you like adventure sports.

Another of the attractions of this area is the Valle de Las Mariposas, a protected and preserved area and its access has a cost of approximately 6 liras per person. Currently butterflies are scarce, but none of that has taken away the charm of this green place with waterfalls and trails. The boat excursions are incredible, and they also offer full-day tours to visit the beaches.

You can do the Coastal Walk in Fethiye!

If hiking is your thing, on the Turkish Coast you have the opportunity to practice it while enjoying the most spectacular views. The Turkish coast is traveled along a little more than 500 km, while you cross beautiful pine forests, archaeological sites and cliffs without comparison.

The trek starts from Fethiye and ends in Antalya. Take into account that the level of difficulty is medium-high, you must have some experience to enjoy this activity.

Among the enclaves through which this route passes, the Valley of the Butterflies stands out, which, as we mentioned before, can only be accessed by boat from Olüdeniz or on foot.

THE BEST BEACHES ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Which are the best beaches on the Turquoise Coast?

Turquoise and crystalline beaches await in this spot so incredible and full of history. We have compiled some of the best beaches you can visit on your trip to the Turkish Riviera!

Olympus Beach

You find her in the small town of Ciraly, on the slopes of Mount Olympus. It is one of the most famous beaches in all of Turkey. The area has options of hotels and lodging pensions if you want to stay in this area. It houses what is known as the Burning Rock: flames that burn spontaneously between the rocky crevices of the slopes, whose natural phenomenon is historically 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. They compare it a lot with the beaches of Mallorca and Ibiza. It is especially recommended for lovers of nature and climbing. The view from its cliffs is unmatched, and its almost transparent water is excellent for snorkeling. Take into account that Kaputas Beach does not have hotels or private services, and the available sun loungers and umbrellas are available to the public for free use.

Patara Beach

Completely virgin and with long stretches of white sand, ideal for that day at the beach that you are dreaming of. You can even climb its cliffs and cross its dunes enjoying the natural beauties that this spot has to offer. Ideal for relaxing getaways away from the excess of tourists. It is really big, 18 kilometers long and about 300 meters wide with fine golden sand. To access it you must go through the remains of the ancient city of Patara. Its ruins are scattered along the path that leads to the beach.

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 crystalline waters is ideal for spending a relaxing day at the beach and is also highly recommended for snorkeling 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 free of charge.

Olüdeniz Beach

This is the furthest beach from Kas, but visitors say 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 the Blue Lagoon (La Laguna Azul) where the pebbles abound, but the waters are calm, shallow and so blue that they do not seem real.

Ölüdeniz, is surrounded by green mountains full of trails that start on the beach itself, and is home to this beautiful blue lagoon where you not only find bathers but also some typical animals such as geese and ducks. It really is quite a show.

Furthermore, it is a meeting point for paralyze lovers, the area is ideal for practicing this adventure sport, jumping from the Babadag mountain, in nearby Fethiye. It climbs to its top, just over 1.900 meters high, in all-terrain vehicles that meander along roads populated with cedars from Lebanon, it is already a waste of adrenaline.

The views from here are incredible, the perfect combination between powerful green, an almost magical blue for the lagoon, and in the distance snow-capped mountains that visually cool the heat of the coast. In addition, to the north of Ölüdeniz, you can start the route of the so-called Lycian Way, one of the longest hiking routes in Turkey that extends for 500 kilometers in a demanding trekking that passes through towns such as Kalkan, Kas, Mira, Olympos , Cirali and Tekirova.

It is one of the most touristic areas, so in high season it is filled with many 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 lodging base (the same hotel or inn) and move along the coast in a rented car. Or, as a second option, you can spend the night in different places, towns or cities on the coast according to your route and schedule of activities, in order to learn more about each location.

Either of these two recommendations is interesting. Everything will depend on the reason for your trips and your companions. The important thing is that you choose a method of stay that suits your needs and allows you to fully enjoy this beautiful coastline.

There are many accommodation options, and for all tastes. You just have to look at which location of your itinerary is the best 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 sure looks good! Night fun? Daytime fun? This place has it all and also, historically speaking, it is a place that you should visit at least once in your life.

From the moment you look at it 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!