Koprulugu National Park is a top spot for those interested in rafting. Where it still sits crumbling into the countryside. km with 97% of this area located in Asia and the rest in Europe. Kabak Valley on the other hand can also be reached by bus, however, note that the bus will drop you at the main road and youll then need to walk down (and then back up!) Booking.com does NOT work when you are inside Turkey. Though, any beach you find in this region will be pleasant and picture ready. Pressed against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea with ancient Lycian ruins practically on the pebbly beach. They might increase the frequency after COVID. Bodrum is an easily accessible city (due to its proximity to the local airport), making it an excellent destination for visitors. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Inland, youll find almond trees and olive farms that you can explore. Mountain crests exceed 7,500 feet (2,300 metres) in many places, particularly in the east, where Turkeys highest mountain, Mount Ararat (Ar), reaches 16,945 feet (5,165 metres) close to the borders with Armenia and Iran. This is only another hour or so away. (3 Nights) Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley. Less than 50 miles from the coast, peaks rise to more than 10,000 feet (3,000 metres), with a maximum elevation of 12,917 feet (3,937 metres) in the Kakar range. While children can participate in this activity, its generally not safe (or allowed) for those under 12. Unless you want to just split a mezze which you totally could because portions are huge. More information is available about food to try while in Turkey in our Turkish Food Guide. Wander the streets of the Old Town and youll also find historical sites such as Hadrians Gate and the Fluted Minaret. We started our journey through Turkey by flying into the small resort town of Antalya. The Domat and Memecik varieties are from the Aegean region, and youll likely see these on your plate in some form here. It only departs twice per day, however. Turkey's highest point is Mt. Approximately 10km from Fethiye sits Oludeniz and its gorgeous long beach and famous Blue Lagoon. Pack more snacks + consider renting a tent to bring on your own. The real reason we ended up in Ankara was the Iranian Embassy. The Aegean and Mediterranean regions particularly thrive on various fish dishes due to the proximity to the sea, along with olives, wine, and fresh produce. Almost all travelers who linger here are planning to embark on the Lycian Way. Since there are many towns and cities on the Turkish Riviera, there are quite a few accommodation options that range from luxury 5-star hotels to budget stays and villas. The Turkish Riviera is a stretch of coastline that lies alongside the Mediterranean and Aegean seas in the south-west of Turkey. Chanel West Coast stunned in a strappy dress featuring high boots and an . This pension has stunning Kaleii-style architecture, a pool, a rooftop terrace, and epic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. Dont miss hiking up to the Eternal Flames and exploring the ancient ruins of Olympos during your stay. Not only will you see the Sunken City area, but youll also stop at some beautiful bays for swimming and get to wander around the historical village of Simena, known for its byzantine castle and homemade ice cream. You have three potential starting points. Turkeys Turquoise Coast has something for everyone, and you could easily spend a few weeks here exploring the different towns. Patara. We're in our 30s and are keen to experience a mixture of relaxation, nature, history and city sights. Cappadocia to Antalya: You can also take a bus directly from Greme to Antalya. Images and other credits The water would still be quite cold at that time so you may not want to get in the water but sometimes the kids just dont care. Definitely one of my favorite meals I ate in Turkey. So off to the bar (not tap room). Greece, Iraq, Georgia, Syria, Bulgaria, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan. 2023 ADVENTUREFOLIO LLC. The Lycian Way is one of the most underrated and least known things to do on Turkeys turquoise coast. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Fresh vegetables like arugula are also included on the side. Even though the Turkish Riviera is not overcrowded, it remains a popular area for families to visit in Turkey. Updates? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. . This region of Turkeys turquoise coast is also very well suited to a road trip and seeing all the isolated roadside beaches + vistas, we wished we had our own rental car to drive from Antalya to Fethiye. Like most of the destinations along the Turquoise Coast, Olympos is home to an ancient city. Im sure you could also find a direct tourist shuttle but youll pay far more. Turkey is home to 519 Blue Flag beaches, which makes it in the third place in the world. But unless you visit for sunset when the hillside they sit on offers the best view of the city, you might as well just admire them from anywhere in the old town region. Olympos has a very different feel to the other places on this list. Hiking is an excellent way to see the Turquoise Coast and its many nature offerings. Finike oranges are popular in the area; they hail from Antalya. This is a quick list of all the things you could stay and see in Seluk. Its beauty is so apparent that it is said Mark Antony gifted the Turkish Riviera to Cleopatra, his bride. Each room includes a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a fireplace to relax next to. That and the delicious traditional Turkish food at Heira Cafe. As observed on the physical map of the country above, the European part of Turkey called Eastern Thrace is located at the extreme eastern edge of the Balkan Peninsula. Like olives, salads are a major part of Turkish cuisine. I found it to be a lovely relaxing stopover (with again, some great local eats) with a beautiful seaside boardwalk for strolling + a European vibe you dont find in most other places in Turkey. What it lacks in stuff to do + see, it makes up for with great food. As well as Amazon, Travel and Destinations also works with Booking.com, Google Adsense and other partners. If you can only stay on the Turkey Turquoise Coast for a short time, youll want to consider visiting and staying in the below locations. Over most of its length, the Mediterranean coastal plain is narrow, but there are two major lowland embayments. Every country seems to have one remote town that the hippy community takes over. Turkish Riviera: Guide to Turkeys Turquoise Coast, Tips on changing money and tipping in Turkey, Top destinations for families visiting Turkey, Family-friendly tried and tested things to do in Turkey, Sillyon: Ancient City near Antalya, Turkey, Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia with Kids. The pros of living on the Turquoise Coast. Explore such sites as the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena, and the ancient theater while in Side. You definitely wont need more than a single day. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Below, youll find a guide to the Turkey Turquoise Coast, from places to eat to spots to visit, activities, accommodations, and more. This is one of the most popular activities to do in Oludeniz, and seeing the Blue Lagoon and surroundings from above is simply breathtaking. Disclosure: Your support helps keep our site running. This city is well-known for its breathtaking nature scenes and plentiful historic sites. If youre after adventure, there are a number of activities on offer from rock climbing to quad biking. Below are a few historical sites that you should aim to see during a day trip. Visit at night to see this unique attraction in its full glory. The sea temperature for this period . The Turquoise Coast looks lovely and I would like to see the Rock Tombs! This hotel is only a few minutes away from The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Myndus Gate by foot. PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF SERVICE. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures. Belek is a town in Antalya that is considered a tourist hub. The rural villages of the far East are still on our list for exploring and offer a completely different side to the country. Hiking and cruising are not the only ways to explore the Turkish Riviera. The trails are pretty exposed and involve a lot of elevation change in some parts. With an area of 40,813.52 sq. But then a marked drop to 27C for Wednesday. The Marmaris Bay Resort is a luxe family resort with accommodations like a large pool, playground, and lovely garden to spend time in. If youre looking for secluded paradise beaches then look no further than Butterfly and Kabak Valley. The Turkish Riviera stretches alongside the southern coast and southwest Turkey coast from Antalya to Bodrum. The Turkish Riviera remains a unique and culturally rich area to explore. The three main airport hubs that lie on the coast include the Antalya Airport, Dalaman Airport, and Bodrum Airport. Ankara to Antalya or Cappadocia: Both cities have bus connections in Ankara. Whilst in Kas, make sure to do a boat trip to see the underground city of Kekova. Most tourists in search of cheap flights, however, fly into Istanbul. Originally from London, she lived and worked in Vietnam for 4 years before deciding to pursue her passion for full time travel. I cant speak for the food here but sitting outside in the sunshine drinking $1.50 glasses of wine + cheap beer is the best way to spend an afternoon. As a geological point-of-interest, the country is positioned on one of the planet's major fault lines, and earthquakes are rather common. Guide to Turkeys Turquoise Coast (Beautiful Places to Visit), I agree to my personal data (email) being stored and used to receive the newsletter. The ruins here are somewhat overgrown which only makes them more interesting, as you walk among the trees to discover different parts of the old city. The beach is backed by the ruins of the ancient city of Patara with its impressive amphitheatre. Turkey is bounded on the north by the Black Sea, on the northeast by Georgia and Armenia, on the east by Azerbaijan and Iran, on the southeast by Iraq and Syria, on the southwest and west by the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, and on the northwest by Greece and Bulgaria. The European part of the country extends to the west but is separated from the Asian part by the Turkish Straits. During the excavations, traces of visits of Mesolithic hunters, carbon-dated to about 9000 B.C.E., were . While the Turquoise Coast is generally known for its beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its beach options. Fethiye is a far larger city than it feels initially. Some of the most popular (and well-known) beaches include ldeniz, ztuzu, and Patara. Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera and provides visitors with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and plenty of activities. Inn 14 Hostel is another great option if youre okay with bunks. Dont be surprised if you see a small salad bowl drizzled with olive oil during mealtime. alis Market Best form of transport while in Turkey: 1. Take your kayak to see the famous underwater Sunken City ruins nearby, and then explore the Ancient Simena ruins in Kaleky. Kas (pronounced Kash) is a small seaside town sitting about halfway along the Turquoise Coast. Fethiye to Lycian Way: After preparing for your multi-day hike lets get you to the trailhead. Despite the odd name, this little restaurant is unassumingly inside an old house right across from the site of the Temple of Artemis. These cruises are ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and friend groups. This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. Four main regions can be identified: the northern folded zone, the southern folded zone, the central massif, and the Arabian platform. Fethiye 2. Find the right Turkey package for you through Western Turkey. Kayakoy ghost town is also well worth an afternoon. Turkey is number four in the world for top producers of wine grapes. hello this is a test. Fill in your email and get our best travel tips for families sent straight to your inbox! By the way, its pronounced cahsh. In fact, Olympos has become famous for this unique accommodation option, so dont miss the chance to stay in one whilst youre here. See our guide for what to do in Antalya with kids. This length will allow you to try the various restaurants, explore the area, see the historic sites, and take part in a blue cruise. The mansion for sale, located on a 3 thousand square meter plot, has a parking lot for 7 cars, private garden areas, private swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, fitness, massage room and outbuildings. The area is also known as the Turquoise Coast. I'll help teach you how to find off-the-beaten-path attractions even in the most traveled places & give you the confidence to visit any destination that piques your curiosity. Youll find that olives appear in every meal (including breakfast) in Turkey. Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to ensure they can accommodate you for dinner. As observed on the physical map of the country above, the European part of Turkey called Eastern Thrace is located at the extreme eastern edge of the Balkan Peninsula. . There are wild national parks and protected areas, the Aegean sea, the Mediterranean sea, valleys, gorges and more. There are also a number of day trips that can be taken from Antalya, particularly to the beautiful natural sights of Duden Waterfall and Kursunlu Waterfall. If youre after some history, you can also visit the nearby ghost town of Kayakoy. Few hostels, guesthouses, and even fewer typical tourist attractions indicate that the city is not a common stopover for foreign tourists. Marmaris is known as the party city of the Turkish Riviera. In the 1200 square meter living area, there are 5 bedrooms with a perfectly designed private room on an area of 88 square meters, and two lounge . It was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity. Because of this, there are quite a few wineries on the Turkish Riviera where you can enjoy tastings. We stayed at Lily Boutique Guesthouse where the host was able to give us all the best recommendations for the city. From there the public ferry is only a few dollars and offers a scenic journey across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. Fethiye. Get inspired! Turkey occupies an area of 783,356 sq. Masai Mara Fees: Check Park Fees, Excursion & Safari Cost, Camino de Santiago: Pilgrim Passport & Tips, Sweden Travel Guide | All You Need to Know. Whilst Fethiye and Antalya are both nice cities in their own right and definitely worth visiting, its the places in between where youll really find the turquoise blue water and beautiful beaches. Learn how your comment data is processed. About one-fourth of the surface has an elevation above 4,000 feet (1,200 metres), and less than two-fifths lies below 1,500 feet (460 metres). If you have an extra day or two, you can take a road trip to one of the smaller beach towns. But if youd like to complete part of it, then the hike from Oludeniz to Kabak Valley is perfect. All of the coastline is incredible but this area is particularly beautiful. Without these insights, it would be very difficult to run this website. When I was told Suluk was a popular port for cruises in the area, I almost canceled our visit. Some places that stick out to me that our kids have loved between Fethiye & Antalya: Kitesurf at Calis Beach in Fethiye Saklikent Canyon Kaputas Beach Hiking a short section of the Lycian Way It runs all the way from Fethiye to Antalya Visit the Sunken City of Kekova & climbing up the Kalekoy Castle. Only a short walk from the centre of town, these impressive tombs were built by the ancient Lycians in 4th Century BC. Any questions about planning your Turkish itinerary? How to Spend 2 Weeks on Turkeys Turquoise Coast, Map of Turkeys Turquoise Coast (2 Weeks Itinerary), What you Need to Know About Hiking the Lycian Way, Heres the scoop on the sacred deer of Nara , Japan is known for being one of the most *expensiv, SAVE FOR KOREAN FOOD This beautiful coastline also referred to as the Turquoise Coast, is home to 500 beaches, myths, legends, and two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Mausolus ruins). The mountain system falls into two main parts. Taking the bus will allow you to reach your final destination easily, though you will likely have some walking required. A small fee takes you into the forest, where you can spot various ruins (like a Roman temple) along the path. This isnt a cheap meal. Once there you can easily reach any of the destinations listed below, either by bus or by renting a car. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. Credit: Mark, Slow Travel Guide. It is said that a nude, lifelike statue of Aphrodite once resided in Knidos, drawing visitors from all over the world. Kas. Turkey is a predominantly mountainous country, and true lowland is confined to the coastal fringes. We will be traveling by boat and are flexible, just starting to explore the area. But it is a traditional meal. We've got 127 adventures going to Western Turkey, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. Kadirs Tree Houses were the first to be established and this hostel is still going today. Separated by the narrow trough of the Kelkit and oruh river valleys stands a second ridge that rises above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). There are many adventurous activities that you can take advantage of as well. Kalkan, a fishing town, has many offerings regarding food and rooftop restaurants that allow you to see the pristine beaches and water while enjoying a meal. Antalya to Olympos: This is an easy bus journey. During this period, temperatures are between 24.7 C (76.5 F) - 33.3 C (91.9 F), night temperatures are between 14.7 C (58.4 F) - 22.0 C (71.6 F), rainfall averages 2 days per month, and 11.7 hours of sunlight on average. You can hop on a train (or bus) to the port cities of Bursa or Bandirma. Sometimes called Iskender Kebap. This is a huge bummer and has to do with the Turkish governments ongoing feud with the company. There are 500 beaches to choose from spread throughout the region. Kas pronounced Kash also features some of the most beautiful beaches in the Turkish Riviera (and Turkey). Most of them are quite painful. Fethiye is where youll find the perfect home base for visiting heritage sites, historic ruins, majestic mountains, lovely beaches, Butterfly Valley, and stunning lagoons. There really is something for everyone. This area comprises 600 miles of beautiful sandy beaches like Konyaalti Beach and lovely welcoming beach towns such as Kas and Kalkan. One advantage of Turkey is its long summer, with temperatures staying warm enough for the beach from April all the way through to mid-November. Datca is a lovely town filled with relaxing beaches and coves to explore. The top of Butterfly Valley, the bottom of Butterfly Valley, or the town of Oludeniz. Diving is another excellent way to explore the Turkish Riviera. Turkish center Alperen engn had the best performance of his young career against the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday, posting a career-best 33 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four blocks for the Houston Rockets, but failed to prevent a 140-132 loss. 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