Just when you think you have discovered all there is to know about Türkiye something else comes up to surprise you. The Turkish Riviera in the southwestern corner of the country is so named due to its comfortable climate, warm seas, gorgeous mountain vistas, excellent beaches and a shoreline stretching along the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
Also known as the Turquoise Coast, the region is steeped in mythology and culture and features in the folklore of numerous ancient civilisations. Here are six of the best resort towns scattered along the coastline that you should visit during your Turkey tour.
Literally translated as the “Dead Sea” in the Turkish language, this beach resort is anything but. With a nationally protected lagoon, sandy beach and the mountain of Baba Dağ in sight, the town welcomes hordes of tourists flocking to its shores during the summer. Its waters shimmer in shades of turquoise and aquamarine.
For those wanting a bit more adventure The Lycian Way is a 509km trekking route which recreates the ancient trading course of the Lycians. It ends near Butterfly Valley and take visitors through waterfalls, cliffs and ancient ruins.
How to get here: The easiest way to get here is to fly in to Dalaman International Airport from Istanbul. From the airport, the beach town is 1.5 hours away by road.
A relatively unspoiled spot on the Turquoise Coast, this seaside town is located on the ground of Antiphellos, a Greek city which was once occupied by the Persians. Hiking, diving, swimming and visiting the ruins are just some of the activities visitors can partake in. Kaputaş is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye and Büyük Çakıl Plajı or “Big Pebble Beach” is where you can lounge under umbrella and sunbeds.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Xanthos and Letoon are 45km from Kaş and tourists can also take a boat ride to Kekova Island, home to a sunken city whose old streets and buildings can be seen despite being underwater.
How to get here: The easiest option is to either fly into Dalaman International Airport or Antalya Airport, which are two and three hours away, respectively, by road.
This town is located on a promontory and is a popular holiday resort overlooking the Aegean Sea. Some of its notable attractions are Ilica Plaji Beach which is known for its thermal springs, a majestic example of Ottoman military architecture called Çeşme Castle, and the Alaçatı Değirmenleri, a park with century-old stone windmills and cobbled streets.
Among all the high-octane bars and clubs thrums the peaceful ambience of Çeşme’s narrow streets which have wholesome cafes, hearty restaurants and boutique hotels to drive your worries away.
How to get here: The easiest option is to fly to Izmir and then head on a 72 km drive to the beach town.
Known for being a hub of art and culture since its founding, Kuşadası's name comes from the Turkish words kuş, which means “bird,” and ada which means “island,” because the island is in the shape of a bird’s head. Its temperate Mediterranean climate, natural beauty and historical sites make it a popular tourist destination.
The town’s Temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and showcases the stunning architectural and artistic accomplishments of its day. Kuşadası Castle is a Byzantine fortress which was recently renovated and is part of a lovely public park. The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many Christians to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and unsurprisingly attracts visitors from all over the world.
How to get here:
You can fly to Izmir, which is 82 kilometers from Kusadasi, and then take a bus or shuttle to the center of Kusadasi. You can also fly to Bodrum or Dalaman Airports, which are 185 and 260 kilometers respectively from Kusadasi.
Originally a small fishing village, Marmaris today draws visitors who are keen on sailing and diving in its crystal-clear waters. There are many popular cruises in the area which also stop at the nearby Greek islands of Symi and Rhodes. The peninsula is the westernmost habitat for a type of tulip which normally grows in eastern Türkiye and Iran. The yachts stationed in the marina make it appear as if you have landed in Monaco.
Marmaris Castle is the city’s oldest landmark and one of the few forts in the country which also has an on-site museum. It is believed to have been built by the Ionians in 1044 BCE.
How to get here: The closest international airport to Marmaris is Dalaman, which is 95 kilometers east of the city. You can take a shuttle bus from the airport to Marmaris for TL25.
One of the best-visited places on the Turquoise Coast the town of Bodrum was once known as Halicarnassus. Despite its popularity during the summer season visitors can still find corners of peace in the town. Like the Temple of Artemis, its Tomb of Mausolus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Another famous monument is the Castle of St. Peter, also known as Bodrum Castle.
The city looks white-washed owing to the white paint plastered all over the town to reflect sunlight. Traditional houses have simple designs and made with locally available materials like stone, wood and clay. Visitors should also check out the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology which is the largest museum in the country devoted to underwater finds. These include Mycenaean copper ingots and vases, Ancient Egyptian seals, and Roman amphorae.
How to get here: The closest airport to Bodrum is the International Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV), which is about 35 km away.