Steeped in myth and history, Turkey’s superb Turkish Riviera is a true natural jewel. This striking riviera earns its name because of its stunning Azure blue waters and the pristine teals and greens of a mineral coastline.

 

A favourable climate, warm sea, mountainous scenery, and gorgeous beaches along more than 1,000km of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean waters make this stretch of Turkey’s coastline a popular tourism destination.

 

 

Where is the Turkish Riviera?

 

Encircling the provinces of Antalya and Muğla, the Turkish Riviera is a moderately unexplored union of ancient wonders and modern luxury at a reasonably affordable price.

 

From the snow-capped peaks of distant mountains to the Riviera’s characteristic rock tombs precariously crumbing ancient ruins and heavenly coves, the coastline summons exploration and a profound sense of history.

 

Antalya is the eastern gateway to the coast, presenting a clear but expansive entry point. Immersed in the shadow of Mount Olympus with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and hotels, enjoy the riches of the Turkish Riviera.

 

Other internationally recognised hotspots along the Turkish Riviera include Dalaman, Fethiye and Kemer.

 

Relax in Nature

 

Water is central to life here. Whether it’s the family-friendly fun of the water parks, the world-class aquarium at Antalya or the fantastic scuba diving destinations, the region lives by the rhythm of the tide.

 

Adventurous travellers can go on guided snorkelling trips in the shimmering waters along the coast, whether in the open sea or one of the region’s many lagoons.

 

Further inland, the Sapadere Canyon is a natural wonder where you can swim through waterfalls and warm waters. You will never be short of hiking trails in the region, either.

 

Trek between ruins on the 500km-long Lycian Way, and you’ll be richly rewarded with scenery worth the sweat.

 

Take A Bite of Turkey

 

Delicious local fish is a common sight on every local menu and is typically served as a traditional meze. The region is a hub for Turkey’s wine and olive production and is well-known for its exquisite and varied produce.

 

A trip to a market will reveal tables laden with sumptuous fresh fruit and vegetables sold alongside the catch of the day.

 

All summer long, the bays and villages of the Riviera beat with live music, and many restaurants will anticipate you to eat outside, where the smell of the Aegean Sea wafts through the air and perfectly complements your food. Seafood lovers must try the stuffed mussels!

 

History Comes Alive in the Turkish Riviera

 

The coastline is a historical treasure trove home to a fascinating mixture of ancient ruins and mythological events and was once home to the ancient Lycian civilisation.

 

The three archaeological jewels in the region encompass two of the seven wonders of the ancient world in the most complete ancient city to ever be excavated.

 

The city of Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site approximately a hundred miles north of Bodrum. It was once the nucleus of ancient Greece and later conquered by the Romans before the Empire fell.

 

Visitors may also like to spend a day at St. Peter’s castle, where construction began in the early 1400s. Inside this impressive building, you’ll find a lively underwater archaeology museum celebrating the many noteworthy shipwrecks discovered across the region by audacious divers.

 

The distinctive climate of the coast has allowed the castle garden to contain almost every plant and tree from the Mediterranean region.

 

Turkish Riviera Highlights

 

• Wander through the Lycian Rock Tombs and witness awe-inspiring views over the whole of Fethiye.
• Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz with its beautiful long beach and crystal-clear water.
• Explore the Butterfly and Kabak Valley by boat from Oludeniz to escape the crowds and experience your own paradise beach.
• Hike one of the greatest long-distance hiking trails in the world – or part of it! The Lycian Way is steeped in history and extends over 500km along the coast from Fethiye to Antalya.
• Glimpse at sea turtles in Patara national park with an impressive ancient amphitheatre backdrop.
• Dive into the blue waters of Kaş and explore some of the best wreck diving in the world! Make sure not to miss the Sunken City of Kekova whilst you’re in the area.
• See the eternal flames of Chimera in Olympus, a unique attraction best observed at night.

 

There’s no doubt that the Turquoise coast is a world-class hotspot. With an expansive and spectacular shoreline to explore, one trip to the Turkish Riviera might not be enough.