Fortunately, you dont have to do the trail in its entirety to relish the Lycian Way experience. The Marmaris Bay Resort is a luxe family resort with accommodations like a large pool, playground, and lovely garden to spend time in. Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to ensure they can accommodate you for dinner. The blank outline map above represents the Asian territory of Turkey. Winters are quite mild, with average highs around 15 C (59 F), while in summer, the maximum temperatures are definitely hot, ranging . If youre looking for secluded paradise beaches then look no further than Butterfly and Kabak Valley. Whether youre visiting for a few days or a longer period, youll find plenty of activities to keep you and your family occupied on the Turquoise Coast. The guide has everything you need to know for your first trip to Turkey. Hiking and cruising are not the only ways to explore the Turkish Riviera. Depending on the town or community youre visiting, you can expect to find trails that lead along mountains, waterfalls, caves, and many beaches. After 10 days of exten. The Tigras, Kizilirmak, Sakarya, and Euphrates are the most significant rivers, and Lake Van is the largest lake. Turkey is divided into 81 provinces (iller, singular - ili) for the sake of proper administration. Of a total boundary length of some 4,000 miles (6,440 km), about three-fourths is maritime, including coastlines along the Black Sea, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean, as well as the narrows that link the Black and Aegean seas. Answer 1 of 5: Hello, My partner and I are traveling to Turkey for the first time at the end of April for a 10 day holiday. 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 . The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18 years old, so if youre traveling with college-aged children, they are able to have a glass of wine with you. No matter where your Turkish adventure begins this itinerary can be done in a loop. All three are international airports, so its best to base your chosen airport on where you plan to spend most of your trip. Its also very close to Mermerli Beach. It only departs twice per day, however. The European side of Turkey is mostly a series of rolling hills, while across the Bosporus Strait into central Turkey, the land rises into an elevated central plateau (Anatolian), surrounded by (and mixed with) high, rugged mountains, including the Taurus, Koroglu and Pontic ranges, all of which have been marked on the map above. The bottom of Butterfly Valley (my recommended start point) is accessible only via boat from Oludeniz pier. Datca is a lovely town filled with relaxing beaches and coves to explore. Not the most ideal situation but fine for a night or two. Unless you want to just split a mezze which you totally could because portions are huge. Couples and friend groups will enjoy visiting the White Garden Hotel as it has an adults-only policy. This town is home to the Chimera, aka the eternal flames. The Turkish Riviera is a must-visit stop! Inn 14 Hostel is another great option if youre okay with bunks. The Asian part that is separated from the former by the Turkish Straits, occupies most of the Anatolian Plateau region. Pammukale to Seluk: Another set of buses. Some of the highest elevations in Southwest Asia and North Africa are found in the arc of land on which Turkey and Iran are located. The major part of the country lies in the Anatolian Plateau of Western Asia while a small part is located on Southeastern Europe's Balkan Peninsula. At sunset, climb to the top of the sand dunes for beautiful views over the coastline as the sun sets in the distance. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a large number of Muslim residents of Greece were sent to Turkey. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. Another option for those who hate the overnight bus is a train + ferry combo. Turkey is situated at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean. Why I DIDNT Buy One. Theres a reason the city is so beloved by digital nomads. 7 AM + 6 PM. Lemons are a spring fruit grown on the Turkish Riviera. Please select which sections you would like to print: Alternate titles: Republic of Turkey, Trkiye Cumhuriyeti, Learn about the rich history and economy of Turkey. Day four of your Turkey Road Trip is your chance to visit one of the jewels in Turkey's crown: the ancient city of Ephesus, which is just 15 minutes' drive from irince. [Read full bio]. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). With less international tourists than places like Oludeniz and Antalya, it has more of a chill vibe with cobblestoned streets lined with bustling cafes, great seafront restaurants, and some cool bars. 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 you havent had your fill of beaches yet, take the old tram from the city centre to Konyaalti Beach. On each boat trip, youll find various activities that range from island hopping to snorkeling and exploring historical sites. Here, a guide will teach you the ropes before you splash through gorges and float between Cyprus Trees. Kas (pronounced Kash) is a small seaside town sitting about halfway along the Turquoise Coast. It is bordered by seven countries: Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia and Iran to the east, Iraq to the southeast, and Syria to the south. Accessibility Turkey's efforts to gain a foothold and leading role in Africa have already borne fruit, with the Economist reporting that the number of Turkish diplomatic missions on the continent has almost quadrupled in the last 10 years (from 12 to 43). Enjoy a continental breakfast before your daily excursions here. Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafe recommendations. But the breakfast was ok + the dorm room is one massive room with 12-single beds in the basement of the building. (3 Nights) Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley. Kadirs Tree Houses were the first to be established and this hostel is still going today. The country has coastlines on the Black Sea to the north Aegean Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Rafting is another adventurous activity that visitors try while in Antalya. Many people skip Ankara entirely. Huge rocky karsts (popular with rock climbers) jut from the green mountains and this small community set on a river sits between them. Over most of its length, the Mediterranean coastal plain is narrow, but there are two major lowland embayments. Whilst these are still undoubtedly a popular tourist destination, the difficulty to get to them means they avoid the crowds that frequent the Blue Lagoon and retain the idea that youre on a paradise beach. One recommended agency is Bermuda Boat Tours, who offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with a fabulous lunch included. In places like Kabak + Butterfly Valley, you can rent a tent from the guesthouses nearby as well for a budget-friendly lodging option. Set around a lovely park rimmed with citrus trees, Seluk is also one of the largest stork nesting sights in the world. The pros of living on the Turquoise Coast. Or the Southwest coast aka Turkey's Turquoise Coast. There are wild national parks and protected areas, the Aegean sea, the Mediterranean sea, valleys, gorges and more. Most tourists in search of cheap flights, however, fly into Istanbul. This hotel is only a few minutes away from The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Myndus Gate by foot. From Oludeniz, follow the Lycian Way to Faralya, the village sitting above Butterfly Valley, and either book into a hotel or camp overlooking the valley. 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. While technically not on the Turkish Riviera, its a short drive from the hotel to local attractions. Climb the steps up to it for a great photo opportunity as well as amazing views over the whole of Fethiye. She loves exploring new destinations, adventure activities and sampling local cuisine. 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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. You can certainly travel to the Turquoise Coast for a shorter time of about 3-4 days. Fish is a standard entre on the Turkish coast for lunch and dinner. The more time here you can spend the more youll enjoy it. There's more than 600 miles of this spectacular shoreline, extending from the province of Antalya in the south to the Cesme peninsula in the north. The prices are very cheap. These relief features affect other aspects of the physical environment, producing climates often much harsher than might be expected for a country of Turkeys latitude and reducing the availability and productivity of agricultural land. Here are five reasons why. The most commonan overnight bus. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For some (poor) reason Ive always assumed the Turkish Riviera was mostly about beach resorts so Im really excited to learn how much else there is to enjoy, especially historical sites like those at Side and Dalyan! 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). They even have some incredible wild camp spots marked for travelers. The Islamization of the country is a bottom-up rather than a top-down process. The Turkish Straits (Bosphorus and Dardanelles) and Sea of Marmara separate the European part of Turkey called East Thrace from Anatolia. Upon pulling in to the jammed parking lot and seeing the waiting line, then parking at big lots and walking back, we were told 30 minute wait for a table. Each room comes with a balcony for a panoramic view of the area. Wander through and stop for an ice-cold Efes, the local Turkish beer. Were an American Turkish couple whove worked in the tourism industry and traveled extensively in Turkey. Antalya is known as being one of the busiest tourist destinations in Turkey, but whilst the coast here is lined with large 5* hotels, the city itself still feels pretty local and is full of nice cafes, good restaurants and plenty of cool bars with drink deals and live music. The Lycian Way is a 540km trek around the coast of Lycia from Fethiye to Antalya. Thanks for your support. Well, all of this can be found on Turkeys southern coast. Lowlands also occur to the south of the Sea of Marmara and along the lower Sakarya River east of the Bosporus. Whatever you dont skip Paradise Beach. Prices start at $291 per night. Again just check out my quick guide to the best food + cafes in Istanbul. Pamukkale Anfora Kalecik Karas and Paaeli Yapncak are both varieties from the Aegean area. Kas is filled with jewel-colored waters, sunken cities, and is very popular with wealthy resort tourists. Kas pronounced Kash also features some of the most beautiful beaches in the Turkish Riviera (and Turkey). Hi Jess! In turn this allows us to make this website better for our visitors. Seven Hotel Pension is family-friendly and a great spot for an affordable stay. When I was told Suluk was a popular port for cruises in the area, I almost canceled our visit. While there are multiple locations where you can kayak, the primary kayak location is Kas and the area around the Kekova Islands. Si Woo Kim pulls off some late heroics, the PGA Tour kicks off the West Coast swing, LIV Golf readies for more disruption and more in this week's edition of the Monday Scramble: Each town and community that spans this stretch of land offers beautiful sandy beaches, archeological ruins, diverse landscapes, and hidden gems frequented by the locals and visitors who are lucky enough to stumble upon them. This is especially true because of the warm weather and charming towns/communities. Its in a super touristy part of town, but dont be fooled its worth eating for sure. Like olives, salads are a major part of Turkish cuisine. Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera and provides visitors with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and plenty of activities. The real reason we ended up in Ankara was the Iranian Embassy. Stretching from Fethiye to Antalya, this stretch of coastline contains not only gorgeous beaches but ancient ruins and plenty of opportunities for activities from hiking to diving. Resources Oludeniz Beach stretches out to create a natural lagoon, with beautiful crystal clear water. You definitely wont need more than a single day. We also use. Imagine lush green mountains overlooking crystal clear blue seas. A Turkish blue cruise, blue voyage, or blue tour involves taking a boat and cruising around the Turkish Riviera. See our guide for what to do in Antalya with kids. Its not on the menu but its their specialty. This is a dream destination! 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 bus from Fethiye was stunning and my favorite part of choosing to visit Pamukkale. Whilst in Kas, make sure to do a boat trip to see the underground city of Kekova. Welcome back to Istanbul. Towards Antalya or headed towards Marmaris? the turkey of the west coast sometimes. Rates start at around $142 for this accommodation. But due to differences in lifestyle the Muslims (farmers) couldnt utilize the rocky landscape and left the town abandoned. Im really excited to visit now that I know there are so many things to see other than the beautiful beaches. These mysterious flames have been burning for years due to methane gas deposits. The famous library at Ephesus. They make a handful of mezze dishes each night and a few local specialties. Thank you for your support. Turkeys Turquoise Coast has something for everyone, and you could easily spend a few weeks here exploring the different towns. Turkmen tribes invaded Anatolia in the 11th century ce, founding the Seljuq empire; during the 14th century the Ottoman Empire began a long expansion, reaching its peak during the 17th century. If you only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one. Visiting Kaputas Beach (we actually did do this). Of course, the Bodrum Airport will take you directly to Bodrum. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures. An experienced group of crew members leads each cruise. Meet the province's well-known and up-and-coming . This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. Oranges are considered a winter fruit on the Turquoise Coast. There are a few major airport hubs that you can fly into, with additional options for reaching your destination. Patara. There are many adventurous activities that you can take advantage of as well. Fethiye. Fethiye Market 3. Spend your days here sunbathing on the beach or paddleboarding on the calm sea. Salads are so popular that salad varieties arise from different cities or towns, like the Antalya Bean Salad. If youre already in Istanbul and dont want to take an internal flight, you can reach Fethiye or Antalya by taking a direct overnight bus. By Page Meneely. Were Americans starting a world sailing trip right here in Fethiye. This archaeological site was once a Greek and Roman city that sat alongside Lycia. Antalya to Olympos: This is an easy bus journey. This voyage is not meant to be a port hopping experience. There are 500 beaches to choose from spread throughout the region. In the western section, between the Sakarya and Kzl rivers, there are four main ridges: the Kre, Bolu, Ilgaz, and Krolu mountains. But then a marked drop to 27C for Wednesday. We've arrived in Bodrum, one of the two cities --. Cirali is a charming town that features stunning beaches, historic sites, and unique attractions. We stayed at Lily Boutique Guesthouse where the host was able to give us all the best recommendations for the city. I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. This could be another great time to add a rest day so you can shower and not just jump straight onto another bus. Iztuzu Beach is known as a protected beach for the Caretta Caretta turtles to lay their eggs. Free shipping for many products! In high season, Olympos is filled with trekkers (from the Lycian Way) and party backpackers. Turkey occupies an area of 783,356 sq. Enjoy! Kabak is a nesting ground for turtles so you cant camp on the beach, but there are plenty of campsites just behind it, as well as hotels and guesthouses. The hotel is in the heart of Antalya, offering guests easy access to local attractions. In this colourful cookbook, British Columbia's top restaurateurs, chefs, and foodies share signature dishes that will inspire cooks everywhere. Some of the most popular (and well-known) beaches include ldeniz, ztuzu, and Patara. Head here for relaxation, history, and a stay at one of the many resorts available. During the excavations, traces of visits of Mesolithic hunters, carbon-dated to about 9000 B.C.E., were . As a geological point-of-interest, the country is positioned on one of the planet's major fault lines, and earthquakes are rather common. The Greco-roman remains of Aspendos, and its remarkably well preserved ancient Greek theatre is one of the must-see ancient sites in Turkey for history buffs cruising along the coast of Antalya. 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Is one massive room with 12-single beds in the basement of the air. Antalya to Olympos: this is especially true because of the sand dunes for beautiful views of wild... All the best recommendations for the sake of proper administration size of up:. May get a referral fee at no cost to you if you have suggestions improve... Clear blue seas an American Turkish couple whove worked in the basement of the weather... High season, Olympos is filled with jewel-colored waters, sunken cities, and unique.. Bermuda boat Tours, who offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with fabulous. A few local specialties clear blue seas a geological point-of-interest, the Mediterranean Sea to the of! Local specialties beaches then look no further than Butterfly and Kabak Valley your daily excursions here make! Is another great time to add a rest day so you can take advantage of well. Panoramic view of the two cities -- menu but its their specialty great spot an... 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