About the Mediterranean Region of Turkey
To explore the Mediterranean region of Turkey is to witness beautiful landscape scenery, and a unique ambiance. Fronted by the Mediterranean Sea and backed by the domineering Tauros mountain range that in winter is snow-capped and green in summer, it is without a doubt, a top photographed place, and out of seven regions in Turkey, one of the best.
Provinces belonging to the Mediterranean include Adana, Antalya Burdur, Hatay, Isparta, Mersin and Osmaniye to name but a few. Mainstream travel companies and anyone who knows their maritime jargon call it the turquoise coast, since it aptly belongs to the Turkish riviera. This is a testament to its beautiful coves, bays, crystal blue sea and long sandy beaches. Real estate companies also do a roaring trade thanks to buyers who want Mediterranean ambience.
How to Get Here: To get to the Mediterranean region is quickly done via Dalaman or Antalya Airport, two of Turkey’s top touristic air travel hubs handling millions of passengers every year. Otherwise, yachts often sail into the world-class marinas as seen in Fethiye, and Antalya. For people driving from other parts of Turkey, the D400 highway runs the entire length of the Mediterranean coast, making this an excellent place for the road trip of a lifetime.
So, if you want to explore this area, or buy property, where are the best places to go and what attractions should you see while there? The far eastern tip includes sites like Mersin, Adana and Hatay. And while Turks like those areas, it is relatively unheard of on the mainstream tourism track, so for this article, we will start at the high-profile places attracting both Turkish and foreign tourists and house buyers.
About the Mediterranean Region of Turkey
Alanya: Where the Sun Shines
Alanya, a famous tourist town especially with Europeans, has grown over the decades thanks to the Gazipasa Airport opening and mass international promotion. Both have boosted their tourism and real estate industry, and many foreigners also live there all year round. One attraction is Cleopatra beach that Trip Advisor users continually rank as Turkey’s best. Other attractions include the castle and red tower.
Side and Mediterranean History
Side has a unique aspect; hardly any other towns do because they built the new part around the old remains. The most dramatic landmark, a large amphitheatre, deserves admiration, although the town's mascot is the Apollo temple standing on the coastline. Restaurants lining the old harbour district serve up delightful menus of fresh fish and seafood, while daytimes are spent on sandy beaches and enjoying water sports.
Belek: Turkey’s Golfing Capital
Head to Belek to swing your club on world best championship golf courses. Designed by top players like Nick Faldo, they have held here even championship programs with million dollars, proving it can match the likes of Portugal or Spain. When not on the course, indulge in Belek’s five-star spa and wellness hotels that have earned an esteemed reputation all over Turkey.
Antalya City Centre
Now, we arrive at the hub and pulsating point of the Mediterranean, and Turkey’s second most popular tourist and foreign house sale destination. Boasting of Lara and Konyaalti beaches, theme parks, museums, and historical sites like Aspendos on the outskirts, the city centre is also the Med’s best shopping and nightlife scene. If travelling around using buses, services from the main otogar will take you anywhere you want. While other resorts shut down outside of the tourism season, the Antalya city centre carries on all year round, and New year and Christmas are great times to visit.
Kemer: Beachy and All Inclusive
As a favourite of Russians and Europeans, Kemer is exceptionally clean and scenic, and well known for large nightclubs open till the early hours. Aside from that, much of life focuses on the all-inclusive hotels fronting the pebbly beach and water sports for sale.
Cirali and Olympus: Turkey’s Hidden Gems
For tranquillity, these two resorts sitting side-by-side share a long beach and are relatively off the beaten track. Yet backpackers often flock to Olympus because it is cheap and features unique treehouse accommodation. Mainstream and historical attractions include the Chimaera burning flames Olympus ruins. For peace, this is the place to head to.
Kas: Quaint Charm
If there is any town emphasising typically Mediterranean charm, it is Kas. The alluring old part is awash with traditional stone whitewashed houses lining old cobbled streets heading to ancient Lycian sarcophagus. We recommend grabbing a seat in an old harbourside cafe and sipping on an ice-cold beer while the world goes by.
Kalkan: Luxury at its Finest
For an upmarket lifestyle for holidays or buying properties, Kalkan should be your first choice. The resort nestled around a small bay is renowned for luxury villas featuring all modern cons and the best Mediterranean Sea views. Aside from that, rooftop dining is a popular theme.
Patara: Ruins, Beaches, and Old-Fashioned Charm
When Turkey first ventured into the mainstream tourism scene in the 1970s, Patara made a roaring trade. Unfortunately, it couldn’t keep up with the times, and now remains off the grid but reasons to visit include ancient ruins and Turkey’s longest sandy beach. Patara is another breeding ground for endangered Caretta turtles.
Oludeniz: Places of Natural Beauty
Now, we head out of the Antalya province into Mugla where beautiful Oludeniz makes a roaring trade, especially with British holidaymakers. Known for its sandy beach, the Blue Lagoon is also one of Turkey’s most photographed sites. From Oludeniz, catch a water taxi across to Butterfly Valley, a dramatic gorge in between two towering mountains with small waterfalls at the back.
Fethiye Town
Now we reach the end of the Mediterranean region, that stems into the Aegean, and everyone will be delighted with Fethiye town that encompasses the best of life. As well as ideal shopping and nightlife scenes, it is a centre of excellence for sailing so jump on board a three-night Mediterranean gulet trip. Other places to explore nearby include Lycian rock tombs at the back of the town, Kayakoy Ghost Village and Calis beach with its dramatic sunset views.
Historical Sites in the Mediterranean Region
Mediterranean Turkey also is home to the Lycian Way, a 516-kilometre trekking path that takes in stunning views and historical sites belonging to the ancient Lycian empire. If history is your passion, Mediterranean Turkey delivers in bucket full, either by car or by the Lycian way. Notable sites include Aspendos, Phaselis, Letton and Xanthos, and Gemiler island’s ruined churches.
Also of Interest
Offbeat Places in Turkey: Seasoned travellers to Turkey will be interested in places off the mainstream tourism track. From the north to the east, and small islands that present a different side of Turkey, these places are rarely seen in international travel publications.
Most Popular Places in Turkey: From highly underrated to the most popular places hosting millions of visitors every year, these attractions range from Istanbul to the Aegean and the central Anatolian plain. After all, as great as the Mediterranean region of Turkey is, there is much more to the country than that.
Istanbul
