Turkish Riviera Guide
The Turkish Riviera, also called the Turquoise Coast, is home to some of Turkey's best towns and places. Think blue waters, ancient ruins, and a long coastline of delightful cities, islands, and villages. On a travel trip, either book overnight hotels or even better, sleep on deck under the stars or in a private or shared cabin.
From sandy beaches to rich history, this sailor's playground is home to many people who left their urban lifestyles to live the Turkish Riviera experience. Drop anchor and explore the narrow streets of old towns or visit numerous historical sites that belonged to the famed Lycian empire.
With beautiful beaches and spectacular views, people buy holiday homes here. The contribution towards tourism and summer real estate homes is outstanding, so with that in mind, let's look at the best places everyone talks about and the tourist attractions to visit.
Guide to the Best Places on the Turkish Riviera
Where is the Turkish Riviera?
The Turkish Riviera starts in Turkey’s Aegean Bodrum region and heads to the southwestern coast to finish in Antalya. However, most people sail the Mediterranean part since there are more attractions and things to do. Additionally, three major areas are known for their excellence in sailing: Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. Turks and foreigners buy summer Riviera homes because of laid-back lifestyles in towns and villages, and some foreigners also choose to become permanent residents.
1: Bodrum Town - Where it All Began
These Turquoise waters are home to Bodrum Castle and the roots of the Turkish Riviera. These days, the charming town runs daily boat trips and overnight cruises around the coastline and across to the Greek islands. Sitting on the peninsula with the same name, Bodrum town also earns fame for the nightlife scenes.
Famous surrounding coastal towns are Gumbet and Yalikavak, where mega yacht owners and Saudi royalty often dock for their holidays. Nearby, Golturkbuku is where Kate Moss and other supermodels like to go on holiday. Indeed, this beautiful coastline and busy city is no stranger to wealthy business people and celebrities.
Bodrum airport is just one hour's drive from the town centre. Our tip is to add an extra day to your trip and visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, approximately three hours away. During peak season, this famous attraction hosts thousands of visitors a day.
2: Marmaris - On the Cusp of Turkey’s Western and Southern Coast
Marmaris, famed for the long bar street, which becomes a big party town after dark has fantastic views of the Turkish coastline, and a short bus ride away is neighbouring Icmeler, a family-friendly resort known for the perfect beach. Marmaris was another early player in the sailing industry, and the marina excels in perfection and fine dining.
Several four- and five-star hotels specialise in all-inclusive holidays, and Marmaris is another destination for expats and holiday homeowners. Sitting 90 minutes from Dalaman International Airport in a large valley backed by green mountains, Marmaris is nothing short of picture-postcard perfection.
3: Fethiye on the Turkish Coast
Along with the above two, Fethiye, backed by the towering Babadag mountain, is another big player with its five-star marina. Known for the Lycian rock tombs at the back of the town, tourists, and expats also flock to the surrounding resorts of Calis, Hisaronu, Ovacik, Uzumlu, and Oludeniz.
Fethiye earns a bonus over the other two because tour operators sell shared cabin trips of three nights and four days to Antalya, bringing in budget backpackers worldwide. Day trips include the ancient sites of Xanthos and Letoon, which have Lycian ruins, and Tlos which sits near the Taurus mountains. Fethiye sits one hour from Dalaman airport; and pristine beaches like the Blue Lagoon and Oludeniz earn global fame.
4: Kas for Rustic Charm
Kas isn't a significant marina point, but most boats dock in for the day simply because the centre oozes old-world charm. Think white-washed stone houses with wooden balconies covered in trails of flowers. Boats head into the harbour of the stunning coastline, passing by the fishermen unravelling their nets from the morning catch.
Accommodation for overnight trips is affordable, and history buffs should wander the cobbled streets and seek out the lone Lycian tomb at the back of the town. This popular destination seems to exist in a world of its own and is the perfect spot to go scuba diving at an extra cost. There is a marina on the outskirts of Kas where you can stay overnight. Kas doesn't have a vibrant nightlife scene. Indeed, this town is more about sit-down venues and dining.
5: Kalkan for Beach Clubs and Fine Dining
This picturesque coastline is home to the most expensive properties in Mediterranean Turkey. Think of large villas with infinity pools and floor-to-ceiling windows to capture those breathtaking views. Traces of old exist in architectural house styles in the centre, but rather than being a cultural immersion into traditional Turkey, this seaside town is about luxury and beautiful views.
This prime immersion into Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is about relaxing, either on day-long blue cruises or hiring your own private yacht and captain. During summer, visit the rooftop restaurants to dine on fresh seafood, traditional Turkish appetisers, and a glass of raki while watching the beautiful sunset.
6: Antalya City Centre
As one of Turkey's largest cities, Antalya, doesn't have so much of a high profile on the Riviera, but should you venture in that direction, tap into vibrant nightlife and shopping centre scenes. Antalya is the top destination for beach holidaymakers and is famous for second home ownership by foreigners. Visit Republic Square and the historic centre known as Kaleici, with the famous Hadrian gate and cultural heritage in the old Ottoman houses.
As the most prominent coastal city on Turkey’s Mediterranean Sea, most people visit the outskirts for the famous ancient theatre of Aspendos, the best preserved in the world. Antalya airport is just 40-minutes drive away, but we recommend extending your stay for a road trip to surrounding resorts that belong to the province with the same name. Go golfing in Belek and enjoy beach time, explore the historical centre of Side Beach Town, or head up to Alanya and the impressive Red Castle ruins.
7: Olympos and Cirali Beach
These two destinations sit side by side for unforgettable experiences. For those on the Riviera's finishing point, the problem is that there is no harbour because both belong to Olympos Natural Protected Park. Some boats have dinghies to take passengers ashore; otherwise, they get off in nearby Finike or Adrasan.
Olympos is famous for the forested historic site, which seems like a fairy tale ruin, as well as treehouse hotels. Cirali is a small village, and both share a long pebble /sandy beach. In addition to the ruins, the other attraction here is the burning flames of Chimaera. Ancient Greek mythology said the flames were from fire-breathing dragons, and pirates used the flames as a warning to stay away from the rocks. However, they are natural gases oozing out of rocks. Best seen at nighttime, wear good shoes for the long walk up.
Famous Beaches on the Turquoise Coast
Unfortunately, many of the best-known beaches don't have a harbour point to disembark, but most boats have a small dinghy to take you ashore for some beach time. Kaputas Beach, usually reached by a flight of stone stairs if coming by road, sits between Kas and Kalkan and is one of Turkey’s most photographed. Iztuzu Beach belongs to Turkey’s Dalyan area, and some boats make a day trip to see the mud baths and explore Dalyan town.
Konyaalti is in the city centre of Antalya and is one of Turkey's best beaches. Oludeniz sits near the Blue Lagoon and is well-timed with a visit to Butterfly Valley, around a 20-minute boat trip across the valley. Most boats sail past, but Patara is Turkey's longest. Along with historic ruins and a quaint village, it is a memorable experience for beach lovers. The beach season coincides with the sailing season, which runs from May to October.
Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle
Among the rocky coastline and sitting opposite each other, these two sights brim with historical intrigue. Separated by clear waters, Kekova Island and the archaeological site consists of a sunken city. Although scuba diving is forbidden, sail past and see the outlines of 2nd-century houses.
Boats then take a direct left turn and sail to the ancient history site of Simena. Walk up the cobbled streets to the castle and turn around for panoramic peninsula views. There are limited accommodation options to switch off from the world. Otherwise, Simena is a popular spot for daytime boat trips. Keep an eye out for the Caretta turtle while there.
Myra Ancient Ruins and Saint Nicholas Church
If you book a trip that stops by Demre Cayagzi Harbour, visit Myra ruins, ancient rock tombs, and the church of Saint Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. During Lycian times, Myra was a profitable city for trade, but these days, the nearby town of Demre specialises in agriculture. However, tourists do pay pilgrimage to Saint Nicholas church. There isn't a wide range of beach bars or suggestions for accommodation, so most people don't stay overnight.
About Blue Voyage Cruise Trips
So, you might be thinking about how to arrange to visit all these sites on boats, but just book a blue cruise. These routes within the Turkish Riviera last a set number of nights and days and visit certain places. They include either a private or shared cabin, with food. Expect lots of fresh produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Some boats offer water sports experiences like snorkelling or paragliding for an adrenaline rush. The social experience is fantastic on shared cabin charters, where people from all over the world gather. Private transfers are an additional cost, and arranged from any airport.
Seeing the Turquoise coast on Land
Brimming with ancient cities and picturesque towns, sailing is not everyone's idea of fun. But there are two other ways to see the turquoise coast. The first is hiking the famous Lycian Way. The route covers 500 kilometres from Fethiye to Antalya and includes all significant Lycian city ruins. This is ideally done during Spring or Autumn, as winter sees lots of rainfall, and the Mediterranean climate during summer is just too hot.
The other choice is a road trip on the main D400 highway, which runs from Turkey’s east to the west directly next to the coastline. This way, you can see significant cities, stunning beaches and archaeological ruins at your own pace and arrange your itinerary. Explore the cobblestone streets of small villages and stop at sunset for spectacular views that Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is known for.
You can choose your accommodation with parking spots and outdoor swimming pools. This is a better way to see the thermal pools of Pamukkale, called the Cotton Castle since most places are within a three-hour drive from the coastline.
About Us
We are Turkey Homes, and we hope this guide to the best places and towns has given you extensive and helpful information. If you are looking to purchase overseas property, either for an investment or as a holiday home, see our portfolio of homes on the southern and western coast. Alternatively, call an agent today to discuss home ownership in the best places on the Turkish Riviera.
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