You’ll Fall in Love with Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

The Temple of Zeus at Euromos is a must see

The ruins of antiquity are everywhere along the Turquoise Coast, scattered haphazardly throughout the bustling towns and rustic villages, the craggy coastline and verdant pastures. Ancient amphitheaters and temples, crumbling stone walls and the remains of once-impenetrable fortresses; the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Lycians have all left their mark. The most impressive sites, rarely crowded even during the high season, include the well-preserved Temple of Zeus at Euromos with its soaring Corinthian columns; the majestic Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of two surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; and the intricately carved Lycian tombs at Fethiye, reminiscent of Petra.

Luxury accomodations are popping up along Turkey's Turquoise coast

Modern times, however, are catching up, and the Turquoise Coast is buzzing like never before with luxury hotels and sophisticated resorts. Bodrum and Göcek, in particular, attract stylish European sunseekers as well as cosmopolitan Turks from Istanbul who come for the weekend to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Either town would be an ideal base for exploring the relatively compact and easily accessible coastline that stretches south from Bodrum.

Take a Blue Cruise on a traditional gulet

The arrival of luxury accommodations may be relatively recent, but sailing enthusiasts have long flocked to this idyllic corner of the Mediterranean, attracted by the calm waters, gentle breezes, and spectacular views. Charter companies abound; exploring the coastline by boat is an exhilarating experience, particularly from the deck of a traditional gulet. Known as “Blue Cruises” for the color of their sails, these glorious double-masted boats evoke the romanticism of bygone days as they skim the coast in search of the perfect secluded beach or hidden cove. The water is divine, warm and crystal-clear, perfect for an afternoon swim. Come evening, the gulet’s sun-warmed deck is the ideal place to relax with a glass of cold Raki, the Turkish equivalent of Ouzo. For those fortunate enough to have the opportunity, there are few better ways to pass a week.

No trip is complete without a hike along the Lycian Way

Back on land, the Lycian Way, which runs parallel to the coast between Fethiye and Antalya, is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance walks in the world. Not for the faint of heart, this 300-mile-long trail leads hikers on an epic adventure through the region’s gloriously diverse landscapes and some of its most historic sites, including the ancient ruins at Patara and the eternal flames of Chimera. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Taurus Mountains are breathtaking, but equally evocative are the fields of wild oregano, groves of pistachio trees, and tiny stone villages along the way. Although the entire journey can take up to a month to complete, shorter loops are well signposted, and walking even a small part is a worthwhile pursuit.

The roads in Turkey are modern and safe, making the Turquoise Coast a popular road trip destination. There are two main routes, either following the coastline on the spectacular D400 or heading into the mountains where you’ll find absolutely stunning scenery. Drive west out of Antalya, top down in a frisky little sports car, and you’d be forgiven for making comparisons with Amalfi Drive. The picture-perfect beaches at Ölüdeniz, Patara, and Iztuzu are must-see stops, and along the way you’ll find excellent seafront tavernas that serve gozleme, a heavenly local flatbread generously buttered and stuffed with spinach and feta.

Drive into the soaring Taurus Mountains and you’ll find sweet-smelling pine forests, lush valleys, and enchanting little villages. Stop for lunch at Saklikent National Park, home to one of the deepest canyons in the world, and feast on trout caught that morning from the icy cold water that flows through the narrow gorge. Afterward, keep driving up into the mountains to arrive at the ancient city of Termessos, aptly named the Eagle’s Nest by Alexander the Great, a glorious reminder that this is, after all, the land of myth and legend.

To explore this stunning section of Turkey, contact your travel professional today.