Turquoise Coast

Turkiye’s spectacular Turquoise Coast stretches from Bodrum to Antalya and is noted for its beautiful shoreline and dramatic unspoiled mountain scenery. The region was known as Lycia in classical times and offers a host of little-visited ruins. Boat cruises, beaches, a ‘ghost’ town, a dramatic gorge, and good walking trails along the Lycian Way are further highlights. The charming yachting centre and popular Turkish resorts of Fethiye and Gocek are ideal bases from which to explore the northern and central Turquoise Coast or enjoy a cruise around the islands in Fethiye Bay.

To the north, on the smooth green Dalyan River, you can cruise through the marshes, and see the impressive rock tombs and ruins of ancient Caunus and the ‘turtle beach’ at Itzuzu. Rafting on the Dalaman River is also available. To the south, the eerie ‘ghost’ town of Kaya Koyu is now the preserve of tortoises and a monument commemorating the compulsory population exchanges that followed the Turko-Greek War (1919-1922). A short drive from here is Oludeniz, one of Turkiye’s most beautiful beaches, while the beach at Butterfly Valley is only accessible by boat. Nearby, the mountain of Babadag is one of the world’s top spots for tandem paragliding. Inland, surrounded by craggy mountain scenery are the wonderful classical Lycian sites of Tlos, Pinara, Letoon, and Xanthos with their fine rock-carved tombs. Exploring the nearby Saklikent gorge along wooden walkways placed above a rushing river is a magical experience.

The southern Turquoise Coast is best explored from the popular resorts of Kalkan or Kas. A cruise through the glass-like waters of Kekova is one of the highlights of any visit to the Turquoise Coast: glide over the ruins of a sunken city, climb up to the castle of Simena, and enjoy time swimming in the refreshing waters of Kekova Bay! Further south are the Lycian ruins of Myra and the Church of St Nicholas at Demre where the eponymous saint who is considered to be the original ‘Father Christmas’ is buried.