Touring the Turkish Riviera

[jw5]

The Turkish Riviera, also described as the Turquoise Coast, is a shoreline of outstanding natural beauty along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Stretching more than 1,000 km (620 mi), this area of southwestern Turkey is celebrated for its numerous beaches, welcoming resorts, and some truly remarkable archaeological points of interest. The Turkish Riviera also serves as a rich habitat for a wealth of wildlife, its mountainous and wooded interior a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna. Blessed with a hot, sunny climate freshened by gentle ocean breezes, this is a destination with a broad appeal rarely found elsewhere. Indeed, the Turkish Riviera has something for everybody. So, are you ready to make the most of the Turkish coast?

 

[jw5]

Alanya -

Alanya was long favored by a succession of Mediterranean-based empires for its strategic position, among them the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Discovering the city's historic heritage is one reason to linger here, the wealth of natural attractions surrounding Alanya another. Pictured is the attractive harbor and the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture found anywhere.

 

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Alanya Castle -

Alanya Castle was built in the 13th century, during the Seljuk era. The crenellated wall that surrounds the castle is 6.5 km (4 mi) long and includes 140 towers.

 

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Alaçatı -

The Turkish Riviera boasts one of the most traditional towns in the country—Alaçatı. This scenic wonder is appreciated for its stone houses with colored windows set over narrow cobbled lanes. In spring, vibrant bougainvillea adds to the radiant canvas.

 

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Fethiye -

Fethiye sits at the very heart of the Turkish Riviera. It's one of the most beautiful resorts on the coast, and one of Turkey's best-known tourist centers, with several excellent visitor attractions clustered in and around the town. These include the Fethiye Museum—the ideal precursor to exploring the city's ancient ruins.

 

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Ölüdeniz Beach -

Fethiye district draws sunworshippers to Ölüdeniz Beach. This famous golden bar is lapped by waters in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and sits at the mouth of a blue lagoon.

 

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Tomb of Amyntas -

Among Fethiye's cultural gems is the imposing Tomb of Amyntas. Carved into the mountainside by the Lycians around 350 BCE, the structure is named for the king maker of Cyrus the Great, the Median General Harpagos.

 

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Butterfly Valley -

One of the riviera's great natural wonders, Butterfly Valley is named for its diverse butterfly species, and in fact serves as a nature reserve. The valley is accessible by shuttle boat service from Ölüdeniz, and draws hikers, canoeists, and scuba divers.

 

[syed putra]

It used to be Greek and later Roman Riviera before Turks took over.
Romania was Roman. That was how it got it's name.

 

[jw5]

Antalya -

Antalya is the biggest resort on the Turkish Riviera. The city is fronted by two huge beaches, while Kaleiçi, the historic city center of Antalya, is noted for its pocket-sized harbor and the Roman-era Hidirlick Tower.

 

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Marmaris -

Embellishing the riviera's shoreline is Marmaris, one of the region's top sailing and diving centers. Popular cruise operations take in islands in the surrounding bay. Marmaris National Park, meanwhile, caters to hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

 

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Bodrum -

A hugely popular tourist destination, Bodrum has been luring visitors since classical antiquity. The city's cultural clout is exemplified by the Castle of St. Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller during the 15th century.

 

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Mausoleum of Halicarnassus -

Another Bodrum must-see are the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Originally built in the 4th century BCE, the structure was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

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Bodrum's beaches -

If the beach is more your thing, Bodrum doesn't disappoint. The port, meanwhile, has ferries to other nearby Turkish and Greek islands, Kos being the most important.

 

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Kuşadası -

Facing the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası was founded as early as 3000 BCE. Among places to see and things to do is Güvercinada, or Pigeon Island. Attached to the mainland by a causeway, this speck of rock is crowned by a cube-like castle.

 

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Side -

Set on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the ancient city of Side is one of the best-known classical sites in the country, the standout feature being the colossal theater, with seating for up to 20,000 people.

 

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Temple of Apollo -

Roman Side was served by an aqueduct; a number of bridges are still preserved, as well as tunnels. Located at the end of the peninsula are the partly restored ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

 

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Manavgat Waterfall -

Cascading into the Manavgat River not far from Side is the Manavgat Waterfall. Come here during a hot summer's day and seek shelter in the shaded tea gardens near the water's edge.

 

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Didim -

The Turkish Riviera is rather fond of aforementioned Apollo. Didim, on the country's Aegean coast, also has temple ruins dedicated to this most Greek of the gods. Ancient Didim was called Didyma, where the foundations of a Greek theater have also been unearthed.

 

[jw5]

Belek -

Beleck is for those who like their modern amenities close at hand. A resort town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, known for its beaches, thermal spas, and golf courses, Belek boasts a collection of more than 30 four-star and five-star hotels.