Touring the Turkish Riviera

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Aspendos -

Not far from Belek and about 40 km (24 mi) east of Antalya is a remarkably well-preserved Roman theater that stands as the most obvious sign of the once mighty Greco-Roman city of Aspendos. The equally impressive remains of a Roman aqueduct is further proof of the ancient city's former grandeur. Visitors can also admire the ruins of a stadium, baths, and a nymphaeum.

 

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Kaleköy -

In Lycian times known as Simena, Kaleköy can only be visited by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız. A beautiful and alluring little village, Kaleköy is a favorite yachting destination.

 

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Kemer -

Travel west out of Antalya and you'll end up in Kemer. A tranquil and verdant destination, Kemer is pleasantly laid back and wonderfully romantic, home as it is to Moonlight Beach.

 

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Olympus -

History buffs and fans of antiquity will enjoy discovering the ruins of Olympus, in Antalya Province. Once an impressive city in ancient Lycia, Olympus, together with the equally compelling sites of Phaselis and Idyros, fall within the Beydağları Coastal National Park.

 

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Patara -

Located on the riviera near the village of Gelemiş, Patara is a fascinating archaeological site, the remains of a city once occupied by Alexander the Great, in 333 BCE. Patara is found on the Lycian Way, the long-distance hiking trail that's one of Europe's most exciting and rewarding footpaths.

 

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Dalyan -

Besides those found at Fethiye, the Lycian rock tombs this region of Turkey is famous for can also be admired at Dalyan.

 

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Dalyan River delta -

The shallow wetlands area where the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea meet is a veritable wildlife haven. The delta and beautiful Iztuzu Beach are protected as a nature reserve, and for one very good reason. This is one of Europe's premiere breeding grounds for the loggerhead turtle.

 

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Loggerhead turtle -

Classified as Vulnerable on the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the loggerhead turtle is a protected species. Iztuzu Beach serves as an important nesting site and is closed during the period that the turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings go out to sea, from May to October.

 

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Beydağları Coastal National Park -

And much of the Turkish Riviera provides a magnet for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The previously mentioned Beydağları Coastal National Park is noted for its biodiversity: it has over 865 plant species, 25 of which are endemic. Mammal species found here include bears, wolves, wild goats, and the shy Eurasian lynx.

 

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Köprülü Canyon -

Köprülü Canyon is the centerpiece of a national park rich in flora and fauna and blessed with a wild beauty. The ancient Roman Oluklu Bridge (Olukluköprü) found over a tributary gorge is an extraordinary example of engineering accomplishment.

 

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Ephesus -

Actually situated north of the Turkish Riviera on the coast of Iona in İzmir Province, Ephesus nonetheless deserves a mention for the outstanding Library of Celsus. Built around 110 CE, it's one of the only remaining examples of great libraries of the ancient world located in the Roman Empire. Espesus is also where you'll find the ruins of the once magnificent Temple of Artemis.

 

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Opt for a coastal cruise -

If you're considering a vacation along the Turkish Riviera, opt for a weeklong cruise aboard a traditional gulet schooner. Doing so allows access to several historic destinations while at the same time voyaging to numerous out-of-the-way beaches enclosed by picture-book coves.