The Mediterranean Region is the most important and richest region of Turkey. It is starting from the Turquoise Coastline, licking the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains and feeding all Turkey and many other countries with citrus and other organic farming products.
Dalyan Canal and Caretta Caretta beaches, Fethiye, Gocek, Kas, Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Myra (Demre – St. Nicholas), Perge, Aspendos, Antalya Museum, Antalya Old Town, Lycian Trail, Trail of St. Paul, Sailing, Rafting, Paragliding and even skiing are all enriching spots and activities of this region.
We have done our best to eliminate most and list you the best places to visit while if you are seeking off the beaten; we have more to show you in our inventory.
Highlights of the Mediterranean Coast
- Antalya: the old harbour town of Kaleiçi and the Antalya Museum, with Perge and the Roman theatre of Aspendos close by.
- The Lycian coast: the sunken city of Kekova by boat, St Nicholas’ church at Myra, the long beach of Patara and the UNESCO sites of Xanthos and Letoon.
- Fethiye and Dalyan: paragliding over Ölüdeniz, and a river trip past Lycian rock tombs to İztuzu beach, where the loggerhead turtles nest.
- Side and Alanya: the Temple of Apollo by the sea at Side, and Alanya’s castle on its rocky headland.
- Further east: Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul, the Maiden’s Castle in the sea at Corycus and Mamure Castle at Anamur.
When to Go
The coast has some 300 sunny days a year. April to June and September to October are best for the ancient sites and for walking stretches of the Lycian Way. July and August are hot, often above 35°C, and best spent by the sea or on a boat. The water is warm enough to swim from mid-May to early November, and winters around Antalya are mild.
Getting There
Antalya and Dalaman airports are about an hour’s flight from Istanbul. From Dalaman it is under an hour to Fethiye and Dalyan and about two and a half hours to Kaş; Antalya is the gateway to Side, Alanya and the eastern Lycian coast. A week lets you see the Lycian coast at an easy pace, or add a few days on a gulet.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mediterranean Coast
Can I see the sunken city of Kekova?
Yes, by boat from Üçağız or Kaş. The ruins of the Lycian town lie in shallow, clear water along the island; swimming over them is not allowed, so the boat glides slowly past.
When is the sea warm enough to swim?
From mid-May to early November. August and September have the warmest water.
Can I combine the coast with a yacht cruise?
Yes. Gulet cruises sail from Fethiye, Göcek and Kaş along the Lycian coast. See our Blue Cruise page.
What our guests say
We found Turkey to be friendly, rich in history, traditions, and culture – and so easy to travel in that we abandoned plans to hop across to Greece, and spent our entire 5 weeks in the lands of the Assyrians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Romans, Greeks, Hittites Seljuk, Lycian et al.
Infinitely better being a private group of two, rather than one of forty tourists, following the guy with the umbrella.
We were lucky to get you as our guide. We just loved being in Turkey. Your country has so much to offer.
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