The Turquoise Coast

OludenizPirate Cave Near KekovaThere are many amazing places and sights dotted around the Mediterranean, but in terms of sheer soul-tugging beauty, few places compare to Turkey's evocatively named Turquoise Coast. Fantastic sea views do not even start to describe it! This coastline is nearly 1600 km (994 miles) long, scattered with fine-sand beaches and sprinkled abundantly with classical cities turned to picturesque ruins. From Marmaris to Antalya the coastline is gorgeous, the weather is reliably excellent and there are heaps of things to see and do. Few places can rival it for unspoiled natural beauty, pine-covered cliffs plunging into the sea, secluded coves and empty beaches. It is equally rich in historical interest, with well preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins, Lycian tombs, Crusader castles and Ottoman fortresses. At Villa Paramelle you will enjoy stunning sea views as well!

It's said that Mark Antony gave this coastline to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Gulets resting in the bay on the Turkish Mediterranean CoastThe swimming is glorious, in crystal clear waters that afford views into the depths. The scent of eucalyptus perfumes the air and the forested mountains form a contrasting backdrop. Keep your eyes open for the Lycian rock tombs skilfully carved into the mountains centuries ago. A traditional Turkish yacht or gulet is one of the best ways to see the Turquoise Coast. The Taurus Mountains form a dramatic backdrop along much of the coast, often dropping steeply right into the sea. In some places rivers have washed down enough sediment over the ages to form beaches backed by fertile alluvial plains, good for growing cotton, vegetables, and even tropical fruits like bananas.

Sunset on the Turquoise CoastThe combination of stunning scenery, sea views and numerous ancient sites makes this area of Turkey the perfect place for some fine coastal and inland walking. The Lycian Way, one of three long distance trekking routes in Turkey was opened in 1999. Stretching for 500 kilometres between Fethiye and Antalya, this route provides about a months walking through some of Turkey's most spectacular scenery. Lycia is an area steeped in history with a rugged charm all of its own. The path can take you through a variety of landscapes right up to the 5,000ft shoulder of Tahtali Mountain.

There are many places of interest to visit along the coast such as Olympos, Fethiye and Kas or experience the healing waters of the thermal baths at Dalyan. If you do decide to take a boat then you must pay a visit to Kekova, it is a super trip. Places of interest to visit from Kalkan - Turquoise Coast Map

 

Scuba diver giving OK signal Tombs at Xanthos at sunset Couple snorkelling in Kalkan seaBoats in Kalkan harbourKalkan beach as seen from onboard a traditional Turkish gulet