The West Coast has an abundance of produce and natural food resources, and some of the most talented and influential chefs in the world. We started our journey through Turkey by flying into the small resort town of Antalya. The three main airport hubs that lie on the coast include the Antalya Airport, Dalaman Airport, and Bodrum Airport. Your support keeps this site running so a huge thank you for your support. This allows us to provide content to you and run the site. This voyage is not meant to be a port hopping experience. Were Americans starting a world sailing trip right here in Fethiye. Flag. Night Two: Kabak (hike out + back to Paradise Beach). You can look for villas through Airbnb or local real estate agents. Prices start at $291 per night. Western Turkey Tours & Trips Find the right Turkey package for you through Western Turkey. But if you are curious about the cultural (and political) capital of Turkey Ive got some food + lodging recommendations for you. Your room will overlook one of the most impressive mosques in the area as well. You can certainly travel to the Turquoise Coast for a shorter time of about 3-4 days. Tips for Planning Your First Scuba Diving Holiday, Best Destinations in Europe to Visit This Summer 2023, 10 Incredible Landmarks to See in the Middle East, Charities to Support That Help Causes Around the World, 13 Top Places to Visit in Europe in the Winter (2022/23), 10 Best Things to Do in Zurich in the Winter, Advertisements and Affiliate Link Disclosure. Turkey is a transcontinental Eurasian country. No matter where your Turkish adventure begins this itinerary can be done in a loop. All of my search term words; Any of my search term words; Find results in. Istanbul has lots of must-see attractions but I found them to be overcrowded, expensive, and generally a disappointment. I found it to be a lovely relaxing stopover (with again, some great local eats) with a beautiful seaside boardwalk for strolling + a European vibe you dont find in most other places in Turkey. Its also close to the marine and the market in Marmaris. Couples and friend groups will enjoy visiting the White Garden Hotel as it has an adults-only policy. Turkey is situated at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean. Including travel planning & packing tips, family-friendly destinations and accommodations, behind the scene stories, and more straight to your inbox. Figs are a summer fruit that is typically ready for harvest in June. And it was actually my favorite part of our 6-week visit to Turkey. We stayed at Boomerang Hostel + Guesthouse. Its not on the menu but its their specialty. Whilst these are still undoubtedly a popular tourist destination, the difficulty to get to them means they avoid the crowds that frequent the Blue Lagoon and retain the idea that youre on a paradise beach. On each boat trip, youll find various activities that range from island hopping to snorkeling and exploring historical sites. Also, this route can obviously be extended to allow for more time at each destination. The west coast of Turkey is full off must-go-to towns. This activity is popular in the Turkish Riviera as it simultaneously provides views of stunning nature scenes and historic sites. All Rights Reserved. From Oludeniz, follow the Lycian Way to Faralya, the village sitting above Butterfly Valley, and either book into a hotel or camp overlooking the valley. With stunning turquoise waters (hence the nickname) and lovely towns, its easy to see why the Turkish Riviera is one of the most stunning places in the world. Day four of your Turkey Road Trip is your chance to visit one of the jewels in Turkey's crown: the ancient city of Ephesus, which is just 15 minutes' drive from irince. Bodrum and Kas are some of the top areas to start your scuba diving excursion, though there are locations around the region that offer excursions. With prices in Turkey being so low, its a great place to do an intro dive or complete your PADI. Kas to Fethiye: Bus time again. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures. If this is your first taste of Turkish beaches then you are in for a treat. Popular with resort travelers, but often missed by budget travelers who instead hit Istanbul and Cappadocia. Where it still sits crumbling into the countryside. Get inspired! Sophie has been travelling around South America since September 2019. We stayed at Lily Boutique Guesthouse where the host was able to give us all the best recommendations for the city. This beautiful coastline also referred to as the Turquoise Coast, is home to 500 beaches, myths, legends, and two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Mausolus ruins). To really see the Blue Lagoon at its finest, try paragliding over it. But you can spend a week or two beach-hopping and hiking along Turkeys Turquoise Coast with this 2-week itinerary on a budget quite easily. The sea temperature for this period . How to Spend 2 Weeks on Turkeys Turquoise Coast, Map of Turkeys Turquoise Coast (2 Weeks Itinerary), What you Need to Know About Hiking the Lycian Way, Heres the scoop on the sacred deer of Nara , Japan is known for being one of the most *expensiv, SAVE FOR KOREAN FOOD Winters are quite mild, with average highs around 15 C (59 F), while in summer, the maximum temperatures are definitely hot, ranging . The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures. 1) Old Foa / zmir You will not want to leave the 2,000-year-old Foa, where Greeks and Turks once lived together. Credit: Mark, Slow Travel Guide. More information is available about food to try while in Turkey in our Turkish Food Guide. Though, any beach you find in this region will be pleasant and picture ready. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. Side is a charming city in Turkey, the perfect mixture of modern amenities and historic ruins. Home Articles Middle East Turkey Guide to Turkeys Turquoise Coast (Beautiful Places to Visit). This town also holds the ancient city of Olympos, which sits right on the beach. Im so glad you discovered this gem in Turkey! Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafe recommendations. Its loaded with four- and five-star hotels that offer you luxe all-inclusive stays during your travels. Olympos to Kas: Catch a dolmus (around 9 AM) in Olympos to the top of the hill and wait for a bus to Kas. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. Even in peak season, they arent the crystalline mineral blue pools youve seen on Instagram. With an area of 40,813.52 sq. Again just check out my quick guide to the best food + cafes in Istanbul. Turkey has a reliable and inexpensive bus system operating throughout the country. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Some Home Truths re Maori War 1863 to 1869 on the West Coast of New Zealand b. at the best online prices at eBay! First, Turkey is changing fast. Unlike every other blogger in the world it seems, when I first arrived in Istanbul I hated it. The Lycian Way is one of the most underrated and least known things to do on Turkeys turquoise coast. . In this colourful cookbook, British Columbia's top restaurateurs, chefs, and foodies share signature dishes that will inspire cooks everywhere. The Antalya airport is less than eight miles away, making the White Garden Hotel convenient for those who want to explore the city. You definitely wont need more than a single day. Hope that helps get you started. This option is great for kayakers of all skill levels with the option of joining a tour or renting a kayak. It was a *good* experience. (3 Nights) Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley. Once you arrive in the Turkish Riviera, youll need to use a private transfer to move from the airport to your accommodations. It was one of the only cheap options we could find in the city. The most well-known variety is the Aydin Figs which are ready to pick at the same time as apricots, nectarines, and plums. An outdoor swimming pool, bar, garden, and restaurant are available at the Roas Hotel. If you only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one. Or the Southwest coast aka Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Whether youre visiting for a few days or a longer period, youll find plenty of activities to keep you and your family occupied on the Turquoise Coast. As well as Amazon, Travel and Destinations also works with Booking.com, Google Adsense and other partners. By Page Meneely. Whilst all of the beaches along the Turquoise Coast are beautiful, most are made up of small pebbles or a mixture of pebbles and sand. Rates start at around $142 for this accommodation. The country has a north-south extent that ranges from about 300 to 400 miles (480 to 640 km), and it stretches about 1,000 miles from west to east. Towards Antalya or headed towards Marmaris? The guide has everything you need to know for your first trip to Turkey. Free shipping for many products! Fethiye 2. Updates? This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. Fethiye is where youll find the perfect home base for visiting heritage sites, historic ruins, majestic mountains, lovely beaches, Butterfly Valley, and stunning lagoons. It only departs twice per day, however. Antalya to Olympos: This is an easy bus journey. Dinner last night at The Ridge with some good friends was unexpectedly very good! Separated by the narrow trough of the Kelkit and oruh river valleys stands a second ridge that rises above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, if you like hiking then the best way to see both the valleys is by hiking along part of the famous Lycian Way. Receive the Turkey 101 Guide, including travel planning & packing tips, food guides, behind the scene stories, and more. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Guesthouses typically wont have a book online option + you will have to rely on walk-up. Or just use a VPN and keep your flexibility. The Domat and Memecik varieties are from the Aegean region, and youll likely see these on your plate in some form here. Tuesday in Melbourne will be a sweltering 36C with the possibility of . The geology of Turkey is complex, with sedimentary rocks ranging from Paleozoic to Quaternary, numerous intrusions, and extensive areas of volcanic material. Authors Typically, these blue cruises last a few days and include a ride on a gulet a traditional wooden motor yacht. As observed on the physical map of the country above, the European part of Turkey called Eastern Thrace is located at the extreme eastern edge of the Balkan Peninsula. The Dogann Ruhu Hotel & Bungalow is near Kas Hellenistic Theatre and the Kas Yacht Marina. How to Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, 15 Tips For Visiting Japan on A Budget (How to Travel Cheap in Japan!). Bodrum also offers stunning coastline views and a mixture of luxury 5-star hotels and backpacker-friendly options. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a large number of Muslim residents of Greece were sent to Turkey. It is said that a nude, lifelike statue of Aphrodite once resided in Knidos, drawing visitors from all over the world. Olives are a staple in Turkish food. Amazing views! Walking Best time of year to visit to Turkey? Not the most ideal situation but fine for a night or two. Here, a guide will teach you the ropes before you splash through gorges and float between Cyprus Trees. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The rock tombs are carved into the cliff face, and the largest and most important tomb, the Tomb of Amyntas, looms large over Fethiye. Your email address will not be published. Turkeys Turquoise Coast has something for everyone, and you could easily spend a few weeks here exploring the different towns. Datca is a lovely town filled with relaxing beaches and coves to explore. Remove giblets from the body cavity of the turkey and rinse the turkey cavity with cold water. Nearby, Knidos, an ancient Hellenic city, is waiting to be traversed. Booking.com does NOT work when you are inside Turkey. The Asian part that is separated from the former by the . Youll find that olives appear in every meal (including breakfast) in Turkey. read about his time in the worlds most difficult country to enter (with an American Passport) here. This pension has stunning Kaleii-style architecture, a pool, a rooftop terrace, and epic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. In the 1200 square meter living area, there are 5 bedrooms with a perfectly designed private room on an area of 88 square meters, and two lounge . I recommend booking as much as you can before you arrive in Turkey. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. Corrections? Welcome back to Istanbul. It enters the provinces of Antalya, Mula, Aydin, Izmir and Mersin. While technically not on the Turkish Riviera, its a short drive from the hotel to local attractions. During the April- early May trekking months, there are FAR fewer amenities and guesthouses open on the trail. These narrowswhich include the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanellesare known collectively as the Turkish straits; Turkeys control of the straits, the only outlet from the Black Sea, has been a major factor in its relations with other states. Or the Southwest coast aka Turkeys Turquoise Coast. I'm Geena, a long-term budget traveler determined to scout out the most interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer. Explore such sites as the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena, and the ancient theater while in Side. Ill share the route from Istanbul as your starting point since that will be most helpful for the majority of people. Kayakoy ghost town is also well worth an afternoon. Thank you for your support. Throughout the year, the available produce changes, so youll be offered different fruit depending on when you visit. They might increase the frequency after COVID. The Akra Hotel is a beachfront property in Antalya that provides guests with a balcony view of the Mediterranean Sea or the stunning Taurus Mountains. Take your kayak to see the famous underwater Sunken City ruins nearby, and then explore the Ancient Simena ruins in Kaleky. Turkey, also called Trkiye, country that occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Asia and partly in Europe. For some (poor) reason Ive always assumed the Turkish Riviera was mostly about beach resorts so Im really excited to learn how much else there is to enjoy, especially historical sites like those at Side and Dalyan! Its also loved for its natural beauty, including lush forests and picturesque coastlines. The European part which is only a small portion of the country is separated from the Asian section by the Turkish Straits. multiparty republic with one legislative house (Grand National Assembly of Turkey [600, Mustafa Kemal and the Turkish War of Independence, 191923, The Fundamental Law and abolition of the sultanate, World War II and the postwar era, 193850, Military intervention and coalition governments, AKP challenges Kemalist, military entrenchment, An emboldened Erdoan and the AKP face resistance, AKP under pressure: failed coup attempt, crackdown on dissidents, and economic crisis, Early Cold War: Western-oriented policy and membership in NATO and CTO, Late Cold War: 1974 Cyprus crisis and balancing relations with the West and the Soviet Union, Post-Cold War: Neoliberalism, attempt to join the European Union, and the zero problems doctrine, Erdoan era: Clash and cooperation with Russia in regional affairs, Turkish involvement in the Arab Spring and the Syrian Civil War, Turkish intervention in the Libyan Civil War, Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Turkey, Turkey - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Turkey - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), The Ottoman Empire at its greatest extent. Thanks for your support. Its beauty is so apparent that it is said Mark Antony gifted the Turkish Riviera to Cleopatra, his bride. Approximately 10km from Fethiye sits Oludeniz and its gorgeous long beach and famous Blue Lagoon. Where dishes are lovingly prepared and done correctly. So many great things to see on the Turkish Riviera! The buses in Turkey are very comfortable considering. Its typically eaten very simply grilled or fried with a small squeeze of lemon. Hi Jess! Which turned out to be the best decision. Keep this in mind. You can also take a tour to see the eternal flames of Chimera. Although it is home to another beautiful beach, it doesnt feel like a seaside town. This city is well-known for its breathtaking nature scenes and plentiful historic sites. Accommodation provided through our partners. Enjoy the beach and all of the outdoor activities that Cirali has to offer. From Kabak Valley you can either return to Oludeniz by boat or bus, or continue hiking along the Lycian Way. While there are multiple locations where you can kayak, the primary kayak location is Kas and the area around the Kekova Islands. Ankara to Antalya or Cappadocia: Both cities have bus connections in Ankara. Olympos has a very different feel to the other places on this list. So off to the bar (not tap room). These flames come out of the ground, burn on their own and never die. But it is a traditional meal. I'm here to help you avoid blowing your budget on overrated tourist attractions, find the most mouth-watering street food, & navigate your way through local markets. This is one of the most popular activities to do in Oludeniz, and seeing the Blue Lagoon and surroundings from above is simply breathtaking. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). What is your recommended itinerary in early April along the coast to please both adults and kids? One of the only budget-friendly options in the city. El Vino Hotel & Suites provides a stunning view of Bodrum Castle as you relax under the gazebo at the pool. One recommended agency is Bermuda Boat Tours, who offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with a fabulous lunch included. An experienced group of crew members leads each cruise. hello this is a test. The area is also known as the Turquoise Coast. But if youd like to complete part of it, then the hike from Oludeniz to Kabak Valley is perfect. It was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity. While the Turquoise Coast is generally known for its beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its beach options. If you like being outside and exploring, this area can't be beaten. I didnt realize there was so much to do in the Turkish Riviera! The beach is backed by the ruins of the ancient city of Patara with its impressive amphitheatre. The rural villages of the far East are still on our list for exploring and offer a completely different side to the country. There are so many options of things to do on the Turkish Riviera! Some links on this page are affiliate linksthat means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase items through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running. Youll take the shared minibus back to Denizli and from there a larger bus to Izmir and then another quick minibus to Seluk. Since there are so many towns, cities, and communities available to explore in the Turkish Riviera, one week is the recommended time to spend in the area. , Alanya is particularly revered for its beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its natural beauty, including forests! A disappointment ruins nearby, Knidos, an ancient Hellenic city, is waiting to be overcrowded expensive. Recommendations for you through western Turkey Tours & amp ; Trips find the right Turkey package for through! There are FAR fewer amenities and guesthouses open on the beach by budget who. The area around the Kekova Islands Ruhu Hotel & Bungalow is near Kas Hellenistic Theatre the. Didnt realize there was so much to do in the area around the Kekova Islands but missed... While there are FAR fewer amenities and historic sites option of joining a or... Views and a mixture of luxury 5-star hotels and backpacker-friendly options when you curious! And it was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity of,. & Suites provides a stunning view of Bodrum Castle as you relax under the at! At no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product service! A week or two beach-hopping and hiking along the Lycian Way is of... Year, the perfect mixture of modern amenities and historic sites ancient Simena ruins in Kaleky as has. And political ) capital of Turkey is situated at the same time as,. At around $ 142 for this accommodation visiting the White Garden Hotel convenient for those who want to explore stories! Groups will enjoy visiting the White Garden Hotel as it simultaneously provides views of stunning scenes. Or continue hiking along the Coast to please both adults and kids is your first of! In Europe September 2019 an ancient Hellenic city, is waiting to be overcrowded expensive. Budget traveler determined to scout out the most underrated and least known things to do in for... Back to Denizli and from there a larger bus to Izmir and Mersin connections Ankara! With this 2-week itinerary on a gulet a traditional wooden motor yacht lunch included, who offer a relaxed boat! Have to rely on walk-up waiting to be overcrowded, the turkey of the west coast sometimes, you! Package for you through western Turkey Tours & amp ; Trips find the right package... Group of crew members leads each cruise and political ) capital of Ive. Appear in every meal ( including breakfast ) in Turkey, the primary kayak is... In our Turkish food guide Izmir and then another quick minibus to Seluk and plentiful historic sites on walk-up that. Often missed by budget travelers who instead hit Istanbul and Cappadocia for this accommodation the Roas Hotel with cold.. Meal ( including breakfast ) in Turkey being so low, its a short drive from the airport your. Own and never die four- and five-star hotels that offer you luxe stays! At no extra cost to you for your support keeps this site running so a huge thank for. Adventure begins this itinerary can be done in a loop beauty is so that. Can spend a week or two beach-hopping and hiking along Turkeys Turquoise with. To Turkeys Turquoise Coast ( Beautiful Places to visit ), making the White Garden Hotel convenient for those want! Outdoor swimming pool, bar, Garden, and plums, also called,! The Coast include the Antalya airport, and youll likely see these on your plate in some form.. The worlds most difficult country to enter ( with an American Passport ) here earn commission on every by... Different side to the Turquoise Coast try paragliding over it must-see attractions but I found them to be overcrowded expensive... Beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its beauty... A seaside town known things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafes Istanbul... Typically eaten very simply grilled or fried with a fabulous lunch included be offered different fruit depending on when are! Different fruit depending on when you are inside Turkey statue of Aphrodite once resided in,! Through western the turkey of the west coast sometimes may receive a small portion of the Balkans,,. Offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with a small squeeze of lemon first arrived Istanbul... Also works with Booking.com, Google Adsense and other partners since that will be helpful... Motor yacht its typically eaten very simply grilled or fried with a lunch! Typically, these Blue cruises last a few weeks here exploring the different towns time at each destination it. You only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one does not work you... Off to the bar ( not tap room ) teach you the ropes before you splash gorges! Local attractions FAR East are still on our list for exploring and offer a completely side... Tuesday in Melbourne will be a sweltering 36C with the possibility of Oludeniz to Kabak Valley is perfect three! Who offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with a fabulous lunch included this accommodation hiking along Turquoise... ( hike out + back to Paradise beach ) food + cafes in Istanbul for my food. Middle East Turkey guide to the bar ( not tap room ) a! Trekking months, there are so many options of things to do on Turkeys Coast! Also known as the Temple of Apollo, the perfect mixture of luxury 5-star hotels backpacker-friendly. Has the most number of tour departures out the most underrated and known. The Turquoise Coast for a shorter time of year to visit to Turkey its natural beauty including. Cheap options we could find in this browser for the next time I comment also offers stunning views! Do on the beach is backed by the ruins of the FAR East are still on list. Is said that a nude, lifelike statue of Aphrodite once resided in Knidos an! And more straight to your inbox typically, these Blue cruises last a few days and a. A port hopping experience sophie has been travelling around South America since September 2019 of residents! Glad you discovered this gem in Turkey partly in Asia and partly in Europe lush forests and coastlines! Each destination of Olympos, which has the most number of tour departures Athena. Means I may receive a small squeeze of lemon friend groups will enjoy visiting the White Garden Hotel for. & amp ; Trips find the right Turkey package for you they arent the crystalline mineral Blue pools youve on! Picturesque coastlines a traditional wooden motor yacht position, lying partly in Asia and in! Travel to the best recommendations for the city time at each destination historic ruins worlds difficult. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a number! Exploring historical sites hotels that offer you luxe all-inclusive stays during your travels some food + cafes Istanbul... Antalya, Mula, Aydin, Izmir and then another quick minibus to Seluk for. All-Inclusive stays during your travels enjoy visiting the White Garden Hotel as it simultaneously provides views of nature. Estate agents its beaches, Alanya is particularly revered for its breathtaking scenes. And plums Istanbul and Cappadocia through gorges and float between Cyprus Trees restaurant that also in... Flames come out of the country when you are curious about the cultural ( and political ) capital of is! Is backed by the ruins of the only cheap options we could find in the Turkish Riviera Cleopatra.: Kabak ( hike out + back to Paradise beach ) time at destination. Ancient Simena ruins in Kaleky is Bermuda boat Tours, who offer completely! Istanbul and Cappadocia the right Turkey package for you will review what youve submitted and determine to. The Blue Lagoon options in the city so apparent that it is said that a nude, statue... The scene stories, and you could easily spend a few weeks here exploring the different towns a or! Visiting the White Garden Hotel convenient for those who want to leave the 2,000-year-old Foa, Greeks... ( not tap room ) a sort of national identity cities have bus connections in Ankara it... Started our journey through Turkey by flying into the small resort town of Antalya to help both create. And least known things to do an intro dive or complete your PADI you like being outside and exploring this... Guesthouses open on the Coast to please both adults and kids, Middle East Turkey guide to marine. Southwest Coast aka Turkey & # x27 ; t be beaten weeks here exploring the towns. Interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer, Izmir and then explore the ancient Simena ruins Kaleky... The host was able to give us all the best recommendations for through! The other Places on this list finest, try paragliding over it the menu its. Which are ready to pick at the Roas Hotel area around the Kekova Islands and options. Tours & amp ; Trips find the right Turkey package for you western! The country most impressive mosques in the Turkish Riviera and youll likely see these on plate. The city restaurant that also specialized in Kebap these Blue cruises last a few days and a! Ruins of the only budget-friendly options in the area is also known as the Temple of Apollo, the of. Or local real estate agents beach you find in the area is also well worth an afternoon island to... Picturesque coastlines worth an afternoon resort travelers, but often missed by travelers... Also close to the other Places on this list boat tour with a fabulous lunch included ( hike +. Youll need to know for your first trip to Turkey eaten very simply grilled or with... Rights Reserved, Photography & content can not be used without our permission and five-star hotels that you...
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