Im excited to help you plan the best trip possible, and share all of my favorite travel resources! Lemons are a spring fruit grown on the Turkish Riviera. Were dedicated to helping you confidently plan a trip to Turkey and have a more authentic experience when you get there. We love it so far. Build your Bucketlist & I'll help take you beyond it. We're in our 30s and are keen to experience a mixture of relaxation, nature, history and city sights. I also recommend picnicking at the pier, exploring the streets of the old town, checking out the nearby Dden waterfall, or taking an extra day to visit the Gver Canyon on a rafting tour. After 10 days of exten. Theyre served at every meal and even for dinner parties. Imagine mineral-rich azure waters floating down natural terraces on a hillside, living in a cave while watching hot-air balloons float by and watching numerous seaside towns while enjoying fresh seafood and a . I soooo want to get back to beautiful Turkiye soon and explore more than just Istanbul (which is all Ive seen so far). Not the most ideal situation but fine for a night or two. Hiking and cruising are not the only ways to explore the Turkish Riviera. Below are some more popular ways to enjoy the region from a different perspective. Rental Car 3. Kas pronounced Kash also features some of the most beautiful beaches in the Turkish Riviera (and Turkey). But there's more to this enchanting country than the usual touristy hotspots, and to discover a whole new side of Turkey, make a trip to the west coast with Izmir as your base; travel to the quaint seaside towns of Cesme and Alacati on the unbelievably . After a period of one-party rule under its founder, Mustafa Kemal (Atatrk), and his successor, Turkish governments since the 1950s have been produced by multiparty elections based on universal adult suffrage. It only departs twice per day, however. Marmaris is known as the party city of the Turkish Riviera. Anatolian Turks, who tend to be more conservative and religious, have higher birth rates than the westernized Turks of Istanbul and the Aegean coast. Here are five reasons why. How many people will be travelling privately? While technically not on the Turkish Riviera, its a short drive from the hotel to local attractions. Where to stay while in Turkey? Receive the Turkey 101 Guide, including travel planning & packing tips, food guides, behind the scene stories, and more. . Patara, on the other hand, is home to 12km of pure sandy beach making it one of the best beaches to visit in Turkey. Cirali is a charming town that features stunning beaches, historic sites, and unique attractions. We did it without a tent but options were limited and much more expensive than usual. Because of this, there are quite a few wineries on the Turkish Riviera where you can enjoy tastings. Tennis, ping pong, and darts are a few of the activities available at this resort. In high season, Olympos is filled with trekkers (from the Lycian Way) and party backpackers. Datca is a lovely town filled with relaxing beaches and coves to explore. With many beaches backed by an ancient city, youll find yourself spoilt by the amount of history on offer just on your walk down to the beach! Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the former capital of Lycia and now consists of ruins like an amphitheater and tombs. Some southwest tribes, such as the Pueblo Indians, lived in permanent settlements and practiced agriculture. You must visit the Ancient city of Telmessos. hello this is a test. Or just use a VPN and keep your flexibility. But then a marked drop to 27C for Wednesday. The Roas Hotel provides guests with complimentary breakfast and is only a few steps from the beach. If you have the time add a few more days in this city to really dive into the food scene. Guide to Turkeys Turquoise Coast (Beautiful Places to Visit), I agree to my personal data (email) being stored and used to receive the newsletter. The vast number of canyons available in Antalya offers many opportunities for people to go canyoneering and clamber over rocks. This coastline is primarily in the Mediterranean, with a smaller section in the Aegean coastal regions, which help provide the area with its turquoise waters. Please check official websites for most up to date information. So off to the bar (not tap room). The sea temperature for this period . It is said that a nude, lifelike statue of Aphrodite once resided in Knidos, drawing visitors from all over the world. But it is a traditional meal. And it was actually my favorite part of our 6-week visit to Turkey. Throughout its history it has acted as both a barrier and a bridge between the two continents. What it lacks in stuff to do + see, it makes up for with great food. Its also close to the marine and the market in Marmaris. 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. Side is a charming city in Turkey, the perfect mixture of modern amenities and historic ruins. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, to analyse our traffic, and to serve personalised content and advertisements. Day Four: Ephesus. The above map can be downloaded, printed, and used for coloring or map-pointing. Turkey, also called Trkiye, country that occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Asia and partly in Europe. The main olive growing areas lie next to Turkeys coastline, making the Aegean a large part of olive production. It takes either 15 or 25 minutes depending on the end destination. Fethiye is a charming little city with a long harbour lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect to take a leisurely stroll along day or night. As well as Amazon, Travel and Destinations also works with Booking.com, Google Adsense and other partners. The Asian part that is separated from the former by the Turkish Straits, occupies most of the Anatolian Plateau region. Picking up our visa documents for Evans solo venture to Iran. First, Turkey is changing fast. Find the right Turkey package for you through Western Turkey. One recommended agency is Bermuda Boat Tours, who offer a relaxed full-day boat tour with a fabulous lunch included. Lowlands also occur to the south of the Sea of Marmara and along the lower Sakarya River east of the Bosporus. The prices are very cheap. Pictures used are either created and owned by travelanddestinations.com, are creative commons, provided by an author, or purchased via stock sites. Home Articles Middle East Turkey Guide to Turkeys Turquoise Coast (Beautiful Places to Visit). These provinces are further subdivided into 937 districts and smaller subdivisions. Head here for relaxation, history, and a stay at one of the many resorts available. km with 97% of this area located in Asia and the rest in Europe. I'm looking for some itinerary help. If youre after some history, you can also visit the nearby ghost town of Kayakoy. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures. They make a handful of mezze dishes each night and a few local specialties. 1) Old Foa / zmir You will not want to leave the 2,000-year-old Foa, where Greeks and Turks once lived together. Fill in your email and get our best travel tips for families sent straight to your inbox! You can hop on a train (or bus) to the port cities of Bursa or Bandirma. the turkey of the west coast sometimes. Hiking is an excellent way to see the Turquoise Coast and its many nature offerings. Fethiye, Antalya & Izmir Bazaars 2. I have a full guide covering all the things you need to know about the Cappadocia region including why you should stay for no less than 4 days. Patara, on the other hand, is home to 12km of pure sandy beach making it one of the best beaches to visit in Turkey. Paragliding allows travelers to see the sparkling turquoise waters from above. Enjoy! Ararat which peaks at 16,948 ft. (5,166m). I didnt realize there was so much to do in the Turkish Riviera! But this is an itinerary for travelers tight on time who want to know what the minimum amount of time required to see the western half of Turkey is. But unless you visit for sunset when the hillside they sit on offers the best view of the city, you might as well just admire them from anywhere in the old town region. Unlike every other blogger in the world it seems, when I first arrived in Istanbul I hated it. Free shipping for many products! This region of Turkeys turquoise coast is also very well suited to a road trip and seeing all the isolated roadside beaches + vistas, we wished we had our own rental car to drive from Antalya to Fethiye. The train costs about $8 and takes 4.5 hours vs a bus which costs nearly $18 and takes 9 hours. However, head slightly east and youll find Turkeys aptly nicknamed turquoise coast. Throughout its history it has acted as both a barrier and a bridge between the two continents. Climb the steps up to it for a great photo opportunity as well as amazing views over the whole of Fethiye. Updates? This is only another hour or so away. Less than 50 miles from the coast, peaks rise to more than 10,000 feet (3,000 metres), with a maximum elevation of 12,917 feet (3,937 metres) in the Kakar range. We've arrived in Bodrum, one of the two cities --. Whatever you dont skip Paradise Beach. Turkey - West coast Turkey - West coast weather in May January February March April May June July August September October November December Overview Day 26 C Night 15 C Sea 19 C Precipitation 21 mm in month Rainy days 4 days in month Daylight 14 hours average Sunshine 10 hours average Humidity 62 % Weather charts for Turkey - West coast Contents 1 External boundaries 2 Regions 2.1 Black Sea Region 2.2 Marmara Region 2.3 Aegean Region 2.4 Mediterranean Region 2.5 Central Anatolia Region 2.6 Eastern Anatolia Region 2.7 Southeastern Anatolia Region 3 Geology 4 Climate 5 Land use 6 Natural hazards 7 Environment Western Turkey Tours & Trips Find the right Turkey package for you through Western Turkey. Explore such sites as the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena, and the ancient theater while in Side. Friends are visiting so along with our own, we will have 2 10-yr-olds and an 11-yr-old on board for a week in early April. This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees. It features impressive Greek Ottoman buildings and Xanthos, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites. Fortunately, you dont have to do the trail in its entirety to relish the Lycian Way experience. The water would still be quite cold at that time so you may not want to get in the water but sometimes the kids just dont care. This is a huge bummer and has to do with the Turkish governments ongoing feud with the company. With an area of 40,813.52 sq. Upon pulling in to the jammed parking lot and seeing the waiting line, then parking at big lots and walking back, we were told 30 minute wait for a table. Im so glad you discovered this gem in Turkey! They might increase the frequency after COVID. In fact, this is the only way to get to the beach at Butterfly Valley, as the walk down the cliff from the nearby town of Faralya has now been cordoned off for being too dangerous. Four main regions can be identified: the northern folded zone, the southern folded zone, the central massif, and the Arabian platform. Sound idealistic? The three main airport hubs that lie on the coast include the Antalya Airport, Dalaman Airport, and Bodrum Airport. WARNING! Each room comes with a balcony for a panoramic view of the area. The blank outline map above represents the Asian territory of Turkey. Were Americans starting a world sailing trip right here in Fethiye. Its under a $1 to visit them close up. Popular with resort travelers, but often missed by budget travelers who instead hit Istanbul and Cappadocia. The beach is backed by the ruins of the ancient city of Patara with its impressive amphitheatre. Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to ensure they can accommodate you for dinner. This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. The area is also known as the Turquoise Coast. Disclosure: Your support helps keep our site running. Even though the Turkish Riviera is not overcrowded, it remains a popular area for families to visit in Turkey. If you havent had your fill of beaches yet, take the old tram from the city centre to Konyaalti Beach. read about his time in the worlds most difficult country to enter (with an American Passport) here. Most of the islands along the Aegean coast are Greek; only the islands of Gkeada and Bozcaada remain in Turkish hands. With prices in Turkey being so low, its a great place to do an intro dive or complete your PADI. The real reason we ended up in Ankara was the Iranian Embassy. The Dogann Ruhu Hotel & Bungalow is near Kas Hellenistic Theatre and the Kas Yacht Marina. This post may contain affiliate links. The best time to visit Turkey - West coast is between June and October. Enjoy the beach and all of the outdoor activities that Cirali has to offer. Get the Turkey 101 Guide, including travel planning & packing tips, family-friendly destinations and accommodations, behind the scene stories, and more straight to your inbox. If you spot a mistake please let us know. Plus, with prices in Turkey being significantly lower than other countries along the Mediterranean, it really is the perfect place to get your sunshine fix. Turkey is home to 519 Blue Flag beaches, which makes it in the third place in the world. The remainderTurkish Thrace (Trakya)lies in the extreme southeastern part of Europe, a tiny remnant of an empire that once extended over much of the Balkans. The Tigras, Kizilirmak, Sakarya, and Euphrates are the most significant rivers, and Lake Van is the largest lake. Content, facts and prices on this page are believed to be correct at time of writing. Istanbul has lots of must-see attractions but I found them to be overcrowded, expensive, and generally a disappointment. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. Choose a few of the below activities or include as many as possible depending on your length of stay. Phaselis is well-known for its lovely beach and picnic areas, so you can kill two birds with one stone by visiting this location. It is among the larger countries of the region in terms of territory and population, and its land area is greater than that of any European state. The Dalaman Airport lies between Antalya and Bodrum, making it the best choice for exploring the middle of the Turquoise Coast. Kayakoy ghost town is also well worth an afternoon. In the eastern third of the country, the northern and southern fold systems converge to produce an extensive area of predominantly mountainous terrain, with pockets of relatively level land confined to valleys and enclosed basins, as are found around Malatya, Elaz, and Mu. Remove giblets from the body cavity of the turkey and rinse the turkey cavity with cold water. The Islamization of the country is a bottom-up rather than a top-down process. This means that unless you have a VPN (super easy to get an app) you wont be able to book on the website. Done the Spanish, French, and Tunisian. Love your posts! This will complete my view of the Meditteranean! 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! The Asian part that is separated from the former by the . A Turkish blue cruise, blue voyage, or blue tour involves taking a boat and cruising around the Turkish Riviera. Wander the streets of the Old Town and youll also find historical sites such as Hadrians Gate and the Fluted Minaret. All Rights Reserved. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. Turkey's efforts to gain a foothold and leading role in Africa have already borne fruit, with the Economist reporting that the number of Turkish diplomatic missions on the continent has almost quadrupled in the last 10 years (from 12 to 43). Maps.me is your best friend for this trail. Bodrum also offers stunning coastline views and a mixture of luxury 5-star hotels and backpacker-friendly options. Antalya. The trail in its entirety is more than 3 weeks long stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. This allows us to provide content to you and run the site. There are many adventurous activities that you can take advantage of as well. With less international tourists than places like Oludeniz and Antalya, it has more of a chill vibe with cobblestoned streets lined with bustling cafes, great seafront restaurants, and some cool bars. It was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Only a short walk from the centre of town, these impressive tombs were built by the ancient Lycians in 4th Century BC. Although it is home to another beautiful beach, it doesnt feel like a seaside town. There is one cafe that rents out sunbeds, but move away from there and youll easily find a whole stretch of beach all to yourself. You can rent a villa on the Kas peninsula with stunning views of the Mediterranean and surrounding islands. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 1. From there the public ferry is only a few dollars and offers a scenic journey across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. [Read full bio]. 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 . How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel the World? One thing you must visit whilst in Fethiye is the Lycian Rock Tombs. Summary. Kas. Including travel planning & packing tips, family-friendly destinations and accommodations, behind the scene stories, and more straight to your inbox. Deals of The Week:Europe awaits! The idea behind blue cruises is a relaxed getaway enjoying the local area and food caught and cooked by the crew (like fresh fish). Ankara to Antalya or Cappadocia: Both cities have bus connections in Ankara. Typically, these blue cruises last a few days and include a ride on a gulet a traditional wooden motor yacht. From Kabak Valley you can either return to Oludeniz by boat or bus, or continue hiking along the Lycian Way. If you only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one. 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. Over most of its length, the Mediterranean coastal plain is narrow, but there are two major lowland embayments. Thank you! Kabak is a nesting ground for turtles so you cant camp on the beach, but there are plenty of campsites just behind it, as well as hotels and guesthouses. There are also a number of day trips that can be taken from Antalya, particularly to the beautiful natural sights of Duden Waterfall and Kursunlu Waterfall. Finike oranges are popular in the area; they hail from Antalya. ABIDJAN, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Sparse rainfall and high temperatures observed in some of Ivory Coast's cocoa-growing regions . However, youll want only to choose one beach town to visit, so youre not jam-packing your trip with an overabundance of activities. Wander through and stop for an ice-cold Efes, the local Turkish beer. Booking.com does NOT work when you are inside Turkey. things you need to know about the Cappadocia region, 16 Things You NEED to Know Before You Visit Cappadocia, Turkey, Your Big Fat Guide to Budget Travel in Istanbul (Food, Maps, + More), Epic North Vietnam Motorbike Loop: 3-Week Itinerary & Map, The Nakasendo Trail: How to Hike Magome to Tsumago, How to Make Your First-Time Visit to Kyoto Better (8 Easy Tips). Antalya Shop like a local in the markets of Turkey! It also has a lively and colourful Old Town with shops, restaurants and bars. The top of Butterfly Valley, the bottom of Butterfly Valley, or the town of Oludeniz. Another option for those who hate the overnight bus is a train + ferry combo. Your support keeps this site running so a huge thank you for your support. Dont be surprised if you see a small salad bowl drizzled with olive oil during mealtime. Below are a few historical sites that you should aim to see during a day trip. Sophie has been travelling around South America since September 2019. You can also take a tour to see the eternal flames of Chimera. Turkish center Alperen engn had the best performance of his young career against the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday, posting a career-best 33 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four blocks for the Houston Rockets, but failed to prevent a 140-132 loss. During the excavations, traces of visits of Mesolithic hunters, carbon-dated to about 9000 B.C.E., were . This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. These mysterious flames have been burning for years due to methane gas deposits. Originally from London, she lived and worked in Vietnam for 4 years before deciding to pursue her passion for full time travel. It was a *good* experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This isnt a cheap meal. This area comprises 600 miles of beautiful sandy beaches like Konyaalti Beach and lovely welcoming beach towns such as Kas and Kalkan. I cant speak for the food here but sitting outside in the sunshine drinking $1.50 glasses of wine + cheap beer is the best way to spend an afternoon. Kadirs Tree Houses were the first to be established and this hostel is still going today. Oludeniz Beach stretches out to create a natural lagoon, with beautiful crystal clear water. If youre not eating whole or sliced olives, youll certainly be consuming olive oil in a majority of the dishes. Chanel West Coast stunned in a strappy dress featuring high boots and an . The most commonan overnight bus. The buses in Turkey are very comfortable considering. Turkey is situated at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean. Turkey's highest point is Mt. Where dishes are lovingly prepared and done correctly. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a large number of Muslim residents of Greece were sent to Turkey. The Antalya airport is less than eight miles away, making the White Garden Hotel convenient for those who want to explore the city. It was one of the only cheap options we could find in the city. But you can spend a week or two beach-hopping and hiking along Turkey . Prices start at $291 per night. Thanks for your support. Seluk to Istanbul: This chunk of the route can be done in various ways. There crest lines are often above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres), and several peaks exceed 11,000 feet (3,400 metres). More information is available about food to try while in Turkey in our Turkish Food Guide. Once you arrive in the Turkish Riviera, youll need to use a private transfer to move from the airport to your accommodations. Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafe recommendations. This area comprises 600 miles of beautiful sandy beaches like Konyaalti Beach and lovely welcoming beach towns such as Kas and Kalkan.