THE TURQUOISE COAST
The Turquoise Coast of Turkey is a breathtaking blend of dazzling Mediterranean beaches, ancient Lycian ruins, and the dramatic Taurus Mountains. This guide is your key to discovering the region’s legendary history, vibrant harbor towns, and crystal-clear waters, from Antalya to Fethiye.
Why Visit The Turquoise Coast?
Ancient Wonders: Explore vast, well-preserved Roman and Lycian ruins like Perge and Aspendos set against stunning coastal backdrops.
Blue Flag Beaches: Home to some of the world’s best beaches and coves, including the famous Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon and the protected Iztuzu Beach.
Outdoor Adventures: From paragliding over the coast to hiking the ancient Lycian Way trail, it’s a paradise for nature and thrill-seekers.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for sightseeing, hiking the ancient ruins, and enjoying warm sea temperatures with moderate heat and fewer crowds.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. Coastal towns are quiet, and the weather is mild and rainy, making it great for cultural tours.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is very hot and dry, and the coast is at its busiest. Be prepared for crowds, especially in popular resorts like Antalya and Bodrum, and book well in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Antalya & Kaleiçi
Antalya is the gateway to the Turquoise Coast and its largest city, featuring a stunning Roman-era harbor. Its historic old town, Kaleiçi, is a maze of cobblestone streets, Ottoman mansions, and boutique hotels, ringed by ancient city walls.
Your Smart Tip: To escape the summer heat, take a short trip to the nearby Düden Waterfalls, where the water dramatically cascades directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is a vibrant harbor town and a major hub for sailing and exploring the coast. Nearby, Ölüdeniz is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, a protected nature reserve with calm, turquoise waters, and is a world-renowned spot for paragliding.
Your Smart Tip: The best way to see the coastline is by taking a “Blue Cruise” or a daily boat trip from Fethiye harbor to discover secluded bays and islands.
Kaş & Kalkan
These charming towns, separated by the stunning Kaputaş Beach, offer a more bohemian and upscale vibe, respectively. Kaş is known for its small harbor, Lycian rock tombs, and excellent scuba diving. Kalkan features luxury villas and rooftop terrace restaurants.
Your Smart Tip: Be sure to visit the ancient sunken city of Kekova near Kaş by sea kayak or a glass-bottomed boat for a unique historical view.
The Lycian Way
This is Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail, a 540km route stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. It traces the paths of the ancient Lycian civilization, passing through remote villages, pine forests, and magnificent ruins like Patara and Olympos.
Your Smart Tip: You don’t have to hike the entire trail. Try a classic, manageable section, such as the walk from Kaş to Limanağzı or a short loop from the village of Çıralı.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is typically Mediterranean, with very hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Inland areas, particularly the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, can be cooler. Sea temperatures remain warm for swimming from May to October.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: The official language is Turkish. In major tourist hubs, English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases is always appreciated.
Respect: When visiting a mosque, women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, and men should wear long pants. Everyone should remove their shoes.
Hospitality: Turks are famously hospitable. It is customary to accept an offer of Turkish tea (çay), especially when browsing in shops—there is no obligation to buy.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$35), mid-range hotels ($60–$110), luxury ($130+). All-inclusive resort prices vary widely.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu or street food ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($20–$40 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: Intercity bus ($5–$20), local bus/dolmuş ($1–$3), car rental ($25/day).
Activities: Paragliding tandem flight ($80+), museum/ruin entrance ($5–$10), daily boat trip ($25–$50).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $50–$80 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $90–$150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions, local tours).
- Luxury: $180+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private transfers).
Getting Around
By Dolmuş: Shared minibuses called dolmuş (pronounced doll-moosh) are the most common and cost-effective way to travel short distances between towns and beaches.
By Bus: The long-distance intercity bus network is excellent, reliable, and comfortable, connecting all major cities and towns.
By Car: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the hidden coves and ancient sites in the mountainous interior, especially along the scenic coastal highway.
Must-Try Food
Meze: A variety of small, flavorful appetizers like hummus, haydari (yogurt dip with mint), and ezme (spicy tomato dip).
Döner/Şiş Kebab: Famous grilled meat dishes. Şiş Kebab is marinated and skewered; Döner is meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Pide: Turkish “pizza,” a thin, boat-shaped flatbread with various toppings, often minced meat, cheese, or spinach.
Lahmacun: A round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices, traditionally rolled up and eaten with lemon.
Balık Ekmek: A simple, delicious grilled fish sandwich, usually served from a boat or street stall by the harbor.
Gözleme: A savory Turkish flatbread, hand-rolled and cooked on a griddle, often stuffed with cheese, potato, or spinach.
Künefe: A baked shredded pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese. Served warm.
Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Turkish Delight (Lokum): A family of traditional gel-like confections, often flavored with rosewater or lemon.
Dondurma: Famous Turkish ice cream, known for its stretchy, chewable texture.
Must-Try Drinks
Rakı: Turkey’s national alcoholic drink. It’s an anise-flavored spirit, typically diluted with water and ice, turning it a milky white (known as “lion’s milk”).
Turkish Wine: The region is increasingly known for its quality wines, particularly those made from local grapes like Öküzgözü (red) and Narince (white).
Turkish Beer: A refreshing, light lager often enjoyed with meze or a meal.
Turkish Tea (Çay): A staple, usually black tea served hot in small, tulip-shaped glasses.
Turkish Coffee: A strong, dark coffee prepared in a small pot, known for its thick layer of foam and ground residue at the bottom.
Ayran: A refreshing, cold drink made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. Excellent in hot weather.