Turkey — Resorts
Gumbet
The purpose-built vacation resort of Gumbet, on Turkey's southwest coast, is a stone's throw away from the larger resort of Bodrum and is spreading ever closer to its neighbor as it grows in popularity. The Gumbet vacation resort caters largely for those interested in relaxing on the beach by day, and partying in one of its many nightclubs by night.
For those wanting to attempt something more lively during the day, a multitude of watersports are on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. For the less energetic, a leisurely boat trip along the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula is a great way to catch a tan and explore the scenery while on vacation. Many of the beaches around Gumbet are pebble, but there are a few, like Allora, that are sandy.
As there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Gumbet itself, most visitors opt to catch a dolmus(minibus) to Bodrum, which is about 10 minutes away, or to other nearby towns to shop and see the sights. There are a few bars and restaurants in town which cater largely to tourists, so it's easier to find fish and chips than traditional Turkish cuisine.
Dalyan
Unlike neighboring vacation resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped, tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions, as well as classic Turkish friendliness and hospitality. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.
The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century. A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5-mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus.
Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary vacation experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers.
For those looking to party until dawn the busier vacation resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveler there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in while on vacation in Dalyan.
Kalkan
The charming Mediterranean vacation resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows and white-washed houses, as well as sweeping views over the harbor and sparkling bay, are part of its unique character.
The genuine friendliness of Kalkan locals is a welcome change from the hassle experienced in most vacation towns. Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid-back, but still has plenty to offer vacationers, from beautiful beaches and watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square meter on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining and dining opportunities.
Kemer
Like many resort towns, Kemer was purpose-built and thus has little local flavor, with all of its amenities aimed at tourists on vacation. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement.
The small seaside town of Kemer is situated in a forested valley surrounded by the western Taurus Mountains, close to the larger, livelier resort of Antalya. It boasts a lovely marina with a promenade down to the beach, and tastefully designed hotels and houses spread along the shore, and there are many bays and coves to explore. An interesting place to visit is the Yoruk (Nomad) Park where visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work under leafy trees. There are also several pedestrianized streets with a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The town itself is small with few major attractions, and day trips to neighboring Beldibi or Antalya are recommended, as are trips to the ancient sites of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the fascinating, permanent natural vents, known as the Fires of Chimaera, that release burning methane and whose flames were used by sailors to navigate at night. A trip up the 'Sea to Sky' cablecar to the 7,800 foot (2,365m) summit of Mt Tahtalý is a worthwhile experience.
Many hotels in Kemer offer their own entertainment and activities for guests, and several have private beach access. Most of the beaches in Kemer are pebble, but a few, including those near the marina, are sand. Kemer therefore suits those looking for little else but an extremly relaxing vacation.
Belek
Belek is a sprawling vacation resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades has grown to encompass the neighboring village of Kadriye. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as some great golf courses.
Many Belek hotels have their own strip of private beach and some vacation visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheater at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert.
From Belek, jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular vacation outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white-water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer to visitors on vacation. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping center, some souvenir shops and some cafés to enjoy on vacation. Kadriye has more to offer in the way of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is the perfect vacation resort for golfers and those seeking lazy days lounging on a beach or by a swimming pool.
Alanya
Situated on the Gulf of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Alanya has been a favored seaside vacation resort for over 800 years. Today's European package tourist is drawn here for much the same reasons as the Seljuk Turks all those centuries ago; the sea is warm and gentle, the beaches stretch for miles and the town has an interesting history. The southern part of the town is the most tourist-orientated, although fortunately a height-restriction has limited the sprawl common to resort towns; there is, however, the usual collection of resort-style hotels and tourist-orientated fare in Alanya. The harbor is a hub of activity, particularly at night, and when tired of relaxing on the beach, there are several sites such as the Damlatas Caves, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower to visit. Alanya is also backed by the pine-forested Taurus Mountains and while on vacation there, a half hour's drive out of town allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views, as well as the charm of small, rural villages where life continues much as it always has.
Bodrum
The popular vacation resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'the land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbors offer shelter for yachts.
Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbors, the 15th century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum vacation attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
As Turkey's leading seaside vacation destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoiled and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.
Fethiye
The small port town and vacation retreat of Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient city Telmessos, with an impressive ancient theater and numerous Lycian rock tombs. Situated at the head of a pretty island-strewn bay, Fethiye is a popular vacation destination on the stretch of the Mediterranean known as the Turquoise Coast.
Fethiye town absorbs the tourist traffic and still retains a sense of its old-fashioned rural character, with herds of goats and sheep blocking the roads on market days and the smell of herbs and spices in the air. Around Fethiye are numerous unspoiled rocky coves and beaches, crystalline seas, offshore islands, cliffs and pine-covered mountains affording as much vacation relaxation or activity as one chooses.
Antalya
Antalya is the main city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular vacation spots, with an attractive harbor setting and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Dominating the town is Antalya's symbol, the Yivli Minaret (Grooved Minaret) dating back to the 3rd century. The superb Archaeological Museum, housing one of the top collections in the country, is not to be missed.
Known as the Turkish Riviera, a vacation on the Antalya shoreline offers secluded coves, ancient cities and harbors, seaside towns, sparkling seas and soaring cliffs. The city provides an excellent base for exploring the small towns nearby, as well as caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins, including Perge and the mountain-top remains of Termessos.
A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos, boasting the finest example of a Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is remarkably intact. In addition to the vast number of archaeological wonders, the area also has a wealth of outdoor activities. Antalya, lying at the foot of the Taurus Mountain range, is host to numerous sporting events throughout the year, including international beach volleyball, triathlons and canoeing competitions.
Calis
The vacation retreat of Calis (pronounced Chalish) in Turkey is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and its laid-back atmosphere. Situated in the southwest of the country on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Calis has a selection of hotels, bars and restaurants that line the extensive beachfront road, designated a car-free strip.
The Calis beach is long and narrow, with a mix of sand and shingle, and as in Dalyan, a population of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles gathers here to lay its eggs at certain times of year.
Calis is also a dolmus (minibus) or water-taxi ride away from neighboring Fethiye, for those seeking bigger crowds. The best way to enjoy a Calis holiday, however, is to grab a seat at a beachfront café with cameras at the ready, and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Turunc
Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular vacation resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience to vacationers than many other Turkish resorts. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing vacation and a chance to get away from it all.
Kas
Delightfully situated among towering vertical cliffs, Kas is the region's second major vacation resort, and although lacking in idyllic stretches of beach, the dramatic rocky coastline creates easy access to clear and unpolluted Mediterranean waters; and an abundance of outdoor activities, and a lively nightlife have maintained its reputation as a satisfying vacation destination. It is the center for glass-bottomed boat trips to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilizations can be viewed just below the surface of the water, and visits can be arranged to the surrounding archaeological sites at Demre, Myra and the Xanthos Valley. The town is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theater, the monumental Lion Tomb, and some hillside rock tombs in and around the town. Despite attracting thousands of vacationers every year and the tourist development of what was once a simple fishing village, Kas still preserves its small-town charm, with narrow cobbled streets and novel boutique shops.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of the most swollen vacation resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. Despite the frenzied influx of vacationers, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.
Marmaris
One of the larger vacation resorts, Marmaris is probably the most European of the Turkish resort towns on the Mediterranean coast, and a bustling cosmopolitan tourist center in the summer months. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts and the Blue Voyage vacation cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Oludeniz
The Mediterranean vacation resort of Oludeniz is situated just a few minutes drive from Fethiye and has an astonishing crystal-clear lagoon and a beautiful photogenic grey-white beach that adorns almost every Turkish travel brochure. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery in Oludeniz is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a vacation. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the resort town of Hisaronu is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realised for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of watersports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.
Hisaronu
The charming hill town of Hisaronu, a short distance inland from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, has boomed into a popular vacation resort bristling with hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and tour operators, ideally situated for those intent on exploring the region and enjoying an active vacation. Hisaronu is centrally located on the 'Turquoise Coast', within a short 'dolmus' (local taxi) ride from the busy center of Fethiye, the beautiful seaside resort of Oludeniz with its blue lagoon and crescent beach, and numerous sites of interest. The town of Hisaronu itself is a bit of a hodge-podge of buildings, but the surrounding area offers a ruggedly beautiful landscape covered in pine forest, ideal for vacationers keen on walking, and a coast filled with secluded bays and coves accessed through winding forest paths. Being set at high altitude the town also has the advantage of being cooler and less humid than the coast, a pleasant refuge to retreat to after a day in the summer sun.
Side
Situated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty vacation resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the center of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theater with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts.
Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavor, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of vacationers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars. Icmeler's package-vacation aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town. Unlike its close neighbor, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.
Altinkum
Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbors on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach vacation. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbor at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Izmir
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city, a busy port, commercial center and gateway to the Aegean Coast, but despite its size (population around three million) and importance it still retains enough vacation ambience to draw visitors to linger. Izmir is lively and cosmopolitan, and it is also scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the colorful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from around 3,000 BC, but today is thoroughly modern, having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt. There is still some worthy sightseeing to be done in the city, however, like the 19th-century clock tower, the 18th-century Konak Cami mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is to join the promenaders in the balmy evening air strolling on the esplanade, or jogging along in a horse-drawn carriage, between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.
Gumbet
The purpose-built vacation resort of Gumbet, on Turkey's southwest coast, is a stone's throw away from the larger resort of Bodrum and is spreading ever closer to its neighbor as it grows in popularity. The Gumbet vacation resort caters largely for those interested in relaxing on the beach by day, and partying in one of its many nightclubs by night.
For those wanting to attempt something more lively during the day, a multitude of watersports are on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. For the less energetic, a leisurely boat trip along the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula is a great way to catch a tan and explore the scenery while on vacation. Many of the beaches around Gumbet are pebble, but there are a few, like Allora, that are sandy.
As there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Gumbet itself, most visitors opt to catch a dolmus(minibus) to Bodrum, which is about 10 minutes away, or to other nearby towns to shop and see the sights. There are a few bars and restaurants in town which cater largely to tourists, so it's easier to find fish and chips than traditional Turkish cuisine.
Dalyan
Unlike neighboring vacation resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped, tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions, as well as classic Turkish friendliness and hospitality. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.
The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century. A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5-mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus.
Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary vacation experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers.
For those looking to party until dawn the busier vacation resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveler there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in while on vacation in Dalyan.
Kalkan
The charming Mediterranean vacation resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows and white-washed houses, as well as sweeping views over the harbor and sparkling bay, are part of its unique character.
The genuine friendliness of Kalkan locals is a welcome change from the hassle experienced in most vacation towns. Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid-back, but still has plenty to offer vacationers, from beautiful beaches and watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square meter on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining and dining opportunities.
Kemer
Like many resort towns, Kemer was purpose-built and thus has little local flavor, with all of its amenities aimed at tourists on vacation. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement.
The small seaside town of Kemer is situated in a forested valley surrounded by the western Taurus Mountains, close to the larger, livelier resort of Antalya. It boasts a lovely marina with a promenade down to the beach, and tastefully designed hotels and houses spread along the shore, and there are many bays and coves to explore. An interesting place to visit is the Yoruk (Nomad) Park where visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work under leafy trees. There are also several pedestrianized streets with a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The town itself is small with few major attractions, and day trips to neighboring Beldibi or Antalya are recommended, as are trips to the ancient sites of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the fascinating, permanent natural vents, known as the Fires of Chimaera, that release burning methane and whose flames were used by sailors to navigate at night. A trip up the 'Sea to Sky' cablecar to the 7,800 foot (2,365m) summit of Mt Tahtalý is a worthwhile experience.
Many hotels in Kemer offer their own entertainment and activities for guests, and several have private beach access. Most of the beaches in Kemer are pebble, but a few, including those near the marina, are sand. Kemer therefore suits those looking for little else but an extremly relaxing vacation.
Belek
Belek is a sprawling vacation resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades has grown to encompass the neighboring village of Kadriye. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as some great golf courses.
Many Belek hotels have their own strip of private beach and some vacation visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheater at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert.
From Belek, jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular vacation outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white-water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer to visitors on vacation. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping center, some souvenir shops and some cafés to enjoy on vacation. Kadriye has more to offer in the way of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is the perfect vacation resort for golfers and those seeking lazy days lounging on a beach or by a swimming pool.
Alanya
Situated on the Gulf of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Alanya has been a favored seaside vacation resort for over 800 years. Today's European package tourist is drawn here for much the same reasons as the Seljuk Turks all those centuries ago; the sea is warm and gentle, the beaches stretch for miles and the town has an interesting history. The southern part of the town is the most tourist-orientated, although fortunately a height-restriction has limited the sprawl common to resort towns; there is, however, the usual collection of resort-style hotels and tourist-orientated fare in Alanya. The harbor is a hub of activity, particularly at night, and when tired of relaxing on the beach, there are several sites such as the Damlatas Caves, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower to visit. Alanya is also backed by the pine-forested Taurus Mountains and while on vacation there, a half hour's drive out of town allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views, as well as the charm of small, rural villages where life continues much as it always has.
Bodrum
The popular vacation resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'the land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbors offer shelter for yachts.
Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbors, the 15th century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum vacation attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
As Turkey's leading seaside vacation destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoiled and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.
Fethiye
The small port town and vacation retreat of Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient city Telmessos, with an impressive ancient theater and numerous Lycian rock tombs. Situated at the head of a pretty island-strewn bay, Fethiye is a popular vacation destination on the stretch of the Mediterranean known as the Turquoise Coast.
Fethiye town absorbs the tourist traffic and still retains a sense of its old-fashioned rural character, with herds of goats and sheep blocking the roads on market days and the smell of herbs and spices in the air. Around Fethiye are numerous unspoiled rocky coves and beaches, crystalline seas, offshore islands, cliffs and pine-covered mountains affording as much vacation relaxation or activity as one chooses.
Antalya
Antalya is the main city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular vacation spots, with an attractive harbor setting and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Dominating the town is Antalya's symbol, the Yivli Minaret (Grooved Minaret) dating back to the 3rd century. The superb Archaeological Museum, housing one of the top collections in the country, is not to be missed.
Known as the Turkish Riviera, a vacation on the Antalya shoreline offers secluded coves, ancient cities and harbors, seaside towns, sparkling seas and soaring cliffs. The city provides an excellent base for exploring the small towns nearby, as well as caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins, including Perge and the mountain-top remains of Termessos.
A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos, boasting the finest example of a Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is remarkably intact. In addition to the vast number of archaeological wonders, the area also has a wealth of outdoor activities. Antalya, lying at the foot of the Taurus Mountain range, is host to numerous sporting events throughout the year, including international beach volleyball, triathlons and canoeing competitions.
Calis
The vacation retreat of Calis (pronounced Chalish) in Turkey is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and its laid-back atmosphere. Situated in the southwest of the country on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Calis has a selection of hotels, bars and restaurants that line the extensive beachfront road, designated a car-free strip.
The Calis beach is long and narrow, with a mix of sand and shingle, and as in Dalyan, a population of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles gathers here to lay its eggs at certain times of year.
Calis is also a dolmus (minibus) or water-taxi ride away from neighboring Fethiye, for those seeking bigger crowds. The best way to enjoy a Calis holiday, however, is to grab a seat at a beachfront café with cameras at the ready, and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Turunc
Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular vacation resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience to vacationers than many other Turkish resorts. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing vacation and a chance to get away from it all.
Kas
Delightfully situated among towering vertical cliffs, Kas is the region's second major vacation resort, and although lacking in idyllic stretches of beach, the dramatic rocky coastline creates easy access to clear and unpolluted Mediterranean waters; and an abundance of outdoor activities, and a lively nightlife have maintained its reputation as a satisfying vacation destination. It is the center for glass-bottomed boat trips to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilizations can be viewed just below the surface of the water, and visits can be arranged to the surrounding archaeological sites at Demre, Myra and the Xanthos Valley. The town is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theater, the monumental Lion Tomb, and some hillside rock tombs in and around the town. Despite attracting thousands of vacationers every year and the tourist development of what was once a simple fishing village, Kas still preserves its small-town charm, with narrow cobbled streets and novel boutique shops.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of the most swollen vacation resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. Despite the frenzied influx of vacationers, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.
Marmaris
One of the larger vacation resorts, Marmaris is probably the most European of the Turkish resort towns on the Mediterranean coast, and a bustling cosmopolitan tourist center in the summer months. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts and the Blue Voyage vacation cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Oludeniz
The Mediterranean vacation resort of Oludeniz is situated just a few minutes drive from Fethiye and has an astonishing crystal-clear lagoon and a beautiful photogenic grey-white beach that adorns almost every Turkish travel brochure. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery in Oludeniz is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a vacation. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the resort town of Hisaronu is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realised for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of watersports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.
Hisaronu
The charming hill town of Hisaronu, a short distance inland from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, has boomed into a popular vacation resort bristling with hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and tour operators, ideally situated for those intent on exploring the region and enjoying an active vacation. Hisaronu is centrally located on the 'Turquoise Coast', within a short 'dolmus' (local taxi) ride from the busy center of Fethiye, the beautiful seaside resort of Oludeniz with its blue lagoon and crescent beach, and numerous sites of interest. The town of Hisaronu itself is a bit of a hodge-podge of buildings, but the surrounding area offers a ruggedly beautiful landscape covered in pine forest, ideal for vacationers keen on walking, and a coast filled with secluded bays and coves accessed through winding forest paths. Being set at high altitude the town also has the advantage of being cooler and less humid than the coast, a pleasant refuge to retreat to after a day in the summer sun.
Side
Situated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty vacation resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the center of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theater with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts.
Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavor, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of vacationers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars. Icmeler's package-vacation aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town. Unlike its close neighbor, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.
Altinkum
Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbors on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach vacation. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbor at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Izmir
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city, a busy port, commercial center and gateway to the Aegean Coast, but despite its size (population around three million) and importance it still retains enough vacation ambience to draw visitors to linger. Izmir is lively and cosmopolitan, and it is also scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the colorful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from around 3,000 BC, but today is thoroughly modern, having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt. There is still some worthy sightseeing to be done in the city, however, like the 19th-century clock tower, the 18th-century Konak Cami mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is to join the promenaders in the balmy evening air strolling on the esplanade, or jogging along in a horse-drawn carriage, between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.
Gumbet
The purpose-built vacation resort of Gumbet, on Turkey's southwest coast, is a stone's throw away from the larger resort of Bodrum and is spreading ever closer to its neighbor as it grows in popularity. The Gumbet vacation resort caters largely for those interested in relaxing on the beach by day, and partying in one of its many nightclubs by night.
For those wanting to attempt something more lively during the day, a multitude of watersports are on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. For the less energetic, a leisurely boat trip along the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula is a great way to catch a tan and explore the scenery while on vacation. Many of the beaches around Gumbet are pebble, but there are a few, like Allora, that are sandy.
As there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Gumbet itself, most visitors opt to catch a dolmus(minibus) to Bodrum, which is about 10 minutes away, or to other nearby towns to shop and see the sights. There are a few bars and restaurants in town which cater largely to tourists, so it's easier to find fish and chips than traditional Turkish cuisine.
Dalyan
Unlike neighboring vacation resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped, tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions, as well as classic Turkish friendliness and hospitality. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.
The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century. A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5-mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus.
Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary vacation experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers.
For those looking to party until dawn the busier vacation resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveler there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in while on vacation in Dalyan.
Kalkan
The charming Mediterranean vacation resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows and white-washed houses, as well as sweeping views over the harbor and sparkling bay, are part of its unique character.
The genuine friendliness of Kalkan locals is a welcome change from the hassle experienced in most vacation towns. Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid-back, but still has plenty to offer vacationers, from beautiful beaches and watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square meter on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining and dining opportunities.
Kemer
Like many resort towns, Kemer was purpose-built and thus has little local flavor, with all of its amenities aimed at tourists on vacation. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement.
The small seaside town of Kemer is situated in a forested valley surrounded by the western Taurus Mountains, close to the larger, livelier resort of Antalya. It boasts a lovely marina with a promenade down to the beach, and tastefully designed hotels and houses spread along the shore, and there are many bays and coves to explore. An interesting place to visit is the Yoruk (Nomad) Park where visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work under leafy trees. There are also several pedestrianized streets with a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The town itself is small with few major attractions, and day trips to neighboring Beldibi or Antalya are recommended, as are trips to the ancient sites of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the fascinating, permanent natural vents, known as the Fires of Chimaera, that release burning methane and whose flames were used by sailors to navigate at night. A trip up the 'Sea to Sky' cablecar to the 7,800 foot (2,365m) summit of Mt Tahtalý is a worthwhile experience.
Many hotels in Kemer offer their own entertainment and activities for guests, and several have private beach access. Most of the beaches in Kemer are pebble, but a few, including those near the marina, are sand. Kemer therefore suits those looking for little else but an extremly relaxing vacation.
Belek
Belek is a sprawling vacation resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades has grown to encompass the neighboring village of Kadriye. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as some great golf courses.
Many Belek hotels have their own strip of private beach and some vacation visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheater at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert.
From Belek, jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular vacation outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white-water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer to visitors on vacation. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping center, some souvenir shops and some cafés to enjoy on vacation. Kadriye has more to offer in the way of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is the perfect vacation resort for golfers and those seeking lazy days lounging on a beach or by a swimming pool.
Alanya
Situated on the Gulf of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Alanya has been a favored seaside vacation resort for over 800 years. Today's European package tourist is drawn here for much the same reasons as the Seljuk Turks all those centuries ago; the sea is warm and gentle, the beaches stretch for miles and the town has an interesting history. The southern part of the town is the most tourist-orientated, although fortunately a height-restriction has limited the sprawl common to resort towns; there is, however, the usual collection of resort-style hotels and tourist-orientated fare in Alanya. The harbor is a hub of activity, particularly at night, and when tired of relaxing on the beach, there are several sites such as the Damlatas Caves, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower to visit. Alanya is also backed by the pine-forested Taurus Mountains and while on vacation there, a half hour's drive out of town allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views, as well as the charm of small, rural villages where life continues much as it always has.
Bodrum
The popular vacation resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'the land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbors offer shelter for yachts.
Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbors, the 15th century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum vacation attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
As Turkey's leading seaside vacation destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoiled and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.
Fethiye
The small port town and vacation retreat of Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient city Telmessos, with an impressive ancient theater and numerous Lycian rock tombs. Situated at the head of a pretty island-strewn bay, Fethiye is a popular vacation destination on the stretch of the Mediterranean known as the Turquoise Coast.
Fethiye town absorbs the tourist traffic and still retains a sense of its old-fashioned rural character, with herds of goats and sheep blocking the roads on market days and the smell of herbs and spices in the air. Around Fethiye are numerous unspoiled rocky coves and beaches, crystalline seas, offshore islands, cliffs and pine-covered mountains affording as much vacation relaxation or activity as one chooses.
Antalya
Antalya is the main city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular vacation spots, with an attractive harbor setting and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Dominating the town is Antalya's symbol, the Yivli Minaret (Grooved Minaret) dating back to the 3rd century. The superb Archaeological Museum, housing one of the top collections in the country, is not to be missed.
Known as the Turkish Riviera, a vacation on the Antalya shoreline offers secluded coves, ancient cities and harbors, seaside towns, sparkling seas and soaring cliffs. The city provides an excellent base for exploring the small towns nearby, as well as caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins, including Perge and the mountain-top remains of Termessos.
A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos, boasting the finest example of a Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is remarkably intact. In addition to the vast number of archaeological wonders, the area also has a wealth of outdoor activities. Antalya, lying at the foot of the Taurus Mountain range, is host to numerous sporting events throughout the year, including international beach volleyball, triathlons and canoeing competitions.
Calis
The vacation retreat of Calis (pronounced Chalish) in Turkey is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and its laid-back atmosphere. Situated in the southwest of the country on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Calis has a selection of hotels, bars and restaurants that line the extensive beachfront road, designated a car-free strip.
The Calis beach is long and narrow, with a mix of sand and shingle, and as in Dalyan, a population of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles gathers here to lay its eggs at certain times of year.
Calis is also a dolmus (minibus) or water-taxi ride away from neighboring Fethiye, for those seeking bigger crowds. The best way to enjoy a Calis holiday, however, is to grab a seat at a beachfront café with cameras at the ready, and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Turunc
Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular vacation resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience to vacationers than many other Turkish resorts. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing vacation and a chance to get away from it all.
Kas
Delightfully situated among towering vertical cliffs, Kas is the region's second major vacation resort, and although lacking in idyllic stretches of beach, the dramatic rocky coastline creates easy access to clear and unpolluted Mediterranean waters; and an abundance of outdoor activities, and a lively nightlife have maintained its reputation as a satisfying vacation destination. It is the center for glass-bottomed boat trips to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilizations can be viewed just below the surface of the water, and visits can be arranged to the surrounding archaeological sites at Demre, Myra and the Xanthos Valley. The town is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theater, the monumental Lion Tomb, and some hillside rock tombs in and around the town. Despite attracting thousands of vacationers every year and the tourist development of what was once a simple fishing village, Kas still preserves its small-town charm, with narrow cobbled streets and novel boutique shops.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of the most swollen vacation resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. Despite the frenzied influx of vacationers, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.
Marmaris
One of the larger vacation resorts, Marmaris is probably the most European of the Turkish resort towns on the Mediterranean coast, and a bustling cosmopolitan tourist center in the summer months. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts and the Blue Voyage vacation cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Oludeniz
The Mediterranean vacation resort of Oludeniz is situated just a few minutes drive from Fethiye and has an astonishing crystal-clear lagoon and a beautiful photogenic grey-white beach that adorns almost every Turkish travel brochure. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery in Oludeniz is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a vacation. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the resort town of Hisaronu is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realised for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of watersports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.
Hisaronu
The charming hill town of Hisaronu, a short distance inland from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, has boomed into a popular vacation resort bristling with hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and tour operators, ideally situated for those intent on exploring the region and enjoying an active vacation. Hisaronu is centrally located on the 'Turquoise Coast', within a short 'dolmus' (local taxi) ride from the busy center of Fethiye, the beautiful seaside resort of Oludeniz with its blue lagoon and crescent beach, and numerous sites of interest. The town of Hisaronu itself is a bit of a hodge-podge of buildings, but the surrounding area offers a ruggedly beautiful landscape covered in pine forest, ideal for vacationers keen on walking, and a coast filled with secluded bays and coves accessed through winding forest paths. Being set at high altitude the town also has the advantage of being cooler and less humid than the coast, a pleasant refuge to retreat to after a day in the summer sun.
Side
Situated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty vacation resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the center of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theater with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts.
Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavor, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of vacationers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars. Icmeler's package-vacation aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town. Unlike its close neighbor, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.
Altinkum
Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbors on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach vacation. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbor at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Izmir
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city, a busy port, commercial center and gateway to the Aegean Coast, but despite its size (population around three million) and importance it still retains enough vacation ambience to draw visitors to linger. Izmir is lively and cosmopolitan, and it is also scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the colorful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from around 3,000 BC, but today is thoroughly modern, having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt. There is still some worthy sightseeing to be done in the city, however, like the 19th-century clock tower, the 18th-century Konak Cami mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is to join the promenaders in the balmy evening air strolling on the esplanade, or jogging along in a horse-drawn carriage, between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.
Gumbet
The purpose-built vacation resort of Gumbet, on Turkey's southwest coast, is a stone's throw away from the larger resort of Bodrum and is spreading ever closer to its neighbor as it grows in popularity. The Gumbet vacation resort caters largely for those interested in relaxing on the beach by day, and partying in one of its many nightclubs by night.
For those wanting to attempt something more lively during the day, a multitude of watersports are on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. For the less energetic, a leisurely boat trip along the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula is a great way to catch a tan and explore the scenery while on vacation. Many of the beaches around Gumbet are pebble, but there are a few, like Allora, that are sandy.
As there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Gumbet itself, most visitors opt to catch a dolmus(minibus) to Bodrum, which is about 10 minutes away, or to other nearby towns to shop and see the sights. There are a few bars and restaurants in town which cater largely to tourists, so it's easier to find fish and chips than traditional Turkish cuisine.
Dalyan
Unlike neighboring vacation resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped, tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions, as well as classic Turkish friendliness and hospitality. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.
The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century. A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5-mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus.
Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary vacation experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers.
For those looking to party until dawn the busier vacation resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveler there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in while on vacation in Dalyan.
Kalkan
The charming Mediterranean vacation resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows and white-washed houses, as well as sweeping views over the harbor and sparkling bay, are part of its unique character.
The genuine friendliness of Kalkan locals is a welcome change from the hassle experienced in most vacation towns. Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid-back, but still has plenty to offer vacationers, from beautiful beaches and watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square meter on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining and dining opportunities.
Kemer
Like many resort towns, Kemer was purpose-built and thus has little local flavor, with all of its amenities aimed at tourists on vacation. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement.
The small seaside town of Kemer is situated in a forested valley surrounded by the western Taurus Mountains, close to the larger, livelier resort of Antalya. It boasts a lovely marina with a promenade down to the beach, and tastefully designed hotels and houses spread along the shore, and there are many bays and coves to explore. An interesting place to visit is the Yoruk (Nomad) Park where visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work under leafy trees. There are also several pedestrianized streets with a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The town itself is small with few major attractions, and day trips to neighboring Beldibi or Antalya are recommended, as are trips to the ancient sites of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the fascinating, permanent natural vents, known as the Fires of Chimaera, that release burning methane and whose flames were used by sailors to navigate at night. A trip up the 'Sea to Sky' cablecar to the 7,800 foot (2,365m) summit of Mt Tahtalý is a worthwhile experience.
Many hotels in Kemer offer their own entertainment and activities for guests, and several have private beach access. Most of the beaches in Kemer are pebble, but a few, including those near the marina, are sand. Kemer therefore suits those looking for little else but an extremly relaxing vacation.
Belek
Belek is a sprawling vacation resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades has grown to encompass the neighboring village of Kadriye. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as some great golf courses.
Many Belek hotels have their own strip of private beach and some vacation visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheater at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert.
From Belek, jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular vacation outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white-water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer to visitors on vacation. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping center, some souvenir shops and some cafés to enjoy on vacation. Kadriye has more to offer in the way of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is the perfect vacation resort for golfers and those seeking lazy days lounging on a beach or by a swimming pool.
Alanya
Situated on the Gulf of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Alanya has been a favored seaside vacation resort for over 800 years. Today's European package tourist is drawn here for much the same reasons as the Seljuk Turks all those centuries ago; the sea is warm and gentle, the beaches stretch for miles and the town has an interesting history. The southern part of the town is the most tourist-orientated, although fortunately a height-restriction has limited the sprawl common to resort towns; there is, however, the usual collection of resort-style hotels and tourist-orientated fare in Alanya. The harbor is a hub of activity, particularly at night, and when tired of relaxing on the beach, there are several sites such as the Damlatas Caves, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower to visit. Alanya is also backed by the pine-forested Taurus Mountains and while on vacation there, a half hour's drive out of town allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views, as well as the charm of small, rural villages where life continues much as it always has.
Bodrum
The popular vacation resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'the land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbors offer shelter for yachts.
Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbors, the 15th century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum vacation attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
As Turkey's leading seaside vacation destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoiled and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.
Fethiye
The small port town and vacation retreat of Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient city Telmessos, with an impressive ancient theater and numerous Lycian rock tombs. Situated at the head of a pretty island-strewn bay, Fethiye is a popular vacation destination on the stretch of the Mediterranean known as the Turquoise Coast.
Fethiye town absorbs the tourist traffic and still retains a sense of its old-fashioned rural character, with herds of goats and sheep blocking the roads on market days and the smell of herbs and spices in the air. Around Fethiye are numerous unspoiled rocky coves and beaches, crystalline seas, offshore islands, cliffs and pine-covered mountains affording as much vacation relaxation or activity as one chooses.
Antalya
Antalya is the main city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular vacation spots, with an attractive harbor setting and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Dominating the town is Antalya's symbol, the Yivli Minaret (Grooved Minaret) dating back to the 3rd century. The superb Archaeological Museum, housing one of the top collections in the country, is not to be missed.
Known as the Turkish Riviera, a vacation on the Antalya shoreline offers secluded coves, ancient cities and harbors, seaside towns, sparkling seas and soaring cliffs. The city provides an excellent base for exploring the small towns nearby, as well as caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins, including Perge and the mountain-top remains of Termessos.
A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos, boasting the finest example of a Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is remarkably intact. In addition to the vast number of archaeological wonders, the area also has a wealth of outdoor activities. Antalya, lying at the foot of the Taurus Mountain range, is host to numerous sporting events throughout the year, including international beach volleyball, triathlons and canoeing competitions.
Calis
The vacation retreat of Calis (pronounced Chalish) in Turkey is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and its laid-back atmosphere. Situated in the southwest of the country on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Calis has a selection of hotels, bars and restaurants that line the extensive beachfront road, designated a car-free strip.
The Calis beach is long and narrow, with a mix of sand and shingle, and as in Dalyan, a population of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles gathers here to lay its eggs at certain times of year.
Calis is also a dolmus (minibus) or water-taxi ride away from neighboring Fethiye, for those seeking bigger crowds. The best way to enjoy a Calis holiday, however, is to grab a seat at a beachfront café with cameras at the ready, and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Turunc
Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular vacation resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience to vacationers than many other Turkish resorts. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing vacation and a chance to get away from it all.
Kas
Delightfully situated among towering vertical cliffs, Kas is the region's second major vacation resort, and although lacking in idyllic stretches of beach, the dramatic rocky coastline creates easy access to clear and unpolluted Mediterranean waters; and an abundance of outdoor activities, and a lively nightlife have maintained its reputation as a satisfying vacation destination. It is the center for glass-bottomed boat trips to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilizations can be viewed just below the surface of the water, and visits can be arranged to the surrounding archaeological sites at Demre, Myra and the Xanthos Valley. The town is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theater, the monumental Lion Tomb, and some hillside rock tombs in and around the town. Despite attracting thousands of vacationers every year and the tourist development of what was once a simple fishing village, Kas still preserves its small-town charm, with narrow cobbled streets and novel boutique shops.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of the most swollen vacation resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. Despite the frenzied influx of vacationers, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.
Marmaris
One of the larger vacation resorts, Marmaris is probably the most European of the Turkish resort towns on the Mediterranean coast, and a bustling cosmopolitan tourist center in the summer months. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts and the Blue Voyage vacation cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Oludeniz
The Mediterranean vacation resort of Oludeniz is situated just a few minutes drive from Fethiye and has an astonishing crystal-clear lagoon and a beautiful photogenic grey-white beach that adorns almost every Turkish travel brochure. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery in Oludeniz is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a vacation. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the resort town of Hisaronu is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realised for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of watersports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.
Hisaronu
The charming hill town of Hisaronu, a short distance inland from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, has boomed into a popular vacation resort bristling with hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and tour operators, ideally situated for those intent on exploring the region and enjoying an active vacation. Hisaronu is centrally located on the 'Turquoise Coast', within a short 'dolmus' (local taxi) ride from the busy center of Fethiye, the beautiful seaside resort of Oludeniz with its blue lagoon and crescent beach, and numerous sites of interest. The town of Hisaronu itself is a bit of a hodge-podge of buildings, but the surrounding area offers a ruggedly beautiful landscape covered in pine forest, ideal for vacationers keen on walking, and a coast filled with secluded bays and coves accessed through winding forest paths. Being set at high altitude the town also has the advantage of being cooler and less humid than the coast, a pleasant refuge to retreat to after a day in the summer sun.
Side
Situated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty vacation resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the center of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theater with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts.
Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavor, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of vacationers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars. Icmeler's package-vacation aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town. Unlike its close neighbor, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities. The resort is scrupulously clean and well maintained, from its regularly raked shingly sand beaches to its litter-free promenade. The town is also resplendent with well-kept gardens, which soften the lines of the dozens of hotel and apartment blocks.
Altinkum
Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbors on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach vacation. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbor at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Izmir
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city, a busy port, commercial center and gateway to the Aegean Coast, but despite its size (population around three million) and importance it still retains enough vacation ambience to draw visitors to linger. Izmir is lively and cosmopolitan, and it is also scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the colorful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from around 3,000 BC, but today is thoroughly modern, having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt. There is still some worthy sightseeing to be done in the city, however, like the 19th-century clock tower, the 18th-century Konak Cami mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is to join the promenaders in the balmy evening air strolling on the esplanade, or jogging along in a horse-drawn carriage, between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.
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