The Real Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Antalya to Alanya, combining ancient ruins with some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. The region contains some of the best-preserved classical sites in the world: Aspendos has a Roman theater still used for performances today, Perge has a stadium and colonnaded street, and the ruins of Termessos sit on a mountain platform 1,000 meters above sea level. The Lycian Way, a 540-kilometer hiking trail, follows the coast through pine forests and past Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs.
The coast is famous for its gulet cruises—traditional wooden boats that sail between hidden coves, ancient sites, and fishing villages. The town of Kas, with its Greek island views and Lycian tombs, is the most charming base. Fethiye has the Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz), a sheltered bay with still, turquoise water. Antalya, the largest city, has a well-preserved Old Town (Kaleici) within Roman walls and a harbor lined with restaurants.
Allow at least a week. Spend two days in Antalya, two in Kas or Kalkan, two on a gulet cruise, and one at Oludeniz. The region is well-connected by the D400 coastal highway. Buses between towns are frequent and cheap. The nearest airport is Antalya (AYT), with direct flights from many European cities.
Best Time to Go
April to June and September to November are ideal. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees, the sea is warm from May, and the ancient sites are comfortable to explore. April has wildflowers along the Lycian Way. September has warm water and fewer crowds.
July and August are hot (30 to 40 degrees) and very crowded. The sea is at its warmest. Hotel prices peak. Winter (December to March) is mild on the coast (12 to 18 degrees) but many hotels close. The Lycian Way is best hiked in spring and autumn.
Getting There and Around
Antalya Airport (AYT) is the main gateway, with direct flights from many European cities. Dalaman Airport (DLM) serves the Fethiye area. From the airports, shared shuttle buses (havas) connect to city centers for about €5 to €10. Taxis cost €30 to €50.
The D400 coastal highway connects all major towns. Local buses (dolmus) run frequently between towns and cost 1 to 3 EUR (€1 to €3). Gulet cruises depart from Fethiye, Kas, and Kalkan. A 3-day cruise costs from €200 per person including meals. Car rental costs from €25 per day.
Where to Stay
Antalya's Kaleici (Old Town) is the most atmospheric base. Hotels range from €30 to €150 per night. The narrow streets, Ottoman houses, and Roman harbor make it a pleasure to wander. The area is within walking distance of the city beach.
Kas is the most charming coastal town. Hotels and pensions range from €25 to €120 per night. The town has a Greek island feel, with Lycian tombs overlooking the harbor. The water is crystal clear and the restaurants are excellent. Kalkan, 30 minutes north, is more upscale with boutique hotels from €80 to €300 per night.
Fethiye is larger and more developed. Hotels range from €20 to €150 per night. The town has a good market, a harbor with gulet boats, and easy access to Oludeniz and the Lycian Way. For budget travelers, pensions in Fethiye and Kas start at €15 per night.
Must-See Attractions
Aspendos Theater
The best-preserved Roman theater in the world, built in 155 AD with a capacity of 15,000. The theater is still used for performances today—the acoustics are so good that a coin dropped at center stage can be heard from the top row. The stage building is largely intact. The nearby aqueduct is also worth seeing.
Price: 120 TL (€3.50) | Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM daily
Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon)
A sheltered lagoon separated from the open sea by a sandbar. The water is still, turquoise, and shallow for 50 meters. The lagoon is a national park with an entrance fee. Paragliding from Babadag mountain (1,960 meters) lands on the beach—the flight takes about 30 minutes and offers views over the lagoon and the coast.
Price: Lagoon 120 TL (€3.50); paragliding from €100 | Hours: Lagoon 8 AM to 6 PM
Kekova Sunken City
A Lycian city that sank into the sea after an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The ruins are visible through the clear water from a glass-bottomed boat or by kayaking over them. The site includes house foundations, staircases, and a pier. The hilltop village of Simena (Kalekoy) above the sunken city has a castle and Lycian sarcophagi.
Price: Boat tour from 200 TL (€6); kayak rental from €15 | Hours: Boat tours depart 10 AM, return 5 PM
Termessos Ancient City
A Pisidian city built on a mountain platform at 1,000 meters, surrounded by peaks reaching 2,000 meters. Alexander the Great failed to conquer Termessos in 333 BC. The ruins include a theater with mountain views, a gymnasium, temples, and an extensive necropolis. The site requires a 30-minute uphill walk from the parking area.
Price: 60 TL (€1.75) | Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM daily
Lycian Way Hiking
A 540-kilometer long-distance trail from Fethiye to Antalya, marked with red and white waymarks. The trail passes through pine forests, mountain villages, and along coastal cliffs with views of the Mediterranean. Day hikes near Kas, Fethiye, and Adrasan are accessible without doing the full route. The section from Kas to Kekova is particularly scenic.
Price: Free | Hours: Best April to June and September to November
Food and Drink
Pide at Biyolojik Cafe — Turkish flatbread shaped like a boat and filled with cheese, egg, or minced meat, baked in a clay oven. Biyolojik Cafe in Kabak Bay makes excellent vegetarian versions. Pide is Turkey's answer to pizza and is best eaten fresh from the oven.
Fresh Fish at Kas Market — Buy fresh fish at the Kas harbor market and have it grilled at one of the nearby restaurants for a small cooking charge. The fish—sea bass, bream, or red mullet—is caught that morning. A whole grilled fish with salad costs about 100 to 150 TL (€3 to €4.50).
Gozleme at a Roadside Stand — A thin Turkish crepe filled with spinach, cheese, potato, or mince, cooked on a convex griddle. Available at roadside stands and markets throughout the region. A fresh gozleme costs about 30 TL (€0.90) and makes a perfect snack while hiking or exploring.
Turkish Breakfast at Bibo Cafe — A spread of cheeses, olives, honey, jams, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, and unlimited tea. Turkish breakfast is a meal in itself and can last two hours. Bibo Cafe in Kas serves one of the best on the coast, with locally sourced ingredients.
Practical Tips
• Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TL). Euros are accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates.
• The Turkish Riviera is very affordable. Budget €20 to €40 per day for food and drink.
• Dolmus (shared minibus) is the cheapest way to travel between towns.
• Bring water and sun protection for ancient sites—shade is rare.
• Book gulet cruises in advance for July and August. Shoulder season has more availability.
Traveler's Tip
Take a day trip from Kas to Kekova by boat. The boat stops at the sunken city for swimming and snorkeling, continues to Simena Castle for views, and ends at a quiet bay for a grilled fish lunch. The whole trip costs about €15 to €20 and is one of the best day trips on the Turkish coast.