A Mediterranean Enchantment: The Turkish Riviera
Magnificent natural beauties, unmatched weather conditions, and deep history! The bright sun and blue sea of the dreamy Turkish Mediterranean welcomes you all year. Also known as the Turkish Riviera, this lush coastal region offers you ancient cities, castles, ports, temples, and much more.
Imagine a 1000-kilometre-long coast, protected by the Taurus Mountains in the North, with a year-round mild Mediterranean climate and 300 days of sunshine. The Mediterranean shores of the Turkish Riviera offer an amazing holiday experience where the picturesque sun-kissed views enhance visitors. From stunning accommodation options, and refined delicacies, to broad historical heritages, the Turkish Mediterranean promises a return to a life well lived!
Built to blend in perfectly with its natural surroundings, elegant beach-side luxury resorts are where summer is enjoyed in high style in the Turkish Mediterranean. All-inclusive resorts with spacious rooms to villas, mostly with stunning sea views accommodate both couples and families. Grand swimming pools, aquapark facilities, a la carte and rich buffet restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, luxurious spa and golf courses offer a full vacation package to visitors. In addition to hundreds of different luxury resort hotels, the region also offers many boutique hotels either situated in the historical streets of old city centres or intertwined with nature in the countryside. The region is so vast and so rich in options that all you have to do is choose from them to have the holiday of your dreams.
History surrounded by nature
Once you choose your accommodation, you may hit the road for activities. With shores, forests, and mountains peppered with millennial ancient ruins, the Turkish Riviera is the perfect destination for history aficionados. Three magnificent ancient regions; Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia merge within the borders of Antalya. Keep in mind that some of the ancient sites are easily and delightfully accessible via sea excursions. Take a boat from Antalya’s old Roman harbour to discover the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the region and admire some of the most beautiful examples of ancient cities such as Side, Patara, Olympos, and Phaselis.
The Turkish Mediterranean experience goes beyond historical sightings to provide amazing adventures in nature. First and foremost, it is a great sailing destination. You may opt for a yacht or a gulet –a traditional two or three-masted wooden sailing boat— to explore pristine coves around Antalya and Mersin encircled by lush green forests.
The Lycian Trail –starting in Fethiye and ending in Antalya— and the Pisidian Trail –continuing up in the Taurus mountains– are long-distance waymarked footpath trekking routes with diverse archaeological stops on the way. The region is also a paradise for adventurers who would like to enjoy caving, camping, and biking in and around stunning waterfalls, and pine and cedar forests. Take the scenic route to Kaş and Kalkan, right across the island of Kekova to discover a whole group of picturesque islands, numerous bays, and ancient cities. But the ultimate exploration is underwater: crown your visit with diving lessons to discover an exciting, ancient underwater heritage at the very heart of the rich, beautiful, and colourful underwater fauna and flora.
A traditional pampering break
Head to a hammam to unwind after a day of sightseeing. You may try a modern Turkish bath at your hotel or head to one of the traditional hammams in the city centres. The hammam, ancestor of the spa break, provides a unique oriental spa experience. As a thousand-year-old purification ritual, this gender-separated relaxation break in the mystical atmosphere of a bath is a traditional way to get yourself squeaky clean and a natural tonic to the stress of modern life.
Take a seat on the warm marble, and slab pour water over yourself with a gold- or silver-plated bowl. Then lie on the warm marble bed in the middle and surrender to the knowledgeable hands of the tellak or natır who would rub your body with a coarse bath-glove for a healthy peeling, soap you down and then offer you a silky massage for perfect relaxation. If you feel like it, you may want to test the acoustics of the place by singing a good song! At the end of the ritual, enjoy an ice-cold beverage or a cup of delicious Turkish coffee in one of the specially designed shared spaces.
A constant city buzz
For those who appreciate city life, Mersin and Antalya are urban playgrounds with a constant buzz. Mersin offers an international music festival and Antalya hosts Türkiye’s most important international film festival every year. From immense shopping malls and outlet centres to tiny craft stores on side streets, both cities are perfect addresses for shopping lovers. Antalya’s pedestrian-friendly, cobblestone streets cheerily full of laid-back cafés and bars are impeccable to have a Turkish coffee or a cocktail before heading to country-chic traditional diners or stylish fish and mezze restaurants lined up near the sea. Choose your fish from the display, and make sure to start out the meal with some mezes such as salted bonito or shrimp in butter and garlic sauce. The Turkish Mediterranean is particularly famous for citrus trees and bananas, so think about having a fruity dessert. After dinner, if you want the fun to continue, go to a mega-club or a live music venue where you can admire some Turkish hits.
As a true holiday paradise with its unique climate, picturesque nature, modern cities, sandy beaches, blue cruise routes, and countless antique cities, the Turkish Riviera is a must-see for any traveller coming to Türkiye. May, June, and September are some of the best months to visit the region, while July and August are the height of the season. Now, take some time to imagine what your dream holiday would be like, let us provide you with everything you need, sit back, and enjoy. Join us in the Turkish Riviera!