Six day Mediterranean travel

Hello Hernán! Several years ago I was in Turkey and went to Kas, Oludeniz and Fethiye. The beaches along that part of the coast are very nice. I also did an overnight trip on a boat from Kas and got to see a bit more of the coast from the water - really beautiful. Pamukkale was an interesting place -- mainly because of the large amphitheater ruins located behind all the springs/pools of water (the main attraction for most people). Since you're into seeing ruins, the one "must-go" place I would recommend is Ephesus, between Bodrum and Izmir. It's a fascinating site with a lot to see. I traveled for three weeks entirely by bus, so I'm quite sure you can get from Pamukkale to Kas one way or another. Hope you have a great trip!

You don't mention the time of your visit. If between roughly mid-June and early September the only certain way I know to find a "small uncrowded beach" is to privately charter a gület or yacht for a few days. They can be found otherwise but you have to spend quite a bit of time driving/busing/hiking to remote locations. Nice beaches are very much the exception along the rugged, mountainous coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean.

Your first plan will give you time and access for the most extensive and best preserved ruined Greek/Roman cities in Turkey: Ephesus, Pergama, Aphrodiasis as well as a choice of many minor cities and ruins. Ephesus in particular can be terribly crowded in the high season as it is adjacent to a port for mega cruise ships and is also the most likely place to pry British and European holiday goers out of their all-inclusive beach resorts.

Your second plan gives you time and access for some of the best beaches and coastal scenery in Turkey but remember that if they have easy and convenient access they will be crowded. (Patara beach is the one exception--it is huge, sandy and uncrowded because it is quite far from any airport and the land is protected against development.) There are a great many Greek/Roman sites to explore in the area--some of them will be nearly deserted even during the high season--but there is nothing to match the scale and quality of the cities in the central Aegean area.

Thank you ! Really helpful!
I'm travelling on May, I think we are going there from the 11th to the 17th of May.
Is it a good time for beaches?

I've only been on the coast (Bodrum) once around mid-May. The sea temperature--at best--is unlikely to be more than "cool" with some calling it "cold" and others "freezing cold". Weather is transitioning around that time with some cloudy/rainy weather. Mornings will be cool. So to answer your question it is not a very good time for beaches if you intend to swim. It can though be a good time for sunbathing, wading and enjoying the scenery minus the big crowds. Gület excursions are definitely subject to cancellation or early return due to strong winds.

The major ruined cities of the central Aegean will be far less busy than about a month later. Particularly if you rent a car six days is enough time to visit the major ruins, some excellent minor ruins and enjoy some coastal scenery along the central and northern Aegean Sea.

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