Turquoise Coast

The ancient Lycians were on to something when they based their empire on the stunning Teke Peninsula, the chunk of Mediterranean paradise between Antalya and Fethiye. This is Turkey at its most staggeringly beautiful: sandy sweeps of shore hug a coastline lapped by jade waters and backed by forest-blanketed slopes. The Turquoise Coast is prime sun-and-sea territory, but step off the beach and you'll find ancient cities such as Xanthos, Tlos and Arykanda perched precariously atop hills, and ornate tombs carved into cliffs at Pınara and Myra. Hike between ruins on a section of the 500km-long Lycian Way and you'll be richly rewarded with scenery worth the sweat.

If you just want the beach, though, you're in the right place. For starters there's Patara's knock-'em-dead stretch of sand, the beach linking Olympos and Çıralı, and photogenic Kaputaş. And, of course, there are ancient sites just around the corner from all three.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Turquoise Coast.

  • Historic Site

    Kaleiçi

    Antalya's historic district is a sight in itself and you could happily spend half a day strolling the narrow lanes here while admiring the mix of finely…

  • Historic Site

    Chimaera

    Known in Turkish as Yanartaş, or 'Burning Rock', the Chimaera is a cluster of small flames that naturally blaze on the rocky slopes of Mt Olympos. At…

  • Museum

    Antalya Museum

    Do not miss this comprehensive museum with exhibitions covering everything from the Stone and Bronze Ages to Byzantium. The Hall of Regional Excavations…

  • Beach

    İztuzu Beach

    An excellent swimming beach, İztuzu (Turtle) Beach is one of the Mediterranean nesting sites of the loggerhead turtle, and special rules to protect it are…

  • Ruins

    Kayaköy (Levissi) Abandoned Village

    The tumbledown ruins of Levissi are highly atmospheric. The roofless, dilapidated stone houses sit on the slopes like sentinels over the modern village…

  • Tomb

    Kings' Tombs

    Dalyan's famous Carian rock tombs are carved into cliffs across the Dalyan River, southwest of the centre. You can get good views of the tombs by walking…

  • Archaeological Site

    Aspendos

    People come in droves to this ancient site near the modern-day village of Belkıs for one reason: to view the awesome theatre, considered the best…

  • Island

    Kekova

    The long island of Kekova south of Üçağız is famous for its spectacular underwater ruins. These are partly submerged 6m below the sea off its northern…

  • Ruins

    Temples of Apollo & Athena

    This compact site is one of the most romantic on the Mediterranean coast. Apollo and Athena were Side's deities, although Apollo eventually became more…

  • Fortress

    Crusader Castle

    The ruins of ancient Simena include this impressive fortress perched on top of the hill looking out to sea. Within the castle a couple of canons are…

  • Archaeological Site

    Ancient Patara

    Patara's grand monuments lie scattered along the road to the beach. The main section of ruins is dominated by the dilapidated 5000-seat theatre. Next door…

  • Archaeological Site

    Arykanda

    Built over five terraces, Arykanda is one of the most dramatically situated ruins in Turkey. The city's most outstanding feature is its 10m-tall two…

  • Beach

    Patara Beach

    Backed by large sand dunes, this splendid, 18km-long sandy beach is one of Turkey's best. Due to its length, you can find a quiet spot even in the height…

  • Archaeological Site

    Myra

    If you only have time to see one striking honeycomb of Lycian rock tombs, choose the memorable ruins of ancient Myra. Located about 2km inland from Demre…

  • Beach

    Olympos Beach

    For most visitors, the superb 4km-long sand-and-shale beach is the main attraction. Entrance is free from the Çıralı end, whereas at the Olympos end you…

  • Archaeological Site

    Termessos

    Hidden high in a rugged mountain valley, 34km northwest of Antalya, lies the ruined but still massive ancient city of Termessos. Neither Greek nor Lycian,…

  • Archaeological Site

    Perge

    Some 17km east of Antalya, Perge was one of the most important towns of ancient Pamphylia. Inside the site, walk through the massive Roman Gate with its…

  • Archaeological Site

    Letoon

    Sharing a place with the Lycian capital Xanthos on Unesco's World Heritage list since 1988, Letoön is home to some of the finest ruins on the Lycian Way.

  • Ruins

    Tlos

    On a rocky outcrop high above a pastoral plain, Tlos was one of the most important cities of ancient Lycia. So effective was its elevated position that…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Turquoise Coast.

  • Activities