Must-Visit Places on Turkish Riviera
Turkey is among the best countries for tourists to explore in the Middle East. The country boasts a rich history and a diverse array of cultural influences, including several religious sites. However, one aspect of the country that is unnoticed by many tour guides is the exploration of nature.
There are a ton of places that boast excellent natural scenery of lush green forests, waterfalls, and hills and valleys within Turkey, but the best place among all of these are the beaches present around Turkey. When it comes to having a fun beach time alongside the cultural exploration of Turkey, the Turkish Riviera on the south coast is the right place for you.
Also known as the Turquoise Coast, this region has several places that provide a calm and relaxing journey, making it a must-visit place in Turkey. So, let us look at the 10 must-visit places in the Turkish Riviera.
Combine Relaxing and Hiking In Antalya
When it comes to the premier location on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is a city where tourists get access to beaches that provide an excellent view of the Mediterranean Sea. Alongside this, there are also several other natural spots for tourists to explore as well as several historical sites which provide great insight into the rich history and culture of Turkey.
Among these excellent places, is the ancient city of Kaleiçi which is full of ancient Roman architecture in its streets, walls, and alleyways surrounded by homes made in the Ottoman Era. There are also several excellent boutiques and cafes where tourists can relax and enjoy the rich culture of Turkey.
Another highlight of this place is the Lycian Way, famous for being the longest hiking trail in Turkey.
Have the Best Beach time at Alanya
Beaches are some of the most fun areas of any tourist destination, offering an excellent sunbathing experience along with calming views of the sea. While there are several locations for having a fun beach time in the Turkish Riviera, Alanya is by far the best place for having a fun beach time in Turkey. Cleopatra Beach is among Alanya's most popular places.
Not only are beaches here of pristine quality, but the place is also full of several key points of interest for people looking to delve deeper into the history of Turkey. Among these places, the Alanya Castle is a highlight of this place being a well-preserved architecture from the medieval age of Turkey with its walls and turrets still intact for tourist exploration.
Enjoy the Nightlife of Kas
Did you know that beaches can be at their best during the nighttime? If you are a tourist looking to have a late-night party in a beach setting within the Turkish Riviera, Kas is the town for you.
Kas is a town within the Turkish Riviera that is famous for its picturesque views which it derives from the amazing rock formations, ancient ruins, and traditional villages that can be visited through the Lycian Way that is very close to the town.
Apart from the Lycian Way and its beautiful scenery, the town itself is a sight to behold during the night with it hosting several music events and lights that brighten the cobblestone street of the town, making for the most memorable experience in a trip to Turkey.
Engage In Adventurous Activities at Fethiye
Beaches are an excellent destination to provide your body with the relaxing time it deserves after a long time of working. However, not every tourist is looking for a relaxing time. So, if you are a tourist looking for some adventurous activities to do during your trip to the Turkish Riviera, Fethiye holds all the best adventures for you.
Fethiye is a district that is considered to be the best place for nature exploration in Turkey. The Ölüdeniz is a large lagoon which is a common place for paragliders to fly over the beaches of this place to observe the excellent views from above. The Butterfly Valley is also an excellent place where you can find a large variety of species of butterflies that reside within this place.
Observe Sea Turtle Nests at Dalyan
Another excellent location that can be accessed during your trek through the Lycian Way is Dalyan. Dalyan is a municipality within the Turkish Riviera that is very popular for housing the Lycian tombs made from rocks. This area is also full of places that offer hot springs and mud baths to tourists to refresh their looks while relaxing.
It also has several rivers which are ideal for a riverboat trip that will lead you to the seashore which is popular for being the nesting grounds for the Caretta Caretta turtles. You can observe hundreds of these turtles here who lay hundreds of eggs at once along the seashore of Dalyan which is one of the most unique views you can ever look at during your trip to Turkey.
Experience the 5 Star Service of Belek
Located within the city of Antalya itself, Belek is a luxurious part of this city that offers lodging facilities for tourists of Antalya. This palace is also well-known for the quality of mineral water sold within the city. This water is sourced from seven springs which is also used in the spa's spread across this region.
The most famous aspect of this place is the high concentration of 4 and 5-star hotels and resorts offering a luxurious stay to all their guests during their trip to Turkey.
Delve Deep into the History at Side
Turkey’s most famous aspect is its history which is full of influence from several empires and cultures such as the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Persian, and several others. If you wish to delve deeper into this rich history of Turkey in the Turkish Riviera, Side is an excellent location for you.
The Side is full of historical places like the temple of Apollo, Side Amphitheatre, and other remains of Side’s past that are said to have been influenced by the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine cultures. You can also visit the Side Museum to take a look at all the reserved artifacts from these ruins to delve deeper into the history of this place.
Take In the Sights of the Aegean Sea from Bodrum
Within the Mediterranean region, the Aegean Sea is among the most popular areas as it holds significance in the history of both Greece and Turkey. If you wish to observe the Aegean Sea yourself in the Turkish Riviera, Bodrum is a coastal town that will provide you with the best experience of this historical region.
Explore the Kusadasi Castle on Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a small island located within the region of Kusadasi, Turkish Riviera. On this island sits the ancient castle of Kusadasi which was once built as a military base in the 15th Century. Nowadays, it is a museum that showcases the history of this castle by preserving its architecture and artifacts.
Have an All-In-One Experience at Marmaris
Visited last during a trip through the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris is a port city that offers everything that makes the trip to the Turkish Riviera great in a single place. It has a beach, natural scenery, and historical sites close by which keeps the tourists amused during their stay in this part of the Turkish Riviera.
If you are someone looking to travel to any of these amazing places in the Turkish Riviera, start by applying for your Turkish tourist e-visa and book all your reservations in advance. During the holiday season, delays in Turkish visa approval and lack of available reservations are very common, so early action is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip through Turkey.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Bahamas citizens, Australian citizens, Grenadian citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.