The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is one of the most stunning regions of the country, made up of rugged mountains that sweep down to deserted coves and beaches, pine forests that hide ancient ruins, and many charming towns. This part of the world was one of the old centres of civilisation, and was home to the Lycian and Pamphylian cultures, among others. Many of the towns along the coast are ancient, and are home to magnificent examples of architecture and artwork. The cuisine in this region is famous as well, and is characterised by goat meat and seafood, although there is also plenty of vegetarian fare with a Middle Eastern flavour. To read more about the individual towns in this part of Turkey, you can visit Turkey Travel Planner, which has descriptions of the attractions each town offers.
The climate of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is one of its most appealing features. Summers are gorgeous and cloudless, with perfect blue skies and temperatures that often exceed thirty degrees. Winters can be rainy, but are mild, and snow is almost completely unheard of. Water temperatures are comfortable for most of the year, and can reach twenty-eight degrees in the summer. People who enjoy the heat will love the Turkish Riviera, as it’s often called, in the summertime, while those who prefer milder weather should make their travel plans for the spring or autumn.
The Turkish Mediterranean coast is a long, but narrow strip of land, stretching from the Lake Region in the west to the Islamic Hatay province in the far east. The mountains that border almost the entirety of the coast are steep and often impassable, and roads, where they exist, are often hair-raising. The best way to experience this part of the country is by boat, cruising through the perfect blue waters, and stopping to explore the little towns and islands. Royal Caribbean is one of several cruise lines that offer reasonably priced cruises along the Turkish Riviera, as well as variety of other Mediterranean cruises
The capital of the Turkish Riviera is Antalya, in Antalya Province. This city has a history that spans over two thousand years, and replaced an even older town, Phaselis. The ruins of Phaselis can still be seen to the south of the city. The modern city of Antalya is a tourist hotspot, and contains many fantastic restaurants and markets. The historic centre is beautiful, with breathtaking churches and monuments to be found among the winding, cobbled streets, and it is also home to a vibrant nightlife. To the south of the city are many gorgeous beaches. To learn more about Antalya and neighbouring destinations, you can visit Rough Guides<, which features a ‘rough guide’ to the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
There is so much to do and see along the Turkish Riviera that you could probably spend a year exploring without getting bored. Most of us aren’t fortunate enough to have that amount of time, but a week or two in this beautiful, sun-kissed part of the world will still result in memories that last a lifetime. If you want even more information on restaurants, hotels and other attractions in the south of Turkey, you can visit The Turquoise Rivera Travel Guide<, and let your imagination roam free.