The Turquoise Coast: Antalya, Kaş, and Fethiye - Turkey (Türkiye)
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Kekova 1-day Sunken City Boat Trip
Destinations > Asia > Türkiye > The Turquoise Coast: Antalya, Kaş, and Fethiye
Turkey's South Coast, known as the Turquoise Coast, has long been a crossroads for exchange between European and Asian cultures. The amazing blue waters make it easy to see why people have chosen to make their home here since ancient times, and even today the area offers visitors so much to see and do while exploring the wonders of the area.
With 6,000 years of history, the city of Antalya has a mix of ancient ruins, traces of ottoman culture, medieval castles, and religious sites all mixed together with modern Turkish culture. The Antalya Kaleiçi, a.k.a. “old town” as it dates from the Ottoman era, spans from the cliffs to the lower harbor connected by small, winding, cobblestones streets, still lined by the same cultural spots, markets, and bazaars of the past and filled with colorfully styled rugs, bowls, and lanterns - not to mention the variety of Turkish delights!
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
Mermerli Beach via Hotel Lykia Old Town
Best Place to Stay in Antalya - Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya
Located in the very best area of Antalya, Old Town, and the very best spot in that area - only 200 m from Mermerli Beach! Included amenities: free WiFi, air conditioning, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a gorgeous garden. There is also a paid airport shuttle service to get you to the hotel and a car rental service on site for your exploring needs. Guests are welcome to enjoy a buffet breakfast looking over the beautiful coastline.
Just outside of the hotel you’ll be able to check out the Old City Marina and explore the cobblestone streets of Antalya’s Kaleiçi. Nearby highlights include Hadrian's Gate and the Antalya Clock Tower. Find Konyaalti Beach less than a mile and a half away. The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers and bidet. It’s truly the one place where you won’t have to worry about anything!
While family rooms are available at the Hotel Lykia Old Town, if you’re looking for a slightly less luxurious hotel that is more family focused, try the Hotel Sealife Family Resort Hotel instead.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
Absolute Turkey - The Best Way to Explore Turkey
A comprehensive tour of Turkey that combines the history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, and especially the vibrant and welcoming Turkish culture. You will truly fall in love with Turkey!
Highlights Included:
Explore the Palaces and Mosques of Istanbul,
Fly in - and/or watch - dozens of hot air balloons rise above the otherworldly Cappadocia,
Visit Catalhoyuk - a uniquely well-preserved Neolithic site - or learn about the mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi in Konya,
Then - in the region of Antalya and Kaş:
Wander the charming cobbled hillside streets of the district of Kaleici and the marina below, or catch some sun at a nearby beach,
Take a sailboat around Kekova Island, landing ashore to enjoy the views and archaeological ruins of Simena Castle - used by the Byzantines in the fourth century BC. Then opt to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on deck,
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before sleeping aboard a boat under the stars on the Mediterranean Sea - with mattresses and full bedding provided,
Check out the coastal town of Kaş,
Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale - a World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder made up of 17 hot water springs - and the ancient site of Hierapolis and swim in an Ancient Pool,
Finishing up your adventure:
Have a life altering moment at ancient Ephesus - with optional visits to St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey,
Enter the famous and ancient city of Troy, and
Take a guided tour of Gallipoli - including the ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine.
It truly is an adventure of the very best that Turkiye has to offer, and you will have a real cultural journey that’ll last forever. Seriously, check out Absolute Turkey before you book anything else!
Lower Duden Falls - Antalya
Lower Düden Waterfalls - Karpuzkaldiran
Famous since ancient times for its falls, the Düden River in Antalya is a must-see. Accessed through Düden Park, the Düden Waterfalls are a series of cascades that run both over and underground. Düden means a hole that swallows water, which is a good description of the system of caves where the river flows in and out. The lower waterfall is found where the river flows over a 40 meter drop into the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by Düden park, it can be viewed from nearby paths and platforms, but is also gorgeous from a boat. You can see these falls on the Full Day City Tour.
How about trying out some whitewater rafting at the Köprülü Canyon?
Upper Düden Falls
The Upper Düden Falls are surrounded by lush growth and accessed by a lovely walk through the beautiful scenery. The park where they are located in a northern suburb of Antalya is an oasis of nature in the urban area surrounding it. Its close location to the city means it’s very easy to access and well worth the trip.
See the upper and lower Duden Falls on the full-day city tour.
Burak Küçükarslan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Slightly more secluded, the Kurşunlu Waterfall is located in a nature park 19 km from Antalya. Though the Aksu River slows significantly in the summer months, the waterfall is a lovely spot year-round. Situated in an evergreen pine forest, the falls are a perfect location for a picnic or to simply sit and reflect on the beauty of nature.
Best to see this waterfall as part of the Perge, Side, Aspendos & Waterfalls guided tour as you get to see 3 ancient cities in one day followed by a relaxing afternoon in nature at Kursunlu Falls National Park!
Antalya Museum
The Antalya Museum, or Antalya Archeology Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into the past of the region. One of the largest museums in Turkey and an internationally recognized facility, the collections are truly impressive. They take visitors from the Paleolithic period through to the present. There is even a children’s museum with interactive activities to get the youngest members of your family excited about the cultural wonders achieved throughout history.
Hadrian Castle Gate - Antalya
Antalya’s Kaleiçi and the Hadrian Castle Gate
Visitors to Antalya should definitely make sure to visit the Kaleici, or Old City. Surrounded by incredible architecture, the area is a visible history of the city’s importance in the region and the world. Built to commemorate the emperor’s visit to the city, Hadrian Castle Gate is a key feature of the Old City. You can also see a statue of the Pergamon king who founded the city, an 18th Century mosque, and countless shops and cafes in restored Ottoman buildings.
Easily explore the Old City, the Marina, and the Upper and Lower Duden falls on the full-day city tour.
Antalya Old City Marina at night
Old City Marina
If you head down the steep 40 steps, built by the Venetians when they occupied the city, you’ll come to the Old City Marina. There you’ll find yourself in the Roman Harbour, which dates from the second century BCE and was restored in the 1980s. At the southwestern end of the harbour you can see Hıdırlık Kulesi, a stone tower build by the Romans and later used as a fort and a lighthouse. Today you can see modern yachts and fishing boats, and shop for souvenirs or grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront cafes.
You will get to explore the Old City Marina and take a 1-hour boat ride with the full-day city tour.
Ataturk Kultur Park - Antalya
Atatürk Kültür Parkı Walk
Several of the parks along the water in Antalya have great paths for walking and seeing more of the scenery and sites on foot. Köpek Parkı, a dog park near the downtown area, has an excellent loop for walking. Antalya Atatürk Kültür Parkı Walk is a great way to sightsee, as well. With several kilometers of well-maintained paths, stretching your legs along the shore is the way to go. Largely shaded though a green park, with public restrooms and water fountains, within walking distance of both the Old City and several public beaches, the walk is a pleasant excursion.
At the western end of the path is the Antalya Aquarium, which is a great place to relax and have a meal while cooling down in the air-conditioned facilities.
Cobblestone street in the Old City of Kas
Old City of Kaş
A hop down the Turquoise Coast to Kaş is definitely worth the stop. The Old City of Kaş offers visitors charming cobbled streets lined with colorful shops and boutiques. Take some time out of your wandering to dine alfresco at one of the many cafes. These quaint streets are also lined with historic sites, including a 4th century King’s Tomb, with its inscriptions still visible.
Fot the best views, comfort, and food, spend the night at Hotel Aysima. Everyone loves it there!
Full-Day Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip from Kas
Full-Day Kaş Kekova Boat Trip
A great way to see what Kaş has to offer is a Full-Day Kaş Kekova Boat Trip. These chartered tours offer a variety of packages and stops on the surrounding sea and islands for swimming and sightseeing. The cruise also includes a delicious lunch of the local meze offerings. Their knowledgeable guides will give you information about the history and significance of the various sites and stops. A great day full of fun and interest for everyone!
One of our family’s most memorable experiences on this trip was this full-day boat tour - our kids absolutely loved swimming around in the waters!
Saklikent Canyon National Park
Saklikent Milli Parki
Located a bit inland and further north towards Fethiye, Saklikent Milli Parki, or Saklikent National Park, features one of the deepest canyons in the world. While visitor can enter the spectacular canyon all year round, the deepest parts are only accessible in the summer when the waters of the Dargaz are lowest. While some parts are a scramble, the natural beauty is worth it. There are cafes along the water near the entrance for those who prefer to relax before or after the trek deeper in.
There are a couple of ways to explore this canyon: either from Fethiye with the Mud Bath Jeep Safari or from Kaş with the Jeep Safari and Patara Beach.
Kayakoy - the Abandoned City
Kayaköy Kalıntıları - The Ghost Town
The abandoned city of Kayaköy Kalıntıları is a fascinating glimpse in to Turkey’s tumultuous past. Located a few kilometers south of Fethiye, there are signs and records of people living here since ancient times, but the majority of the city was built up in the eighteenth century and thrived though the early twentieth century. The city was evacuated as part of the agreements ending the Greco-Turkish war in 1923, and am earthquake in 1957 further damaged the town. Now protected by the Turkish government and under a project to restore parts, the abandoned city has become a symbol of the peace and friendship that once existed between the two countries. It has even been accepted as a UNESCO World Friendship and Peace Village.
Have a guide show you the most important aspects of this abandoned ancient city.
World Famous Hike - Ghost Town to Oludeniz
Kayakoy to Oludeniz Hike
Within the village, near the main church is the start of the world-famous trail that takes hikers from Kayakoy to Oludeniz. This Kayakoy to Oludeniz Hike has both stunning coastal and mountain views, as well as the experience of the historic town itself. The route is average difficulty and offers a unique view of the Turkish landscape. The hike takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level and there are no facilities along the route, so be sure to bring water with you! The views are worth it, and you can cool off with a swim at the beach in Oludeniz, or a cold beverage at one of the waterfront cafes.
VERY HIGHLY recommended that you hike this with a guide as certain spots can be dangerous - but it is an absolutely amazing full-day hike.
The nearby Butterfly Valley Beach - accessible via a boat trip
Ölüdeniz Turquoise Beach
The crystal-clear waters of the Ölüdeniz Turquoise Beach, or Blue Lagoon, are definitely inviting. The famously calm waters (Ölüdeniz means dead sea, named because the waters are so calm) is perfect for swimming or just enjoying the gorgeous shades of turquoise and aquamarine that the lagoon dazzles with. For those looking for a bit more active adventure there are paragliding packages offered that give you an even better view from the air.
The #1 thing to do at Ölüdeniz Beach is to go tandem paragliding over the Blue Lagoon as it’s the best way to get the most amazing photos of the area - check it out!
The Party Pirate Boats of Ölüdeniz Beach
Ölüdeniz Boat Tours
Ölüdeniz Boat Tours are another great way to experience these lovely blue waters. There are several options that take you to various nearby islands and secluded beaches. One of the options is a Pirate Tour – a voyage on a Pirate Bark, with several decks and even a waterslide. The atmosphere is boisterous and fun, but if you are looking for a quieter cruise, there are also smaller family tours. These will take you along a peaceful itinerary to isolated swimming holes in pristine natural locations. Lunch is included in all of the day-long tours.
As we have kids, we took a more family-friendly boat tour - but you can certainly jump aboard one of the party-themed Pirate Ships as well!
Pamukkale terraced pools
Pamukkale
Another site not to be missed in this part of Turkey is the pools at Pamukkale. Seeing the calcium-rich waters in their terraced pools, it’s easy to believe the legend that they are solidified cotton left to dry by giants. The pools have been damaged by centuries of visitors, but there have been restoration efforts ongoing since it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1980s. Paths where visitors can view the terraces have been carefully established to preserve their beauty, and bathing pools have been created to give access to the thermal waters in a way that is less destructive that previous versions.
From Antalya, it is easy to take a day trip to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
Cleopatra’s Pool Swimming
Hierapolis
Also on the site are the historic ruins of the Greek city of Hierapolis. These feature the remains of significant ancient features including the temple, the theatre, and the necropolis. The Hierapolis Archeological Museum was established in the remains of the Roman Bath, and showcase important finds from the nearby ruins, as well as featuring the art and history of the Aegean region. Additionally, it is possible to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool on the site!
The museum is open daily from 8:30 am, and closes earlier in the winter months. There is a small admission fee, but children are free.
From Antalya, it is easy to take a day trip to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
A Party Pirate Boat at Oludeniz Beach
The Best of Turkiye’s Turquoise Coast
The southern coast of Turkey offers visitors an incredible variety of natural beauty and historic culture. The historic atmosphere will connect you with the past and the stunning turquoise waters will make you want to stay forever. It’s definitely a part of Turkey you will not want to miss!
Want to see all of this and more? Don’t forget to check out the Absolute Turkey adventure!
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to travel along the Turquoise Coast?
The cost of traveling along the Turquoise Coast depends on several factors, such as the season, the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, and the activities you choose to do. However, Turkey is generally considered a budget-friendly destination, especially compared to other European countries. According to Lonely Planet, the average daily cost for a traveler in Turkey is around $40 USD, which includes food, accommodation, and local transportation. Of course, this can vary depending on your preferences and itinerary. For example, if you want to stay in luxury hotels, rent a car, or join guided tours, you will need to spend more. On the other hand, if you opt for hostels, buses, or couchsurfing, you can save money. You can also find cheap flights to and from Turkey using websites like Skyscanner or Kayak.
What are the best places to eat and drink along the Turquoise Coast?
The Turquoise Coast offers a variety of delicious food and drink options, ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to international dishes. Some of the specialties of the region include kebabs, mezes (small plates of appetizers), pide (Turkish pizza), gozleme (stuffed flatbread), kunefe (sweet cheese pastry), and baklava (layered pastry with nuts and syrup). You can also enjoy fresh seafood, salads, soups, and vegetarian dishes. For drinks, you can try ayran (yogurt drink), raki (anise-flavored liquor), tea, coffee, or wine. Some of the best places to eat and drink along the Turquoise Coast are:
- Fethiye Fish Market: A lively and popular spot where you can choose your own fish from the stalls and have it cooked at one of the surrounding restaurants. You can also order mezes, salads, and drinks to accompany your fish. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is festive.
- Bi Lokma: A cozy and friendly restaurant in Kaş that serves homemade Turkish food with a twist. You can find dishes like lentil soup, stuffed peppers, lamb stew, and chicken curry. The portions are generous and the prices are affordable. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.
- Shakespeare Bistro: A charming and elegant bistro in Antalya that offers a fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy dishes like grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta, and cheesecake. They also have a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and beers. The service is attentive and the ambiance is romantic.
What are some of the cultural and historical attractions along the Turquoise Coast?
The Turquoise Coast is rich in cultural and historical attractions, as it has been inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries. You can explore ancient ruins, museums, mosques, churches, and castles, as well as experience the local culture and traditions. Some of the cultural and historical attractions along the Turquoise Coast are:
- Lycian Way: A 540-km long hiking trail that follows the ancient route of the Lycians, a mysterious people who lived in the region from the 15th to the 6th century BC. The trail passes through stunning scenery, such as mountains, forests, beaches, and villages, as well as archaeological sites, such as tombs, temples, and cities. You can hike the whole trail or choose a section that suits your interest and ability.
- Patara: An ancient city that was once the capital of the Lycian League and the birthplace of St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. You can visit the impressive ruins, such as the theater, the parliament building, the lighthouse, and the necropolis, as well as the nearby Patara Beach, which is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
- Olympos: Another ancient city that was founded by the Greeks and later occupied by the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. You can see the remains of temples, baths, houses, and walls, as well as the famous Olympos Tree Houses, which are wooden cabins built on stilts among the trees. You can also visit the nearby Chimaera, a natural phenomenon where flames burst out of the ground due to the methane gas escaping from the rocks.
(1) Turquoise Coast travel - Lonely Planet | Turkey, Europe. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/mediterranean-coast.
(2) The Turquoise Coast: Antalya, Kaş, and Fethiye - Turkey (Türkiye .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/the-turquoise-coast-antalya-kas-and-fethiye-turkey-turkiye.
(3) Guide to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (Beautiful Places to Visit). https://www.travelanddestinations.com/guide-turkeys-turquoise-coast/.
(4) Turkish Riviera - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Riviera.
(5) The Turquoise Coast Travel Guide - Rough Guides. https://www.roughguides.com/turkey/turquoise-coast/.
River Tubing at the Saklikent Canyon
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