The South Coast of Turkey

bordering the Mediterranean is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, offering superb sandy beaches, turquoise clear waters, quaint fishing villages, a great variety of fascinating ancient sites, and some excellent hotels. Up to 25 beaches on the South Coast carry the Blue Flag of the European Environment Union, awarded to beaches of outstanding quality around Europe. 

Antalya

Meander and enjoy the picturesque city of Antalya with its ancient Roman walled port and its lovely 'old town', Kaleici, with its beautifully restored Ottoman mansions and Hadrian's Gate. Kaleici and the port abound with little cafes, restaurants and boutiques. A visit to the local museum is also highly recommended.

Kas

Kas is a quaint seaside village that comes alive at night with its outdoor restaurants, shops and carpet sellers staying open until quite late along its steep cobbled streets.

Kalkan

Kalkan is a very picturesque harbour village with white-washed villas covered in bougainvillea, winding cobbled streets, roof terrace bars - famous for sunset cocktails, and harbourside restaurants. 

EXT404 Full Day Termessos-Duden Waterfalls-Perge-Aspendos

Visit the impressive ruins - including an amphitheatre and a gymnasium - of Termessos, perched at an altitude of over 1000 metres up a mountainside. Continue to Duden Waterfalls which are the highest in the region. Lunch in the city, then on to Perge which was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 B.C. The substantial remains of a great theatre, stadium, huge Hellenistic and Roman gates, and an impressive colonnaded street are worth seeing. On then to the magnificent theatre of Aspendos, the best preserved amphitheatre in the world, with seating for 15,000, and marvellous acoustics. It is still used today for performances.

Other tours that can be taken from the Mediterranean Coast Region include the following sites. Please click here to contact us about these regular or self drive tours.

Sites to visit between Antalya and Kas (or Kalkan)

• The very pretty site of Phaselis with its 3 harbours and ruins set amidst pine trees - a lovely spot for a picnic and a swim in the clear safe waters of the sandy bays. 

• The fascinating ruins of Olympos cascading down Mt Tahtali through oleander and laurel bushes to the beach.

• The mysterious eternal flames of Chimaera.  Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly upon contact with the air, and the flames are inextinguishable.  This gas is known to have burned here since at least 200 B.C., and was also considered a religious area.  The flames were previously much more vigorous, and used as a beacon by mariners at night.  Greek mythology recounts that the Lycian hero Bellerophon mounted his winged horse Pegasus and slew the fire-breathing Chimaera.  This is a 30 minute trek up to a height of 300 metres. 

• Demre (also known as Myra), with its Church and statue of St. Nicholas - Santa Claus, and site of many splendidly carved Lycian Rock Tombs overlooking an amphitheatre, all dating back to 600 B.C.

Sites to visit from Kas or Kalkan

• Full day cruise to Kekova, a peaceful group of picturesque islands well scattered with very distinct rock sarcophagi, some even out in the sea. Climb up to Kaleucagiz Castle for a ïbirdÍs eyeÍ view of the bays, inlets, islands, and yachts sailing peacefully. Cruise along one of the shores of the islands where earthquakes have caused some of the ancient houses to submerge under the clear water. There may also be time for swimming. 

• Drive over the hill to Kapitas, (at the top of a hill where you will notice other cars parked), and view this glorious turquoise bay which has a turquoise grotto. 

• The ancient Lycian cities of Letoon, Xanthos, and Patara, which is often called the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean.  Patara is also the birthplace of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus!  

Dalyan Delta

Take a small local craft through a maze of reeds in the Dalyan Delta.  The delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conservation area, and a refuge for large sea turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs.  A stop will be made at Caunos which was an important city and port on the Mediterranean from 400 B.C. until the harbour silted up and the sea retreated 5km to the south.  At a bend in the river, high on the cliff face, you can view magnificent tombs which were carved into the rock in the 6th century B.C. 

Golf in Turkey

As well as its historical and natural beauties, golf lovers will find a good selection of top international golf courses in Belek, near Antalya.

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Sailing Paradise

The Mediterranean Coast is a sailing paradise, and home to the Blue Voyage. 

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