Ancient cultures and natural wonders meet head-on along Turkey’s southwestern shores. Golden beaches stretch along the coast between the cruise ship ports of Kusadasi, Bodrum, and Marmaris, while eastern Antalya points the way to the ancient Pamphylian cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side. Beach-hopping and boat cruises top the list of things to do in the Turkish Riviera, but the Turquoise Coast also holds plenty of surprises. Float over a sunken city, visit two Wonders of the Ancient World, or head inland to explore the wild Taurus Mountains.
Crowds, temperatures, and prices all soar along the Turkish Riviera during the peak summer months of July and August, when sunseekers and cruise passengers arrive in droves. The balmy Mediterranean climate makes beach days possible from late April through October, so opt to visit during the (comparatively) quieter shoulder seasons instead, especially if you want to enjoy hiking and outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains.
While the regional hubs of Antalya and Bodrum both have international airports nearby, many travelers reach the Turkish Riviera by boat. Kusadasi, Marmaris, Bodrum, and Antalya are all popular ports of call for cruise ships, while ferries, boat tours, and private charters run along the coast and out to the nearby Greek islands. If you’ve got time to spare, buses link all of the coastal resorts and provide the most affordable way to travel.
Outdoor adventures are just as easy to find along the Turkish Riviera as ancient ruins and beautiful beaches. Challenge yourself to an epic hike along the Lycian Way, go rock climbing at Geyikbayırı, enjoy white-water rafting along the Dalaman or Köprülü rivers, or scuba dive to explore shipwrecks and underwater caves.
Local Currency Turkish Lira (TRY) | Time Zone TRT (UTC +2) | Country Code +90 | Language(s) Turkish | Attractions 108 | Tours 3,713 | Reviews 43,721 |
Natural wonders abound along the Turkish Riviera. Butterfly Valley is an idyllic mountain gorge filled with thousands of butterflies, the island of Kekova is known for its sunken city, and the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz is one of Turkey’s most magnificent beaches. Other beautiful beaches include Patara and Iztuzu.
...MoreThe Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast stretches from Kusadasi and Bodrum on the Aegean Sea Coast—both popular cruise ship ports—all the way to Alanya on the Mediterranean Coast. The largest city along the southwest coast is Antalya, but other popular towns include Bodrum, Fethiye, Kas, and Side.
...MoreTurkey has almost 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) of coastline and four seas—Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea. The most-visited cruise ports and beaches lie along the Turkish Riviera on the southwest Mediterranean coast, while the northern Black Sea Coast is known for its wild scenery and historic maritime villages.
...MoreThe Turkish Riviera capital of Antalya lies 430 miles (694 kilometers) south of Istanbul, or about an 8-hour drive. The easiest way to reach the Turkish Riviera from Istanbul is to fly to Antalya, a 75-minute journey. Alternatively, multi-day cruise ships set sail from Istanbul towards the Mediterranean Coast.
...MoreIt depends. Antalya is a big city with a range of hotels and entertainment, a lively atmosphere year-round, and easy access to regional attractions such as Perge, Aspendos, and Koprulu Canyon. Bodrum is a smaller coastal town with a more laid-back vibe, close to attractions such as Pamukkale and Ephesus.
...MoreThe Turkish Riviera is home to some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastline and buzzing beach towns. Also known as the Turquoise Coast for its glittering Mediterranean waters, this coastal region is famous for cruise ports such as Kusadasi, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, and ancient ruins such as Perge and Aspendos.
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