The Turkish Riviera: A Hidden Gem on the Mediterranean Coast

Escape the Crowds and Find Tranquility on the Turkish Riviera

Where is the Turkish Riviera Located?

The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, along the Mediterranean Sea. It includes popular tourist destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Marmaris.

Top 7 Things to Do on the Turkish Riviera

Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus

Ephesus is an ancient city located in western Turkey, near the modern-day city of Selcuk. It was once a major centre of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire and is now considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Visitors to Ephesus can see many well-preserved ancient structures, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian.

Moreover, the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also located nearby. Ephesus is considered a must-see destination for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

Explore the Dalyan Delta

The Dalyan Delta, also known as the Dalyan River Delta, is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is a protected area and is home to a variety of wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, which nest on the nearby beaches. The delta is also home to the ancient city of Kaunos, which features a well-preserved theatre and tombs carved into the rock cliffs.

Visitors to the Dalyan Delta can take a boat tour along the river to see the delta's natural beauty and historic sites. One of the most popular activities in Dalyan is to take a boat trip to the famous mud baths. The mud baths are believed to have therapeutic properties and are popular spots for visitors looking to relax and rejuvenate.

The delta is also a popular spot for bird watching, with many different species of birds found in the area. Additionally, there are several hot springs in the area, which are also popular for their therapeutic properties.

Overall, the Dalyan delta is a unique place, a combination of natural beauty, history, and culture, that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Discover the wonders of Turkey with the best day trips to the most amazing sightseeing spots.

Take a Boat Trip to the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave, also known as the Blue Grotto, is a sea cave located on the coast of the Bodrum peninsula in Turkey. The cave is known for its bright blue waters and stunning rock formations. Visitors can take a boat trip to the cave and swim in the crystal-clear waters or take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the cave from above.

The Blue Cave is only accessible by boat and the best way to reach it is to take a guided boat tour from Bodrum or the nearby town of Gumusluk. The tour usually includes a stop at several other attractions such as the nearby Rabbit Island and the ancient city of Kos.

The cave is particularly stunning in the morning when the sun’s rays hit the water at just the right angle to create a beautiful blue light inside the cave.

It is important to note that the Blue Cave is a protected natural area, and there are strict rules in place to ensure the preservation of the cave and its surroundings.

Visitors are not allowed to touch or damage the cave's natural formations, and there are limits on the number of people allowed in the cave at one time.

Relax on the Beaches of Alanya

Alanya is a city located on the southern coast of Turkey, in the Antalya province. It is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to relax and soak up the sun.

The most popular beaches in Alanya include:

Cleopatra Beach: Known for its fine, golden sand and clear blue waters, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the area.

Keykubat Beach: This beach is located in the city centre and is popular for its lively atmosphere and water sports.

Konakli Beach: This beach is located on the west side of the city and is popular for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere.

Mahmutlar Beach: This beach is located east of the city centre and is popular for its long stretch of sandy beach and calm waters.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, visitors to Alanya can also take part in a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

Moreover, there are several restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the beaches, making it easy for visitors to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping while they're there.

Take a Boat Tour of the Fethiye Gulf

Fethiye Gulf is a popular destination for boat tours, offering scenic views and a chance to see the local wildlife and landmarks. Some popular activities on a boat tour of the Fethiye Gulf include swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, visiting secluded beaches and bays, and exploring ancient ruins such as the Tombs of the Kings.

Many tour operators offer different types of boat tours, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day excursions, catering to different budgets and interests.

Contact Safaraq Tourism to enjoy a pleasant holiday at Fethiye. We offer top services at affordable prices.

Visit the Ancient City of Perge

Perge was an ancient city located in the modern-day province of Antalya, Turkey. It was founded in the 2^nd millennium BC and was an important city in the Roman province of Pamphylia.

Visitors to Perge can see well-preserved ruins of the city's theatre, agora, city walls, and stadium. The city also has a notable acropolis and several public baths.

Perge is located about 15 kilometres east of Antalya city centre and can be visited as a day trip. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the Ruins of Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city located on the southern coast of Turkey, in the modern-day province of Antalya. It was founded in the 2^nd century BC and was an important city in the Lycian league.

Visitors to Olympos can explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the remains of a theatre, a Roman-era bathhouse, and some tombs carved into the cliffs. The city also features an impressive necropolis, or ancient cemetery, with many well-preserved sarcophagi.

Olympos is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with the nearby Chimaera, a natural site where eternal flames can be seen burning from the rocks.

Olympos is located about 80 kilometres west of Antalya city centre and can be visited as a day trip. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a perfect place for backpackers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts since you can find some good trekking routes in the area.

Try the delicious food on the Turkish Riviera

Kebabs

Kebab is a dish that originates from the Middle East and Central Asia, and has become popular worldwide. It is typically made of meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken, that is marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled on a skewer. The meat is often served in a wrap or on a platter with various toppings such as tomatoes, onions, and yogurt-based sauces.

There are many different types of kebabs, and the local cuisine and culture influence their variations. Some of the most popular types include:

Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef) that is marinated and cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Doner kebab: Similar to Shawarma, the meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices.

Adana kebab: A spicy kebab made of ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with red pepper and other spices, shaped into a sausage, and grilled on a skewer.

Iskender kebab: Doner kebab served on a plate with yogurt and tomato sauce.

Kebab can be found in many restaurants and street vendors around the world, but it's best enjoyed in the country of origin, Turkey, where you can try a variety of different types and enjoy them with traditional side dishes like a pilaf, hummus, or tabbouleh.

Meze Platters

Meze platters, also known as mezze or meze, are a popular traditional dish in Turkish cuisine. They typically consist of a variety of small dishes, such as dips, salads, and appetizers, that are served together on a large platter.

Meze platters can include a variety of different dishes, depending on the region and the preferences of the restaurant or cook. Some common meze dishes include:

Hummus: A dip made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Baba Ghanoush: A dip made of roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Dolma: Stuffed grape leaves with a filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.

Tarama: A dip made of fish roe (tarama) mixed with breadcrumbs and lemon juice.

Cacik: A dip made of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and dill

Acili Ezme: A spicy dip made of tomatoes, peppers and onions.

Meze platters are often served as an appetizer, but can also be enjoyed as a main dish. They are a great way to try a variety of different flavours and dishes and are perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Doner

Doner kebab, also known as doner, is a popular type of Turkish street food that has become popular worldwide. It is made of meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, that is marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is shaved off the rotisserie in thin slices and typically served in a wrap or on a platter with various toppings such as tomatoes, onions, and yogurt-based sauces.

The origins of doner kebab can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, specifically in Bursa, Turkey in the 19^th century. It was initially made of lamb meat, but now chicken and beef are also common ingredients. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic before being stacked on a vertical spit. As it rotates, it cooks slowly and the outer layers are shaved off to be served.

Doner kebab is a fast food staple in many countries and can be found in kebab shops and street vendors worldwide. However, in Turkey, you can enjoy the original version of Doner in local restaurants, where the meat is cooked in a traditional way, and you can try different varieties. You can also enjoy it with traditional side dishes like bulgur pilaf, or with ayran (a yogurt-based drink).

Baklava

Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. The nuts used in baklava can vary, but the most common are pistachios, walnuts, and almonds.

Baklava is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, but it is also popular in many other Middle Eastern countries, including Greece, Lebanon, and Syria. The exact origin of baklava is still debated, but it is known that it has been enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Baklava is often served as a dessert and can be found in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean pastry shops and restaurants. It is also common to find it at festivals and special occasions. Baklava is a sweet treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages, and it's often paired with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.

Explore the Turkish Riviera with Safaraq

Safaraq Tourism is a travel company that specializes in organizing tours and activities on the Turkish Riviera. We offer a variety of different tour options, including day trips and multi-day excursions. Some of the popular tours offered by Safaraq Tourism include:

Antalya City Tour: A tour of the city of Antalya, known as the "Turkish Riviera's pearl", and its ancient sites such as Hadrian's Gate, the Old Town (Kaleici), and the Hidirilik Tower.

Boat Tour: A boat tour along the coastline of the Turkish Riviera, visiting secluded beaches and coves, and enjoying swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

Antalya Diving Tour: Diving tourism is one of the best features of Antalya, specifically the town of Kemer, which is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Jeep Safari Tour: A tour of the Taurus Mountains and the surrounding countryside, visiting ancient ruins and traditional villages.

Safaraq Tourism also offers tailor-made tours to suit the specific needs and preferences of its clients. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their love of the Turkish Riviera with visitors.

We also provide airport transfers, accommodation, and other logistic arrangements to make the travel experience more comfortable and stress-free.

Safaraq Tourism is a great choice for those looking to explore the Turkish Riviera and experience the best that the region has to offer.

Edited by Safaraq Tourism

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