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Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean Coast of Turkey stretches from the Antalya region to the Marmaris peninsula. The coast has a variety of holiday resorts, beaches, things to do and places to go. The articles below are my experiences and personal accounts. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or information to add.

A Guide to Gulet Sailing Holidays in Turkey

by Natalie

Gulet Blue Cruises

I am incredibly grateful for countless travel memories that I can look back on with fondness but one of my favourite is gulet cruising in Turkey. It was a four night, five-day sailing holiday along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Olympus. Choosing to partly detox from an Internet addiction, and relax at the same time, the experience was ten times better than any spa … [Read more...] about A Guide to Gulet Sailing Holidays in Turkey

Sailing the Olympos to Fethiye Blue Cruise Route

by Natalie

Butterfly Valley

One of my best memories of travelling throughout Turkey is sailing the southern coast. As part of the Turkish Riviera, official Blue Voyage Cruise routes within it are widely sold every year. Even though the word Riviera conjures up images of luxury and private yachts, the Turkish equivalent caters for all price brackets, hence its popularity. I sailed from Fethiye to … [Read more...] about Sailing the Olympos to Fethiye Blue Cruise Route

Best Places To Visit in Antalya

by Natalie

Antalya old town

The gorgeous coastline of Antalya is a uniformed collection of small holiday resorts and the main city centre that altogether make up Turkey’s second most visited holiday destination after Istanbul. Originally founded by the king of Pergamum in 159 BC and famously called Pamphylia in ancient history, Antalya is a favourite of many nationalities of holidaymakers. Also, expats … [Read more...] about Best Places To Visit in Antalya

12 Things to do in Antalya

by Natalie

What to do in Antalya

Turkey, just like other countries, has its own delights, especially in regions like Antalya that is the second most visited tourist destination in the country, after Istanbul. Stretching along a massive coastline, the region comprises of many smaller holiday resorts as well as the city centre, so there are plenty of things to do in Antalya. My first visit was in 2004, but it … [Read more...] about 12 Things to do in Antalya

How Much? 4 Luxury Golfing Hotels in Belek

by Natalie

Susesi luxury resort

Serik, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is seldom mentioned in holiday brochures, yet it contributes greatly towards Turkey’s tourism industry. Belonging to the Antalya district, it boasts of the Greco –Roman ruins of Aspendos and Ucansu waterfall. Its prime asset though, is the more well-known holiday resort of Belek that puts Antalya on the map as a top tourist … [Read more...] about How Much? 4 Luxury Golfing Hotels in Belek

What I Loved About my Blue Cruise of Mediterranean Turkey

by Natalie

What is a Blue Cruise

This is a guest post from Lauren DeGarmo A Blue Cruise on the Mediterranean Sea should be a definite on your Turkey travel itinerary. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning coastline all while having loads of adventure and enjoying boat life with a great group of people. Below are the 4 things that made a Blue Cruise one of the greatest … [Read more...] about What I Loved About my Blue Cruise of Mediterranean Turkey

Saklikent Gorge : The Hidden City of Turkey

by Natalie

Saklikent Gorge Fethiye Turkey

My visit to Saklikent Gorge preys on my mind as a big travel mistake. I had read about it before in guidebooks, that called the 300 meter-high and 18 kilometer-long canyon, one of the deepest in the world; hence its name translates into hidden city. The formation of the canyon walls, means that even in the height of summer, water gushing through it from the Akdag Mountain, is … [Read more...] about Saklikent Gorge : The Hidden City of Turkey

Seeking out Secluded Beaches of South-West Turkey

by Natalie

Cirali

Jessie is an avid traveller who visits Turkey every year. She has visited many destinations within the country, but prefers the Mediterranean coast, mainly because she is a fan of beaches. However the problem with a beautiful beach is that it does not stay secluded for long, especially in the height of summer, when the kids are off school and families descended en-mass to enjoy … [Read more...] about Seeking out Secluded Beaches of South-West Turkey

Three Dreamlike Places to Visit in Antalya

by Natalie

Mount Tahtali in Antalya

Antalya, the second most popular holiday destination in Turkey and a cosmopolitan hub for many nationalities, has a never-ending source of attractions and places to visit for tourists.  Including historical sites, natural landscapes of beauty, shopping opportunities, sailing expeditions and art fests, choosing what to do first is a headache in itself. While most guidebooks … [Read more...] about Three Dreamlike Places to Visit in Antalya

The Ghost Village Of Kayakoy

by Natalie

Kayakoy

Kayakoy ghost village lies a short distance from the bustling and popular resorts of Fethiye and Olu Deniz. It is deserted, it is lifeless, the houses are crumbling and the streets are empty. However, there is an aura and an overwhelming presence that hovers over the village. Some visitors might not sense it, but I did and it washed over me in waves.I truly believe that … [Read more...] about The Ghost Village Of Kayakoy

Butterfly Valley

by Natalie

Butterfly Valley

I handed my fare over to the taxi boat captain and sat down on the wooden seat bench breathing a great sigh of relief. In retrospect, my plans for that day were not complicated. I just wanted to catch the taxi boat from the beach at Olu Deniz to the well-known landmark of Butterfly Valley, a large canyon that is considered to be one of the most picturesque and amazing places in … [Read more...] about Butterfly Valley

Santa Claus and His Life in Turkey

by Natalie

Saint Nicholas in Turkey

Every year around Christmas time, millions of parents across the world take part in the biggest deception concerning Santa Claus.  It starts in the early years of a child’s life when the parents promise an abundance of presents from Santa for good behavior. They tell stories of the North Pole, the fat man who lives there and the elves who  make presents of all shapes and … [Read more...] about Santa Claus and His Life in Turkey

Kas in Turkey : A Mediterranean Travel Delight

by Natalie

Kas

Kas in Turkey is everything a typical Mediterranean seaside resort should be. Whitewashed houses cascade down winding mountain roads to show the way to beautiful beaches and a harbour that reminds you that life is quite good. While in Kas, the best thing to do is to adapt quickly to the Mediterranean lifestyle. The town was the third stop on my South Western tour, and on my … [Read more...] about Kas in Turkey : A Mediterranean Travel Delight

The Sunken Ruins of Kekova

by Natalie

sunken city of kekova

Visit the Mediterranean resorts of Kas and Kalkan and it will instantly be obvious that every local travel agent is selling boat trips to the sunken ruins of Kekova. Facing the historical village of Simena (Kalekoy), the sunken ruins receive little attention in mainstream travel guides, yet during the height of summer, I estimate that hundreds of people will daily sail past. As … [Read more...] about The Sunken Ruins of Kekova

Simena Castle Ruins and a Stunning View

by Natalie

Simena Turkey

I had been to Simena before. In 2010, while touring the southwest coast. It is a pretty and traditional village screaming of simplicity and I wanted to explore and find out more. Unfortunately, I was with a sea kayaking group of whom no-one wanted to see Simena castle. Inevitable I had to go with the group census and we left. This is one of the downfalls of guided tours but I … [Read more...] about Simena Castle Ruins and a Stunning View

Spotting the Loggerhead Turtle of Turkey

by Natalie

Caretta Turtle Simena

On the second night of our gulet cruise of Mediterranean Turkey, we docked into a small, scenic bay to drop anchor. The evening was much the same as before. A delicious meal followed by copious amounts of alcoholic drinks, good company and a night spent sleeping on the deck, under the stars. The next morning, I was the first to wake up. I did not want to disturb anyone, so … [Read more...] about Spotting the Loggerhead Turtle of Turkey

Gemiler Island and the Turkish Blue Cruise Scene

by Natalie

Church of Gemiler Island Fethiye Turkey

Gemiler Island, off the coast of Fethiye means “Island of boats” in English, but the other name for it, is Saint Nicholas Island. Saint Nicholas, also known to the Western world as jolly Santa Claus was the patron saint of sailors, hence the connection. In 1993, some archaeologists suggested that Gemiler Island is the original location of Saint Nicholas’s tomb. Apparently it … [Read more...] about Gemiler Island and the Turkish Blue Cruise Scene

12 Places To Visit In Fethiye

by Natalie

Fethiye marina

In the Southwest of Turkey, on the former site of the ancient city of Telmessos, sits the popular coastal city of Fethiye. There are many places to visit in Fethiye because it is a much-photographed metropolis with a modern appearance that belies its classical origin. It is also highly favourable for domestic and international tourism, as well as Blue Cruise yachting. More … [Read more...] about 12 Places To Visit In Fethiye

How to Prepare for Gulet Cruising in Turkey

by Natalie

Gulet Cruising on Turkish coastline

Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room in hilly Kalkan, I stared at the panoramic view of the bay. The sun was slipping down behind the horizon and while I fully appreciated the amazing landscape view in front of me, my thoughts were still firmly focused on memories of my last week gulet cruising in Turkey. I had hooked up with My Blue Cruise, a yachting and gulet company … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for Gulet Cruising in Turkey

9 of the Best Things to Do in Kalkan

by Natalie

Kalkan Turkey

For many decades, the small town of Kalkan was hardly mentioned in mainstream publications. Other Turkish destinations like cosmopolitan Bodrum or historical Istanbul gained admiration instead. That was until the turn of the century, when the small village attracted attention and respect from outside entities. Why you Should go to Kalkan Travel companies, magazines, and … [Read more...] about 9 of the Best Things to Do in Kalkan

The Ancient Ruins of Olympos in Turkey

by Natalie

Ancient Ruins of Olympus, Turkey

The Mediterranean coast of Turkey has a marvelous collection of ancient ruins dotted along its jagged coastline. Most belonged to the Lycian empire including the ruins of Olympos, situated next to a hippy village of the same name, which is popular with back packers. I wanted to visit the ruins, so considered an overnight stay in the rustic village boasting of unusual tree … [Read more...] about The Ancient Ruins of Olympos in Turkey

Where to See Lycian Rock Tombs in Turkey

by Natalie

Demre rock tombs

Everyone who visits this country should see the Lycian rock tombs in Turkey. They are a reminder of the past, and a previous civilization but more important, they will astonish you, even if you have no interest in history. Citizens of Lycia, a previous empire that occupied the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, carved tombs into the sides of hilltops and mountains. They were a … [Read more...] about Where to See Lycian Rock Tombs in Turkey

Ruins of Tlos & Lycian Tombs : Home of the Winged Horse, Pegasus

by Natalie

Lycian tombs at Tlos

With a passion for exploring historical sites in Turkey, I always considered myself knowledgeable about most ancient ruins. The Mediterranean coast in particular has plenty, providing Turkey with its most famous walking trail called the Lycian way. Yet, when I discovered an article about the ancient ruins of Tlos, I read it repeatedly because I had never heard of this … [Read more...] about Ruins of Tlos & Lycian Tombs : Home of the Winged Horse, Pegasus

Idyllic Phaselis in Turkey : Ancient Ruins and Beautiful Beaches

by Natalie

Historical things to do in Antalya

Phaselis is backed by magnificent mountains and surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean sea. It is an idyllic setting in which to spend the day relaxing on a beach and soaking up the vibes of a Turkish holiday. Phaselis Ruins There is an added bonus though as Phaselis is not just about golden sand beaches. It is also an old sea-port city dating back to the … [Read more...] about Idyllic Phaselis in Turkey : Ancient Ruins and Beautiful Beaches

The Flawless Ruins of Ancient Myra

by Natalie

Lycian League

My eagerness to visit the historical ruins of Myra came about because in its prime, it was one of the  most important cities of the ancient Lycian league. Known as the first democratic union in history, the Lycian league can also take credit for influencing the United States constitution The league left their footprint in history through ancient ruined cities all over the … [Read more...] about The Flawless Ruins of Ancient Myra

Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?

by Natalie

Paragliding in turkey

Veske  is a confident man with an addictive passion for paragliding in Turkey. He does not just do it at the weekends or when he has opportunity to go on holiday. No, he is a professional paragliding pilot who runs off the side of a mountain every day of his working week. Veske first jumped out of an airplane with a parachute when he was 16 years old, later he worked as a … [Read more...] about Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?

Patara-Four Reasons Why I Will Not Go Back

by Natalie

Patara Beach

Here is the thing about Patara. I actually liked this small quaint village that is part of the Lycian way trekking route but a series of events forced me to wonder if Patara did not want me on its doorstep. I am a great believer in the sixth sense, paying heed to our intuition and after a disastrous three days in the small village, I really did wonder if a supernatural force … [Read more...] about Patara-Four Reasons Why I Will Not Go Back

Kalkan : Solo Holidays in Turkey

by Natalie

Holiday In Kalkan

At first glance, Kalkan on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey resembles a carbon copy of its neighbouring town called Kas. Both are seaside holiday resorts that are visited by thousands of holiday makers every year. Both towns have white washed houses covered with bougainvillea flowers that spill down the steep hillside to reach the traditional fishing boats that crowd the … [Read more...] about Kalkan : Solo Holidays in Turkey

Mount Tahtali – To the Sky in a Cable Car

by Natalie

Cable Car System Mt Tahtali

Mount Tahtali was the first thing that I wanted to do while in Kemer. Reviews from the internet promised "amazing landscape views from this tall mountain of Turkey that stands 2365 meters above sea level" During the months of Jan to April, it is said that you can go skiing on Mount Tahtali in the morning, descend to the resort of Kemer and swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the … [Read more...] about Mount Tahtali – To the Sky in a Cable Car

Photo Post: Reasons to Visit Fethiye on the Med Coast of Turkey

by Natalie

Tlos

Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is surprisingly adorable even though it is jam packed with British expats and tourists.  They obviously have good reasons to visit Fethiye in the thousands and a British newspaper called The Guardian named it as a top tourist spot in the world. Especially people looking for discount rates while savouring the amenities of all … [Read more...] about Photo Post: Reasons to Visit Fethiye on the Med Coast of Turkey

The Blue Cave of Meis

by Natalie

Blue-cave

My excitement of being inside the Blue Cave was probably heightened due to the fact that as I set out on the path that led me there, I had never heard of the cave and had no idea of the pure beauty of Mother Nature that I was about to witness with my very own eyes. My story of how I ended up in the Blue Cave has to start with my journey to the Greek island of Meis and my chance … [Read more...] about The Blue Cave of Meis

Setting Off On My Southwest Turkey Tour

by Natalie

Antalya Mount Tahtali

For most of the summer I have been feverishly working seven days a week in order to top up my traveling fund which I had previously emptied down to the last penny. I can finally say that with much delight, I have saved up enough money for another trip. Well done me and I am giving myself a pat on the back as it did not take me as long as I thought it would. So tomorrow morning, … [Read more...] about Setting Off On My Southwest Turkey Tour

The Simplicity of Simena and My Desire to Return

by Natalie

Simena Turkey

My visit to Simena was brief but one that left me with regret. We had arrived into the harbor, having just explored the sunken, underwater ruins of Kekova. The first stop was a crowded restaurant for cold refreshments and homemade ice cream, and then we were swiftly on our way returning to Ucagiz. Also known as, Kaleköy, Simena is a small traditional village and a favorite … [Read more...] about The Simplicity of Simena and My Desire to Return

Gocek –Sophistication that is Not Part of My World

by Natalie

Gocek Marina

I would love to write that Gocek is my top recommended place to go. I would love to express excited admiration for its untold beauty. Truth be told though, I found this Turkish resort to be unwelcoming. I said it was pretentious. My friend said it was upmarket. Either way, we knew it was just not for us. About Gocek on the south west coast of Turkey I heard about its … [Read more...] about Gocek –Sophistication that is Not Part of My World

Welcome to Cirali

by Natalie

Cirali

My next destination on my South Western tour of Turkey was the small coastal resort of Cirali and I had high expectations after the disappointment I had felt with Kemer. However after one day of exploring Cirali and the surrounding areas,  I decided I was hopelessly in love with this small, unspoilt destination. About Cirali Cirali has one main street in the village, no ATM … [Read more...] about Welcome to Cirali

The Colourful Greek Island of Meis

by Natalie

Harbour boat

The Greek island of Meis is colourful, quiet and full of bizarre locals. The one reason why I went there was simply because I was not forced into doing it. You see, when I first came to Turkey, visa runs across to any Greek island were a necessity. Many expats did it and still do it now. At first, it was a novelty, but after a while, it became boring and I constantly thought … [Read more...] about The Colourful Greek Island of Meis

Uzumlu and Traditional Turkish Life. A Photo Post

by Natalie

Turkish women

Here is the problem with the village of Uzumlu which is in  the South west of Turkey near Fethiye. It lacks energy. The people are old, the houses are crumbling and even the animals did not look that healthy. Where were the young people? Where were the vibes that scream optimism for the future? My Thoughts about Uzumlu I went there in search of traditional Turkish life … [Read more...] about Uzumlu and Traditional Turkish Life. A Photo Post

Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer

by Natalie

Sea kayaker

 “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” Quote by The Water Rat from Wind In the Willows Typically, my idea of messing around on boats has always been a relaxing pleasure cruise along the coastline. However, when I was faced with the opportunity to do something quite extraordinary and out of … [Read more...] about Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer

The Burning Flames of Chimaera

by Natalie

Chimeara burning stones

Travel websites describe the burning flames of Chimaera as "fascinating". They recommend the eternal fire of Lycia is a “must visit” when in the Antalya region. One travel writer even went as far to describe a mystical presence which mesmerized her. The flames burn from crevices in the rocks of the Cirali Mountains and ancient beliefs credit this location as the source of the … [Read more...] about The Burning Flames of Chimaera

Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes

by Natalie

Olu Deniz Mountains

One of my favourite destinations on my solo tour was Olu Deniz. Located on the south western coast of Turkey, it is a popular holiday destination for many Brits. Flights to Dalaman Airport are frequent during the summer months and the transfer time is roughly just an hour. Now, I am not going to give you the spiel that Olu Deniz is the perfect introduction to Turkey, because … [Read more...] about Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes

Kemer : Area Info on this Small Resort in Antalya

by Natalie

Antalya Kemer

Kemer is typical of most of the coastal resorts in Turkey. It pampers to the needs of tourists with crowded beaches, masses of five star luxury hotels and enough shops to empty your purse in the flash of an eye. However, I was not looking for the typical tourist experience. I wanted to find the face of Kemer that was not hungry for money and made it obvious at every … [Read more...] about Kemer : Area Info on this Small Resort in Antalya

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