Setting Off On My Southwest Turkey Tour

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, with my bags packed I am setting off …

So Where Am I Going?

My next destination was to be the Black Sea region however I have delayed this until next year as a friend would like to accompany me on this tour. So instead, I have planned a rough route of Southwest Turkey.

Touring Southwest Turkey

Those with an in-depth knowledge of Turkey will realise that my route is the Lycian Way walking route which is a 509km trek from Antalya to Fethiye. I won’t however, be trekking! I don’t have the stamina, strength or enthusiasm to walk and explore that route.

Instead I will be staying in the towns and villages along the route and using local transport to get from one location to the next. I have made some changes in that I am starting in Kemer and leaving Antalya as a city break for another time. I also plan to extend the route and finish in Dalyan instead of Olu Deniz.

What Are the Things To Do Along This Route?

Once I started planning the trip, I realized that this area is culturally and historically rich and there are so many things to do and places to see. It is much more exciting than the Aegean Coast of Turkey. If I wrote on this blog post everything that I plan to do, then I would still be writing next week, however a few examples are…

Traveling in a cable car up to the top of Mount Tahtali

Sea kayaking over the sunken city of Kekova

Visit the Church of Saint Nicholas

Hop across to the Greek island of Meis

I also want to visit Butterfly valley and the ghost town of Kayakoy near Fethiye. Last but not least, I want to end up in Dalyan and sail down the Dalyan River to marvel at the Lycian rock tombs and take a mud bath. The last time I was in Dalyan was ten years ago and I have no pictures while my memories are fading fast.

How Much Time Do I Have?

One month to complete the whole route. If I run out of money, then I will be returning early but hopefully I will be able to budget well.

Who am I Going With?

Well, I am actually traveling solo. None of my friends want to come on a month’s tour of the South Western Coast. I am nervous but the fact is that if I call off the trip because I am traveling solo, I know this trip will never happen. It is just not other people’s idea of a good holiday.

When will I update my blog?

It will be on an “as and when” basis because I have no plan. I don’t know how long I will spend in each destination and what I will be doing from one day to the next. However, I hope that you will be following my posts when I do manage to publish as I am certain this trip will provide some wonderful memories that I would like to share with you.

If you have any tips or suggestions of places to go and things to do in southwest Turkey, then please leave them for me below.

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Natalie says
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Hi Mac, I have returned back now and focusing on the Black sea region as a place to travel to next. I did the route but cheated and traveled by local bus to the sites to see etc. it was great fun though. Still missed out on a lot. Amazing how much there is to see in that region
Mac McCoig says
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My Partner and I have been walking this path in stages. We are returning this May to walk a third section – Demre to Adrasan (? maybe). It is tough going and in past years has been very hot. Read all the advice available and you’ll be ok. Water purification is a big essesntial, so as to get supplies from the cisterns along the way. Feel free to ask any advice.
Natalie says
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I was at Butterfly Valley yesterday Caz. It really is beautiful. Try and make it next time you are in Turkey.
Caz Makepeace says
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Looks like it will be an awesome journey. I have had friends rave about Butterfly Valley. I really want to go there
Natalie says
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Hi Miruna, Glad you like the blog. Plenty more experiences to come as well!
Miruna says
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Nice articles, Natalie.
Thanks for the comment, it seems that you have a great time traveling. I enjoy writing and traveling, like you do.
I’m looking forward for more experiences.
Good luck!
Natalie says
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Hi Millie, I am estimating that from Olu to Antalya would take about four hours so it might be a long drive to Altinkum however you could stop off on the way in places like kas or Kalkan and that would break the trip up a bit.
millie says
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hi natalie
hope your enjoing your trip we done olu deniz to altinkum 3 wks ago and loved it,how long would it take to drive to antalya from altinkum, then take the coast road back up
Natalie says
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Hi John, I enjoyed it as well. Thanks for showing me the ropes.
HobbitTR says
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I really enjoyed our visit when you were in Ka?, looking forward to the full chronicles when they are published.
Natalie says
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Hi Phil and Di, First week has been great. Will be moving onto Kas tomorrow. Loads to write about but too busy getting out and about at the moment.
phil + Di marina gateway says
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well done you have a lovely time and im looking forward to reading all about it
going alone is a very brave thing to do we would have love to come with you but its too soon for us a few more years yet
cant wait for your first report and photos
Natalie says
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Definitely looking forward to the Greek island Christy. There are so many around the coastlines of Turkey that I need to explore!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler says
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Yay for you! I think your trip sounds fun! Especially that Greek island.
Natalie says
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Thanks Kevin, Will add the gulet trip to my list as well. It is growing by the day!
Kevin says
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Agreed, Saklikent for sure! Day trips on a gulet out of Fethiye are pretty great too.
Natalie says
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@Roving Jay – Fingers crossed I get some good pictures

@Jeff – I am looking forward to Kas. Heard many good things about it.

@Kirst – Thanks for the suggestions. They are on the list

@Thanks Shane. Hopefully won’t need any luck

@Alan – it is on my list to look you up

@Clare – Added your suggestions to the list and will definitely find out why you love Kalkan so much.
Clare says
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Wow! This sounds brilliant.
I think kayaking at Kekova is a great idea – the sunken city is fascinating. If you have time the Saklikent gorge is also incredible.
I’ll follow you journey with interest (and a little envy!) Have fun and enjoy! (especially Kalkan – linger a little there to find it’s best qualities, and pop into Doy Doy).
Alan says
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Hey, Natalie! Maybe we get to see you – whatever, have a great trip and looking forward to your posts. Adventures, Yeah! 😀
Shane says
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Oooh, I like the look of this trip – such a beautiful part of Turkey. Have fun and good luck.
Kirst. says
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I’ve been at uni for 7 weeks now and a little bored, if I could I would join you in Turkey before you know it!

If you can take a relaxing trip inland to Sakklikent, or to Yakapark, both beautiful places to go to and relax, sadly I’ve only been to both briefly as part of a jeep safari.

Will definitely being keeping an eye out on the posts about your travels, best of luck! x
Jeff says
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I enjoyed Kas. Not sure you need to spend a lot of time there since you’re exploring the whole region. But, I have fond memories of it. Look forward to learning about some new spots in the area through you.
Roving Jay says
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Natalie – this sounds like a great adventure. Technically you’re not going on your own – I’m sure your camera is going to accompany you all the way!

Be our eyes — so we can share your journey when you upload your photo’s.
Natalie says
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Thanks Isla – I have added your suggestions to the list.
Isla Selupucin says
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Great Blog !! I did this route about 5 years ago with hubby it was amazing my top places to visit would be
*Butterfly valley
*Patara Beach
*Saklikent Gorge
Safe Travels !
Natalie says
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Yes solo and I am absolutely hopeless on directions and maps. God knows where I will end up! If I manage to stick to the route, I have a lot from your blog to keep me busy. If I miss you and you are in Istanbul when I am in that area, have a good time and looking forward to seeing your posts as well.
Turkey's For Life says
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Wow, travelling solo?! Good for you and well done on saving your money sooner than you thought. That definitely does deserve a pat on the back. We’re skint! 🙂
The scenery along your route is amazing. We’ve driven along the whole of that road and I loved every minute. Meis is a great place to chill, by the way.
Have fun and we’ll be looking our for your posts.
Julia and Barry.
Natalie says
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You have a book to finish Mr Jack Scott. Back to the grindstone for you! 🙂 You are right though. That area seems so much more interesting then our neck of the woods.
Jack Scott says
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If I had the time, I’d go with you. I’m so envious. This is by far my favourite part of the Turkish coast. There’s just so much to see and do. Kas is a gem and a great base for exploring the region. Have a wonderful time.