Antalya & the Turquoise Coast: Complete Guide
From Roman harbours to Lycian tombs and turquoise bays — the definitive guide to Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Antalya City & Kaleiçi
Start in Kaleiçi (old town), where Roman walls, Byzantine lanes and Ottoman houses form a single living quarter. The Roman harbour is still in use. Hadrian's Gate (2nd century AD) marks the entrance to the old city. Allow half a day for the Antalya Museum — one of Turkey's finest for Graeco-Roman sculpture.
Aspendos & Perge
Aspendos Theatre (2nd century AD) is the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world — still used for summer opera performances. Perge, just 17 km from Antalya, has a magnificent colonnaded street and stadium. Both are manageable day trips.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
An hour west of Kas, Fethiye sits opposite the drowned city of Kekova and the Lycian ghost town of Kayaköy. Ölüdeniz — the Blue Lagoon — is one of the world's most photographed beaches. The Butterfly Valley, accessible only by boat, offers complete seclusion.
Lycian Way
The 540 km Lycian Way runs from Fethiye to Antalya, passing sea-view ruins and deserted coves. Day sections from Patara, Kalkan or Kaş are well-marked and manageable without a guide. The coastal stretch around Kabak is among the finest walking in the Mediterranean.
When to Visit
May–June and September–October offer comfortable temperatures (22–28°C), uncrowded beaches and open sea. July–August brings peak heat and crowds. The coast stays pleasant until November. Winter (Dec–Feb) is quiet, mild and excellent for cultural sightseeing without the masses.
Getting There & Around
Antalya Airport (AYT) is Turkey's second-busiest and well connected to Europe. A car or scooter is strongly recommended for the coastal road between Kas and Fethiye. Dolmuş (shared minibus) connects most towns but schedules thin out in winter.