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    • Overview
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    The Turkish Riviera

    Turkey

    The Turkish Riviera

    Region

    The Turkish Riviera is the coastal stretch of Antalya province between Olympos and Alanya, with Antalya at its center.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. The Turkish Riviera
    The Turkish Riviera is the coastal stretch of Antalya province between Olympos and Alanya, with Antalya at its center. Come for the long beaches, ancient Pamphylian cities (Perge, Aspendos, Side), and Seljuk architecture in Antalya and Alanya. Kemer, Belek, Side, and Alanya are the well-known resorts.
    OverviewThe term Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, broadly refers to the coastline in southwest Turkey. Here, it specifically means the section around Antalya: to the west, the Bay of Olympos and Çıralı; to the east, Side and Alanya. In between lies the plain of ancient Pamphylia.Getting ThereAntalya: Antalya Airport is the region's hub, connected to the city center by a tram line.Gazipaşa-Alanya: A smaller airport serves the eastern area around Alanya.What to ExpectCity beaches like Konyaaltı and Lara in Antalya, and Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, which holds a Blue Flag award. Also, Roman theaters in Aspendos and Side, the Lycian ruins of Olympos, and Seljuk castles. From June to September, DJs play at beach clubs; in winter, especially the bars in Antalya's Old Town, Kaleiçi, are open.
    Antalya

    Place 1 of 4

    Antalya

    Antalya is the major city of the Turkish Riviera, with approximately 1.3 million inhabitants in its urban area.

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    Olympos & Çıralı

    Place 2 of 4

    Olympos & Çıralı

    Olympos and Çıralı lie in a bay on the coast southwest of Antalya. You come for the ancient city of Olympos in the river valley, the eternal flames of the Chimaira, and the long beach where sea turtles nest.

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    Side

    Place 3 of 4

    Side

    Side is a beach resort on a small peninsula, about 78 km east of Antalya. You come for the ancient ruins in the middle of town: the theatre, agora and Temple of Apollo stand among hotels, shops and restaurants.

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    Alanya

    Place 4 of 4

    Alanya

    Alanya is a seaside resort on the eastern Turkish Riviera, approximately 133 km east of Antalya. You come for the Seljuk Castle on the promontory above the sea, the Red Tower at the harbor, and Cleopatra Beach.

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    Food and Drinks

    The cuisine of the Antalya region is known for tahini. Also popular are grilled dishes, oven-baked lamb, and pumpkin desserts.

    Tahini piyaz

    White bean salad with plenty of tahini sauce, usually served with Şiş köfte.

    Hibeş

    Meze of tahini with lemon and garlic, seasoned with cumin or chili.

    Tandır kebabı

    Lamb, slow-cooked in a clay or stone oven, is found mostly in Yörük villages.

    Kabak tatlısı

    Pumpkin in syrup with walnuts and tahini or cream.

    Culture & History

    PamphyliaThe coastal plain east of Antalya was known in antiquity as Pamphylia and lay between Lycia and Cilicia. Important cities included Perge, Attaleia, modern-day Antalya, Aspendos, and Side. The inhabitants spoke their own Greek dialect.RomansUnder Roman rule, the great theaters of Aspendos and Side were built. In 130 AD, Emperor Hadrian visited Attaleia; Hadrian's Gate in Antalya commemorates this.SeljuksIn the 13th century, the Seljuks conquered Antalya and Alanya. Dating from this period are the Yivli Minare in Antalya, as well as the castle, shipyard, and Red Tower in Alanya.

    Arrival & Local Travel

    Getting ThereThe region's main airport is Antalya. From there, you drive about 78 km to Side, and about 133 km east to Alanya.Getting AroundRental Car: Most flexible for excursions to Perge, Aspendos, and Olympos.In Antalya: The Antray tram and city rail connect the city centre and the airport.Boat Trips: From Side, boats travel along the Manavgat River to the waterfall.TipPerge and Aspendos are located only about 27 km apart east of Antalya and can be visited in one day.

    Round trips through this region

    Turkey classics: Istanbul, Aegean and Cappadocia

    Turkey classics: Istanbul, Aegean and Cappadocia

    The route connects the stops that most first-time visitors come to Turkey for: Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the Antalya Riviera, Konya, and the valleys of Cappadocia. You cover these stages by long-distance bus, train, or rental car; for the return journey to Istanbul, a domestic flight from Kayseri is recommended.

    15 Days
    7 stops
    Open jaw
    Lycian Coast: From Dalyan to Antalya

    Lycian Coast: From Dalyan to Antalya

    The route follows the Mediterranean coast from Dalyan eastwards to Antalya. Rock tombs, bays, boat trips to Kekova, and sections of the Lycian Way alternate. It's best to travel by rental car; long-distance buses and dolmuş also operate between the larger towns.

    13 Days
    5 stops
    Open jaw

    Nearby

    Antalya

    Antalya

    Antalya is the major city of the Turkish Riviera, with approximately 1.3 million inhabitants in its urban area. You come for the walled Old Town of Kaleiçi above the old harbour, the beaches of Konyaaltı and Lara, and the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos in the surrounding area. Konyaaltı is west, Lara east of the centre.
    Side

    Side

    Side is a beach resort on a small peninsula, about 78 km east of Antalya. You come for the ancient ruins in the middle of town: the theatre, agora and Temple of Apollo stand among hotels, shops and restaurants. Side belongs to the district of Manavgat; the old town lies on the peninsula.
    Olympos & Çıralı

    Olympos & Çıralı

    Olympos and Çıralı lie in a bay on the coast southwest of Antalya. You come for the ancient city of Olympos in the river valley, the eternal flames of the Chimaira, and the long beach where sea turtles nest. Çıralı is a village with guesthouses behind the beach; the ruins lie in a river valley close to the beach.
    Alanya

    Alanya

    Alanya is a seaside resort on the eastern Turkish Riviera, approximately 133 km east of Antalya. You come for the Seljuk Castle on the promontory above the sea, the Red Tower at the harbor, and Cleopatra Beach. The district has approximately 360,000 inhabitants, with the old town and castle situated on a rocky peninsula.
    Lycian Coast

    Lycian Coast

    The Lycian Coast is the mountainous coastal stretch between the Gulf of Fethiye and the Gulf of Antalya in southwestern Turkey. You come for the rock-cut tombs and ancient cities of the Lycians, the bays, and the Lycian Way. Fethiye, Kaş and Dalyan are the main locations.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
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