9 Best Places to Visit on the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast, is a breathtakingly beautiful region that stretches along the southwest coast of Turkey. With its sparkling turquoise waters, sun-kissed beaches, and picturesque landscapes, it’s a destination that promises both tranquility and excitement.

Beyond its natural beauty, the area is steeped in history, with ancient ruins, charming towns, and vibrant cities waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape, an adventure through centuries-old heritage, or a mix of both, the Turkish Riviera offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Join us as we uncover the 9 best places to visit along this enchanting coast.

Explore the best places in the Turkish Riviera for travelers

Where is the Turkish Riviera located?

The Turkish Riviera runs along Turkey's southern and southwest coasts, from Antalya to Bodrum. This coastline is largely in the Mediterranean, with a tiny stretch in the Aegean coastal areas, contributing to the area's turquoise seas.

Even though it is not congested, the Turkish Riviera remains a popular destination for families visiting Turkey. This is especially true given the nice weather and lovely towns/communities.

Discover the best towns on the Turkish Riviera

Spending time in any of the beautiful regions of the Turkish Riviera is a pleasure. If you only have a limited amount of time on the Turkey Turquoise Coast, you might consider visiting and staying in the following areas.

1. Alanya

Alanya is one of the Turkish Riviera places for tourists

Heading east, Alanya is enticed with its sun-kissed beaches and cultural riches. Discover Alanya Castle, set on a rocky peninsula overlooking the sea, with its well-preserved medieval walls and turrets. Relax at Cleopatra Beach, which is named after the Egyptian queen who is said to have swum here. Damlatas Cave is a one-of-a-kind visit on your Alanya itinerary, known for its stalactites and medicinal air.

While the Turquoise Coast is well-known for its beaches, Alanya is particularly renowned for its beach alternatives. It also has several old monuments, including the medieval Alanya Castle. Come here to relax, learn about history, and stay at one of the various resorts.

2. Side

Side is a lovely town in the Turkish Riviera 

Side, a lovely vacation town, has a rich history stretching back to antiquity. Explore Side's well-preserved remains, especially the spectacular Side Amphitheater, where concerts once drew people overlooking the sea. Explore the Temple of Apollo, a spectacular edifice positioned on the edge of the peninsula with panoramic views of the shoreline. Visit the Side Museum to learn more about the region's history, including Greek, Roman, and Byzantine items.

3. Belek

Belek is one of the popular places in the Turkish Riviera

Belek is a popular tourist destination in Antalya. It's packed with four- and five-star hotels that provide luxurious all-inclusive lodgings during your trip. This town is also well-known for its mineral water and spa, which are fed by seven springs. 

4. Antalya

Discover Antalya in Turkish for international tourists

Antalya is one of the best places to visit in Turkish Riviera, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a plethora of activities. This city is well-known for its spectacular natural scenery and numerous historic attractions. It also has Turkey's longest hiking route (the Lycian Way).

Begin your tour at Kaleiçi, a beautiful historic town surrounded by ancient Roman walls. Stroll through small cobblestone alleyways dotted with Ottoman-era homes, boutique stores, and cozy cafés. Don't miss Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch from the second century AD, and the Antalya Museum, which has an outstanding collection of antiquities from neighboring ancient sites.

5. Kas

Kas is a great place to visit in the Turkish Riviera

Kas is another picturesque town in Antalya province with a vibrant nightlife and several restaurants to explore. Along its cobblestone lanes, live music venues, cafés, restaurants, and pubs offer a glimpse into Turkish culture. Kas, pronounced Kash, also has some of the most stunning beaches on the Turkish Riviera (and Turkey). 

Spend your days lounging at Kaputas Beach, known for its turquoise seas and stunning rocks. Travel along the Lycian Way, a long-distance route that passes past ancient ruins, charming villages, and breathtaking views. Don't miss Kas Amphitheatre, which offers beautiful sunset views over the Mediterranean and is great for capturing memorable moments.

6. Fethiye

Fethiye is one of the Turkish Riviera's best places for travelers

Fethiye, located farther along the coast, is a naturalist's paradise with beautiful scenery and blue coves. Explore Ölüdeniz, a gorgeous lagoon with a paradisiacal beach where paragliders fly from adjacent Babadağ Mountain. Explore Butterfly Valley, which is only accessible by boat and is home to a varied butterfly population nestled among rocky cliffs. Hike through Saklıkent Gorge, where cool streams flow between high canyon walls—an ideal respite from the summer heat.

7. Bodrum

Go around Bodrum to experience the nightlife

Travel west to Bodrum, a lovely town on the Aegean Sea famed for its lively nightlife and ancient sites. Begin your trip with Bodrum Castle, erected by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century and currently houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Relax in the Bodrum Amphitheater, an old location with breathtaking views of the town and the sea. In the evening, immerse yourself in Bodrum's vibrant nightlife scene, which includes everything from beachside clubs to intimate pubs by the waterfront.

8. Dalyan

Dalyan is a great destination for tourists in the Turkish Riviera 

Dalyan is well-known for its Lycian rock tombs, Mudbaths and Hot Springs, and riverboat tours through the canals leading to the sea. The Caretta Caretta turtles are known to deposit their eggs in Iztuzu Beach, which is a protected beach.

9. Marmaris

Discover the stunning beaches in Marmaris

Finish your adventure at Marmaris, a thriving port city famed for its active marina and yachting industry. Discover Marmaris Castle, a historic fortification with panoramic views of the city and port, and learn about its rich history in the nearby museum. İçmeler Beach offers a peaceful environment for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss the Dalyan Mud Baths, which provide restorative baths and therapeutic mud treatments in a breathtaking natural environment.

Activities on the Turquoise Coast

The Turkish Riviera offers a wide variety of activities, from heart-pumping sports to leisurely beachside lounging and day visits to neighboring cities. The Turquoise Coast offers a plethora of family-friendly activities to keep you and your loved ones busy whether you're here for a few days or longer.

The Turkish Riviera's beaches

There are 500 beaches to select from around the region. The Turkish Riviera is famed for its "empty" beaches. Regardless matter the beach you visit, you will not have to worry about crowds.

Popular beaches include Ölüdeniz, İztuzu, Konyaalti, and Patara. However, whatever beach you locate in this region will be lovely and photogenic.

Blue Cruise along the Turkish Riviera

A Turkish blue cruise, blue journey, or blue tour is boarding a boat and seeing the Turkish Riviera. Each boat excursion includes a variety of activities, such as island hopping, snorkeling, and seeing historical sites. Blue cruises often last a few days and involve a ride aboard a gulet, a classic wooden motorboat.

These cruises are excellent for singles, couples, families, and friends. Each voyage is led by an experienced group of crew members. Blue cruises are designed to provide a relaxing break while enjoying the local region and meals collected and cooked by the crew (such as fresh fish). This trip is not intended to be a port-hopping excursion.

Discover some activities when traveling the Turkish Riviera's best places

Hiking the Turquoise Coast

Hiking is a great way to discover the Turquoise Coast and its numerous natural attractions. Depending on the town or community you visit, you may expect to find paths leading to mountains, waterfalls, caverns, and several beaches. 

Antalya is famous for its lovely hiking trails in the Taurus Mountain Range, which provide vistas of prancing wild horses.

Experience in adventure activities

Paragliding

Paragliding allows guests to view the gorgeous blue seas from above. This pastime is popular on the Turkish Riviera because it offers views of both spectacular natural scenery and historic landmarks.

Popular paragliding spots include Ölüdeniz and Kas. They are excellent paragliding locations for seeing breathtaking natural landscapes and the Mediterranean Sea.

Kayaking

While there are other kayaking places, Kas and the surrounding Kekova Islands are the most popular. This option is ideal for kayakers of all ability levels since it offers the choice of joining a tour or renting a kayak.

Explore the Ancient Simena ruins at Kaleköy after taking your kayak to the adjacent famed submerged Sunken City ruins.

Diving on the Turkish Riviera

Diving is one of the most popular activities in the Turkish Riviera

Diving is another great way to see the Turkish Riviera. Bodrum and Kas are popular places to begin your scuba diving adventure, but other destinations across the region also offer tours.

The ideal way to enjoy scuba diving is to book a day-long blue cruise that includes scuba diving. Many people scuba dive on the Turkish Riviera from a gulet.

Canyoning

Antalya's enormous variety of canyons provides several options for canyoneering and rock climbing. Several canyons, like Kıbrıs and Hacıoğlan, offer opportunities for this pastime. While youngsters can engage in this activity, it is typically not safe (or permitted) for anybody under the age of 12. 

White-water rafting

Rafting is another exciting sport that travelers may experience while in Antalya. Koprulugu National Park is a popular destination for rafting enthusiasts. A guide will show you the ropes before you plunge through canyons and glide between Cyprus trees. 

Planning your travel to explore the best places in the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera entices visitors with its various landscapes, rich heritage, and welcoming Mediterranean friendliness. Whether you're looking for historical landmarks, gorgeous beaches, or exhilarating activities, each site along this lovely coast will provide an amazing experience. Plan your trip to discover the Turkish Riviera's best places and learn why it is a popular destination for people from all over the world.

Applying for a Turkey e-visa to visit the top destinations on the Turkish Riviera assures a smooth and hassle-free start to your vacation. Begin by going to the official website - Turkey Immigration Services and completing the simple application process online. Once accepted, your e-visa will let you easily visit popular places like Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye. Wander through historic sites, relax on stunning beaches, and immerse yourself in local culture with confidence that your travel documentation is in order. Whether you're interested in historical sites, outdoor activities, or culinary pleasures, acquiring a Turkey e-visa streamlines your travel plans and sets the stage for an amazing trip along the gorgeous Turquoise Coast.