|
The first stretch of Turkey's Mediterranean Coast , dominated by the Arkdag and Bey mountain ranges of the Taurus chain and known as the " Turquoise Coast ", is perhaps its most popular, famed for its pine-studded shore, minor ruins and beautiful scenery. Most of this is connected by Highway 400, which winds precipitously above the sea from Marmaris to Antalya. In the west of the region, Dalyan is renowned for its beach - a breeding ground of loggerhead turtles - as well as being a characterful small resort. West, Fethiye , along with the nearby lagoon of Oludeniz , is a full-blown regional centre, and gives good access to some of the pick of the region's Lycian ruins, the best of which - Xanthos and Patara - are close to one of the coast's nicest beaches. The region's second major resort, Kas , smaller than Fethiye but no less popular, is a good base for scenery which becomes increasingly spectacular until you reach the site of Olympos , close to another fine beach. Further along, past the port and major city of Antalya , the landscape becomes less dramatic but is home to yet more impressive ruins, notably those of the old Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos . Side , too, has its share of antiquities, although it's better known as a tourist resort, as is the former pirate refuge of Alanya , set on a spectacular headland topped by a stunning Selcuk citadel. Beyond here you're entering the relatively undiscovered reaches of eastern Turkey.
Your Tip for Mediterranean Coast
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Mediterranean Coast - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Mediterranean Coast - visit the main Mediterranean Coast forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Mediterranean Coast webguide section below! Thanks.
|