Mediterranean Coast: Turkey Travel Guide
Ready to dive into a real-life paradise with the Mediterranean Coast Turkey Travel Guide? The Mediterranean Coast of Turkey is truly a treasure for beach lovers! Home to breathtaking beaches, picturesque landscapes, ancient cities, and unlimited cruise opportunities, Turkey’s Mediterranean Coastal Region is a fast-growing tourism market for travelers of all kinds. The Turquoise Coast is the first place that comes to mind when you think of a seaside tour in Turkey. The region has jaw-dropping beaches and resorts – undoubtedly, they are better than Aegean Coast.
Here, you are lucky to experience all four seasons, with winter’s temperature falling around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and water temperature remaining around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer season – perfect for all your water adventures. The sun shines almost throughout the year here, with the swimming season beginning in April and ending in November. If you are planning to have that much-awaited beachy vacation to the Mediterranean Coast in Turkey, or looking for bucket list activities to do, here is a complete travel guide to help you plan your trip.
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Best Places to Go on the Mediterranean Coast
There are a plethora of things to do in this region, but if you are short on time, and visiting for a few days only, below are the places you must cover:
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Antalya
Antalya is the main city of the Mediterranean Coast Region of Turkey that is home to many resorts, beautiful beaches, a comfortable climate, and ancient sites. There are plenty of things to do here for all kinds of tourists. The fascinating attractions of Antalya will definitely keep you busy during your stay here. Some of the water spots to go to include Konyaalti Beach, Karst Springs, Lara Beach, and the most important and beautiful Köprülü Canyon National Park. Other than beaches, Antalya features a rich history that is evident in the Old Town – perfect for strolling around and admiring the Ottoman mansions. Antalya Museum, Hadrian’s Gate, Termessos, Aspendos, and Perge are some of the must-see places here for history buffs.
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Cirali
Cirali is a small yet relaxing and unspoiled destination located in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. If you are not into the hustle and bustle of cities, then you’re going to fall in love with this town. Cirali has surprisingly only one main street with no ATM machine on the site and no local transport network. But these things should not stop you from visiting this hidden gem of Turkey. To get to Cirali, you can take a bus from Antalya and then a taxi bus. One of the major highlights of Cirali is the Olympos Beach – a quiet beach perfect for those who want to relax away from crowds. The beach has a few entrances, but you wish to see Olympos Ancient Site, you can buy a museum card and visit both places. Another worth-visiting site is the Eternal Flames of Chimaera – flame burning from the crevices of the Cirali Mountains.
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Kas
If you are looking for a cool, refined, and cozy beach destination in Turkey, then Antalya’s beautiful beach town of Kas should be on your list. This small paradise looks nothing like Antalya and offers plenty of things to do to the tourists such as hiking, swimming, cruising, diving, visiting ancient sites, and more – holidays here at Kas are so much fun that you’d not want to come back ever! One of the top things to do here is to relax at one of the breathtaking beaches and islands of Kas such as Kaputaş Beach, Patara Beach, Kekova Island (you can take a cruise here) and Küçük Çakıl Plajı, a small yet beautiful pebble beach with two beach clubs. Another exciting thing to do here is stroll around the harbor front neighborhood of Kas that features small old fishermen’s cottages converted into beautiful cafes, boutiques, hotels, and restaurants. Don’t miss out on the Kas’s ancient sites, such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Ruins of Myra as you drive the coast from Antalya to Kas.
Don’t miss our 5 day itinerary for Kas with kids.
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Fethiye & Oludeniz
If you want to visit some of the most photographed beaches in Turkey, then you should not miss Fethiye and the beach village of Oludeniz. Though you can stay here for a few days, you’d not be wrong if you want to spend your entire vacation here – the town has such a vibe, trust us. Oludeniz is blessed with exquisite weather; you can easily visit any time of the year but expects the crowds from May to October when the sun is plentiful. One of the most popular activities here is sunbathing and swimming in the stunning Oludeniz beach. The beach is lined by many cafes and restaurants in case you feel hungry. You can also take a cruise from the beach to nearby islands such as Butterfly Valley. Another hot activity is ‘tandem paragliding’; you cannot really leave Oludeniz without it. The tour company takes you up to the mountain from where you take off into the clouds with picturesque views below you.
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Adana
Adana is Turkey’s sixth largest city that is widely known among foodies and history buffs. The town is also an agricultural center producing oats, cotton, sesame, citrus fruits, and so much more. Adana has transport links to all the major cities of Turkey and also into the Arabian Peninsula. From rich history to finger-licking good food to bars and cafes, Adana has plenty of things to offer to tourists. People usually come to Adana to explore its historical sites, such as discovering Turkey’s Hittite Past at Karatepe-Aslantaş Open-Air Museum, exploring Kastabala – ruins overlooked by a beautiful castle, Ruins of Anazarva, and Kızkalesi’s Glut of Ruins, and many more. Don’t forget to eat the delicious Adana Kebab, which you can find in almost every restaurant there.
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Blue Cruise
The best way to explore the Mediterranean Coast Region is through the Blue Cruise. The cruise gives you a chance to escape on the sea while forgetting your everyday life and tensions for a while. Blue Cruise is taken for several days along the breathtaking clear seas of the Coast. It covers many exciting experiences such as swimming, bay hopping, snorkeling, visiting ancient sites and villages, and above all, living a relaxing life on a beautiful boat away from the hustle and bustle of cities. The cruise runs along with the beautiful town of Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Antalya, Fethiye, Cleopatra Island, and many other noteworthy points.
Where to Stay?
Most people prefer to stay in Antalya when they are traveling to Mediterranean Coast Region. However, there are wonderful accommodation options in other cities as well, such as Alanya or Oludeniz. For a more laid-back ambiance, you can stay in Kas as well. Below are some of the luxury and budget staying options on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey:
Luxury Hotels
Location: Antalya
Located on Konyaalti Beach in Antalya, this luxury 5-star hotel is tourists’ favorite for many reasons. The rooms here come with a balcony with stunning views, seating area, minibar, and many more amenities. You can enjoy a range of international cuisine at the restaurants on-site. There is also a sauna and massage services for the guests and an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees.
Price per night starts from the US $102
Location: Antalya
Set in the beautiful gardens in Ataturk Culture Park, this 5-star luxury accommodation overlooks the Taurus Mountains and sea. There is a lagoon-style pool and a lounge with terraces featuring stunning panoramic views. All the rooms come with a balcony with views of the Mediterranean Sea or Antalya city. Konyaalti Bech is just 300 m away from the hotel if you wish to go there.
Price per night starts at US $266
Location: Kas
Situated near the beautiful Pebble Beach, Villa Kale features a lush garden, an outdoor pool that is heated in winter, and extraordinary customer service. All the units here come with a TV, a kitchen, fridge, washing machine, safety deposit box, and attached bathroom. Guests here enjoy a delicious continental breakfast every day. Some of the popular spots to visit nearby the villa include Kas Ataturk Statue, Kas Hellenistic Theatre, and Kas Yacht Marina.
Price per night starts from US $203
Location: Kas
Another beautiful accommodation is Villa Palm, located in Kas, Turkey. The villa features a beautiful private beach area with a terrace. It is located only around 2.3 km away from Akcagerme Beach. There is also an on-site barbeque facility and free private parking. Kas New Yacht Marine is located at only 4.1 km away from the villa, and Kas Bazaar market is 4.3 Km away.
Price per night starts from US $361
Location: Oludeniz
Morina Deluxe Hotel is located in a breathtaking surrounding of lush forests. Oludeniz Beach is just 1.6 km away from the hotel. You can visit the beach or dip into the on-site private pool, after which you can enjoy scrumptious food at the pool bar. The rooms feature elegant furniture, private bathrooms, and all other necessary amenities. Bars, restaurants, and shops are just a 10-minute walk from Morina Hotel.
Price per night starts from US $904
Budget Hotels
Location: Antalya
The Suit Apart Hotel is adorned with an Ottoman style setting. Some of the rooms at the hotel come with a private balcony and a kitchenette. There is a pool area where the guests can enjoy the barbecue facilities. They can also avail the sunbathing facility at the garden terrace.
Price per night starts from US $64
Location: Antalya
Located just 500 m from beautiful Mermerli Beach and 200 m from Antalya Clock Tower, Mavi Avlu features apartments with bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with all the amenities. The attached balconies come with breathtaking sea views. Nearby attractions include the Antalya Museum and Hadrian’s Gate.
Price per night starts from US $70
Location: Antalya
Hotel Lykia is another beautiful accommodation located in Antalya near Mermerli Beach and Old City Marina. There is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden at the hotel. Some popular attractions nearby Antalya Clock Tower, Hadrian’s Gate, and a Kaleici Panoramic Elevator.
Price per night starts from US$86
Location: Kas
Kairos Hotel is a beautiful yet budget accommodation located near Kas Bazaar Market. The hotel is perfect for families with spacious rooms featuring mountain views. All the rooms come with a seating area, attached bathroom, and other amenities. The bus station is just nearby the property in case you wish to visit nearby places. Kas New Yacht Marina is also just 3.8 km away from Kairos Hotel.
Price per night starts from US $51
Location: Oludeniz
This hotel is situated right near the beautiful Oludeniz Beach that is only 300 m away. The rooms here come with a balcony boasting stunning ocean or garden views. An ideal day here at Symbola starts with an open buffet breakfast. You can end your day at an à la carte restaurant at the hotel. Fethiye city and Kayakoy Village can both be reached through a drive from this hotel.
Price per night starts from US $52
What to Eat & Drink?
The Mediterranean Coast of Turkey has influenced the country’s cuisine over the years, creating a rich blend of taste. The Mediterranean cuisine consists of a variety of home-grown fruits and vegetables, fish and meat dishes. Some of the must-try dishes here include:
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Adana Kebap
You cannot leave the Mediterranean coast region without trying delicious Adana Kebap. The kebap is made of ground lamb and tail fat mixed with onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika to give it a nice flavor. It is then cooked on metal skewers and then grilled to perfection. They are usually served over flatbreads, tomatoes, and peppers, or in some places, kebaps are studded into pita bread.
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Cezerye
A delicious Turkish dessert originating from Mersin. The dessert is made with caramelized carrot mixed with sugar and a variety of nuts. Once it is prepared, the mixture is rolled into various shapes and then covered in shredded coconut before serving. This sweet dish can be found in many places across the region.
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Piyaz
A unique salad that is widely served in the Mediterranean coast region of Turkey. The salad is made of dried beans, onions, sumac, and parsley. However, in Antalya, Piyaz is topped with a delicious sauce made of lemon juice, vinegar, and tahini. The salad is then dressed with sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, parsley, and olive oil.
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Seafood
The Mediterranean diet relies heavily on seafood. You’ll find many fish restaurants all across the region. Some of them serve the special catch of the day while others bring fish straight from the sea, grilled and served to the table. Some of the most popular fish items here include Levrek – sea bass preferably grilled with a drizzle of olive oil, Calamari – a favorite starter before the main seafood items, and Sardalya – small-sized fish served with sandwich bread, salad and chips.
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Kebab in Parchment Paper
Kebab in Parchment Paper is a special dish originating from the town of Antakya. The kebab is made of ground lamb or beef mixed with salt and pepper, vegetables, olive oils, and shallots. The ingredients are all mixed together and served in parchment paper to contain the flavorful taste. The parcels are brushed with water and then baked in an oven.
Don’t miss the Foodie’s Guide to Turkey to get all the inside info on your favorite foods in Turkey.
When to Go
Though you can travel the Mediterranean Coast all around the year, the best time to enjoy the Sea is from May to October, when the weather is warm. If you come in July or August, expect high humidity, hot summer sun, and more tourists. During these months, hotels will be busy with the ability to easily book tours and day trips. Our guide to plan your trip to Turkey will help get you started.
How to Get to the Mediterranean Coast
The fastest and easiest way to travel to the Mediterranean coast in Turkey is through a flight to Antalya. Antalya hosts local as well as international flights. During summer, flights get booked quickly, so it is better to book yours in advance. As flight schedules scale down a bit in winter, you can catch a connecting flight from Istanbul if you are traveling from overseas. After reaching Antalya, you can rent a car to drive the coast or take a bus to the surrounding areas.
See all of our Turkey Travel Guides for your next trip!
Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running.
