Getting Oriented

The area known as the Turquoise Coast extends along the Mediterranean from the wild Datça Peninsula on Turkey's southwestern tip to the resort hotels springing up along the Antalya-Alanya strip. The fir-clad mountains rising behind the water are dotted with the ruins of splendid ancient cities, through which passed the likes of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and St. Paul.

• The Datça Peninsula. Chartering a yacht in Marmaris or Bodrum is the best way to view the craggy hills and sublime coves of one of Turkey's most unspoiled stretches of shoreline.
• The Lycian Coast. Rent a car from the Dalaman or Antalya airport and take time to explore the charming ports, quiet beaches, and ancient ruins along this less developed coastal circuit.
• Antalya and Pamphylia. Vibrant Antalya has everything—an old city, beaches, eateries, nightlife—plus it's a good base for visiting the age-old sites of Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, and Phaselis. The area around Antalya, including Side and Alanya, is considered ancient Pamphylia.
• East of Alanya. Beyond Alanya, leave the tour buses behind on a road trip that takes you to uncrowded towns and off-the-beaten-path ruins all the way to the old city of Antioch (now Antakya).