92 Best Sights in The Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Sedir (Cedar) Island, also known as Cleopatra Island, is about a 30-minute drive north of Marmaris, and then a boat ride into the Gulf of Gökova. Here you can explore the ruins of ancient walls and a Roman theater, but you can't walk or lounge on the island's beach, which is now fully protected. Local tour guides will tell you that its rare sand–made from tiny egg-shaped, luminously white pearls–was brought here by Marc Antony for Cleopatra. Enjoy views of it while swimming before the impressive escarpments of Mt. Kavak. Various Marmaris-based tour operators run day trips here; prices run around 140 TL a head. Alternatively, drive to Çamlı village and catch one of the "dolmuş boats" (80 TL return) that shuttle back and forth to the island.

The grave of Myra's famous 4th-century bishop—St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus)—quickly became a pilgrimage site shortly after his death. A church was built around his tomb in the 6th century but later destroyed in an Arab raid. In 1043, St. Nicholas Basilica was rebuilt with the aid of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX and the empress Zoë. It was, in turn, heavily restored in the 19th century courtesy of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. (To this day, most visitors to the church—now operated as a museum—are Russian.)

It's difficult to distinguish between parts of the original church and the restorations, although the bell tower and upper story are clearly late additions. The colorful, evocative frescos are reminiscent of the early churches of Cappadocia. The reputed sarcophagus of St. Nicholas is in the southernmost aisle, though his remains were stolen in 1087 and taken to Bari, Italy, where the church of San Nicola di Bari was built to house them. A few bones remained, so the story goes, and these can be seen in the Antalya Museum.

A service is (theoretically, at least) held in the church every year on December 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas. Among his good deeds, the saint is said to have carried out nocturnal visits to the houses of local children to leave gifts, including gold coins as dowries for poor village girls; if a window was closed, said the storytellers, he would drop the gifts down the chimney.

50 yards inside Hadrian's Gate, turn left to find this small museum, an oasis in a group of restored buildings with an unusual painted exterior that experts say reflects the way most Antalya houses looked in Ottoman times. The main display area has interesting pictures of old Antalya and a couple of rooms with costumed mannequins that re-create Ottoman wedding scenes and other traditions. In the garden is a restored church where there are rotating exhibitions about different aspects of local history. The museum is part of a privately funded research institute and has an excellent library (accessible with special permission), plus a shop that sells a good range of guidebooks and high quality souvenirs.

Over 1,000 meters (3,500 feet) above sea level, this compelling site is nestled inside the Mount Güllük-Termessos National Park, where golden eagles are sometimes spotted. The attractions start right by the parking area, with a monumental gate that's part of an ancient temple dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian. The steepness of the path that leads up to the craggy remains of the city walls makes it clear just why Alexander the Great declined to attack. On the way, you'll pass a gymnasium, a colonnaded street, a bath complex built of dark-gray stone, and then, up and around, a 5,000-seat theater with a truly spectacular setting on the edge of a sheer cliff. From this staggering height you can see the sea, the Pamphylian plain, Mt. Solymos (now called Mt. Güllük), and the occasional mountain goat or ibex.

Farther around is the well-preserved bouleuterion (where the city council met), the very overgrown agora (market), and some huge underground cisterns. Termessos has one more wonder: several vast necropolises, with nearly 1,000 tombs scattered willy-nilly on a rocky hill. A signposted alternate route back to the parking lot takes you past several rock-cut tombs; you can access another large collection of them via a path from the ticket office.

From the acropolis of Tlos, you can glimpse the Xanthos Valley to the west—a rich agricultural area both in ancient times and today. Mountains cradle Tlos's Roman theater, with an 18th-century Ottoman mansion at the summit, reached via a narrow path that goes past a cluster of rock tombs. Below the acropolis is a large flat stadium, with seats on one side from which spectators watched footraces. Just up the road are the remains of Tlos's agora, basilica, and Roman bath.

The small village of Uzuncaburç, in the mountains north of Silifke, makes a nice day trip. It's dotted with the ruins of Diocaesaria Olba, a town run by the priests of Zeus Olbios. Along the ancient main street you'll see a theater, a curious columned structure that once marked the main crossroads, a fountain, a temple of Tyche, and another temple dedicated to Zeus. This temple is one of the earliest surviving Corinthian-style buildings, whose score of upright columns make for an evocative sight. North of the temples is the impressive North Gate, and to the northeast is a well-preserved five-story watchtower. The most straightforward road here is signposted from Silifke: after about 8 km (5 miles), you'll pass ancient Imbriogon (Demircili), where there are four temple tombs.

Start your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Roman-style theater, where inscriptions indicate that its restoration was funded by a wealthy Lycian named Opromoas of Rhodiapolis after the great earthquake of AD 141. Alongside the theater are two much-photographed pillar tombs. The more famous of the pair is called the Harpy Monument—not after what's inside, but because of the half-bird, half-woman figures carved onto the north and south sides. This tomb has been dated to 470 BC; the reliefs are plaster casts of originals in the British Museum. The other tomb consists of a sarcophagus atop a pillar—a rather unusual arrangement. The pillar section is probably as old as the Harpy Monument, while the sarcophagus was added later.

Opposite the agora is the Inscribed Pillar of Xanthos. Dating from about 400 BC, it is etched with 250 lines (written in both Greek and Lycian) that recount the heroic deeds of a champion wrestler and celebrated soldier named Kherei. Check out the large Byzantine basilica before following the path uphill, where you'll find several sarcophagi, a good collection of rock-cut house tombs, and a welcome spot of shade.

Unspoiled İztuzu stretches for 5.4 km (3.4 miles), with the Mediterranean on one side and a freshwater delta on the other. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles lay their eggs here in summer, which means that this is a conservation area and there are rules in place so you don't disturb them; there's even a turtle hospital you can visit at the far end of the beach (where the minibus from Dalyan stops). It gets crowded near the boat drop-off point, but walk a few hundred yards away, and you'll have the sand to yourself. Regular boats (dolmuş tekne) from Dalyan cost about 100 TL for the return trip, so skip expensive tours or private rentals, unless you're venturing farther afield. Be aware that although you can catch the boat to the beach starting around 9:30 am, the hourly return trips don't begin until the early afternoon. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The pretty, 16th-century Adana Ulu Camii (Adana Great Mosque) is more Arabic than Turkish in style, with beautiful patterned stonework that has been well restored over the years. Behind the mosque is a former madrassa, now a peaceful tea garden, and a small park. Beyond that is Adana's lively market area, where there are also several other old mosques, including the Yağ Camii (Oil Mosque) on Alimunif Caddesi, built in 1501 and incorporating a Byzantine church.

It's worth dropping by the small Alanya Archaeological Museum just to see the petite but perfectly preserved Roman bronze statue of a gleaming, muscular Hercules from the 2nd century AD. There is also a lovely seafaring mosaic, artifacts from the area's ancient maritime culture, some interesting stone altars, a bronze Pegasus statue, and limestone ossuaries. Note the Ottoman Greek inscriptions by the entry in Karamanlı—Turkish written with the Greek alphabet.

With its majestic vaulted interior, Alara Han is one of the most romantic kervansarays (inns) in Turkey. Built on the banks of the icy Ulugüney stream in the early 13th century and now beautifully restored, it has a fountain, prayer room, unusual lamp stands carved into stone, and lions' heads at the bases of the arches. In summer, the inland countryside location also provides welcome relief from the sweltering coast. If you’re feeling energetic, an unusual hand-carved tunnel leads up to the Seljuk fortress (Alara Kalesi) built on the crags above the inn. A flashlight is essential to make the climb.

Opposite the Side Museum is the city's large, ancient amphitheater. It was built in the 2nd century AD, though the design is more Greek than Roman. There are views out over the agora, which is closed for excavations. Other remnants of the ancient city can be seen along the road (Side Caddesi/Liman Caddesi) leading from the bus stop to the old harbor, including the marble columns of the grand fountain identified as the Nymphaeum.

Andriake, the seaport of ancient Myra, was a major stopover on the Egypt-to-Rome route that supplied most of Rome's wheat. St. Paul changed ships here on his journey to Rome in AD 60, and Hadrian built a huge granary on the site. The largest and best-preserved structure at Andriake, the granary has been restored to house the Lycian Civilizations Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the history of the region, including its role in Mediterranean trade and as a production site for murex, a purple dye valued highly in the ancient world.

The partially excavated ruins of Andriake include remnants of an agora (with a cistern underneath), multiple churches and baths, and a synagogue, believed to be the oldest one in Mediterranean Anatolia. A pretty path winds among them, past olive trees and the marshy Demre Kuş Cenneti, a bird sanctuary where you can spot flamingos and other species. Continue on the rustic road to Demre's yacht harbor for modest snack bars, a refreshing sea breeze, and a glorious view over the water.

The Catholic Church maintains its presence with a small sanctuary run by Capuchin monks. It is set in a garden on Kutlu Sokak, several winding blocks in from the river. Enter its small courtyard from the side street. You might recognize the image of the church bell, with the minaret of the Sermaye Mosque behind—it's on tourist office brochures as a symbol of religious harmony. Mass is usually held here every Sunday evening at 5 or 6 depending on the time of year; it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

With an international collection of nearly 3,000 toys dating from 1870 through 1980, this cheery little museum near the yacht harbor is a favorite with young families.

The main road around Fethiye's central harbor square also runs past the ancient theater of Telmessos, dated to around the 2nd century AD. Discovered only in 1993, it gives a sense of history to the modern buildings all around—the rest of the ancient town remains submerged in its urban tomb. The theater has undergone a restoration not particularly sympathetic to its history. Being a popular hangout for teenagers after dark, it has sadly been vandalized with graffiti in areas.

About 500 yards west of Kaş's main square, a small, well-preserved theater dating from the 4th century BC sits amid the olive trees; superb ocean views make it particularly lovely at sunset. There are other ancient ruins, from the time when the town was known as Antiphellos, including the foundations of a 1st century BC temple near the western end of the harbor (it's on your left as you follow Necipbey Sokak to the theater) and an underground cistern located between Smiley's restaurant and the Echo Bar.

West of Üçağız are two small, infrequently visited ruins, linked by a section of the Lycian Way. They make a good day trip or overnight excursion for those who want to get off the beaten track. Apollonia is a minor site on a small hill just southwest of the village of Sahilkılınçlı on the Kaş–Üçağız road 8 km (5 miles) south of the highway. You'll see a good range of ancient Lycian tombs scattered east and north of the walled acropolis hill. There's also a small theater and a well-preserved church with views west over the coast toward Kaş.

Back on the side road, look for the signed turnoff to the right, then walk two hours down the hill to the ruins of Aperlai on a pretty little inlet. The city walls here are impressively intact. Buildings inside them include a well-preserved church, houses, and a bath by the water, as well the sunken remains of the ancient port. Another three hours, first inland and then along the water, will take you to Üçağız, or you can hire a boat at Yoruk Ramazan Restaurant (about 15 minutes' walk from Aperlai) to take you across. Some boats from Üçağız will drop you at the inlet and give you time to walk to Aperlai and back.

The well-preserved walls and lovely location of Arykanda, high in a mountain valley above Finike, make this ancient Lycian town one of the most beautiful and least crowded archaeological sites on the Turquoise Coast. There's a parking area, and the easy-to-follow trail leading up to the acropolis first passes a church and the monumental Roman baths (perhaps Turkey's best-preserved), with intact mosaic floors, standing walls, and windows framing the valley. The tombs, farther east along the trail, are more properly Roman rather than Lycian—it's worth the hike to see the carved gateway on the last one.

Atop the hills sits a sunken agora, or market, with arcades on three sides and an intimate odeon, or small concert hall, topped by a Greek-style theater that offers a breathtaking view of the valley and mountains often capped with snow. Even higher up is the town's stadium, or running track. Farther north is a second, long thin agora, with a small temple above it. From here, the official trail scrambles down to some Roman villas, but you might find it easier to backtrack. Back toward the parking area is a temple of Trajan with an ancient Roman toilet underneath.

Opened in 2021, this aerial tramway whisks you up to the 1,900-meter (6,200-foot) mountain Babadağ, the main launching point for paragliding over Ölüdeniz. There are four stations on the mountain, including the one at the peak, and each has its own restaurant, access to walking paths, and of course, sweeping views. From November through March, only the lowest station (at 1,200 meters/3,930 feet) is open.

For most, the crown jewel of Alanya is this beach that's right next to the city center. In fact, its main draws are its central location, making it one of the easiest to access, and its array of activities, including tennis and beach volleyball. There are many beachside cafés and restaurants along the shore, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports. In high season there are regular pirate and Viking-themed party ships which are rowdy and imposing—you'll either love or hate them. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

North of Arykanda, the mountain town of Elmalı is the center of the country's apple (elma) industry. Although a glimpse of traditional Turkey and the cool mountain air are the main draws, Elmalı is also known for its traditional, half-timber houses and the Ömer Pasha mosque (1602), which is one of the best Ottoman mosques in southern Turkey. Several important pre-classical sites have been excavated in the area, and a hoard of nearly 2,000 coins from the 5th century BC, called the "Treasure of the Century" was unearthed near here. Most finds are now in the Antalya Museum, but a small, free museum, Elmalı Müzesi ( Eski Hükümet Cad.), opened here in 2011. Local wines from the Likya Şarapları vineyards can be tasted at its winery on the edge of town (open weekdays only). 

Along the crest of the hill overlooking the old town are the remains of the battlements of a castle; the foundations, which date back to antiquity, were later built up by the 12th-century Crusaders, Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights Hospitaller), who also built the castle in Bodrum. It takes a good imagination to picture what a mighty fortress this must once have been, but the views of the Fethiye Bay are lovely from here—and from the Seyir Terası (observation terrace) just down the road. A series of picnic tables on wooden decks is perched on the hillside.

Popularly dated from the 7th century, this is called Turkey's oldest mosque. More likely, a church of John the Baptist originally stood here, replacing a temple, and this was converted to a mosque, then back to a church by the crusaders, then destroyed in 1268 by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars, who had the current building constructed. It has since been much restored. A side chamber contains two sarcophagi, labeled as the prophet Jonah and John the Baptist, while downstairs are the tombs of Habib-i Neccar, an otherwise unidentified early Christian martyr mentioned in the Koran, and Sham’un al-Safa (Simon the Loyal), perhaps the Apostle Simon Peter. All presumably survive from the Byzantine church and, with that pedigree, could even be genuine.

One way to enter the old town is via Hadrian's Gate, a short walk from the main Saat Kulesi intersection along pleasant palm-lined Atatürk Caddesi. The gate was constructed in honor of a visit by the Roman emperor in AD 130 and has three arches (hence its Turkish name, Üçkapılar), each now restored, with coffered ceilings decorated with rosettes. Ruts in the marble road show where carts once trundled through. From here, turn left onto a straight road that leads through town past Kesik Minare Camii (Şehzade Korkut Camii) to the Hıdırlık Kulesi and the sea.

Originally called Daphne, this beautiful gorge of laurel trees and tumbling waterfalls was said to have been chosen by the gods for the Judgment of Paris and contained one of the ancient world's most important shrines to the god Apollo. Daphne was also a favorite resort for wealthy Antiochenes and developed such a reputation for licentiousness that it was put off-limits to the Roman army. Nothing ancient survives, but this is still a popular escape, especially in the heat of summer, and there are many open-air cafés and restaurants, all fairly similar, overlooking the streams and cascades. Mark Antony chose Daphne as the venue for his ill-fated marriage to Cleopatra in 40 BC, and many of the mosaics at the Hatay Museum were found in the area's ancient villas.

Shady Karaalioğlu Park is a traditional green space with trees, grass, benches, simple cafés, and children's play areas, as well as a dramatic view of the Mediterranean. It's enlivened by small circus rides in summer and by an open-air market during Ramadan (or Ramazan in Turkish). At the northwest end is a stone tower, called Hıdırlık Kulesi, which dates from the 2nd century AD. At sunset, sip a drink at the Castle Café and Bistro next door and enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the Bey Mountains across the water.

Archaeological digs have proven that Karain Cave was inhabited as far back as the Paleolithic Age, making it one of Turkey's oldest settlements. Later, it seems to have become a religious center for a primitive civilization. Many of the Karain finds—stone implements, bones of people and animals, and fossilized remains—are on display in Antalya Museum, but there is also a small museum on the edge of the high meadow where the cave is located. Part of the cave itself is electrically lighted and open to the public; this is a small site, however, and probably only worth visiting if you have time after seeing Termessos.

Built in 1250 by a wealthy Seljuk official during the reign of Sultan Izzedin Keykavus II, this beautiful stone courtyard was once a medrese, or religious school. Follow a winding lane up from the old city's harbor, and enter through the towering carved archway into this peaceful haven. A simple café serves tea inside, sometimes with musical accompaniment from old men who've gathered to practice traditional instruments. If you've overloaded on Antalya's more touristy side, this is the perfect antidote.

Near the main street is the monumental stone Gate of Cleopatra, which—despite the name—was likely built in the Byzantine period. It has made an impression on many visitors to the city, including the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi who penned the travelogue Seyahatnâme.