31 Best Sights in The Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Since neither Kaş nor Kalkan have proper beaches, this pretty spot between the two is quite popular. Set in a narrow, steep-sided inlet, there are 186 stairs leading down to it. The position between dramatic cliffs is picturesque, though the beach itself is small and can get crowded in summer. Parking is limited so arrive early to find a space. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: swimming.

Ancient Pınara was probably founded as early as the 5th century BC, and it eventually became one of Lycia's most important cities. Its mountain setting is still strikingly beautiful, but you need time and determination to explore the site, which is spread out, largely unexcavated, and thick with plane, fig, and olive trees. You can park in the village of Minare and make the 30 minute hike up the clearly marked trail or drive up the steep dirt track (wear sturdy hiking shoes). There are a few signs near the entry but no good maps.

The spectacular Greek theater at Pınara, which has overlooked these peaceful hills and fields for thousands of years, is one of the country's finest. It's perfectly proportioned, and, unlike that of most theaters in Turkey, its stage building is still standing. The site also contains groups of rock tombs with unusual reliefs (one shows a cityscape) and a cliff wall honeycombed with hundreds of crude rectangular "pigeonholes," which are believed to have been either tombs or food storage receptacles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For many Turks, Antalya is synonymous with the thick crowds of vacationers on Konyaaltı Beach, and the packed pebble strand is a stiflingly hot and busy sight in high season. The city has worked hard to improve the quality of the beach experience though, with especially impressive results on the 1 km (½ mile) section starting after the museum and ending under the Hotel Su. The beach is largely divided up by concessions, each with its own restaurant, deck chairs, umbrellas, and showers. Energetic and often noisy, this is not the spot for a quiet, solitary swim. The city-run "nostalgic tram" from just outside Kaleiçi will take you right above the beach, or you can take a cab. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

Near the Great Mosque stands a covered bazaar dubbed Kırkkaşık, or "40 Spoons," which dates from the 16th century. Small shops inside sell local souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Just off the coast, an island—known to have been settled as early as the 4th century BC—is home to an evocative castle called Kızkalesi. Several offshore castles in Turkey bear this same name, which is derived from a legend about a king, a princess, and a snake. The beautiful princess, apple of her father's eye, had her fortune read by a wandering seer who declared she would die of a snakebite. The king therefore sent her to a castle on a snake-free island. Destiny, however, can never be avoided, and the offending serpent was accidentally delivered in a basket of grapes sent as a gift from her father's palace.

More prosaically, this particular castle was an important part of the row of defenses built and rebuilt over the centuries to stop invaders from Syria entering Anatolia via the coast route to Antalya. What you see dates mostly from the 11th century and was constructed by Byzantines to keep out Antioch-based Crusaders. Boatmen will offer to take you here, but hiring a paddleboat is the most popular way to explore.

Excavations have revealed three temples in Letoon. The first dates from the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis, and the namesake of the site. She was believed to have brought the infant twins here while hiding from Zeus's jealous wife, Hera. The middle temple, the oldest, is dedicated to Artemis and dates from the 5th or 4th century BC. The last, dating from the 1st century BC, belongs to Apollo and contains a replica of a mosaic depicting a bow and arrow (a symbol of Artemis), and a sun and lyre (Apollo's emblems). These are the three gods most closely associated with Lycia.

Re-erecting some columns of the Temple of Leto has made the site more photogenic. There is also a well-preserved Roman theater, right after the site entrance. The once-sacred pool where Leto sought to quench her thirst lends atmosphere. It's now filled with ducks and chirping frogs—which ties in playfully with the local legend that when villagers tried to chase Leto away, she turned them into frogs. About 6 km (4 miles) south of Letoon, the road continues to a beach. Across a rickety bridge at the river mouth are the ruins of an early Lycian fort called Pydnai.

Right in the midst of Kaş's restaurants and cafés is a monumental sarcophagus with four regal lions' heads carved onto its lid. It's a local landmark and one of the most prominent remnants of ancient Antiphellos. In 1842, a British naval officer counted more than 100 sarcophagi in Kaş, but most have been destroyed over the years as locals nabbed the flat side pieces to use in construction projects.

This large cave dappled with stalactites and stalagmites is tucked away in the forested hills of Yıldız Adası (Star Island), which is linked by a causeway to the mainland south of Marmaris town. To reach the cave, follow the signs off the road to a rocky path and then up a set of wooden stairs. Most of the “island” is part of Marmaris National Park and can be explored via a variety of steep but scenic hiking and biking paths.

At some point, one of the city's Roman towers gained a clock and was dubbed the Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower). Several of the old town's cobbled lanes pass through the wall here. The area, also known as Kalekapısı (Castle Gate), serves as one of the interfaces between the old town and the new.

On the banks of the Seyhan River sits Adana's most prominent building, the Sabancı Merkez Camii. Very similar in style to the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque of Edirne, it was the largest mosque in Turkey when it was completed in 1998, but it has since been surpassed by the Çamlıca Camii in Istanbul (making it the second-largest). The large Merkez Parkı (Central Park) spreads north along the river from the mosque, with walking paths, fountains, and gazebos making for a pleasant green respite in the city center.

The city's best achievement is a 10-km (6-mile) seafront promenade that stretches all the way from the easternmost marina known as Netsel, past the old castle, along the palm-lined main boulevard of town, out between the beach and the fancy hotels that line the coast, and then all the way west to the outlying resort of Içmeler. Along the way are cafés and bars at which to pause for refreshment or to take in fine views of sea and mountains. For 15 TL, you can ride back in one of the deniz taksi (shared water taxis) that run up and down the coast in season (usually April–October).

Also known as Sura, this was ancient Myra's most important pre-Christian holy site. Priests of Apollo would release fish into the sacred pool here, and then "read" the future from their movements. It still has Lycian tombs and a small acropolis, from which the temple of Apollo is visible in the overgrown valley below.

South along the river from the Merkez Camii is another civic symbol: the impressively long Taş Köprü, or "stone bridge," built by the Emperor Hadrian in AD 125 and restored by later rulers.

Follow the main street filled with shops selling jewelry and clothing until you reach the water and turn left. You'll reach the picture-postcard ruins of Side's Roman Temple of Apollo, its gleaming white marble columns set off beautifully by the blue ocean behind it. Millions of visitors a year visit the sun god's ruined temple—come at first light to avoid the crush. Beside it lie the ruins of the temple of Apollo's half-sister Athena, goddess of wisdom and war.

This pleasant resort town is only about 19 km (12 miles) from Marmaris. Come for the bustling Monday market where you can shop for local produce and trinkets or lounge on the free sun beds at the pretty Blue Flag beach. With a car, you can reach the little-known ruins of Amos, about 4 km (2.5 miles) up into the hills, with sweeping views over the bay. A water taxi will take you to Turunç from the Marmaris seafront promenade in season; a 20 TL dolmuş also runs from central Marmaris.

As historic and lively as the city itself, Antakya’s Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar) is a feast for the senses, a maze of covered and open streets full of shops piled high with spices, handmade soaps, clothes, kitchenware, jewelry, and much more. Tucked among them are multiple small mosques, quiet little courtyards, lively eateries, snack vendors, and traditional wood-oven fırıns (bakeries). The restored Kurşunlu Han near the center of the bazaar houses cafés and more tourist-oriented stores selling local handicrafts. At its northern end, the bazaar spills out into Antakya’s open-air produce market.