Things to do — Aegean Coast

The Turkish Aegean Coast offers a diversity of experiences that makes it one of the most complete regions in Turkey — ancient heritage, geological landscapes, beaches, cruises, gastronomy.

Ephesus (Efes, near Selçuk) — major ancient site, to visit over 3-4 hours. Enter via Magnesia or Vedius gate (top of the site) to descend towards the Library of Celsus then the Great Theatre. Must-sees: Library of Celsus (135 AD, restored façade, most photographed monument in Turkey), Great Theatre (25,000 seats, where the Apostle Paul preached), Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses (Roman houses with mosaics and frescoes, extra ticket), commercial agora, marble public latrines. Entry 1500 TRY (€45), +700 TRY for terrace houses. Go early (opening 8am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden light. Nearby: House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi, place where Mary lived according to tradition, 280 TRY), Basilica of St John (tomb of the apostle, in Selçuk, 240 TRY), Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 ancient wonders, now a single standing column).

Pamukkale-Hierapolis (Denizli) — UNESCO site. The travertines (white limestone terraces) are the geological signature: bare feet mandatory (shoes forbidden), swimsuit advised for shallow pools. The ancient site of Hierapolis (Greco-Roman, 2nd c. BC-4th c. AD) offers a 12,000-seat Roman theatre, monumental baths, an exceptional necropolis (one of the largest in the world) and Cleopatra's antique pool (Antik Havuz, swimming in ancient thermal waters amid collapsed Roman columns, 350 TRY supplement). Site entry 1100 TRY (€33). Go at sunrise (opening 7am) to avoid crowds.

Aphrodisias (Geyre, 90 km from Pamukkale) — UNESCO site 2017, lesser known and therefore more serene. Famous for its school of marble sculpture (exceptional statues and bas-reliefs exhibited at the site museum), its Roman stadium (30,000 seats, one of the best preserved in the world, 270 m long), its Temple of Aphrodite (eponymous goddess) and its tetrapylon (four-faced monumental gateway). Entry 750 TRY (€23). Absolutely worth the detour for archaeology enthusiasts.

Bodrum and peninsula — beach and cultural destination. In Bodrum-town: Castle of Saint Peter (15th c., Knights of Saint John) which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology (one of the best underwater archaeology museums in the world, remains of the Uluburun shipwreck from the 14th c. BC, 320 TRY), remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (one of the 7 ancient wonders, 200 TRY), ancient theatre. On the peninsula: beaches of Bitez (family), Türkbükü (chic, beach clubs), Gümüşlük (authentic, fish restaurants on stilts), Yalıkavak (luxury marina, superyachts), Gümbet (young, nightlife).

Gulet cruise (traditional wooden sail caïque) — the signature nautical experience of the Aegean and Turquoise Coast. Departing from Bodrum towards Datça, Fethiye or Marmaris, cruises of 4 to 8 days coasting along the shore (4-12 cabins, captain + cook included). Rates €400-1500/person/week half-board depending on boat level. Swimming in otherwise inaccessible coves, stops in traditional fishing ports. Unforgettable experience from April to October.

Izmir — modern metropolis, regional hub. Deserves 1 day for its Kemeraltı bazaar (one of the most authentic in Turkey), its old Alsancak quarter (cafés, restaurants, nightlife), its corniche and the ancient Agora. Excursion to Pergamum (Bergama, 100 km north) with its acropolis (spectacular view, theatre suspended at 300 m, monumental altar whose frieze is in Berlin) and the Asklepion (ancient healing sanctuary). UNESCO 2014.