Things to do — Med Coast

The Turkish Mediterranean Coast offers a diversity of experiences that make it the most complete region for an enriched beach stay.

Antalya — Kaleiçi old town: maze of paved alleys, wooden Ottoman houses, Roman port transformed into a marina (yachts, excursion boats), Hadrian's Gate (130 AD, monumental marble Roman arch), Seljuk minarets (Yivli Minare, Kesik mosque). Pedestrian quarter, restaurants and designer boutiques. 3-4h visit, ideal late afternoon for golden light. Continue on the cliffside promenade for the gulf view.

Antalya beaches: Konyaaltı (west, sand and pebbles, 5 km, Taurus mountain backdrop, free public arranged beach + seaside restaurants and bars) and Lara (east, fine sand, 5-star resort hotels including Maxx Royal Lara, Rixos Premium Belek, private hotel beach but public access to Lara Beach Park). Water sports: parasailing, jet-ski, banana, diving.

Düden Waterfalls (Düden Şelaleleri) — two falls: Lower Düden (in Lara, 40 m high, falls directly into the sea from the cliff — rare spectacle in the world, visible from seaside or by boat) and Upper Düden (14 km north of Antalya, in a green park, possibility to walk behind the waterfall). Entry 50 TRY (€1.50).

Ancient sites: Aspendos (40 km east of Antalya) — 2nd c. AD Roman theatre, best preserved of the ancient world with its 15,000 seats, still used for operas and concerts in July-August (Aspendos Opera Festival). Exceptional acoustics. Entry 750 TRY (€23). Termessos (30 km west) — ancient city perched at 1,050 m in Mount Güllük National Park, never conquered by Alexander the Great who judged it impregnable, Roman and Hellenistic ruins drowned in pine forest — one of the most moving and least touristified sites in Turkey. 1h access hike. Side (75 km east) — Apollo temple by the sea (iconic image at sunset), ancient theatre, agora, Roman ruins at the heart of the beach village. Phaselis (60 km west) — ancient ruins on three turquoise bays, swimming possible among the vestiges.

Kekova cruise — unmissable. From Kaş or Demre, day cruise to the sunken city of Kekova (Batık Şehir) — ancient Lycian city partially submerged following a 2nd century earthquake, ruins visible through transparent turquoise waters by glass-bottom boat. Stop at Kaleköy village (former Simena) with its perched Seljuk castle, swimming in otherwise inaccessible coves. Rate €30-60/person with lunch.

Lycian Way hiking — for walkers. 540 km marked between Fethiye and Antalya. Sections of 3-7 days for short-stay travellers: Olympos-Adrasan (3 days, moderate, deserted beaches), Patara-Kalkan (4 days, easy, Lycian ruins), Faralya-Kaş (5-6 days, demanding, spectacular cliffs). Accommodation in pansiyon (€15-30/night half-board). Ideal season: April-May and September-November.

Mount Tahtalı cable car (Tahtalı Telefefik) — 50 km west of Antalya, near Kemer. 10 min ascent from 700 to 2,365 m altitude, exceptional panoramic view over the Mediterranean coast and Mount Olympos. In winter (December-March), skiing possible at the summit. Rate €35-50/person round trip.

Olympos and the Chimera (Yanartaş) — hippie village on a pebble beach, set among Lycian ruins (steep wall, theatre, Roman baths). The Chimera (1h walk from the village) — eternal flames bursting from rock fissures since antiquity (natural methane that ignites). Visit at dusk to see the flames dance. Entry 130 TRY (€4).