Turkey Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean coast, often called the Turkish Riviera, runs from Marmaris and Fethiye in the west to Antalya, Alanya and Adana in the east. It combines turquoise bays, mountain backdrops, ancient cities, long beaches and the country’s best-known boat and walking routes. This guide summarizes the main bases, the experiences the coast is known for and how to plan around the seasons.

The coast at a glance

The main bases

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz

Fethiye is the gateway to Ölüdeniz, about 24 km away, with a protected lagoon and a white-sand beach of about 3 km. Babadağ above it is the most popular paragliding site in Türkiye. The Lycian Way, Türkiye’s first long-distance walking route, starts at Ölüdeniz and runs about 540 km to Geyikbayırı in the west of Antalya, marked from start to finish. See our Fethiye page.

Kaş and Kekova

Kaş is Türkiye’s top diving destination, with more than 40 dive sites within 40 minutes by boat from the old harbour. Kekova is a long, thin island about 7.4 km long with sunken ruins, overlooked by Simena castle. Use a licensed dive operator.

Antalya and the ancient cities

Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, includes Hadrian’s Gate of about 130 CE, and the city is the base for Perge, Aspendos, Termessos, Side and Olympos. At Olympos, the Chimaera flames burn at Yanartaş. See our Antalya page.

Alanya

Alanya has a Seljuk castle with 6.5 km of walls and Blue Flag beaches. See our Alanya guide.

Marmaris

Marmaris is the base for boat trips to Dalyan and İztuzu Beach, for gulet cruises and for the Datça and Bozburun peninsulas on the 850 km Carian Trail. See Marmaris.

Blue cruises

A blue cruise is a gulet sailing trip along the coast. Marmaris and Fethiye are the usual departure points. Ask any operator for a written quote showing the route, nights, crew, meals and inclusions, and read the cancellation terms. Our operators directory lists boat and cruise operators.

Walking: the Lycian Way and the Carian Trail

The Lycian Way and the Carian Trail are the two great long-distance routes. You can walk sections as day walks from Fethiye, Kaş or Marmaris. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, and summer is very hot.

Getting around

Intercity buses, dolmuş minibuses, rental cars and boat taxis all serve the coast, and the choice depends on the route. A rental car gives the most freedom for coves and ruins. See our getting around guide.

When to go

Our destination pages have monthly climate tables. The pattern is clear: May to June and September to October have warm sea and fewer people, July and August are hot and busy, and winter is mild but wet, with Antalya’s December rainfall above 250 mm. Many seasonal businesses reduce service in winter, so check before you book. See our best time guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Lycian Way start and end?

It starts at Ölüdeniz in Fethiye and ends at Geyikbayırı in the west of Antalya, about 540 km.

What is Kekova known for?

A long, thin island with sunken ruins and Simena castle.

Which ancient sites can I visit from Antalya?

Perge, Aspendos, Termessos, Side and Olympos, among others.

Is Kaş good for diving?

It is Türkiye’s top diving destination, with more than 40 dive sites within 40 minutes by boat. Use a licensed operator.

When should I visit the Mediterranean coast?

May to June and September to October.

What is a blue cruise?

A gulet sailing trip along the coast. Ask for a written quote and read the terms.

Sources: Go Türkiye. Updated October 2026.