Welcome to the Mediterranean...Turkey's southern coastline, also known as the Turquoise Coast, or the Turkish Riviera , stretches for nearly 700 km from Fethiye in the west to Iskenderun in the east. This region is with no doubt the most beatiful stretces of coastline to be found anywhere along the Mediteranean. This region draws the most number of visitors among all Turkey's holiday destinations, because of the countless number of historic, natural and entertainment places it offer. The area attractions include Fethiye Oludeniz (The Blue Lagoon), the city of Antalya, St. Nicholas' (Santa Claus) hometown, Duden Waterfalls, Manavgat Waterfalls, Kursunlu Waterfalls, The Damlatas Inn, the sunk city at Kas, the Karain Inn, the smagnificent beaches along the coasts of Kas, Kalkan, Kemer, Antalya, Side and Alanya (the region known as the Turkish Riviera), the ancient cities of Xantos, Patara, Myra, Limyra, Aspendos, Rhodiapolis, Olympos, Phaselis, Side and many many others. Some of these are shown in the following area attractions map. For exact locations and other places to visit, please see your travel agent or the nearest travel bookstore.
We begin our journey along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye.
One picture worths one thousand words......
This phrase must have been said for Oludeniz. Oludeniz is by far the most
photographed village in Turkey, the reason of which requires no further
explanation! The main beach is formed
on a wide sweeping bay of fine sand. The whole area has been designated an
area of outstanding natural beauty and it is being protected by local and
national laws. No construction is allowed, since the local authorities are
determined that this exceptionally beautiful coastline is not to be spoilt by
a rash of hotel development.
Of all the ancient cities on Turkey's southern shore, Side is the only one to be excavated systematically. The magnificent theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest of the entire region. Also in Side, is the Apollon Temple, the creamy white columns of which make a striking contrast against the blue sea.
Finally, the extensive Roman Bath, now a museum, houses one Turkey's finest archeological collections. As it is true with any of the cities in the Turkish coast, Side offers an extensive historical richness, along with exceptionally beatiful beaches, unique shopping centers, and of course a "very" ( and I put that word in quotes) active night life.
A 20 minute drive from Side will bring you to the Manavgat Waterfalls, and the Manavgat Canyon area. The Manavgat Waterfalls are not high, but the current is extremely powerful, and the water rushes milky white over the rocks.
Antalya, the emerald of the Mediteranian, is Turkey's one of the most rapidly developing cities, and it has recently been declared as a greater metropolitan area. The city of Antalya itself provides excellent holiday oppurtunities, as well as its towns and villages. The city's Antalya International Airport is served by many international airlines including German flag carrier Lufthansa, Israeli flag carrier El Al, Dutch flag carrier KLM, and the Turkish flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY), as well as many regional and charter carriers. Antalya has number of natural and historical resources, some of which are shown below. Just a reminder: The coast of Alanya, a town of Antalya, is known as the Turkish Riviera. Let's the wonder around this magnificent city. And remember: In Turkey, expect the unexpected !
Quite honestly, I personally do not know where the city is hidden. However, what amazes me about Antalya is that, it is probably one of the few cities in the world, if not "the" only city, where you can ski at the top of the Taurus mountains in the morning (around 25 degrees F), and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoon where the temperature can get as high as 120 degrees F (that is, you can swim and ski in the very same day, at certain seasons), and just imagine how cool that can be...
I must mention this spectacular family picnic area of Antalya. The Duden Waterfalls, one of the city parks of Antalya, draws hundreds of people everyday for the ultimate picnic experience....
Speaking of Antalya, how can we forget the world famous St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus. It is quite unfortunate that very few people know the fact that St. Nicholas actually lived in this southern city of Turkey. The ruins of his church , called the St. Nicholas Church, is one of Antalya's most visited historical places. If you happen to visit Antalya, don't forget to give him a visit. You may not believe that the Christmas presents are brought by him, but hey, why take unnecessary chances....
About 30 miles east of Antalya lies the ancient city of Aspendos. Located here in Aspendos is the finest example of indeed any of the ancient theatres inthe world, let alone the finest of the Roman Theatre Architecture. The Aspendos Theatre is the best preserved theatre of antiquity which has a seating capacity of over 15000.
The first settlement in Perge goes back to The Hitittes around 1500 BC. The ancient city of Perge lies over an area with a radius of 3 miles, and most of the buildings are still standing. The Perge ruins feauture one of the best preserved examples of the Greco-Roman architecture. The Afrodisias Stadium seen on the back had a seating capacity of over 30000.
Here, two more spectacular towns of Kas and Kekova, again offering what Turkey has best to offer: Sun, sandy beaches, crytal clear waters, history (the ruins of Xantos, Patara, and the sunk city), and hospitality. I leave you with a couple views of these towns, before we go up to the Black Sea Region ...
This completes are tour of the Mediterranean Region. Of course, there are far more places to see in this region than I can possibly include. So, if you happen to visit The Turkish Rivieara, make sure to get a good guide. The two travel guides listed at the end of this page are two of the best guides available in the market.
Be assured that more will be added to this page in the future, so make sure to stop by in the near future. Our photographic journey continues to the other regions of Turkey; The Central Anatolian Region, The Eastern Turkey, and The Black Sea Region, and if you haven't already visited, Istanbul and The Marmara region, and the Aegean Region.
The Central Anatolian Region 
The Black Sea Region 
The Eastern Turkey 
Istanbul and The Marmara Region 
The Aegean Region 
WANTED: Your comments...
Well, no service is free!!! Your comments, however, will
pay for every effort that made this page possible.
I will appreciate any comments and/or questions. 
ROBI POLIKAR CYBERDOMAIN ROOT PAGE 
Some of the information and pictures on this page are taken from the following
sources:
Diana Darke, Fodor's Exploring Turkey, Fodor's, New York, NY, 1995
Hans Hofer, Turkey, APA-Houghton Miffilin Company, Boston , MA, 1994
Fascinating Istanbul, Tourist Guide, Republic Of Turkey, Ministry of Tourism,
Istanbul, 1991