Turkey’s jagged southwest coast, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, has long been the summer destination of savvy Europeans, looking to escape scorching urban temperatures and dive headfirst into those impossibly turquoise waters. However, the history of the region goes back much further, to the time of the Persians and Byzantines, whose mark on the Turkish Riviera can be seen in the ancient ruins and traditional villages that still stand today. Here are the addresses on the Turkish Coast that you should know about.
Alaçati
Effortlessly cool Alaçati is a magnet for chic Istanbulites seeking a bohemian break. The bougainvillea-framed cobblestone streets of the Old Town are prime for wandering, fuelled by Turkish coffee and sweet baklava, and you’ll want to check out the colourful produce at the bustling Saturday market. Kemalpasa Cd, the main avenue, is lined with restaurants, but don’t miss foodie favourite Asma Yapragi, hidden away in an outdoor courtyard and serving traditional Aegean dishes, from stuffed courgette flowers to succulent lamb meatballs.
Where to Stay: Gaia by the Sea
Relaxation is the order of the day at this Aegean seaside jewel. All 11 suites have private thermal pools and soothing interiors that pair wicker lamps with weathered woods.
Bodrum
Ancient history meets modern glamour in Bodrum, whose picturesque, whitewashed streets, shaded by bergamot trees, play host to some of the glitziest parties in the Mediterranean. Here, you can start the day by exploring the epic Mauseoleum of Halicernassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before picking up some handmade leather goods, spices, and trinkets at the Bodrum Bazaar. By night, feast on fresh seafood surrounded by beautiful people at nightlife hotspot Yalikavak Marina or join the locals at beachside Ayana Mes to eat mezze with your toes in the sand.
Where to Stay: Maçakizi
Encapsulating the spirit of Bodrum since 1975, this legendary boho boutique is famous for its laid-back ambiance, glittering ocean views and languid lunches that last all afternoon.
Fethiye
Fethiye is the place to go for a serious culture hit, with some of the region’s most beguiling archaeological sites, like the remains of the Lycian city of Pinara, where the temples and tombs are veiled among the pine forest. Nearby Xanthos and Letoon are also worth stopping by, before finishing your classical tour with a visit to the great fort at Tlos. After maxing out your step count, find a shady spot to enjoy some hot börek (flaky pastry filled with vegetables) and an urn of red-tinted Turkish tea.
Where to Stay: Yazz Collective
Set in a secluded bay reached only by boat, this sleek hotel offers back-to-nature beach club vibes, Balinese décor, a treetop spa, culinary pop-ups, paddleboarding and weekend DJs.
Kalkan
A former fishing village, Kalkan is built around a charming harbour, teeming with Turkish wooden gulet boats, with the towering Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. There’s an Old Town with atmospheric rooftop restaurants, and the chance to join one of the world’s most spectacular hiking routes, the Lycian Way. But Kalkan’s beaches are its trump card – hiding in a deep gorge is the postcard-perfect bay of Kaputas and, fringing the ruins of a Lycian port, the country’s longest stretch of sand, Patara.
Where to Stay: Villa Mahal
Fragrant gardens lead down to the sea at this romantic bolthole. Spend your time eating, drinking and lounging between dips in the azure waters, or hire the hotel’s yacht for a day trip.
Kas
The vibrant hippie town of Kas offers some of the best shopping in Turkey. Walk under blue balconies heaving with pink bougainvillea and discover a wealth of artisanal shops and markets selling hand-woven textiles, painted evil eyes and hand-crafted hammam towels. For a bite to eat try Beyhude Meyhane or Meydan, while Echo is good for live music. Sun-worshippers should make a beeline for the rustic swimming terraces, and nearby, off Kekova island, there’s an underwater city to explore with snorkels, visible beneath the crystal-clear water.
Where to Stay: Lukka Hotel
This enchanting retreat seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. Highlights include a serene garden, Olympic-size pool and farm-to-table cuisine.
Antalya
Spend a few hours getting lost Kaleiçi, Antalya’s pretty old quarter, home to a treasure trove of historical houses and the iconic Hadrian’s Gate, before heading up the Panoramic Elevator for unbeatable views. To eat? Creamy hummus, velvety baba ganoush and tangy ezme (spicy tomato and pepper salad) are must-tries. Antalya also has plenty of idyllic shores, but the star of the show is Çirali Beach, tucked away off the typical tourist trail, where you can spot endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
Where to Stay: Bijal
A game-changer for the region when it opened last year, this gloriously tranquil property is an all-villa set up, with Maldivian-esque interiors of blonde wood and pastel hues.
