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Alanya -

Alanya was long favored by a succession of Mediterranean-based empires for its strategic position, among them the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Discovering the city's historic heritage is one reason to linger here, the wealth of natural attractions surrounding Alanya another. Pictured is the attractive harbor and the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture found anywhere.

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Alanya Castle -

Alanya Castle was built in the 13th century, during the Seljuk era. The crenellated wall that surrounds the castle is 6.5 km (4 mi) long and includes 140 towers.

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Alaçatı -

The Turkish Riviera boasts one of the most traditional towns in the country—Alaçatı. This scenic wonder is appreciated for its stone houses with colored windows set over narrow cobbled lanes. In spring, vibrant bougainvillea adds to the radiant canvas.

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Fethiye -

Fethiye sits at the very heart of the Turkish Riviera. It's one of the most beautiful resorts on the coast, and one of Turkey's best-known tourist centers, with several excellent visitor attractions clustered in and around the town. These include the Fethiye Museum—the ideal precursor to exploring the city's ancient ruins.

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Ölüdeniz Beach -

Fethiye district draws sunworshippers to Ölüdeniz Beach. This famous golden bar is lapped by waters in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and sits at the mouth of a blue lagoon.

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Tomb of Amyntas -

Among Fethiye's cultural gems is the imposing Tomb of Amyntas. Carved into the mountainside by the Lycians around 350 BCE, the structure is named for the king maker of Cyrus the Great, the Median General Harpagos.

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Butterfly Valley -

One of the riviera's great natural wonders, Butterfly Valley is named for its diverse butterfly species, and in fact serves as a nature reserve. The valley is accessible by shuttle boat service from Ölüdeniz, and draws hikers, canoeists, and scuba divers.

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Antalya -

Antalya is the biggest resort on the Turkish Riviera. The city is fronted by two huge beaches, while Kaleiçi, the historic city center of Antalya, is noted for its pocket-sized harbor and the Roman-era Hidirlick Tower.

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Marmaris -

Embellishing the riviera's shoreline is Marmaris, one of the region's top sailing and diving centers. Popular cruise operations take in islands in the surrounding bay. Marmaris National Park, meanwhile, caters to hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Bodrum -

A hugely popular tourist destination, Bodrum has been luring visitors since classical antiquity. The city's cultural clout is exemplified by the Castle of St. Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller during the 15th century.

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Mausoleum of Halicarnassus -

Another Bodrum must-see are the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Originally built in the 4th century BCE, the structure was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

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Bodrum's beaches -

If the beach is more your thing, Bodrum doesn't disappoint. The port, meanwhile, has ferries to other nearby Turkish and Greek islands, Kos being the most important.

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Kuşadası -

Facing the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası was founded as early as 3000 BCE. Among places to see and things to do is Güvercinada, or Pigeon Island. Attached to the mainland by a causeway, this speck of rock is crowned by a cube-like castle.

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Side -

Set on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the ancient city of Side is one of the best-known classical sites in the country, the standout feature being the colossal theater, with seating for up to 20,000 people.

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Temple of Apollo -

Roman Side was served by an aqueduct; a number of bridges are still preserved, as well as tunnels. Located at the end of the peninsula are the partly restored ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

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Manavgat Waterfall -

Cascading into the Manavgat River not far from Side is the Manavgat Waterfall. Come here during a hot summer's day and seek shelter in the shaded tea gardens near the water's edge.

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Didim -

The Turkish Riviera is rather fond of aforementioned Apollo. Didim, on the country's Aegean coast, also has temple ruins dedicated to this most Greek of the gods. Ancient Didim was called Didyma, where the foundations of a Greek theater have also been unearthed.

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Belek -

Beleck is for those who like their modern amenities close at hand. A resort town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, known for its beaches, thermal spas, and golf courses, Belek boasts a collection of more than 30 four-star and five-star hotels.

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Aspendos -

Not far from Belek and about 40 km (24 mi) east of Antalya is a remarkably well-preserved Roman theater that stands as the most obvious sign of the once mighty Greco-Roman city of Aspendos. The equally impressive remains of a Roman aqueduct is further proof of the ancient city's former grandeur. Visitors can also admire the ruins of a stadium, baths, and a nymphaeum.

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Kaleköy -

In Lycian times known as Simena, Kaleköy can only be visited by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız. A beautiful and alluring little village, Kaleköy is a favorite yachting destination.

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Kemer -

Travel west out of Antalya and you'll end up in Kemer. A tranquil and verdant destination, Kemer is pleasantly laid back and wonderfully romantic, home as it is to Moonlight Beach.

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Olympus -

History buffs and fans of antiquity will enjoy discovering the ruins of Olympus, in Antalya Province. Once an impressive city in ancient Lycia, Olympus, together with the equally compelling sites of Phaselis and Idyros, fall within the Beydağları Coastal National Park.

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Patara -

Located on the riviera near the village of Gelemiş, Patara is a fascinating archaeological site, the remains of a city once occupied by Alexander the Great, in 333 BCE. Patara is found on the Lycian Way, the long-distance hiking trail that's one of Europe's most exciting and rewarding footpaths.

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Dalyan -

Besides those found at Fethiye, the Lycian rock tombs this region of Turkey is famous for can also be admired at Dalyan.

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Dalyan River delta -

The shallow wetlands area where the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea meet is a veritable wildlife haven. The delta and beautiful   Iztuzu Beach are protected as a nature reserve, and for one very good reason. This is one of Europe's premiere breeding grounds for the loggerhead turtle.

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Loggerhead turtle -

Classified as Vulnerable on the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the loggerhead turtle is a protected species. Iztuzu Beach serves as an important nesting site and is closed during the period that the turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings go out to sea, from May to October.

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Beydağları Coastal National Park -

And much of the Turkish Riviera provides a magnet for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The previously mentioned Beydağları Coastal National Park is noted for its biodiversity: it has over 865 plant species, 25 of which are endemic. Mammal species found here include bears, wolves, wild goats, and the shy Eurasian lynx.

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Köprülü Canyon -

Köprülü Canyon is the centerpiece of a national park rich in flora and fauna and blessed with a wild beauty. The ancient Roman Oluklu Bridge (Olukluköprü) found over a tributary gorge is an extraordinary example of engineering accomplishment.

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Ephesus -

Actually situated north of the Turkish Riviera on the coast of Iona in İzmir Province, Ephesus nonetheless deserves a mention for the outstanding Library of Celsus. Built around 110 CE, it's one of the only remaining examples of great libraries of the ancient world located in the Roman Empire. Espesus is also where you'll find the ruins of the once magnificent Temple of Artemis.

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Opt for a coastal cruise -

If you're considering a vacation along the Turkish Riviera, opt for a weeklong cruise aboard a traditional gulet schooner. Doing so allows access to several historic destinations while at the same time voyaging to numerous out-of-the-way beaches enclosed by picture-book coves.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Turkish Archaeological News) (IUCN)

See also: The ultimate travel guide to exploring the French Riviera

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