Nature and luxury: The Turkish Riviera is a year-round paradise

Nature, luxury, culture and 300 days of sunshine. Take just one of them and you’ve already got the basis for a great holiday. But all at once? That’s something else!

Introducing the Turkish Riviera – a lush, scenic stretch of Türkiye’s southwestern coastline fringed by the dramatic Taurus Mountains.

Spanning 620 miles (1,000 km), it’s a year-round Mediterranean paradise featuring a world-class collection of beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, golf, wellness and all-inclusive experiences. 

Alongside these modern indulgences is a rich local culture shaped by centuries of history, with ancient castles, temples, and ports sitting alongside vibrant coastal cities serving up exquisite local cuisine. 

It sounds idyllic – and it is! Here’s why the Turkish Riviera offers all the ingredients for a dream getaway.

History meets nature  

Visiting historical sites at home is often a rainy-day activity. But in the Turkish Riviera, it’s an open-air experience.

We’re talking sun-drenched ruins scattered among pine forests, Roman temples overlooking turquoise waters and tombs carved into soaring coastal cliffs. 

The area is home to the three ancient regions of Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, which grew wealthy in antiquity and left behind an extraordinary historical legacy.

This includes the ancient cities of Side, Patara, Olympos and Phaselis – considered among the most beautiful in the world (and best admired from the sea via a boat trip from Antalya’s Roman harbour). 

Both are cultural hotspots, with Mersin putting on an annual music festival, while Antalya hosts Türkiye’s most important film festival.

Alongside these historical attractions, the Turkish Riviera is big on outdoor activities of all kinds. Sailing is especially popular, typically aboard a traditional two- or three-masted wooden boat known as a gulet.

The pristine, forest-fringed coves around the cities of Antalya and Mersin are ripe for exploring by boat, as is the picturesque island of Kekova. 

Inland, there are even more outdoor adventures to discover, from caving, camping and biking to trekking along long-distance footpaths like the Lycian Way.

But to make the most of the region’s blend of nature and history, you need to sign up for a diving lesson. Gliding under the crystal-clear waters, you’ll find ruins and wrecks interspersed with vibrant corals and enchanting marine life, from rare Mediterranean monk seals to loggerhead turtles.

Pampering – Turkish style 

After all that exploring, it’s time to enjoy one of Türkiye’s other unforgettable experiences. 

The hammam, a centuries-old purification ritual set in a traditional Turkish steam bath, is the ancestor of the modern spa day.

When you arrive, you’ll be invited to douse yourself in water before lying down on a warm marble bed. 

An expert tellak or natir (male or female attendant) will envelop you in foam before scrubbing away dead skin with a coarse glove. Finally, they’ll treat you to a silky massage to leave you feeling utterly relaxed – and impossibly clean! 

The ritual also has a social element, so be sure to head to the communal refreshment area to enjoy an ice-cold drink or a cup of Turkish coffee.

The pull of the city

Relaxation and wellness are a major part of life in the Turkish Riviera, but there’s a livelier side to it too. Mersin and Antalya, two of its major cities, are major attractions in their own right – and the perfect complement to a nature-themed break. 

Keen shoppers will find plenty to delight them too, from tiny craft stores on side streets to ultra-modern malls. 

Antalya’s pedestrian-friendly, cobbled streets are lined with laid-back cafés and bars. As afternoon eases into evening, set aside some time to relax on a sunny terrace with a cocktail before heading to the harbour to tuck into traditional mezes, such as salted bonito or shrimp in butter and garlic sauce.

This part of the Mediterranean is particularly famous for its citrus fruit, such as oranges and mandarins, which make a refreshing end to an evening meal. And if you’d like the fun to continue, Antalya’s nightlife is second to none, ranging from snug live music venues to high-energy nightclubs.

Where to stay

The Turkish Riviera boasts an astonishing range of holiday experiences, and its accommodation offering is similarly varied. 

From all-inclusive hotels with spacious rooms to private villas featuring breathtaking sea views, there are hundreds of options for both couples and families. 

Think swimming pools, aqua parks and golf courses alongside luxurious spas and lavish buffet restaurants. In other words, everything you need for an incredible holiday!

If you’d prefer something more low-key, you can opt for a boutique hotel nestled in the countryside or tucked away on a side street in a coastal town. 

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While you can visit all year round, May, June and September are considered some of the best times of the year to go, while July and August are peak season. 

Plan your dream trip to the Turkish Riviera at turkishriviera.goturkiye.com