Turkish Riviera
Holidays on the Turkish Riviera – beautiful beaches and excellent excursions
The Turkish Riviera is a popular destination with travellers due to its beautiful seaside resorts including Side, Antalya and Alanya, especially during the summer months. This gorgeous stretch of Turkish coastline covers around 120 kilometres and is defined by its sandy beaches where holidaymakers can bask in the sunshine, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy themselves with high-octane water sports. There’s also plenty of relics of the Byzantine and Roman era, with plenty of awe-inspiring sights to marvel at. The area is also known for its many impressive natural landscapes and also as a golfer’s paradise. The Turkish Riviera is incredibly easy to reach, with two airports in Antalya and Alanya providing easy connections. Even families and travellers on a tight budget can explore the Turkish Riviera with fantastic resorts such as Kemer and Belek offering affordable alternatives.
No matter how long you’re planning on visiting for, you’ll never run short of things to do while you’re in this popular region of Turkey. Find low-cost flights to popular destinations in Turkey, including Antalya and Alanya when you search online with SunExpress.
Enjoy glorious weather, all year round
The Turkish Riviera is located on the Mediterranean, starting in Antalya and ending at Cape Anamur. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and more mild winters. The best time to visit for a beach holiday is the months from June to September, where average air temperatures are a balmy 30 degrees Celsius. The temperatures can get particularly high in places like Side, while the west and east of the coast are milder and more comfortable. Even in the winter months, temperatures can remain high, with average water temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius along the Turkish Riviera. If you want to enjoy a beach holiday, but can’t stand exceptionally high temperatures, plan your trip around October to December.
Temples, mosques, castles and more – explore the historic heritage of the regional
In addition to brilliant beaches where various resorts have sprung up, the Turkish Riviera is a treasure trove of cultural sites and historic landmarks. Head to the coastline of Side and marvel at the Apollo Temple, an ancient building dating back to the second century. The five white columns of the temple provide a stark contrast to the brilliant blue of the ocean beyond and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The city of Antalya is also filled to the rafters with must-visit attractions, including relics and architectural remnants dating back to the thirteenth century, not to mention the imposing exteriors of the Alaeddin Camii Mosque. Head to Fethiye if you want to delve even deeper into the history of Turkey, with countless rock tombs. The ancient cities of Kinik, Xanthos and Anamur are also ready and waiting to be explored, giving visitors the chance to peer into bygone eras with many ruins still partially standing. Another must-visit attraction is the amphitheatre of Aspendos. The beautiful landmark is a marvel to behold and is still in use today as a live performance venue for operas, dance and ballet events.
Discover the delights of the Turkish Riviera by land or water
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, a hike through the challenging terrain of the Taurus Mountains is a must when you visit this region of Turkey. The mountain slopes are located within close proximity of the coast, meaning you won’t have to travel far to kick off your outdoor excursion. There’s also plenty to discover throughout this region, including Butterfly Valley. This beautiful valley is located in Kelebek Vadisi and is home to thousands of butterflies, representing some of the most colourful and rarest varieties around. The island of Kekova is another essential destination for tourists, especially those who dive. Here, divers can explore the sunken remnants of this ancient city and perhaps make a discovery of their own. If you’re interested in diving, the Turkish Riviera has plenty to keep you occupied. There’s many off shore diving sites along the coast, while a simple snorkelling excursion can yield impressive views of the underwater wonders along this stretch of shore. Get ready to marvel at rare fish species, sea turtles and other underwater animals as you swim.