Turquoise coast Turkey travel guide is the ultimate resource for sun-seekers planning to explore the legendary “Turkish Riviera.” Stretching from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, this coastline offers more than just beaches; it is home to the ancient Lycian Way, the world-famous Blue Lagoon, and charming bohemian towns like Kas. This guide helps you navigate the best stops, avoid tourist traps, and find the hidden gems along the deep blue sea.
Turquoise coast Turkey travel guide planning typically starts with a choice: do you want large luxury resorts or intimate boutique experiences? The best route for independent travelers is to fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM) and drive or take a bus southeast towards Fethiye, Oludeniz, and finally, Kas. This stretch covers the most dramatic scenery, including the butterfly-filled valleys and the Sunken City of Kekova.
Turquoise Coast Turkey Travel Guide: The “Big Three” Destinations
Any comprehensive Turquoise coast Turkey travel guide must focus on the three jewels of the region: Fethiye, Oludeniz, and Kas. Each offers a completely different vibe.
1. Fethiye & Oludeniz: The Adrenaline Capital
Fethiye is a bustling port city with a massive marina and excellent markets. Just 15 km away lies Oludeniz, famous for the Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı).
- The Blue Lagoon: While famous, the paid beach area inside the lagoon can get stagnant and overcrowded in high season. The main Belcekız Beach often has clearer water.
- Paragliding: This is the #1 activity here. You leap from the 1,960-meter Babadağ Mountain and glide over the sea. If you think the view from a hot air balloon is breathtaking—you can check our Cappadocia balloon tips 2026 to compare these bucket-list experiences—paragliding over the Blue Lagoon offers an even more adrenaline-pumping perspective.
2. The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
You don’t have to be a professional hiker to enjoy this. The Lycian Way is a 540 km marked trekking trail.
- Advice: You don’t need to walk the whole thing. The segment near Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) offers some of the most spectacular views of the coastline without requiring a week-long commitment.
3. Kas: The Bohemian Jewel
Kas is different. You won’t find massive all-inclusive hotels here. Instead, it is a town of cobblestone streets, jasmine-scented balconies, and boutique pensions.
- Vibe: It is laid-back, artistic, and filled with jazz bars and incredible seafood restaurants.
- Kaputaş Beach: Located between Kas and Kalkan, this small canyon beach has the most brilliant turquoise water you will ever see. Be warned: there are many steps down, and parking is difficult.
Blue Cruises and Sunken Cities
A Turquoise coast Turkey travel guide is incomplete without mentioning the boat trips. The stretch from Fethiye to Kekova is the classic “Blue Cruise” (Mavi Tur) route.
- Kekova Sunken City: You can take a boat tour from Kas or Demre to see the underwater ruins of an ancient Lycian city destroyed by earthquakes. Swimming is forbidden over the ruins to protect them, but the boat will stop in nearby pristine bays.
“The magic of the Turquoise Coast isn’t in the 5-star hotel buffets. It’s in renting a small car, driving the winding coastal roads at sunset, and stopping at a roadside ‘Gözleme’ stand overlooking the Mediterranean.”
Accommodation & Dining Advice
From our own experience, we advise travelers to be strategic about where they sleep:
- In Fethiye/Oludeniz: If you want nightlife and easy beach access, stay in Hisarönü or Oludeniz. If you want a local feel, stay in Fethiye center near the fish market.
- In Kas: Do not look for “All-Inclusive.” It doesn’t fit the spirit of Kas. Book a “Bed & Breakfast” (Pansiyon). The joy of Kas is eating out at a different “Meyhane” (Turkish tavern) every night.
- Dining Tip: In Fethiye, visit the Fish Market (Balık Pazarı). You buy your fresh fish from the central stall, and the surrounding restaurants cook it for you for a small fee.
f you have any important questions about this topic, you can reach us at ask@beforeturkey.com or through the contact form on our Contact page.