This Turquoise Coast travel guide is for sun-seekers planning to explore the “Turkish Riviera.” Stretching along the Aegean and Mediterranean, this coastline offers far more than beaches: the Lycian Way, the famous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, and charming towns like Kaş. This guide helps you plan the best stops and avoid common tourist traps.
Planning usually starts with a choice between large resorts and smaller boutique stays. For independent travelers, a popular route is to fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM) and travel by car or bus to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, and on to Kaş. This stretch includes dramatic scenery, Butterfly Valley, and the sunken city of Kekova.
The “Big Three” Destinations
1. Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is a busy harbor town with a large marina and good markets. About 15 km away is Ölüdeniz, famous for the Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı).
- The Blue Lagoon: Beautiful but very crowded in high season. The neighboring Belcekız beach is an alternative.
- Paragliding: The signature activity here: tandem flights launch from Babadağ mountain and glide down over the sea. Choose a licensed operator and follow the pilot’s instructions. If you enjoy aerial views, compare it with our Cappadocia balloon tips.
2. The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
The Lycian Way is a long-distance waymarked trail of more than 500 km. You don’t have to walk all of it.
- Tip: Sections near Ölüdeniz and above Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) offer spectacular coastal views as a day hike. Carry plenty of water, start early in summer, and check trail conditions locally.
3. Kaş
Kaş has a different feel: few big all-inclusive hotels, and instead cobbled streets, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and boutique guesthouses.
- Vibe: Laid-back and artistic, with good seafood restaurants and bars.
- Kaputaş Beach: Between Kaş and Kalkan, a small beach in a gorge with brilliant turquoise water. There are many steps down, and parking is limited.
Blue Cruises and Sunken Cities
Boat trips are a highlight of the coast. The waters between Fethiye and Kekova are classic “Blue Cruise” (Mavi Yolculuk) territory.
- Kekova Sunken City: Boat tours from Kaş or Üçağız pass the partly submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian settlement. Swimming over the ruins is not allowed, but boats stop in nearby bays.
The magic of the Turquoise Coast isn’t in the hotel buffets. It’s in driving the coastal road at sunset and stopping at a roadside gözleme stand overlooking the sea.
Where to Stay and Eat
- Fethiye/Ölüdeniz: For nightlife and beach access, stay in Hisarönü or Ölüdeniz. For a more local feel, stay in Fethiye near the fish market.
- Kaş: Small guesthouses (pansiyon) and boutique hotels suit the town better than all-inclusive resorts. Part of the joy is trying a different meyhane (tavern) each night.
- Dining Tip: At Fethiye’s fish market (Balık Pazarı), you buy fish at the central stalls and the surrounding restaurants cook it for a fee.
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