Where to Stay on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

The Best Areas to Stay on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

a stone building with a clock on top of it

Turkey is endowed with three coastlines: along the northern Black Sea, the western Aegean Sea facing Greece and its many islands, and the southern Mediterranean Sea. The latter contains so many golden beaches and crystal clear waters it`s often deemed the Turquoise Coast. Most major towns along this shoreline possess an extended marina, ancient castle, historic district with winding stone streets, and of course many visitors, particularly from mid-May to mid-September. During peak season (May to early October) all locations below are conveniently connected by public buses and sometimes ferries. Buses run with less regularity in the offseason and ferries cease altogether.

Where the Aegean coast meets the Mediterranean Sea, the town of Marmaris is among one of the region’s most appealing locales and particularly popular for its lively nightlife. Roughly 50 miles via an inland road, Dalyan differs pleasantly from other spots along the shore: located on a canal, it highlights ancient remnants just across the water and boats to an inland lake and a protected (and therefore undeveloped) beach.

While less affected by tourism due to its nearest beach being over six miles away, Fethiye is a pleasing regional center dotted with historic ruins and often used as a departure point for cruises on traditional sailing boats. Also conveniently reached by local bus, the trendier (and costlier) Kalkan is renowned for its diversity of outdoor activities and restaurants along a breathtaking bay. Nearby, Kaş represents the finest place for scuba diving and snorkeling along the coast, if not all of Turkey.

Most hotels in the two major coastal towns along the eastern portion of the coast remain open during the slower seasons because the weather remains fairly mild normally. The largest city along the Mediterranean Coast, Antalya offers a wonderful historic town positioned along a hilltop with stunning views over the magnificent bay. Even more appealing, Alanya provides a magnificent harbor/marina/ferry terminal below the old town and two golden beaches, both remarkably convenient.

Further to the east of Alanya and definitely past Silifke, tourist facilities and attractions become less frequent and/or more isolated. After that point, the coast is too near Kurdish separatist regions and the Syrian border.

The Best Places to Stay along the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

a beach with palm trees and palm trees

Best Areas along the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey for…

  • The top area along the Mediterranean coast for sightseeing excursions: Dalyan
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    • Dalyan has a unique location along a canal where boats head to a vast lake known for its therapeutic mud baths and hot springs before reaching an excellent and remarkably pristine beach that hosts a research and rehabilitation center dedicated to protected turtle species. Just across the canal from the town center are the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos and the remarkable Kings` Tombs apparently carved into the cliffs. Day trips by public transportation are also convenient to the charming town of Marmaris with its sprawling old quarter and expansive beaches, as well as to Fethiye, a pleasant regional hub providing easy connections to the ruins at Telmessos, the Greek `ghost town` of Kayaköy, and the spectacular beach at Ölüdeniz.

  • Prime Beach Region along the Mediterranean Coast: Alanya
    For over 40 miles, the path from Antalya to the air terminal past Alanya is altogether blocked with enormous and regularly bombastic get-away spots. Aside of Alanya, most of these escape spots confront a shoreline which can be unsatisfactorily narrow and, now and again, pebbly, and are arranged along a clamorous and loud roadway. Far all the more engaging and helpful are the two shorelines inside Alanya: Cleopatra Shoreline, in the downtown region and associated with the stronghold by a ropeway, and the apparently unnamed shoreline between the Panorama and Sunset Beach inns. This 6-mile-long stretch of sand (which begins simply outside the downtown region) is lined with medium measured inns and lavish get-away spots, numerous offering rates which incorporate all dinners and drinks, making them perfect for families.
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  • Premier Region along the Mediterranean Coast for Outdoor Activities: Antalya
    Locals as well as international and Turkish visitors to Antalya, the largest city along the Mediterranean coastline, have an impressive array of pursuits available. Options include venturing by four-wheel drive vehicle – whether self-driven or chartered with a guide – across rugged mountain roads and shallow creek beds, white-water rafting with rapids, getting dirty riding all-terrain vehicles, and hiking along the scenic Lycian Way trail which starts near Antalya and spans over 300 miles to Fethiye. Also departing from the spectacular harbor/marina/ferry terminal, wooden boats – often with a pirate motif – head to secluded coves and inlets, and reputable companies arrange diving excursions to shipwrecks.
  • Best Area along the Mediterranean Coast for Diving and Snorkeling: Kaş
    The region of Kaş and its surrounding areas are regarded more charmingly attractive than most other resort areas along the Turkish coast. However, it is also considered more upscale and expensive. Kaş has become a popular place for various water-based activities both above and below the surface. Local experts and visitors from abroad view the location around Kaş as the finest in the country, and possibly all of Turkey, for underwater pursuits like scuba diving and snorkeling among ancient ship remnants and immersed ruins. Several reputable companies provide reasonably priced tours in addition to gear and internationally-recognized course rentals. Some of the underwater sights, attainable even from the shore`s edge, can also be accessed through hiking and kayaking.
  • Best Areas along the Mediterranean Coast for Boating: Marmaris and Fethiye
    It is difficult to visualize a more picturesque marina and harbor in any location along the Mediterranean Sea than in Marmaris. In fact, the bay is so sheltered that the inlet is hardly discernible from the esplanade. In Marmaris, boat enthusiasts can rent yachts – or charter one with a crew – while others can join organized boat trips to secluded coves for swimming, snorkeling, and/or scuba diving. A must activity for those with adequate time and finances is joining a leisurely cruise along the Turquoise Coast in a traditional wooden vessel called a gulet. Usually starting from Fethiye, the trips spanning up to four days involve stops at isolated bays, pristine snorkeling spots, and coastal ruins otherwise difficult to access.
  • The best area along the Mediterranean coast for nightlife scenes: Marmaris
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    • Where the Aegean Coastline ‘encounters’ the Mediterranean Sea, the charming town of Marmaris also has a status for its nightlife. A delightful seaside trail skirting the old town is packed with top-class waterfront cafés and bars, some highlighting real music. The trail heads further northeast to the marina through a avenue called ‘Pub Street’, which is crammed with locations to drink, dance, and socialize with names like Joy Club and Crazy Daisy. Pleasingly far from most lodgings, these bars and nightclubs vie by providing the sort of loud songs, flashing lights, and drink special deals that can (almost) rival segments of Ibiza

  • Best Area along the Mediterranean Coast for Food & Restaurants: Kalkan
    Kalkan is renowned across the country as the finest place anywhere along the Turkish Mediterranean Coast for the quality, variety, and settings of its restaurants. Many of the foreigners who now call Kalkan home have set up stylish places to eat, drink, shop, and stay, and the town generally attracts big-spending tourists rather than those on packaged tours. So, many of the eateries are world-class and fairly expensive. Along the idyllic bay, visitors can enjoy a morning pastry and latte at a French-run patisserie, devour lunch and a pint or three at an English-style pub, and then relax over a seafood dinner at a family-run bistro on a terrace with live jazz.

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    Alanya offers two particularly lovely stretches of sand: Cleopatra Beach, conveniently located within the town center and linked to the hilltop castle by cable car, and, just a few miles from downtown, the extended yet unnamed beach lined with resorts. Many premier resorts and some mid-sized hotels across Alanya provide children’s pools, family activities, and package deals that include all meals and beverages – great for saving money and pleasing picky eaters. These beaches are connected by an efficient bus service, which also heads to the Alanya AQUAPARK. Activities easily arranged through the hotel receptions include boat trips to explore caves, white-water rafting, jeep safaris, and quad biking. (Note: all other beach areas near Alanya will be alongside a busy road, feature a narrow beach, and be up to an hour by bus from the town center.)

    You can purchase a small guidebook explaining the sights for just €2.

    The largest coastal town in the Mediterranean region provides an ideal locale for exploring the rich historic backdrop. The excellent Antalya Archaeological Museum, explaining the extensive coastal past in English, and another renovated mansion displaying more recent traditions offer intriguing exhibits. Stone paths within the expansive old quarter contain numerous Ottoman-era residences, many transformed into guest lodgings, in addition to ancient walls and old lookout towers affording strategic and scenic perspectives of the remarkable harbor. Just outside the old quarter lie substantial remnants of Hadrian`s Gate, constructed nearly two millennia ago. Moreover, Antalya makes for an easy starting point when arranging day trips to the remarkable ruins at Aspendos and Perge/Perga.

  • Premier Region along the Mediterranean Coast for Atmosphere & Culture: Fethiye
    This administrative hub and transport center is regularly overlooked by visitors, so it can offer a more authentic slice of Turkish life while still providing plenty of tourist amenities around an attractive bay. The town is dotted with reminders of its heritage, such as an ancient theater, tomb, and fortress, and public buses frequently head to charming villages as well as the Greek ‘ghost town’ of Kayaköy and ancient ruins at Telmessos. With the nearest beach and major resorts 10 miles away, Fethiye retains a likable vibe and offers several festivals – whether for locals (e.g. mushroom harvests) or tourists (e.g. folk music and dance performances)
  • Best Region along the Mediterranean Coast for Festivals and Events: Alanya
    Alanya offers more than just the usual folk music and dancing events (though they have one). Traditions mark occasions like spring`s arrival, tourism features rock carvings, sports include triathlons, and locals have fun at fishing tournaments and Christmas markets. National holidays such as Children`s Day and Independence Day are very lively. Nearby festivals like those in Side for culture and Antalya for film and jazz make day trips appealing from Alanya
  • Best Region along the Mediterranean Coast for Shopping: Antalya
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    • As the largest city along the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is sizable enough to offer the best of multiple worlds: large shopping centers in the suburbs, fashionable boutiques along winding roads surrounding Kaleiçi (old town), and the centuries-old Iki Kapili Han bazaar also in Kaleiçi. Radiating from the edges of the old town, several streets – some restricted to pedestrians only – are crammed with everyday stores priced for locals, not tourists, and accessible via the excellent tram service.

  • Best Area along the Mediterranean Coast for Transportation: Antalya
    About halfway along the tourist-popular section of the Mediterranean Coast, the region’s largest city serves as the natural starting point for exploring this part of Turkey and venturing further. The airport provides numerous domestic and international flights and, unlike most towns and tourist areas in Turkey, it’s conveniently less than 10 miles from downtown. Multiple buses connect major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, nearby villages for example Side, and tourist hubs in both directions. Within Antalya, two tram lines link both the city center and historic district with the bus terminal and attractions like the museum and water park. Metered taxis are also available.
  • Most Romantic Area along the Mediterranean Coast: Kalkan
    Quieter, smaller, and more relaxed than Antalya and Marmaris, Kalkan is also very attractively situated on a hillside along a scenic bay. Not tacky or overdeveloped, it retains the sort of old-world charm often lacking elsewhere but is generally more expensive. For a romantic escape, Kalkan offers a delightful old town for lazy walks and hassle-free shopping, boat trips to secluded coves and caves, and some activities rarely available anywhere else, like cooking classes. What’s more, the variety and quality of restaurants here are renowned across Turkey and those along the waterfront are especially dreamy after sunset. The choice of accommodations ranges from quaint guesthouses in the old town to spacious suites higher up the hill.
  • Best Coastal Region for First-Timers: Alanya
    Alanya contains a copious number of hotels located directly besides the sand, whether in the charming inner urban region surrounding Cleopatra Beach or the more extended and unnamed beach just a few miles more southeast. Numerous resorts and even some mid-sized hotels offer bundled deals that incorporate all meals and drinks – avoiding possible troubles of finding restaurants and ordering unfamiliar cuisine. With so many facilities within walking distance of almost every hotel and an excellent bus service along the beaches, Alanya also has plenty to see and do. These include an acropolis accessible by aerial tram, boat trips on ‘pirate ships’, day trips to ancient ruins, and an assortment of outdoor activities. (Note: all other beach areas near Alanya will be alongside a busy road, face a narrow beach, and be up to an hour by bus from the town center.)
  • Safest Area along the Mediterranean Coast: Kaş
    Over recent years, Turkey has suffered some sporadic political unrest, but this is almost entirely limited to the cities, particularly Istanbul and Ankara. Possible serious conflict involving Kurdish separatists and neighboring Syria are restricted to border areas in the far west, over 500 miles from Antalya. No areas along the tourist sections of the Mediterranean Coast are particularly unsafe, and most trouble that tourists get into is self-inflicted, e.g. not swimming between flags and drinking too much. In crowded areas, like the trams in Antalya and bars of Marmaris, opportunistic petty crime is always possible, so take the usual precautions. Probably the safest area is the quieter and more upmarket town of Kaş.

The 7 Best Areas along the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey for Tourists

a beach filled with lots of colorful umbrellas

1. Marmaris

The town of Marmaris along the coast could reasonably be seen as among the most delightful. The castle looms over the hillside old section which is a pleasure to wander around – though inevitably getting turned around or lost along the steep, winding lanes. Ironically, the beach at the center of town is less crowded than the one farther southwest in the tourist district, which is narrow and somewhat rocky in spots. Adding to the appeal is the highly effective bus service connecting the old section and tourist district, but for some, a major attraction is the nightlife, particularly along `Bar Street` between the old section and the new, secluded marina popular among yacht owners. A few charming guesthouses are in the old section, but most lodgings are spread along the beach in the tourist district

2. Dalyan

Delightfully relaxed and amicably unique, Dalyan is situated along a canal. Across the water from the town center lie ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos and the remarkably crafted Kings’ Tombs carved into the cliffs. Boats and buses routinely head to the excellent Iztuzu Beach. Named following the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles that nest there, the beach is surprisingly underdeveloped and home to a research and rehabilitation facility. Boats and buses from downtown also travel to an amazing lake dotted with therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. Lodging options in Dalyan range from affordably priced and mid-range hotels within the town, less charming villas in the suburbs, and higher-end accommodations alongside the coast nearby. However, there are no hotels along Iztuzu Beach, which is part of a conservation area and off-limits after dark.

3. Fethiye

Fethiye, a regional administrative center and transport hub, was significantly destroyed around six decades ago by an earthquake. However, it is often overlooked by tourists and consequently comparatively tranquil and uncommercialized. Situated along an attractive bay, Fethiye serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like the old Greek `ghost town` at Kayaköy and the ancient ruins of Telmessos, virtually located in the suburbs, and there are even more historical remnants to explore around the town. Fethiye is also a departure point for extended cruises on traditional gulet boats. Numerous appealing and low-cost hotels are within the town center, while more upmarket alternatives are scattered along Ölüdeniz, about 7 miles south and regularly connected by minibus. This beach is beautifully positioned along a lagoon facing a national park and bordered by cliffs that are ideal for paragliding

4. Kalkan

Situated along a hillside overlooking a picturesque bay, Kalkan is among the most attractive towns along any Turkish coastline. It is also more romantic and upmarket (and therefore more costly) than other towns and resort areas along the Mediterranean Coast. Kalkan is home to many expatriates and popular among tourists who return year after year due to its beach, which is conveniently located within the town center, and variety and quality of restaurants. Popular activities include boat trips around the coves and scuba diving among the wrecks. Most lodgings are reasonably priced guesthouses providing charm and value along the winding streets of the old town.

5. Kaş

Merely 15 miles away via standard bus from Kalkan (see above), Kaş offers a quieter, more affordable, smaller place to stay, and in numerous other ways, a more appealing option. Most come to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available, including boat trips around the islands and coves, guided kayaking tours, mountain biking, paragliding, and superb scuba diving and snorkeling – arguably the finest in Turkey. Just along the peninsula-shaped peninsula from Kaş are some ancient ruins as well as several sandy beaches accessible by water-taxi. And year-round ferries regularly travel to the nearby Greek islands which can easily be seen from Kaş’ pleasant harbor. Most lodging can be found dotted along the peninsula and seaside road in the town.

6. Antalya

The city of Antalya has a major attraction for tourists, while still maintaining lots of charm and history. The old town neighborhood known as Kaleiçi is especially nice to wander through with fascinating cafes along the marina framed by dramatic cliffs that offer great people watching. Unlike many places, most guesthouses in the old town can be reached by taxi while a number of upscale hotels are about 3 miles away and family-friendly. A useful tram connects the old town to the bus station as well as pedestrian-friendly streets full of shops and several inner-city points of interest, counting a world-class museum. It is popular for its outdoor activities and day trips can easily be arranged to see the ancient ruins at Termessos, Perge/Perga, and Aspendos.

7. Alanya

The shoreline on either side of Alanya is loaded with enormous Vegas-style retreats, however most are too near the primary street, confront an unsatisfying beach, and lack nearby amenities. Far more appealing are the lodgings and retreats looking out over Cleopatra Beach in the inner city and those along the drawn out and nameless expanse of sand beginning a couple miles southeast of downtown, all which are additionally effectively accessible by transport. Overshadowing a striking bay with a marina, port for excursions on `privateer boats`, and terminal with ferries to Cyprus, the antiquated town is home to a few adorable small lodgings and an age-old fortress (additionally accessible by ropeway). Numerous upscale lodgings and retreats offer package deals that incorporate all dinners and drinks, yet reasonable mid-go choices are constrained. Alanya is additionally the best spot along the shoreline for events and particularly awesome for families and those traveling to the area for the first run through.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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