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There
are many amazing places and sights dotted around the Mediterranean, but
in terms of sheer soul-tugging beauty,
few places compare to Turkey's
evocatively named Turquoise Coast.
Fantastic sea views do not even start to describe it! This coastline is
nearly 1600 km (994 miles) long, scattered with fine-sand
beaches and sprinkled abundantly with classical cities turned
to picturesque ruins. From Marmaris to Antalya the coastline is
gorgeous, the weather is reliably excellent and there are heaps of
things to see and do.
Few places can rival it for unspoiled natural beauty, pine-covered
cliffs plunging into the sea, secluded coves and empty beaches. It is
equally rich in historical interest, with well preserved Roman and
Byzantine ruins, Lycian tombs, Crusader castles and Ottoman fortresses.
Stay at this villa and enjoy stunning
sea views.
It
is said that Mark Antony gave the coastline to Cleopatra as a
wedding gift. The swimming is glorious,
in crystal clear waters that
afford views into the depths. The scent of eucalyptus perfumes the air and
the forested mountains form a contrasting backdrop. Keep your eyes open
for the Lycian rock tombs skilfully carved into the mountains centuries
ago. A
traditional Turkish Yacht or Gulet is one
of the best ways to see the Turquoise Coast. The
Taurus Mountains form a dramatic backdrop along much of the
Coast, often dropping steeply right into
the sea.
In some places rivers have washed down enough sediment over the ages to
form beaches backed by fertile alluvial plains, good for
growing cotton, vegetables, and even tropical fruits like bananas.
The combination of stunning scenery,
sea views and numerous ancient sites makes this area of Turkey
the perfect place for some fine coastal and inland walking. The
Lycian way, one of two long
distance trekking routes in Turkey was opened in 1999. Stretching
for 500 kilometres between Fethiye and Antalya, this route provides about
a months walking (if you want it) through some of Turkey's most
spectacular scenery. Lycia is an area steeped in history with a
rugged charm all of its own. The path can take you through a variety of
landscapes right up to the 5000ft shoulder of
Tahtali
mountain.
There are many places of interest to
visit along the coast such as Olympos,
Fethiye & Kas or experience the healing waters of the
thermal baths
at Dalyan. If you do decide to take a boat then you must pay a visit to
Kekova, it is a super
trip. Places of interest to visit from Kalkan
Villas -
Turquoise Coast Map.
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