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The deep blue ocean under the open sky is what makes you happy at all times, visit Turkey on its Mediterranean side. Some of its coast along this sea perhaps gets its name from the color the water reflects , the Turquoise Coast. The Turquoise Coast extends from Kusadasi in the west to the Mersin in the south, and en-route is different sections that you can choose to visit as per your inclinations and interests.
Come here to chill out on a wooden sailing ship (gulet) and set sail on the aptly named Blue Cruise. However, don't let sun and sand blind you to other regional highlights.
Trek the Lycian Way long-distance walking route, explore Kayakoy, a deserted Greek settlement, and check out some intriguing 4th century BC Lycian sarcophagi.
From Antalya, a funicular accesses the sugarloaf peaks that backdrop the city. Detour to Olympos, a slightly hip, but exhilarating paradise, more peaceful now than when the legendary gods courted revenge. If religion doesn’t stir you, at least visit the unlikely birthplace of Santa Claus at Patara, where you can put white sand between your toes on the world's longest beach.
These are just a few examples of places to visit and things to do in the area.
BEACHES
Patara Beach : Undoubtedly one of the finest beaches in Turkey due its size and beauty.Patara beach is the longest beach in the Mediterranean.With its soft sand,great swimming conditions and variety of wildlife,it’s easy to see why the beach is rated so highly.As the beach is part of a national park,it is protected from major development and as such ,has remained largely unspoiled.A huge consideration at the beach is the conservation of the endangered Loggerhead turtle(caretta caretta)and as a result the beach is closed after sunset between May and October to allow the turtles to lay their eggs in peace.Visitors to the beach can hire sun beds and umbrellas and there is a nearby bar that serves drink and snacks.
Oludeniz Beach : The stunning Oludeniz beach continues to be one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean and it’s easy to see why.The coastline is known as the Turquoise Coast because of the amazing blue and aquamarine shades of the water.The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming in and there is a huge range of water sports activities available including scuba diving,water skiing,canoeing and banana boating.Another thing that makes Oludeniz beach so popular is the Blue Lagoon which is located at the western part of the beach.The lagoon is the perfect place for children to swim safely as the water is very calm.
Kaputas Beach : It is situated between Kas and Kalkan.A mountain gorge with a small shingle cove beach ,the beach is popular with visitors because of its untouched natural beauty.The beach is in somewhat of a remote location and is reached by parking in roadside lay-by and then walking down a series of steep steps to the beach.A few things to be aware of are that there are no fixed amenities on the beach so you may want to consider taking food and drinks with you although there are a few vendors around in the day that sell different snacks.It also worth taking beach shoes with you as the beach is quite rocky.Those choosing to visit Kaputas beach will be rewarded with great views ,a quiet ,unspoilt beach and good swimming conditions.
BEACH CLUBS
You can stretch out in the sun by the water's edge at the many beach clubs or enjoy the atmosphere of the town beach where the local children play and the water is clear and turquoise.
   
ACTIVE PURSUITS
Scuba Diving : The waters off Turquoise Coast region provide some of the best venues for scuba diving along the Mediterranean. The Lycia region has some splendid scuba diving due to its warm, calm, tide-free sea and clear waters with great visibility. This makes the area ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers.Dive centers are located in Fethiye, Oludeniz, Kalkan, Kas, Olympos-Cirali, Kemer andTekirova.If you’re interested in arranging a dive, Please contact with us.
Watersports : You can find wide array of activities in turquoise coast region, including snorkelling,water skiing, ringos,wake boarding,banana,ringo rides jet ski,speed boat trips and small boat hire. These activities are available from most of the previously mentioned Beach Clubs.
Canoeing : Canoeing along the Xanthos River is an exhilarating way to spend the day. A typical day tour usually includes a stop at a mud bath, lunch and a few hours at Patara Beach.
Gulet Cruising : A lazy day at sea will include a BBQ style lunch, afternoon tea and several interim stops at various bays for swimming & snorkelling. A very relaxing experience!
Horse Riding : Horse riding is a romantic way in which to explore the countryside and provides an opportunity ro ride through the dunes and along the golden sands of Patara beach. Both beginner and experienced riders are catered for.
ANCIENT SITES AND PLACES OF INTEREST
Kekova : A day trip to Kekova, Ucagiz and Kale could be the highlight of your stay in the Turquoise Coast region. Usually reached by boat from Kalkan or nearby Kas, this little bit of the coast is full of history and surprises. By road, Kekova is approximately 40km away from Kalkan. A typical day trip will include the sites of three ancient cities - Aperlae, Teimiussa and Simena (Kale). The island of Kekova will probably be the next stop on the itinerary and here you will be able to see the remains of buildings beneath your boat. A couple of swimming/snorkelling stops are usually scheduled also.
Xanthos : Xanthos was one of the six principal cities of Lycia - the capital city of Lycia for much of its history too - so this site within easy reach of Kalkan (by trip or Dolmus) is a definite must. It is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Turkey and hence has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Lots of info on the web site but of note are the pilar tombs (unique to Lycia) and the Harpy column tomb with frieze - original in the British museum thank to the site's discover, Charles Fellows. I really must have a visit there next time in London to see the best artifacts such as the Nereid Monument, a very large and elaborate Lycian tomb dating from about 380 BC. The "Harpy Tomb" is so called as it was believed that the winged women figures in the frieze were harpies (monsters from Greek mythology with the head of a woman and the body of a bird).
As well as many tombs there is also an Amphitheatre, dating from the 2nd century AD, recently excavated street, once lined with shops on both sides and probably once spanned by an arched gate. At the south-east of the excavated road are the remains of an arcade of shops and a Byzantine Basilica - so plenty to see there.
Letoon : This was an important religious centre for the ancient Lycian people and has remains of temples to Leto, Artemis and Apollo. It also has an amphitheatre and the remains of many other buildings. Letoon is approximately 25km away from Kalkan.
Saklikent : Saklikent Gorge is the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe, the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey and always a popular excursion - open from the April 1 to September 30. Again much more touristic now but the fee is still ridiculously cheap (about £1). The shape of the rocks and the high cliffs is an amazing sight. and parts are so narrow you have to squeeze over large boulders. Afterwards there are lovely restaurants with Turkish seating over the river - a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a meal. Boards over the water take you so far - then you have to cross the water - knee deep and fast flowing. Wear swim shoes - these can be hired if you don't have any.
PARAGLIDING
For the intrepid a fantastic experience awaits, silently gliding through the air playing on thermals and enjoying the unbeatable views above Kas and Oludeniz, near Fethiye. Babadag is on the list of “world heritage” due to its rich flora and presents the splendour of Ölüdeniz and its environs from a different perspective. An off-road journey on fairly rough tracks to the take-off point. Kit-up and receive instruction from pilot. After take-off enjoy unrivalled birds-eye views of Oludeniz lagoon or the beautiful Kas coastline while your pilot leads you through uplifting thermals and serene gliding to a landing either at Oludeniz Beach or Kas new marina.
JEEP SAFARI
The mountainous village regions of the southwestern coast of Turkey provide numerous adventurous safari routes guaranteed to be an exciting experience. You will see another side of Turkey traveling in the more remote mountainous areas on safari. The natural beauty of the valleys, mountains and the sea offer a myriad of extraordinary vistas. You will see life in villages that has not changed for centuries and wonder about the mysteries of the ancient civilizations as you sit in their amphitheaters and gaze at their rock tombs.
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