Great Itinerarie for The Mediterranean Coast (Fodor’s)

Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is less developed and a bit wilder than the Aegean. There are wonderful ruins here as well: the windsweop remains of ancient Cnidos, the unusual cliff tombs of Dalyan, the mountain aerie of Termessos.

Length of Trip: 8-10 days

Getting Around by Car: A car allows the most freedom and allows you to visit  smaller, more remote sites. To get to the area, you can fly from Istanbul to Dalaman Airport, 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Marmaris. From the Aegean coast, simply contine east on Route 330 at Bodrum to Marmaris.

By bus: There is frequent and inexpensive service to all the major cities and arhaeological sites.

The Main Route

Two nights: Bodrum. Explore the ruins of Cnidos and the resort town of Datça.

One night: Dalyan. Visit Lake Köyceğiz, the ruins of Kaunos, and the fine beach at Dalyan.

One night: Fethiye. Visit the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon; take a sail on the Göcek Gulf. Relax at magnificent Patara beach.

Boat Cruise from Fethiye to Olympos

One or two nights: Kale. Explore the unspoiled villages of the Kekova Sound.

One night: Kaş or Kalkan. Relax in either of these pleasant seaside resorts, then see the Church of St. Nicholas at Demre.

One or two nights: To Antalya via the ruin-strewn beach at Phaselis. Explore Antalya’s old harboor and bazaar. Set out for the spectacular ruins of Termessos the next day.

One night: Side. Visit the ruins of Perge and Aspendos en route, then relax on the broad beaches of Side. (From here you can continue east or return to Antalya, where you can take connecting flights to another region of the country.)