The Turkish Riviera

The
Turkish
Riviera

Also known as the turquoise coast the South-West region of Turkey
between Izmir and Antalya has been attracting holidaymakers for many
years now with its breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. There are
few locations worldwide that place ancient history alongside the timeless
charm of a beach getaway as effortlessly as Turkey does. The entire area
is known to be flamboyant, energetic and an ideal tourist destination,
jam-packed with attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

Holidays
in Turkey

A Range of tourists descend on Turkey from all over the world for many
reasons. It’s almost impossible to think that what was once a collection of

PAGE 1

small, sleepy, fishing villages is now such a thriving hub of tourism,
overflowing with bars and cafes, nightclubs and beaches.

Home to stunning
scenery with multiple
mountain ranges
running across the
region offering
incredible peaks and
swooping valleys,
providing plenty to do
for those who love
the great outdoors,
from a casual hike to an action-packed ATV tour and everything in-
between.

Turkey has ancient history and culture everywhere you look, from Bodrum,
home to the site of the ancient city Halicarnassus, once one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World – the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, today
other remnants of a bygone era still remain. To the beautiful coast of
Marmaris, overlooked by towering mountains and an Ionian constructed
castle dating back to 1044 BC, just open your eyes around here and
you’re bound to see something incredible.

An all-round, versatile beach
holiday destination for the entire
family, hammock-based
lounging, shallow beachside
water, familiarly-themed
restaurants/bars, boat excursions
and reasonably-priced
refreshments ensure Turkey is an
affordable, yet truly memorable
break.

PAGE 2

Vibrant
Nightlife

If walking in the footsteps of ancient history or earning your tan metres
away from the lapping waters of the Aegean wasn’t enough, there’s also
a vibrant nightlife scene.
Don’t be afraid to dress to the nines in this south-western corner of Turkey,
with glitz and glamour never too far away on any given evening out. Most
of Gumbet’s younger nightlife ventures are scattered around the Erguvan
Sok thoroughfare which serves as a lively connector both to and from the
ever-popular bayfront. Here, the likes of Pasha Club and Shakers Dance
Bar stay open late with the pounding sound of electronic dance music
adding yet another facet to this most versatile of holiday destinations

Weather

PAGE 3

We haven’t even mentioned the tremendous sun-kissed conditions this
region of Turkey receives yet. Experiencing sizzling average temperatures
of 25-28°C degrees from June to August, the South-West Coast receives
13-14 hours of sunshine during peak season, meaning sun lounging can
take place right into the evening.

The Mediterranean climate ensures temperatures don’t dip beneath an
average of 10°C in winter, although Turkeys’ rainy season lasts from
December to January whereby the region experiences an average of 14
rain days per month.

Water Sports

No matter the level of skill or difficulty, Turkey’s water sports scene is
overflowing with plenty of exciting adventures sure to live long in the
memory. While you are likely to uncover a generous array of water-skiing
and parasailing activities in Gumbet, travel a little further west along the
coast to Ortakent Beach where glass-bottom boat trips and
wakeboarding will make the decision over which to try first that much
more difficult.

If you plump for snorkelling or diving, make sure you don't leave the town
of Gümüşlük before uncovering the Bodrum area’s worst-kept secret
beneath the waves; get up close to ruins belonging to ancient Myndos
that you can clearly spot through the remarkably clear water.

PAGE 4

Boat
Trips

Boat trips not only provide ample photographic opportunities but they
also yield a true sense of escapism. The good news is that Turkey is bursting
with excursions along the coast as well as to neighboring Greece.

The style of boat travel also varies. On one hand, you can step foot
aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, which is either a two or three-masted
vessel made from wood. Gulets operate many excursions including a short
route to Cleopatra Island which is renowned for its fine white sand
imported from Egypt.

A series of local operators also offer all-inclusive boat excursions along the
coast with many stopping by nearby Icmeler and Dalyan. While express
ferries regularly frequent the Mediterranean coast, why not step foot back
in time by enjoying a pirate ship tour? Pretend you’ve discovered new
land for the very first time as you board this most unique of experiences.

PAGE 5

Haggle a real Bargain

A must when visiting the area involves a visit to one of the countless Grand
Bazaars, teeming with people trying to bag a bargain.
Typically home to a plethora of outlets and stalls, you truly can purchase
anything, from traditional Turkish confectionary to clothing, sunglasses,
bags and jewellery at this ever-popular complex.
Additionally, the Grand Bazaars are an attractive prospect at morning or
night given the extensive opening hours of 9am to 10pm with several stalls
staying open longer during peak season.

Retailers will attempt to sell you items as you walk the length of the
complex but if you’re not interested, boldly decline their offer and carry
on walking. If you are interested however, haggling is customary in this
part of the world so practice your best bargaining skills to bag an ideal
holiday souvenir.

Four-
Wheeled

Fun!

PAGE 6

While you may have temporarily ditched the car for the duration of your
holiday, that doesn’t mean detaching yourself from four wheels
altogether! Go off-road and strap in for a bumpy ride while appreciating
nature on quad bike/buggy safaris. With several operators based all over
the region, visitors can hurtle through the beautiful pine forests on
purpose-built vehicles you don’t get to ride every day.

Go
international
or local

Given the international appreciation of the Turkish Riviera as a holiday
destination, the Turkish seaside naturally caters to most tastes. You’ll
uncover authentic Chinese restaurants to boutique French brasseries and
everything in between, although tasting the local fare is always a value-
adding experience. Native dishes include stuffed zucchini flowers,
kopoglu mezes (an appetizer made of eggplant, peppers and tomato
puree) and a mouth-watering selection of Turkish kebabs.

For those with expensive tastes, some of the trendiest eateries dine
alfresco style, and who could blame them? A leading player in Istanbul’s
culinary scene, the bistro Agency boasts an enviable location close to
Bodrum marina so that satisfied stomachs can explore the idyllic bayfront
come nightfall thereafter.

PAGE 7