How Much Time?

If you just have a weekend or so on the Turquoise Riviera and want to see ancient sites, base yourself in Antalya and drive out to nearby Termessos, Perge, or Aspendos: they're some of the best preserved classical sites in the country.

A road trip around the Lycian coast is beautiful, and full of the ruins of ancient Lycian cities like Xanthos, Patara, and Olympos. Count on about 10 hours' total driving, starting in either Antalya or Dalaman. There are many unspoiled towns and lovely hotels en route. You could spend as few as three days, but five to seven would be more relaxing. A sample six-day tour would have you leave from Antalya and visit Termessos, then cross the mountains to Fethiye. Overnight in the mountains above Ölüdeniz. On Day 2, visit Ölüdeniz, the ghost town of Kaya, and Fethiye; overnight in the same hotel as the previous night. On Day 3, visit the ancient Lycian cities of Pinara, Xanthos, and Letoön, finishing with a swim in Patara. Overnight in Patara or Kalkan. On Day 4, head to Kas and take a day boat trip to Kekova. Overnight in Kas. On Day 5, visit St. Nicholas's Basilica in Demre, have lunch in Finike, and visit Arycanda in the afternoon. Overnight in Çirali and see the burning Chimera. On Day 6, visit Phaselis, then return to Antalya.