Getting Oriented

Getting Oriented

The area known as the Turquoise Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the rugged and unspoiled Datça peninsula on Turkey's southwestern tip to the resort hotels springing up along the Antalya-Alanya strip. The fir-clad mountains rising behind the coastline are punctuated by the ruins of splendid ancient Greek and Roman cities, through which passed the likes of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and St. Paul.

The Datça Peninsula. A yacht chartered in Marmaris or Bodrum is the best way to visit the craggy hills and ancient coves of one of Turkey's most unspoiled stretches of coastline.

The Lycian Coast. Rent a car from Dalaman or Antalya and slowly explore the charming ports, boutique hotels, uncrowded beaches, and ancient ruins along the little-developed coastal circuit.

Antalya. This vibrant city is a good place to base yourself for taking in the ancient sites of Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, and Phaselis.

Pamphylia. The area from Antalya to Alanya, including the sites of Termessos, Perge, Aspendos, and Alara Han is considered historic Pamphylia. The newly spruced-up centers of Side and Alanya have recovered some of their former charm and benefit from warm spring and autumn seasons.