Natalie From sandy beaches to ancient ruins, the best Turkish Mediterranean towns and cities attract people for tourism, summer holiday home ownership and expat living. With stunning turquoise waters, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, this region offers relaxation, cultural experiences, and typical vibes of Turkish beachside living.
The Turkish Mediterranean coast is dotted with charming towns that offer blended traditional Turkish hospitality and Mediterranean flair. From historical sites to vibrant markets, these popular towns will instantly delight. From bustling Antalya city to laid-back beach Kas town, each town promotes unique charm and attractions. Join us as we explore the best Turkish Mediterranean towns, but before we start, here are some facts and figures to familiarise yourself.
The Best Towns and Cities of Mediterranean Turkey
About Mediterranean Turkey
- Covers the southern coastline
- Bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
- The region’s Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- Several rivers flow from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Seyhan, Ceyhan, and Manavgat rivers. These rivers are essential for agriculture and provide water to the region.
Mediterranean Turkey covers the southern coast, from the Hatay region to Marmaris, which borders Aegean Turkey. Also called the turquoise coast, the Med is famous for beach holidays and attracts foreigners who live there all year round or own summer holiday homes. The Med includes the famous Lycian way trekking routes, including ancient cities from the now ancient civilization, and runs from Antalya to Fethiye.
Sandy beaches, like Cleopatra Beach, Lara, Konyaalti and Kaputas, rank as Turkey’s most beautiful beaches. The region, steeped in fantastic history, offers ancient ruins and archaeological sites, and places like Letoon and Xanthos sit on the UNESCO World Heritage site list.
Sailing is also big business leading to the other nickname, the Turquoise Coast, which belongs to the Turkish Riviera. Some people join blue cruises on private or charter boat trips, stopping by famous spots, historical sites, Turkish coast towns, and beautiful beaches like Iztuzu Beach and Butterfly Valley.
Turkey’s Mediterranean region offers warm winters, so expats and domestic tourists flock for Christmas and New Year. In summer, temperatures can reach the mid-40s. The climate and fertile zones mean the area excels in farming, and the Antalya region is Turkey’s Citrus capital. So, now you have an introduction, let’s look at towns to put on your radar.
Alanya Seaside Resort
- Cleopatra beach is allegedly where the Egyptian queen swam
- Population of roughly 400,000 people of many nationalities
- Alanya is responsible for many foreign real estate purchases and also excels in tourism
- Alanya has 43 miles of coastline
- Famous for the Damlatas caves, which are great for people with asthma
Starting at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, this old fishing town holds one of Turkey’s busiest coastal cities with sandy beaches like Cleopatra Beach, which has backing beach bars, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views. The beach attracts both foreigners and domestic tourists, and always ranks highly on Trip Advisor.
Expect many other activities and day trips, including exploring narrow streets near the castle and Red Tower by the harbour, as well as boat rides along the coastline during summer. For holiday homes, some people buy in outskirt districts like Mahmutlar, a small beach town that exists separately.
Historical Side on the Turkish Coast
- Sits near the famous market town of Manavgat that is also home to waterfalls of the same name
- 75 kilometres from Antalya centre
- A population of roughly 15,000
Side has grown from a small fishing village into an attractive destination, popular with families, mainly because of all-inclusive outskirt hotels. The historical ruins and Apollo Temple, where Cleopatra famously met with Marc Anthony, attract day trippers to the resort. Nature lovers adore the surrounding coastline, and while the beach doesn’t earn much fame, people do love Side for its unique atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities in Belek
- Officially belongs to the Serik district
- A small population of roughly 10,000 people
- Often hosts world championship golf tournaments and has also hosted the G20 summit.
- Classed as a rival to golfing centres in Spain and Portugal
Belek, Turkey’s golfing capital, has grown from a small holiday resort to hosting luxury spa hotels and professional golf courses. Also featuring a beautiful beach, Belek town is a short bus ride from ancient sites and other nearby attractions, and the main Antalya centre.
Still, the Land of Legends theme park, often nicknamed Turkey’s equivalent of Disneyland, has attracted international attention in recent years. In this theme park, plenty of activities, private beaches, and rides keep kids entertained, and families book fun-themed accommodation options at extra costs. Belek has small expat communities and gated communities of luxury golfing homes.
Stunning Beaches in Antalya City Centre
- Centre of the province with the same name
- Highly desirable area to buy summer holiday homes
- Home to the best beaches in Turkey and some of Turkey’s most expensive hotels
Expect nothing but the best from Antalya city centre. The Kaleici Old Quarter features quaint boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants and is Antalya’s top tourist attraction. But aside from that, Antalya city centre wins fame for the Konyaalti Beach neighbourhood fronted by crystal clear waters, and the Lara Beach district, known for themed all-inclusive hotels like the Titanic.
However, for house hunters, demand is high, and supply is low. These blue flag beaches are among Turkey’s best, and Aspendos, the ancient site nearby, features the best-preserved Roman theatre. As Turkey’s largest Mediterranean coast city, the province is the top spot for beach holidays and luxury resort hotels.
The Holiday Resort of Kemer
As another artificial holiday resort with all-inclusive hotels and private beaches, life in Kemer focuses on the beachfront. Still, people head from the coastline on day trips to find natural beauty and discreet locations away from crowds, enjoy boat tours and visit nearby historic sites. Still, other than that, Kemer remains one of Turkey’s less talked about Mediterranean coastal towns. But expect numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, and visit nearby Mount Tahtali and Phaselis, which boast ancient ruins and a half-moon beach.
Cirali and Olympus, Backed by the Taurus Mountains
Although the location is off the beaten track, small Cirali delights hiking fans and those who adore the great outdoors. At night, walk up to the burning Chimaera flames steeped in mythology. Olympus shares a long, pebbly beach with Cirali, attracting young backpacker generations because of uniquely themed hippie treehouse locations. Don’t expect many nearby restaurants or adventure activities because these two resorts promote getting off the beaten track.
Beautiful Kas and Amazing Views
This seaside resort hasn’t lost traditional vibes despite being popular with tourists. Most boutique hotels are bed and breakfasts, but the all-rounder holiday resort attracts families, couples and groups of friends. Frequent bus services connect this location with the rest of Mediterranean Turkey via the D400 coastal highway. Nighttime in Kas is more about sit-down dining with good conversation rather than partying until dawn, and the town centre features old wooden buildings trailing with typical Mediterranean bougainvillaea.
Upmarket Kalkan – The Best Luxury Resort
- Known for luxury villas with private pools
- Maintains an upmarket status
- Separates into six separate districts, including the old quarter
Neighbouring Kalkan promotes an upmarket appeal with luxury villas and private infinity pools to wake up to. Hilly landscapes and location mean you must be nifty on your feet. Still, this geographical characteristic lends weight to fantastic sea views from properties. Prices in restaurants and hotels are more expensive than in other holiday towns, but renting luxury villas is cost-effective for large families or groups of friends.
The Ancient Patara City and the Famous Beach
When tourism first came to Turkey, Patara was popular, and travel agents bused in people by the hundreds. However, the Internet and independent travel lessened the popularity. Still, being close to Turkey’s longest beach, the location is ideal. Beachside ruins extend to the ancient city of the same name that belonged to the ancient Lycian league.
Oludeniz, Hisaronu and Ovacik
- Officially belong to the Fethiye region
- Short transfer time from Dalaman airport
- Highly popular with British holidaymakers and expats
British families adore Oludeniz, home to the Blue Lagoon, Turkey’s most photographed beach. From here, people catch the water taxi to Butterfly Valley and enjoy hotels with private beaches. Otherwise, enjoy the main beach, with backing beach bars and sights of paragliders coming down from the backing green mountain range called Babadag.
Oludeniz doesn’t have any high-rise buildings, just amazing views. Some years ago, due to over-tourism in Oludeniz, Hisaronu and Ovacik, set back from Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, but easily reached within 20 minutes on public transport, became popular. British families love all resorts, and many expats own property and live there all year round.
Fethiye Town Centre – Hub of the Turquoise Coast and Blue Cruises
Bustling Fethiye has grown into a fully-fledged city but maintains a laidback atmosphere and esteemed status on the Turkish Riviera. Nearby attractions like Saklikent Valley and Kayakoy Ghost Village make the area great for families. Fethiye town, another area with sizeable British ex-pat communities, wins favour with Turkish tourists because of its stunning beauty. Explore Fethiye’s old town’s narrow streets or jump on the famous 12-island boat rides. Although the area grew into a coastal city, Fethiye maintains charm and peace, especially around the old harbour and quarter district.
Calis Beach and Amazing Views
The waterfront location of Calis earns fame among foreign tourists and Turks for its fantastic sunset views. Sitting just a short bus ride from Fethiye town centre, Calis was promoted initially because of a tourism overspill in Fethiye town centre. Still, now, the famous resort attracts fame and glory. Backed by green mountains, catch the water taxi across Fethiye City for more shops and restaurants. Although the beachfront resort caters to tourism and expat communities, the sandy beach has won much fame among water sports lovers. The local council invested much into Calis, and high-rise buildings don’t blight gorgeous landscapes.
Hot Springs and Mud baths in Dalyan
Although Dalyan’s nightlife scene is quiet, the unique daytime activities and the lure of nature can’t be found anywhere else. People travel from miles around to sail the reed-lined river and see Lycian rock tombs before diving into natural mud baths.
Iztuzu Beach gained fame when David Bellamy protested to prevent the construction of hotels nearby, preserving Caretta turtles’ nesting grounds. Nearby Sarigerme was a late starter on Turkey’s tourism scene. Yet, it gained popularity with British holidaymakers because large holiday companies like TUI invested in all-inclusive resort hotels.
Marmaris and Icmeler Beachfront Resorts
Marmaris, one of Turkey’s famous resort towns, will suit those who love beaches, vibrant nightlife scenes with plenty of restaurants, and a bar street. Icmeler, the neighbour is smaller and quieter but offers just as much delights. Teenagers enjoy the beachfront for water sports like jet skis and boat trips around the coastline. 30-minute frequent bus services connect Marmaris and Icmeler, making it easy to travel between them.
How to Get to Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast
Antalya: This airport sits just a 20-minute drive from Antalya city centre but is used to access other coastal towns running along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast from Alanya to Kas. With domestic and international flights, Antalya airport is one of Turkey’s top three tourist airports for international and Turkish city break fans. Foreign tourists often flock from countries like the UK, Russia and Germany to use the award-winning airport.
Dalaman Airport: This is another top tourist airport used to access Turkey’s Mediterranean coastal towns like the Fethiye region, Marmaris and Icmeler, and rustic Dalyan, sitting just a 40-minute drive away. Although not as big as Antalya, Dalaman’s extensive summer flying schedule operates worldwide, and it still operates during winter with limited schedules.
What is the Most Beautiful Part of the Turkish coast?
For nature lovers, in our opinion, the Mediterranean is the most beautiful part of the Turkish coast. Backed by the Taurus mountains and including beautiful spots of natural beauty, such as Butterfly Valley, Koprulu Canyon, Saklikent Gorge, and Blue Flag beaches, domestic and foreign tourists love the Med.
However, Turkey’s coast extends from the Mediterranean into the Aegean, the Marmara and then along the black sea coast, along the country’s north. People have their favourite nature spots, green valleys, and coastal cities and towns, and it all boils down to personal preferences.
What is the Largest Turkish City on the Mediterranean Coast?
Antalya is the largest city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and Turkey’s fifth most significant in terms of population. 2.6 million people live within city boundaries. Antalya is the capital of the larger province, which has the same name and 19 individual districts. Antalya city ranks one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, hosting roughly 15 million foreign tourists annually.
Which Part of Turkey is the Turkish Riviera?
The Turkish Riviera starts from Turkey’s Northern Aegean coast and stretches to the eastern Mediterranean. Some people use the Turkish Riviera and turquoise coast as the same reference. Still, the turquoise coast only refers to Turkey’s Mediterranean.
When buying holiday homes in the sun, clients often favour Turkey’s turquoise coast. The trend started roughly twenty years, and since then, many foreigners enjoy the delights of places like Fethiye, Kalkan and Antalya. (Learn why the coast is so popular.)
Also, Consider the Aegean Sea Region of Turkey
- Covers the western side of Turkey
- Includes the airports of Bodrum and Izmir
- Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city for population
- Popular areas include Altinkum, Kusadasi, the Bodrum Peninsula and Izmir region
- Famous for the tourist attractions of Ephesus and Pamukkale
If Turkey’s Mediterranean coast doesn’t appeal, or for new alternatives, the Aegean Sea region attracts holiday homeowners, Turkish tourists and expats. Featuring places like Ladies Beach in Kusadasi, boat tours, historic sites, and golden sands, the Aegean is entirely different to the Med. The Bodrum peninsula features famous beaches, while Altinkum beach town maintains a low-key reputation. More about Turkey’s Aegean coast here.
Alternatively, sitting between Europe and Asia, Turkey has 81 provinces, each with distinct characteristics that make the country popular with people from all over the globe. In this article, we explore famous and lesser-known provinces showcasing diverse offerings reflecting this remarkable country.
Use our Services to Buy Property in Turkey
Contact us today if you want to buy property in coastal cities, towns or villages. You can enjoy blue flag beaches and waterfront locations of Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts with partnership offices. From popular resort towns to lesser-talked-about locations, an abundance of homes for sale awaits house buyers. Also, see our portfolio of homes for sale here. Just use contact details to arrange viewings of the best Turkish Mediterranean towns.
