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Lycian & Mediterranean Coast
The Peninsulas of Marmaris, Side and Olu Deniz just out into the sea to form some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Turkey. From the working harbour town of Marmaris, with its fascinating port, varied entertainment and authentic Turkish atmosphere, to the peaceful lagoon of Olu Deniz, you.’ll discover your perfect resort along these coasts.
Beaches and Sport
The best beach on the Lycian coast must be the beautiful sand and pebble crescent which sweeps around the blue lagoon at Olu Deniz. This is also the main beach for Hisaronu, easily accssible by dolmus, Elsewhere, Icmeler offers stil wonderful views across the bay, while Side and Belek boast mile upon mile of sandy beaches. You can find an array of waterspors at most beaches, including waterskiing, windsurfing, speed boats, jetskis and paragliding.Tennis and volleyball are also popular at the beach or within the larger hotel complexes.
Nightlife
The harbour front of Marmaris comes alive nightly with bright lights shinning out of the bars and restauants onto the sea. There is always plently to see and do in the evenings, with an assortment of discos and bars throughout the town. Although a mountain village, Hisaronu also has a good selection of bars and restaurants .Side mixes authentic Turkish entartainment with modern music to give you the best of both wolds, while, fort he peace-seeker.Olu Deniz is very quiet in the evenings.
Excursions
Koral Travel offers a selection of excursions, all purchased locally from your representative , in which visit the most popular sights in Turkey. A guide to some of the excursions available and approximate prices are shown here. Please note that the excursions and prices detailed are from last summer and vary from to resort.
From Marmaris and Icmeler
1) Ephesus and Pamukkale 2 day tour £58.00
2) Village experience including lunch £17.00
3) Sultan’s Bath –massage, Turkish bath ,sauna £12.00
From Olu Deniz and Hısaronu
1) Dalyan and Caunos –includes lunch and entrance free £19.00
2) Boat berbecue –relaxing boat cruise with lunch £16.00
From Side and Belek
1) Cappodocia 2 day tour £54.00
2) River cruise £19.00
MARMARIS
Set in a spectacular bay agains magnificent rugged green hiils, Marmaris has retained its distinctly exotic Turkish character, in the old town , an Ottoman fortress overloooks the colourful harbour and one of the Mediterranean’s most sophisticated yacht marinas. There are restaurants and shops for every taste and budget. By night , resort comes alive and you can enjoy yourself in the discos and bars. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
ICMELER
8km from Marmaris and once a sleepy village, Icmeler is now, without having lost its village character, a well-plannned resort suited to those in search of a quieter atmosphere and particulary suitable for families. Icmeler’s main attraction is its fabolous beach. It also has a good selection of bars and restaurants and the nights are reasonably lively. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Icmeler Marmaris, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
HISARONU
A small tourist village situated high in the hills between Olu Deniz and Fethiye, this developing resort is surrounded by lush green countryside and majestic mountains. Hisaronu is a good base from which to explore the many archaelogical and historical sites in the area. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Hisaronu Fethiye, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
OLU DENIZ
Picturesque Olu Deniz is set on a magnificent wide sweeping bay against an impressive mountainous backdrop. Clear, turquoise waiters lap and long, curving sand and pebble beach which culminates which culminates in an almost land-locked placid lagoon at one end. One of Turkey’s most scenic coastal resorts, it has officially been declared a conversation areas of outstanding natural beauty. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Olu Deniz Fethiye, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
SIDE
Situated on its own peninsula, Side is ideal for both beach lovers and culture vultures. Long , sandy beaches flank the headland on both sides, and offer variety of watersports. The old village centre is a maze of twisting streets, bustling with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Side Antalya, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
BELEK
Located between Side and Antalya, this developing purpose built tourist area consists of a number of good quality hotels and holiday villages, each offering a variety of activities to keep you and your family occupied. You will also find golf, horse-riding, rafting and rock-climbing in the area. The golden sandy beach stretches for miles, backed by lush pine and eucalyptus forests. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Belek Antalya, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
LYCIAN CRUISE
Sit back with the wind in your hair and the sun on your hair and the sun on your face as you cruise alongside intimate coves, peaceful lagoons and spectacular mountains.Join us on our enticing gulet cruise and explore the beautiful Lycian coast of Turkey and watch the sun set over the azure blue sea. Transfers from Dalaman Airport to Gocek Marina, Fethiye Marina, Marmaris Marina, please book online from www.transfersturkey.com
YOUR GULET
Gulets are traditional Turkish motor vessels, beautifully crafted from wood. They sleep up to 12 people in six double cabins with en –suite facilities, and are best described as intimate is size! On board, you will find a bar, cassette player, radio, first-aid kit, a windsurfer, snorkelling equipment for three people and simple fishing equipment. You will be booked after by a Turkish crew who will take care of the sailing, cooking and cleaning, leaving you to relax totally and just enjoy the stunning views of the Turkish coastline. If you want to try your hand at manning the boat-just ask!
Clothing and Luggage
The dress code on board is informal-pack casula clothes, swimwear and a sweater for the eveninsgs, and a pair of shoes for travelling ashore. Don’t bother with a hairdryer or electiric shaver, as there’s no electricity on board, but be sure to pack sunglasses, sun cream, towels, hats and cameras. Luggage should be kept to a minumum as storage space is limited.
CRUISE AND STAY
Why not combine cruising along the sparkling Lycian coast with relaxing on beautiful Turkish beaches. In the price panel opposite, you will find details of the hotels and apartments where a seven night stay can be added to the end of your cruise.
The Mediterranean Coast
Large areas of the Mediterranean and Aegean coast are dominated by evergreen scrub, with Jerusalem sage, kermes oak, broom and sun roses among the common species. More open scrub areas contain orchids, bulbs and annuals. Tucked under bushes are hellebores and Comper's orchid with its distinctive trailing tassels. Arum lilies exude a fetid odour to entice pollinators. Late summer brings the spires of sea squill and sea daffodil. The carob tree sheds its pods in autumn while colchicum and stembergias unfold. Coasts is generally mountainous, though between Antalya and Alanya it opens up intoa fertile plain before becomming mountainous again...The great Taurus range streches all the way from before alanya to Adana. Temperatures in the Antalya region are generally the hottest. The Mediterranean region is named thus, because of the sea. The region is in the form of a strip having a width varying between 120 and 180 km. and begins around Köyceğiz in the west and extends as far as Cape Basit in Hatay Province, in the east. It covers approximately 15% of Turkey, with a surface area of 120,000 km2. According to the 2000 census, the population of the region was 8,706,005. 5,204,203 people live in cities and 3,501,802 in villages. Its population growth rate of 21.43‰ is above the general average of that of Turkey. Çukurova is the area with the fastest rate of industrialization in the region. It is also one of the main industrial regions in Turkey. Besides the various industrial facilities (especially textiles) in Adana, the Mersin Petroleum Refinery, (ATAŞ), the İskenderun Superphosphate and Iron & Steel plants, and the Ferrochrome plant in Antalya may be considered to be some of the main industrial facilities in the Mediterranean.
The Lakes Region
The biggest lakes in the Mediterranean region are all located in the Göller (Lakes) region, which lies in the western hinterland. The province of Isparta, at the center of the Göller region, is known for its beautiful rose gardens, attar of roses and its world-famous carpets. Eğirdir and Kovada Lakes, and a portion of Beyşehir Lake, which are among the most beautiful lakes in Turkey, are also located in this province. The ancient city of Pisidian Antioch is located to the north of Lake Eğirdir. The Temple of Apollo, the baths, St. Paul’s Basilica, theater and aqueducts are the important structures in the ancient city. Gölcük Crater Lake, located to the southwest of the city, can be reached by passing through the rose gardens. There are 14 lakes in the vicinity of Burdur, the province renowned for its blue lakes. Among the most visited places in the city is the İnsuyu Cave, which has a length of 597 m. and has nine lakes inside the cave. Salda Lake is known for its fine sandy beaches and scenic wonders. The ancient cities of Kibyra (Gölhisar), Sagalassos (Ağlasun) and the Kuruçay and Hacılar Tumuli are located within this region.
The East Mediterranean
Antakya, which is located in the east Mediterranean region, has great touristic value due to its historical assets and scenic wonders. The city, which was founded in 307 B.C. by Antigonus, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, became an important center of trade, science and religion in the Roman and Byzantine periods. This region played an important role in the spread of Christianity, and it was here that for the first time in history those who were followers of Christ were referred to as “Christians”. St. Peter’s Grotto Church, to the east of the city, is where the first Christians worshipped. Extraordinarily beautiful, world famous mosaics, which were collected from the environs of Antakya, are displayed at the Mosaic Museum. The Habib-Neccar Mosque, which was initially a church, was converted into a mosque by Sultan Baybars in the Seljuk era. İskenderun, which is the largest county of Antakya province, is an important industrial and commercial port. Turkey’s longest and widest coastal promenade is in İskenderun. There are various parks, cafes and restaurants along the promenade which is surrounded by palm trees. Uluçınar (Arsuz), which is 34 km. to the south of the city, is a holiday town known for its beaches. Soğukoluk, located to the southeast of İskenderun, is a high plateau, where the weather is cool even in the summer. Kahramanmaraş, which is a rich historical province, is surrounded by green forests. Attempts have been made to maintain the “heritage houses” in the city by restoring them. Handicrafts such as copper and brass smithery, wood carving and mother-of-pearl inlaying are much developed in the city. Moreover, the city is also famous for its gold and silver decorative items and jewelry. Maraş ice cream which is pounded in a large mortar is popular throughout Turkey.
The Pamphylia Region and Aspendos
The east of Antalya is referred to in history as the Pamphylia region. The region, with its long sandy beaches, is presently known for its holiday villages, historical cities, holiday towns and agricultural areas. The ancient city of Perge, 18 km. to the east of Antalya, was first founded by the Hittites. Most of the architectural works which can be seen in the city today are remains of the Roman period. Among the historical structures the theater, the stadium, the city gates, the avenues, the agora and the baths are interesting for tourists. Large, modern holiday complexes extend along the Belek coast, which is at a distance of 40 km. from Antalya. Belek is surrounded by pine trees where one can play golf on expansive, green courses designed in line with international standards. The ancient city of Aspendos, which is at a distance of 50 km. from Antalya, was one of the most important cities in the Pamphylia Region in the past. The theater which is one of the most important architectural sites in the city, was constructed by the architect Zeno, in the 2nd century A.D., and it is one of the best preserved structures in Anatolia. The Aspendos Theater, which can accommodate 15,000 people, has superb acoustics. Classical music concerts, operas, ballets and plays are performed in this theater during the festivals organized every year. Aspendos was also a center for processing gold and precious stones. Side is one of the most important historical cities in Turkey. It is located on a small peninsula 80 km. to the east of the city of Antalya. Its theater, with a seating capacity of 25,000, is the largest in the region. The Roman baths were restored and converted into a museum. The most frequently visited places in the city are the agora, the monumental fountains, the Temple of Apollo, the city walls and the ancient remains of the port.
Alanya is the only urbanized holiday town in Turkey, with its beautiful beaches. Modern Alanya extends along the shore to the west and east. Historical Alanya is located in the center of the city on a small peninsula extending towards the Mediterranean Sea. There are many architectural monuments remained from the Seljuks in Alanya, since it was at one time the winter capital of the Seljuk State.
The Place where Nature and History Embrace
Mersin is one of the most modern cities in the Mediterranean region, possessing palm tree-lined coastal boulevards, attractive parks, beautiful hotels, commercial buildings and a free trade zone. Mersin also has a large commercial port. Tarsus, which was a large port during the Roman Empire, has been filled with alluvia deposited by the Seyhan River. Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, and Anthony, the Roman Commander, met here. Furthermore, St. Paul was born in Tarsus in the 1st century A.D. The Grand Mosque, St. Paul’s Well, the Cleopatra Gate and Tarsus Falls in Tarsus are very interesting. Ancient cities such as Pompeipolis (Viranşehir), Kanytelis (Kanlıdivane) and Korykos (Kız Kalesi) are located on the Mersin-Silifke coastal strip. Kız Kalesi, built on a small island not too far from the shore, has a beautiful appearance. To the northwest of Kız Kalesi are the tectonic caves called Cennet (Heaven) and Cehennem (Hell), and the Narlıkuyu Cave, which has many stalactites and stalagmites.
Antalya: “A Heaven on Earth”
Antalya attracts tourists because of its cultural and historical assets, as well as its scenic wonders. Every year thousands of planes bring tourists to Antalya airport. The historical evolution of the region starts from the Middle Paleolithic Era (50,000 B.C.) and continues until the present. The city was founded by Attalus II, the King of Pergamum in the 2nd century B.C. Lara beach to the east and Konyaaltı beach to the west of the city are ideal for swimming. Among the interesting places in the vicinity of the city of Antalya are the Upper and Lower Düden Falls, Kurşunlu Falls, Kekova, the yachting paradise, Saklıkent, which is a winter sports center, Güllük Mountain National Park, which encompasses the famous ancient city of Termessos, and Karain Cave which was a settlement in the Stone Age. Kemer, on the coast to the west of the city, is among the most beautiful holiday centers in the Mediterranean. The Kemer Carnival, which is held in April every year, is a special event adding to the charm of the region. Phaselis, to the south of Kemer, is a historical port. The historical city of Phaselis, which has many natural coves, is surrounded by forests. To the south of Phaselis is the ancient city of Olympos. The ruins of the city are surrounded by bay forests. To the north of Olympos there is a sacred area, at an elevation of 300 m. above sea level, called Çıralı. The natural gas coming from the the underground rock layers, burns when it combines with the oxygen in the air. According to mythology, the flames issued forth from the mouth of a monster called Chimera killed by Bellerophon, the Lycian hero. Finike township of Antalya province is a holiday resort famous for its orange groves. To the west of Finike is Demre, or Myra as it is mentioned in history. St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) lived and died here. The martyrium church, which was built at the location of his tomb, was later converted into the St. Nicholas Museum. Every year a festival is held in Demre to honor St. Nicholas, the patron of children.
Kalkan, another holiday town on the western shores of Antalya province, is worth seeing due to its hotels, which display such beautiful architectural elements that one is reminded of the European Renaissance. In the vicinity of Kalkan is Patara Beach, which is Turkey’s and Europe’s longest and cleanest one, extending 22 km. To the north of Patara are Xanthus, the historical capital of Lycia, and Letoon, another holy city of Lycia. Further to the north are the ancient cities of Pınara and Tlos. These beautiful cities are also worth seeing for their architecture. Adult golden eagles are resident, but the young of Northern Europe migrate south in winter to the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean.
