Plizio Visual Lab
Turkish Riviera
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
coast
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, spans the southwestern shores of Turkey, primarily within the Antalya and Muğla provinces. Geographically, it is defined by the Taurus Mountains, which run parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, creating a rugged coastline filled with secluded coves and pristine waters. Historically, the region served as a cradle for ancient civilizations such as the Lycians, Carians, Greeks, and Romans, evidenced by the well-preserved ruins of Aspendos and Perge. The Mediterranean climate yields hot, dry summers and mild winters, supporting diverse flora including pine forests and vast citrus groves. Today, the area is a premier global tourism destination, with Antalya and Alanya acting as major urban and transport hubs. Beyond tourism, the regional economy is bolstered by advanced greenhouse agriculture and citrus production, making it a vital economic zone for the country.
- Location: Turkey
- Nearby: Boldağ (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 225 | 122 | 74 | 51 | 36 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 27 | 76 | 113 | 220 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The coastline is best explored via the D400 coastal highway which connects all major towns, though many hidden bays are only accessible by boat from nearby harbors.
Best season
High season runs from June to September, but for hiking along the coast, spring and late autumn are good due to the milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Terrain & paths
The terrain combines steep limestone cliffs, pebble beaches, and dense pine forests right by the sea, requiring sturdy footwear for the rocky coastal trails.
What to bring
Besides swimwear and sun protection, hiking sandals or light trekking shoes are recommended, along with snorkeling gear to enjoy the exceptionally clear waters.
Parking
Parking is available in marinas and near public beaches; for more remote coastal trails, visitors often use designated laybys along the main D400 highway.
Safety
Watch out for strong currents in some bays and intense sun exposure; on narrow coastal paths, caution is required due to loose stones and steep drops.
Time needed
A few hours are enough for a beach visit, but to properly explore the scenic coastal stretches and ancient ruins, one should plan for several days.
Geography
Facts
- Antalya was founded in 150 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon.
- The ancient theater of Aspendos can accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators.
- The coastline of the Turkish Riviera stretches for nearly 1,000 kilometers.
- There are over 200 Blue Flag certified beaches in the region indicating high water quality.
- Mount Tahtalı Dağı rises to an elevation of 2,365 meters directly from the coastline.
- The ancient city of Myra was the home of Saint Nicholas in the 4th century AD.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Turkish Riviera (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Turkish Riviera so special?
It stands out for its turquoise water, ancient ruins, and top-tier beaches.
How long does it take to see the whole coast?
For an overview, plan for at least 10 to 14 days.
Is the region family-friendly?
Yes, there are numerous all-inclusive resorts with childcare.
What local dish must I try?
Try freshly caught fish at one of the harbor restaurants.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to October, the weather is well-suited for swimming.
Turkish Riviera: where is it located?
Turkish Riviera is located in Turkey.
Turkish Riviera: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Turkish Riviera: why is it worth visiting?
The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, spans the southwestern shores of Turkey, primarily within the Antalya and Muğla provinces.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Turkey →
Nearby cities
Antalya
Antalya is a tourism hub on the Turkish Riviera, receiving over 13 million visitors in 2019.
Alanya
A dynamic city on the Turkish Riviera featuring a majestic castle, the famous Cleopatra Beach, and a vibrant harbor area.
Belek
The golf capital of Turkey, renowned for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, world-class golf courses, and expansive sandy beaches.
Gazipaşa
A hidden paradise east of Alanya, known for its airport, banana plantations, and pristine bays.
Kemer
A modern resort at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, where pine forests meet the turquoise sea, offering dramatic mountain panoramas.
Eğirdir
Eğirdir is a stunning lakeside town on Lake Eğirdir, offering a peaceful retreat with historic islands and fresh lake fish.
Finike
A charming coastal town on the Lycian coast, world-famous for its oranges and ancient ruins.
Kaş
A charming, bohemian town known as a diving center, blending ancient Lycian rock tombs with cozy, flower-lined streets.
Kalkan
A picturesque harbor town set on steep hillsides, featuring whitewashed houses and world-class dining with stunning Mediterranean views.
Patara
Ancient capital of the Lycian League, home to an 18km long pristine sandy beach.
Çıralı
Idyllic eco-village featuring a pristine pebble beach and the eternal flames of the Chimaera.
Saklıkent Gorge
Saklıkent Gorge is a dramatic 18km-long canyon offering ice-cold waters, towering cliffs, and thrilling river walking adventures.
History & landmarks
Side
An ancient port city where Roman ruins and the Temple of Apollo sit directly alongside modern resorts and fine sandy beaches.
Olympos
Mystical ancient ruins hidden in a lush river valley, famous for treehouse hotels and a bohemian vibe.
Aspendos Theater
One of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world, still used for performances today.
More places
Termessos
Termessos is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, dramatically located in a steep valley.
Antalya Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, delighting visitors with a massive underwater tunnel and themed areas like Snow World.
Aspendos
Aspendos is an ancient city known for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theater.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
A breathtaking river valley in the Taurus Mountains, known for whitewater rafting and Roman stone bridges.
Köprülü Canyon
An impressive canyon in the Taurus Mountains through which a wild river flows with ice-cold, emerald green water.
Taurus Mountains
This impressive mountain range separates the Mediterranean coast from the Anatolian plateau and shapes the region's climate.
Myra
Myra was a major Lycian city and is known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theater.