Naturally Turkey

ew places in the world can rival Turkey for spectacular landscapes. It’s a land of forested mountains that roll down to dramatic canyons, cascading rivers and a turquoise coastline

Take a dip You can always find a secluded cove along the way, above

Shell game Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on Patara Beach

– a natural and varied playground. These extraordinary backdrops are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, and as awareness of the need to protect the environment grows, sustainable tourism initiatives are developing throughout the country. The most eco-friendly way to explore Turkey is on foot. One of the world’s most famous long-distance trails, the Lycian Way, winds through the magnificent Taurus Mountains. It’s a 310-mile route, from Fethiye to Antalya, that undulates between coast and countryside, giving walkers a glimpse of a very different world to that of the bustling coastal resorts. Divided into around 30 stages, the Lycian Way comprises easy day walks and tougher hikes, with sustainable B&Bs and guesthouses dotted along the route.

Map illustration: Janice Chang/Studio PI

Combine hiking with history on one of the world’s most famous long-distance trails

The trail wends its way through “the land of the light” (it enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year), taking in many ancient cities of the Lycian civilization, including Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Myra, Tlos and the stunning Olympos, nestled in a dramatic valley and adjacent to pristine beaches and tree-lined, crescent-shaped bays. Those keen to combine hiking with history should strike out along the Phrygian Way in Anatolia, where burial sites and ruins of ancient cities are linked by paths once plied by trading caravans. Take in the rock-carved tombs and churches and the magical fairy chimneys that sit alongside the natural beauty of the Phrygian valleys.

For many visitors to Turkey, its coastline is the biggest draw, where all destinations enjoy ancient, historical backdrops, such as the town of Dalyan, situated near the ancient city of Kaunos. Whether they want to kitesurf across Akyaka Bay, see the sunken ancient city on the shores of Kekova Island or laze upon the golden sands of Patara that stretch for 12 miles without a building to be seen, there’s something to suit every traveller. Like Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan and Cirali Beach near Antalya, Patara is a protected area for loggerhead turtles, which come at night in the summer months to lay their eggs in the sand. In 2021, Turkey held the third highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world: more than 500, guaranteeing crystal-clear waters that are safe for visitors and all the species who live beneath the waves. The effort taken to ensure the clarity of Turkey’s seawater makes it an excellent choice for diving. Centres in Kas, Marmaris, Bodrum and Datca offer the chance to explore wrecks, coral reefs and underwater canyons. The waters around Kas are renowned for their excellent range of vision, and have the added attraction of a chance to see and photograph the sunken Dakota, a military transport aircraft, now covered with algae. Around Bodrum, the crystalline waters hold myriad sea creatures, including stingrays, moray eels and octopuses.

For those seeking adventure above water, Turkey’s Aegean (Turkaegean) coastline is one of the most beautiful places to sail in the world, with several hubs providing protected harbours, and many small resorts hosting marinas and overnight berths. A Blue Voyage along the Turkish Riviera is one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore this glorious coastline, with many itineraries beginning at Kemer or Finike. Or sail on a gulet from Bodrum or Fethiye, famous for its bay of 12 islands, and head south to the charming resorts of Kas and Kalkan. Further west along the Turkaegean coast, Gocek caters for sailing of all types, from private charters to crewed boats, day trips to week-long voyages, while Bodrum’s picturesque harbour is lined with traditional wooden gulets. Turkey’s unspoilt landscapes are also great settings for those craving an adrenaline rush, whether it comes from kayaking along the Dalaman River, swooping over Oludeniz Beach on a tandem paraglider, learning to windsurf on the breezy waters of Alaçatı, or kitesurfing in Urla, Akyaka or Sarigerme. With experienced instructors teaching new skills and breathtaking scenery forming an idyllic backdrop, it’s the perfect way to create new holiday memories.

Kaputas

On the road between Kas and Kalkan, this is a gorgeous slash of white-pebble beach that gives way to aquamarine waters – an Instagrammer’s dream.

Best Blue Flag beaches

Datca

Home to nine Blue Flag beaches, Datca is a charmingly old-fashioned resort with clean beaches right in the centre of town.

Wind speed Watersports galore on the Turquoise Coast

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Case for the defence The city’s 15th-century castle was built by Christian knights

Explore the breathtaking coastline while on the water or in the air

Secluded and unspoilt, Kabak is surrounded on three sides by forest. There are simple bungalows and camping on the beach. It’s ideal for walkers: the Lycian Way passes nearby.

Kabak

As nature intended

for your

turkish trip

green ideas

Under the sea Dive the Dakota plane wreck near Kas

Port of call Go on a voyage of discovery along the Turkish Riviera

Soar draw Get your adrenaline fix on a paraglider

Situated close to the resort of Cesme, Ilica’s crystalline seas are also fed by thermal springs that add health-giving properties to a dip in the waters.

Ilica

Turkey’s most photographed beach is a glorious arc of sand backed by a tranquil lagoon, with clear shallow waters and an excellent range of facilities.

Oludeniz

Top watersport choices

Standup routine Keep calm and carry on paddleboarding

Kayaking The sunken city of Kekova near Kas is the most famous place in Turkey to kayak. Glide above the ancient ruins on a tranquil sea. Kitesurfing Reliable winds on the Cesme Peninsula and in the bay of Akyaka make these resort areas the best bets for trying this white-knuckle watersport. Parasailing Allowing you to float high above the sea while reassuringly tethered to a boat, parasailing is a less terrifying alternative to paragliding. It can be done on many of the beaches around the biggest resorts, such as Marmaris, Bodrum and Cesme. Standup paddleboarding The quiet waters of Kalkan Bay, Oludeniz lagoon, Dalaman’s Sarigerme Beach, and Golturkbuku and Yalikavak on the Bodrum peninsula are some of the finest places to do a spot of SUP.

Paddle power Glide around the stunning coast on a kayak

Royal welcome The ancient city of Antiochia ad Cragum (above), known as King Cove locally, sits on the Mediterranean coast

Map illustration: Janice Chang/Studio PI for Bridge Studio

Turkey offers numerous sustainable travel options for visitors who are environmentally conscious. Take a closer look at goturkiye.com and gosustainableturkiye.com