Turkish Riviera attractions

Patara Beach is a coastal treasure on the Turkish Riviera. Boasting a long coastline, this stretch of pristine sand near the ancient Lycian city of Patara offers a warm welcome to Mediterranean beach lovers. Seasonal wildlife such as native birds and nesting sea turtles are protected and can be observed at specific times of the year.

Manavgat Market is a large covered shopping center in Manavgat, north of Side. Every Monday and Thursday, it expands into the neighboring side streets, with a chaotic sprawl of stalls selling fake designer clothes, perfumes, purses, sunglasses, Turkish crafts and souvenirs, and fresh produce and cheeses. A farmers market component also offers fresh produce and cheeses.

South of Antalya, Beydaglari Coastal National Park has over 74,000 acres (30,000 hectares) of coastal cliffs, beaches, and mountains. Spectacular hiking trails, fascinating archaeological sites, and dramatic views over the Mediterranean make it a popular day trip from Antalya and Kemer.

Set on a north Bodrum hillside, Bodrum Amphitheater (Antik Tiyatro is a relic of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus. Built in the 4th century BC and later developed by the Romans, the restored 13,000-seat theater offers a fantastic glimpse into the ancient world alongside stellar city views, and is a stage for concerts and events.

Side is an ancient trading port on the eastern Mediterranean that was once home to hundreds of Greek merchants. This historic coastal town thrived under Roman rule, and many ruins from the second century bear both Greek and Roman influences. Today, visitors can relax on the sandy beaches and explore the impressive Roman Theater and Apollo Temple. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Side Museum—located in a 2nd-century Roman marketplace, this former baths complex has been beautifully converted.

Jutting out into the Aegean Sea, you’ll find the ancient Greek city of Knidos (Cnidus), which dates back around 2,600 years. Excavations in the 19th century revealed that the abandoned city was an important cultural and political center. Today, it is most famous for its commission of the Aphrodite of Knidos statue, considered the first life-size sculpture of a nude female. While the original statue no longer exists, copies can be found in museums around the world, including the Museo Pio-Clementino in Vatican City.

Despite the sign over the entrance reading “Old Bazaar,” this attraction feels more like a shopping mall than a historic marketplace. A 1-stop shop for all your souvenir needs—as well as clothes and designer fakes—this largely covered market in the heart of Antalya offers spices, lanterns, coffee pots, shisha pipes, leather goods, Turkish delight, and more.

One of the most popular resort towns along Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Aegean Coast and the gateway to the UNESCO-listed wonders of Ephesus, the Kusadasi Cruise Port welcomes some 200,000 cruise passengers each year. It’s also a jumping-off point for regular ferry service to the surrounding Greek Islands.

Fringed with green forest and lined with turquoise pools, its sheer walls worn to smooth curves by the flow of water, Goynuk Canyon (Göynük Kanyonu is a popular hiking and picnic spot. But there are plenty of other adventures to be had, with an over-water zipline course and waterfalls that seem designed for canyoneering.

A long, tawny, primarily sandy strand, Lara Beach is one of the best beaches in Antalya, with lounge chairs (sunbeds) for hire at warmer times of the year, plus plenty of food and drink options. The Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum, or Sandland, is set back from its western end, and it’s a popular spot for horseback riding adventures and water sports.

An open-air shopping mall and entertainment venue with tinkling fountains and palm-fringed plazas, Kusadasi Shopping Center (Kusadasi AVM) is a stylish but affordable choice for a spot of retail therapy. Branded stores sell good-quality products that run from ceramics to fashion, while food options include Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and Turkish chains.

Flowing down from the highlands around Konya to meet the Mediterranean Coast just east of Alanya, the Dim River is both an important water source and a popular recreational ground. You can visit the Dim Dam, explore natural caves and waterfalls, and swim and picnic by the riverside at the Dim River National Park.

Together with neighboring Deepo Outlet Center, Mall of Antalya is one of the biggest shopping centers on the Turkish Riviera. Conveniently located near the airport, it’s home to an 11-screen cinema complex, a children’s playground, and a huge food court, plus more than 200 stores spread across the twin venues.

One of Kusadasi’s best water parks, Adaland Aquapark boasts slides for every age and pace, from leisurely 6-person family jaunts through to freefall and boomerang rides. A wave pool, lazy river, jacuzzi, little kids’ zone, rafting course, and lively poolside disco make it a great space to while away the day.

Curving around the mountain-backed bay of Icmeler just west of Marmaris, Icmeler Beach offers some of the best scenery and waters on Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Turquoise Coast. The dark-sand-and-shingle stretch is lined by Icmeler’s shops, restaurants, and watersports—making it ideal for whiling the day away in the sun.

Reigning supreme over Marmaris Marina, the 16th-century Marmaris Castle is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. As well as offering panoramic views of the coast from its turreted lookout towers, the castle is also home to Marmaris Archaeology Museum.

The 2-story residence where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the first President of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye)—stayed during official visits between 1930 and 1935 is now a museum dedicated to the legendary revolutionary. Filled with personal effects and historic items, the Alanya Ataturk House Museum (Alanya Atatürk Evi Müzesi) is a fascinating tribute to Atatürk’s visits to Antalya.

Aqua Dream Waterpark is the largest water park in Marmaris and one the biggest in Turkey. With over 24 slides, pools, and water attractions, Aqua Dream promises a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. Experience the thrill of the Kamikaze slide, relax on the lazy river, or let the kids enjoy the pirate ship and children’s pool.

Located in the Bozburun Peninsula in southwestern Turkey, Bayir is a historic village that dates back to 200 BC. The town was built on the ruins of an ancient city, Syrna, with the mosque sitting on top of the temple of Asklepios, the Greek god of health. History buffs can admire the acropolis, pieces of the old city walls, some gravestones, and the remains of several other structures.

Less than an hour from the beaches of Antalya, Dinopark is a dinosaur-themed family attraction, where the prehistoric creatures have been brought “back to life” through a series of animatronic models. With swimming pools, play areas, and a number of different activities, the park is a fun day trip for those with younger children.

While the modern city and beach lie to the north, the yacht-lined seafront and maze-like bazaars of Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur are where most travelers spend their time. Cruise ships dock right in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy to stroll around the shops, markets, and marina.

The rocky coves and translucent waters of Orak Island are shaded by ancient olive groves and teeming with fish and marine life. Just south of Bodrum, this uninhabited island is one of the least developed along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, making it a popular spot for boat cruises, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions.

The largest water park along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Water Planet Aqua Park packs in 24 family-friendly slides, rides, and activities—all within a short drive of Alanya or Side. Add ocean views, a forested backdrop, an adrenaline-fuelled bungee jump, and seven different swimming pools, and you’ll have everything you need for a fun-filled day out.

Having begun as one of the world’s largest sand sculpture festivals, Antalya’s Sandland is now a year-round sand sculpture museum. Artists use tons of sand to create gigantic sculptures along the shores of Lara Beach, with up to 100 artworks centered on a different theme each year.

Flanking an island-dotted bay on Bodrum Peninsula’s west coast, the fishing village of Gümüslük is a slice of traditional Turkey. Less developed and quieter than many nearby towns—although it can get busy during summer—this gem keeps visitors happy with a pretty beach, underwater archaeological relics, and seafood restaurants.

Jutting out of the southern coast of the Datça Peninsula and into the Mediterranean Sea, the mountainous Bozburun Peninsula is renowned for its tranquil sandy beaches, ancient cities, and lively nightlife, making it a popular stop for yacht cruises and jeep safaris from Bodrum or Fethiye.

Adaköy is a forested headland facing Marmaris Bay. Hailed as one of the region’s best-kept secrets, the peninsula attracts visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and secluded beaches. Plus, the sheltered position of Adaköy’s beaches make their waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

No Turkish city is complete without a bazaar, the bustling marketplace at the heart of local life. If you’re looking for a local experience, Bodrum Bazaar doesn’t disappoint, with dozens of shops and stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing, homeware items, souvenirs, handicrafts, and every flavor of Turkish delight imaginable.

If you believe the myths, Cleopatra once frequented this verdant island at the mouth of Bodrum Harbor. Either way, the Black Island (Kara Ada) has become a hugely popular destination for boat cruises, as sunseekers sail over to bathe in its natural hot springs and cover themselves in mineral-rich mud (said to be a beauty secret of the ancient Egyptian queen).

According to legend, Cleopatra enjoyed clandestine rendezvous with her lover, Marc Antony, on the shores of this tiny island in the Aegean Sea, just off the Gulf of Gokova. Their story makes the island a renowned romantic spot. Its other claim to fame is its unusually textured sand, which is made up of smooth, white, ground-up seashells.