Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Turkish Riviera
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Bodrum Marina
Often nicknamed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum has earned itself a stellar reputation among cruise travelers. The lively Bodrum Marina, a well-equipped and modern harbor with space for up to 500 boats, is at the heart of its sailing community. Even if you won’t be docking your private yacht in the marina, a stroll along the scenic waterfront provides an atmospheric introduction to the city with its line of designer shopping outlets, luxury hotels, top-class seafood restaurants and stylish selection of bars and cafes.
As well as being a place that offers yachts for hire and day cruises around the Bodrum Peninsula, the colorful marina also hosts a number of international boat races and festivals throughout the year, including the prestigious Bodrum Cup yacht regatta each October.
Practical Info
The Bodrum Marina is located at the city’s waterfront, just west of the Castle of St Peter.
Address: Bodrum, Turkey
From $ 26
Dalyan River
The Dalyan River runs through the town of Dalyan, Turkey, which is located in the southwest region of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. Life in Dalyan revolves around the river. It's an important source of fish for the residents. The river also flows through a special environmental protection area. There are also several boat tours that go up and down the river, taking visitors to see the ancient sites of the area. One of the main attractions for tourists are the facades of Lycian tombs. They are located above the river's sheer cliffs and were cut from the rocks around 400 BC. Just a short boat trip away, you can also visit the ruins of the ancient trading city of Kaunos.
Nearby you can experience the Sultaniye hot springs. Here you can enjoy the warm water and the therapeutic mud baths. You can also go for a swim in Köyceğiz Lake, which is connected to the sea by the Dalyan River. Many people also come to this area to enjoy the beach and to see the rare, endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
Practical Info
The Dalyan River is best explored from the town of Dalyan. Dalyan is located about 17 miles from the Dalaman Airport, and between Marmaris and Fethiye. You can reach Dalyan by bus from either Marmaris or Fethiye, or join a tour.
Address: Dalyan, Turkey
From $ 23
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
The beautiful spot known as Kelebekler Vadisi, or “Butterfly Valley,” holds an almost mythical attraction for many travelers to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, perhaps because of its relative isolation: the narrow, steeply walled cove can only be accessed by boat or on foot. To add to the mystique, the valley takes its name from the many species of butterflies and moths that breed here during the winter, including the brightly colored and rarely seen Jersey tiger.
From the secluded beach at the entrance to the verdant gorge that leads to a 60-foot waterfall at the back, the setting is simply delightful. Although there is a well-trodden path to the waterfall it’s a good idea to bring waterproof shoes, as some wading through the streambed is necessary.
Butterfly Valley makes an easy day trip by boat from Ölüdeniz, but in order to fully soak up the atmosphere you might want to stay a few days. Accommodations are decidedly rustic – bungalows and camping tents can be rented – and a mellow, hippie-like atmosphere pervades. For getting off the grid, this place can’t be beat.
From the secluded beach at the entrance to the verdant gorge that leads to a 60-foot waterfall at the back, the setting is simply delightful. Although there is a well-trodden path to the waterfall it’s a good idea to bring waterproof shoes, as some wading through the streambed is necessary.
Butterfly Valley makes an easy day trip by boat from Ölüdeniz, but in order to fully soak up the atmosphere you might want to stay a few days. Accommodations are decidedly rustic – bungalows and camping tents can be rented – and a mellow, hippie-like atmosphere pervades. For getting off the grid, this place can’t be beat.
Practical Info
Many daylong boat tours from Ölüdeniz include Butterfly Valley as one of their stops. Or take a “water taxi” (20 TL round trip) from Ölüdeniz to explore the valley at your own pace. It’s also possible to hike down into the valley from the village of Faralya above, but it’s an extremely steep climb and only recommended for experienced and sure-footed hikers.
Admission is 5 TL for non-guests.
Admission is 5 TL for non-guests.
Address: Kelebekler Vadisi, Turkey
Admission: 5TL
From $ 20
Bodrum Windmills
Dotted along the coastal cliffs of the Bodrum Peninsula, the white-brick towers and wooden sails of the Bodrum windmills paint a pretty picture, set against expansive views of the windswept coastline. Dating back to the 18th century, the historic windmills were once used to grind flour for local communities and remained in use up until the 1970s, after which they fell into ruin.
Today, restoration work is underway on many of the mills, with the most notable including a trio at Yalikavak on the northern side of the peninsula and a row of seven that line the hilltops between Bodrum and Gumbet. Hiking the coastal path between the windmills makes a popular day trip from Bodrum and provides access to a romantic spot to watch the sunset over Bodrum Bay.
Practical Info
The main stretch of windmills can be found between Bodrum and Gumbet. To reach them from Bodrum, head out on a short walk west along the coast.
Address: Turkey
From $ 87
Bodrum Peninsula
With its crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful corals and sweeping coastal cliffs giving way to sandy beaches and secluded coves, the Bodrum Peninsula is one of Turkey’s most scenic destinations, stretching for 174 km along the northwestern Aegean coast. Bodrum, built on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, is the main gateway to the region and the most developed of its towns. Legions of tourists are steadily drawn to Bodrum’s lively waterfront and numerous archaeological gems, including the ruins of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Touring the peninsula makes a popular day or multi-day trip from Bodrum. Heading west along the coast, the bustle of city life soon gives way to sleepy fishing villages, hilltops capped with whitewashed windmills and ancient olive groves. There’s plenty to see and do around the peninsula - explore the underwater ruins of ancient Myndos in Gümüslük; take a boat cruise around the islands; try your hand at windsurfing in Akyarlar or Bitez; or escape the crowds for the pristine beaches of Yalikavak, Torba and Türkbükü on the peninsula’s north coast.
Practical Info
The Bodrum Peninsula lies on the southwestern coast of Turkey on the Aegean Sea. The peninsula’s principal airport is the Milas-Bodrum Airport, 30 minutes from central Bodrum, but visitors can also arrive by bus (about four hours from Izmir), ferry or cruise ship.
Address: Turkey
From $ 26
Bodrum Amphitheater
One of the most important and best-preserved remains of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, the Bodrum Amphitheater boasts a dramatic location, carved into the hillside above the city of Bodrum. Originally constructed in the fourth century B.C. during the reign of King Mausolus, the grand, open-air venue wasn’t fully completed until the Roman era, with structural changes that were made for hundreds of years up until the second century A.D.
The 13,000-seat amphitheater is one of the oldest in Anatolia, and thanks to careful restoration, it remains in use, hosting concerts and theatrical performances during the summer months. The atmospheric venue is famed for its remarkable acoustics and magnificent panoramic views of the modern-day city of Bodrum, neighboring Gumbet and the surrounding Bodrum peninsula.
Practical Info
The Bodrum Amphitheater lies on Kibris Sehitler Cad, on the road to Gumbet. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. It’s possible to reach the amphitheater on foot (a 40-minute uphill walk from Bodrum Harbor) or by dolmuslar (mini-buses) heading to Gumbet, Akilye or Turgutreis.
Address: Turkey
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8am-7pm
From $ 374
Castle of St Peter
Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the harbor, the striking Castle of St Peter is an instantly recognizable Bodrum landmark and one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Built by the Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes in the 15th century, the castle was designed by German architect Heinrich Schlegelholt and partially crafted from the stones of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Despite losing its since-reconstructed minaret in WWI bombings, the castle remains a remarkably preserved example of medieval architecture, encircled by its imposing sea walls and including a moat, a mosque added by Süleyman the Magnificent in 1522 and five towers - the English, Italian, German, French and Snake towers. Today the castle is open to visitors and hosts the impressive Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It also provides a dramatic backdrop for cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Practical Info
The Castle of St Peter is located in Bodrum Harbor, just east of the marina. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In order to access the castle grounds, you’ll need to pay the 20 YTL entrance fee to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Address: Çarşı Mh., Bodrum 48400, Turkey
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4:30pm
Admission: 20 YTL
From $ 26
Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle is a medieval castle located in the coastal town of Alanya, Turkey. It was built in the 13th century on top of earlier Byzantine Era and Roman Era fortifications. During the Ottoman Empire, the castle was no longer needed for defensive reasons, and today it is a museum. The castle sits 820 feet high on a rocky peninsula that sticks out into the Mediterranean Sea. The sea protects the castle from three sides, and this high vantage point gives visitors an impressive view of Alanya, the sea, and the surrounding countryside, including the Pamphylian plain and Cilician mountains.
The walls that surround the castle stretch for four miles. Inside the castle walls, visitors can explore the ruins which include the remains of 400 cisterns that once provided water to the castle, an 11th-century Byzantine church, several mosques, monuments, and the battlements. There are also several impressive towers along the walls including the 95-foot Red Tower.
Practical Info
Alanya Castle is located on Hisariçi Mh, south of Kleopatra Beach. Opening hours are daily from 9am to 7pm. Admission is 15TL.
Address: Hisariçi Mh, Alanya, Antalya Province 07400, Turkey
Hours: Open daily 9am-7pm
Admission: 15TL
From $ 17
Antalya Aquarium
Located near Konyaalti Beach in Antalya, the Antalya Aquarium ranks as one of the largest aquarium complexes in the world and is arguably the best attraction in town for those traveling with kids. The complex encompasses 40 themed aquariums, including a 430-foot (131-meter) tunnel aquarium that takes visitors below the surface of the water to observe aquatic critters from all sides.
The aquarium boasts more than just tanks. WildPark houses a variety of tropical reptiles, while the XD Cinema takes visitors on a 3D journey beneath the sea. Perhaps the most unusual of the aquarium’s offerings is Snow World, an area kept at a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) to help maintain its igloos and abundant snow, made fresh each night.
Practical Info
Ask about the day’s feeding times upon arrival at the aquarium.
Address: Dumlu Pınar Bulvarı Arapsuyu Mahallesi No: 502, Konyaalti 07200, Turkey
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-11pm
From $ 32
Bozburun Peninsula
Jutting out to the south of the Datça Peninsula between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the Bozburun Peninsula makes for a popular cruise destination from Bodrum or Fethiye. It is as renowned for its tranquil beaches as its atmospheric nightlife, and many choose to explore the length of the peninsula by jeep or boat from Marmaris.
The long, sandy beaches are the principal draw for visitors to the Bozburun Peninsula, with top spots including the Blue Flag beach of Turunc, Icmeler Beach and the vast Maiden’s Beach or Kizkumu. Additional highlights include the peninsula’s namesake town, known for its production of traditional wooden gülets; Turgut Falls; the hilltop village of Bayir; and the forest-clad mountains, where bird-watchers can spot Eurasian varieties like the jay and hoopoe.
Practical Info
The Bozburun Peninsula lies on Turkey’s southwest coast.
Address: Marmaris, Turkey
From $ 13
Alanya Shipyard
The Alanya Shipyard is the dock area of Alanya, Turkey and is also referred too as Tersane. The shipyard dates back to the 3rd century BC, although the shipyard you'll see today was built in 1226. At one point it was the main naval base for the Seljuk navy, and it is one of the only remaining preserved Seljuk shipyard. During the late 1400s, Alanya became an important port for trading with other Mediterranean countries such as Egypt, Syria, and Cyprus.
Today it is the best preserved dockyard on the Mediterranean basin. It consists of five docks that are more than 180 feet long. It is an open air museum connected with the Alanya Castle. The defensive walls of the castle, which stretch for four miles, go through the Alanya Shipyard and connect with the Red Tower. Those who visit the shipyard and castle will be rewarded with views of the sea, the surrounding countryside, impressive mountains, and the city itself.
Practical Info
The Alanya Shipyard is located on Tersane SK, south of Kleopatra Beach.
Address: Tersane SK, Alanya, Antalya Province 07400, Turkey
From $ 21
Dalyan Mud Bath
The Dalyan Mud Bath is Turkey's version of the Fountain of Youth. Proponents of the health benefits of mud say that having the substance drying on skin can help reduce wrinkles, while the Sultaniye spring waters feeding the bath are thought to help relieve conditions ranging from sciatica to stomach aches. Whether the mud bath experience makes travelers look 10 years younger is up for debate, but it does offer a fun, messy photo opportunity and a unique experience.
A typical visit begins with lathering sulfur-rich mud all over the skin and allowing it to dry under the Turkish sun. On-site mirrors let mud-covered guests survey the damage (and snap selfies) before rinsing off in a spring water shower.
Practical Info
The mud here is brown and a bit smelly (from the sulfur), so leave the white bathing suits at home.
Address: Marmaris, Turkey
Admission: 4TL
From $ 22
Antalaya Old Town (Kaleici)
Antalya Old Town - or Kaleici - is the picturesque old quarter in the center of present day Antalya. With its narrow winding streets and historic wooden houses, bars, restaurants and Ottoman-style boutique hotels, it’s a lovely place to wander around or base yourself while visiting Antalya.
Kaleici can trace its orgins back to the Roman period, when it grew around the old harbor, protecting the harbor from the west and the passage of produce from the east. Originally surrounded by massive stone walls and several gates, Kaleici has only two walls and one gate remaining.
Imposing Hadrian’s Gate is a glorious example of Roman architecture and was constructed in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Kaleici. It has a triple-arched portal and decorative marble columns and is supported by enormous, turreted stone towers (from a different era). Hadrian’s Gate remains the most impressive way to enter the Old Town.
Practical Info
There are several ways to enter Kaleici, but the most straightforward way is via Kalekapisi, a pedestrian zone in the center of Antalya that features an ancient stone tower, the Grooved Minaret and a statue of Attalus.
Kaleici is in south Antalya next to the city's harbour and marina.
Address: Antalaya Old Town (Kaleici), Antalya, Turkey
Hours: Open year-round
From $ 52
Ataturk House & Museum
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a revolutionist and the first President of Turkey. Atatürk's House & Museum is dedicated to his visits to Antalya; he stayed in this two-storey residence during official visits between 1930 and 1935. In 1986, Ataturk House had been rebuilt and restored, and opened to the public as a national
museum.
The distinctive Ottomanstyle, salmon-colored building still features the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. On the first floor, visitors can browse various artifacts from the time, including newspaper and photograph documentation of Atatürk's visits to the city.
There are seven rooms on the house’s second level, including one with a balcony and one with a collection of banknotes, stamps, and coins bearing Atatürks image. The most important room in the house, however, features Atatürk’s various personal belongings,
including his clothes and shoes, which were transferred from the Anıtkabir mausoleum.
Practical Info
The nearest bus stop to the Atatürk House & Museum is the Yenikapı police station stop. The museum is free to enter and is closed on Mondays.
Address: Isiklar Caddesi, Antalya, Turkey
Hours: April to October: 9am-7:30pm / November to March 8:30am-5:30pm
(Sunday to Tuesday only)
From $ 52
Adaland Aquapark
Adaland Aquapark is a water park in Kusadasi, Turkey on the country's west coast. In the past it has been named one of the best water parks in the world. The park has a wide variety of water slides including a head first slide, a freefall slide, loop slides, body slides, tube slides, speedy slides, slope slides, dark tunnel slides, and the world's longest family slide with tubes for two to six people. There's also a big fountain with water shooting out of the ground set to music in an area called Rain Dance where you can dance and enjoy the water. The water park has an elliptical shaped track for rafting and is the only place in Kusadasi where you can go rafting.
Adaland Aquapark also has a jacuzzi with warm bubbly water, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a pool for children. There's an activity pool where you can go swimming or sunbathing. When you're ready to take a break, there are several restaurants and bars offering hamburgers, pizza, Turkish food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and more.
Practical Info
Adaland Aquapark is open from early May to early October. Opening hours are daily 10am to 6pm. Tickets are 24 euros for ages 10 and up, 17 euros for ages 4-9, and free for ages 3 and younger.
Address: Camlimani Mevkii Kusadasi, Aydin, Turkey
Hours: Open daily early May to early October, 10am to 6pm.
Admission: €24 for ages 10+, €17 (ages 4-9), free for 3 and younger.
From $ 40
Aspendos Ruins and Theater
Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city founded around 1000 B.C. It was located about 25 miles from the modern city of Antalya, and it's known for having one of the best preserved theaters from antiquity. Despite being built in 155, the theater is still in great shape and has remained mostly intact. A small portion of the theater was built leaning into a hill where the Acropolis stood, and the rest of it was built on vaulted arches. A sloping wooden ceiling that was over the stage area has been lost over time. Dozens of post holes are on the upper level, which at one time supported an awning to protect the audience from the sun.
Since the theater is still in such good condition, it is still a functional venue. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival holds annual productions in the theater in the spring and early summer.
Spend some time wandering around outside the theater as well. Nearby you'll find the ruins of a basilica, the agora, a nymphaeum, and more than nine miles of a Roman aqueduct. You can also find the Eurymedon Bridge. This was a Roman era bridge that was rebuilt in the 13th century.
Practical Info
The Aspendos Theater is located approximately 25 miles east of Antalya along route D400. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., April through October, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through March. The entrance fee is 20TL (about US $9).
Address: Turkey
Hours: Vary
Admission: 20TL
From $ 44
Dalyan
Whether you’re cruising along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast or sailing along on a day tour from Marmaris, you’ll likely find reason to detour to the scenic Dalyan River and its namesake port town. The area’s top attraction is Turtle Bay, (İztuzu Beach) a strip of sand between the river and the Mediterranean Sea. With its prime location at the mouth of the freshwater delta, Turtle Beach has become an important spot for endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that come ashore to lay eggs during breeding season. Watching the turtles in their natural habitat is a popular pastime among visitors.
Additional highlights along the Dalyan River include the Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area around Lake Köyceğiz, the impressive ruins of ancient Kaunos and a series of Lycian rock tombs carved into coastal cliffs. Be sure to take advantage of one of the delta’s most noted natural assets – its mineral-dense mud baths and sulfur hot springs, renowned for their healing properties.
Practical Info
Dalyan is located east of Marmaris on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Address: Marmaris, Turkey
From $ 568
Bayir Village
Bayir Village is a small town on the Bozburun Peninsula in southwestern Turkey. It is built on top of the ancient city of Syrna, and it is believed that the town's mosque sits on top of the temple of Asklepios, the god of health, although there are no traces of the temple today. Just outside the village you will find ruins from the ancient city. There is an acropolis, pieces of the old city walls, some gravestones, and the remains of a few other structures. Another big attraction in Bayir is a 2,300 year old tree called Old Plane Tree. It is said to bring good luck and extend your life if you circle it three times. There are several cafes near the tree where you can sample the local food and drink some tea. There are also a few shops where you can buy local honey
Bayir Village is often included on jeep safari tours to various villages in the area. Bayir is located on top of a hill which provides spectacular views of the village and the surrounding peninsula. This small town will show visitors a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life.
Practical Info
Bayir Village is located about 16 miles south of Marmaris and can be reached by bus or boat. The nearest airport is the Dalaman Airport, which is about 76 miles away.
Address: Bayir Village 48000, Turkey
From $ 13
Atlantis Waterpark
The Atlantis Waterpark is an amusement park located directly on the seafront of one of Turkey’s largest resort towns, Marmaris. It features nine eye-catching and thrilling slides, like the Space Bowl, the Free Fall, the Black Hole, and the Wild River. It also comprises a massive wave pool, which entertains guests with a variety of waves from ultra-gentle rollers to six-foot-high waves. There is also a less extreme, more accessible space reserved for the little ones named Kidsland. The park can be enjoyed for a few hours or a full day, as it includes access to mini-golf, four restaurants, bowling and more.
Practical Info
The Atlantis Waterpark is located in southwestern Turkey in Marmaris. It is open every day from mid-May to mid-September roughly between 10 am and 5:30 pm. It is closed in the fall and in the winter. Operating hours may vary in accordance with the weather. Entry costs 43 TL per adult, 27 TL per child, and is free for children aged 6 years and under. The resort offers a free shuttle to guests staying at nearby hotels.
Address: 3 Siteler Mah. 212 Sok, Marmaris, Turkey
Hours: Open mid-May to mid-September roughly between 10 am and 5:30 pm. It is closed in the fall and in the winter. Operating hours may vary in accordance with the weather.
Admission: 43 TL per adult, 27 TL per child, free for children 6 and under
From $ 14
AquaDream Waterpark
AquaDream Waterpark is one of Turkey's largest water parks and the biggest water park in Marmaris. It is located on the top of a hill overlooking the city, which offers visitors a spectacular view of the city and surrounding landscape while enjoying the rides at the water park. The water park has a wide variety of water slides, each offering a different experience. Some are body slides while others involve sitting on a tube. There are also several pools, including a wave pool, a pool that doesn't allow children, and a normal swimming pool. The water park also has a children's area for smaller children who aren't old enough for the bigger slides. Along the perimeter of the pools, chairs and umbrellas are set up where you can lounge, relax, and sunbathe.
AquaDream Waterpark is fun for the whole family. It has a restaurant and bar with both indoor and outdoor seating, changing rooms, lockers, and hot and cold showers. There are lifeguards on duty at all times to ensure the safety of the visitors. Bring your bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
Practical Info
AquaDream Waterpark is located at Şirinyer mah. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Cad. no:8/A-B, Armutalan, Marmaris. It is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, from mid-May through mid-October.
Address: Şirinyer Mh., Marmaris/Muğla 48700, Turkey
Hours: Mid-May to mid-Oct: Daily 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 19