Chase those waterfalls! From the upper Duden waterfalls in northeast Antalya, to the more hidden Kursunlu waterfalls, there’s a world of natural beauty waiting to be discovered. A boat trip to Kekova Island is the ultimate hidden gem, with crystal-clear waters, a Roman castle and a sunken city.
In Bodrum, experience the Karaada hot springs with a dip in mineral-rich natural water. There’s plenty of beaches to enjoy too – from Ortakent beach to Bitez beach, and many more.
From the Apollo temple to the ruins of the Lycian Empire, the southwestern region is steeped in history. Visit the Lycian rock tombs in Myra, or explore the city of Hierapolis in southwest Antalya. With natural hot springs, this ancient city is one to add to your bucket list.
Walk through Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya old town, explore Bodrum castle, or discover the ancient city of Hierapolis near Marmaris, Muğla.
There are plenty of local traditional dishes to taste, including cağ kebabı (lamb kebab), fresh grilled fish with meze, and piyaz – a traditional Turkish salad.
Tempt your tastebuds with other classic Turkish dishes such as köfte meatballs, dolma (stuffed vine leaves), kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), midye tava (fried mussels) and gözleme (flatbread) – all best enjoyed with a sea view!
“I’d highly recommend a trip to explore Hierapolis and Pamukkale in Antalya – alongside the history, you can also enjoy a soak in the mineral hot springs at Cleopatra's Pool.
If you’re travelling to Antalya in mid-September, be sure to check out Antalya festival. It’s a fantastic experience to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy some delicious food! The Aegean region is famous for its delicious traditional cuisine, and the Bodrum kraft fest in September brings together music, art, and gastronomy.
There’s so many hidden gems to discover in Southwestern Turkey – from Sapadere canyon, to Çığlıkara forest and the ancient city of Soura.”
There are three main airports in southwest Turkey: Antalya International Airport (AYT), Dalaman International Airport, and Milas-Bodrum airport, all of which offer international flights.
Be sure to do your research on public transport options for bus and taxi services, or you can rent a car if you prefer the flexibility of getting around on your own.
For families travelling with younger children, there’s plenty of fun on offer – from adrenaline-fuelled rides to a pirate boat experience and even a dinosaur-themed park.
For an incredible view of Antalya, you can take the cable car from the beach in Kemer, up to Tahtalı Mountain – also known as Olympos. At the top, there are a range of sports activities on offer, including paragliding.
Although the spring and summer months are a popular time to visit, December offers mild climates and spectacular firework displays! With Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations, join in the festivities for a truly memorable experience.
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