The Turkish Riviera features as one of the seven wonders of the ancient 
world. Scattered ruins from the empire of ancient Greece and Rome still remain in rare abundance in this sun soaked destination (300 sunny days a year).
Visit the Acropolis at Xanthos or the rock tombs and Roman theatre of Antiphellos to begin your explorations. Aside from its rich archaeological history, the Turquoise coast offers a feast of natural delights. The Turkish Riviera is like an island paradise, but venture further inland and you can, figuratively, lose yourself in the lush forested mountains of Antalya, for instance.
The Turkish Riveria could give any colourful brochure depicting an idyllic destination with rave reviews a run for its money. When you look across the spectacular creeks in this area, you’ll quickly understand why Turks are so fiercely patriotic and proud of their large country. For those folk who enjoy a seafaring adventure, the Blue Voyage is a must. Tourists and locals alike can spend a week on a traditional wooden sailboat or Gulet, to visit the ancient cities, coves, beaches, streams and forests which characterise this area.
Culturally, the area is not to be sneezed at either. The country is a unique melting pot of Islamic and Christian beliefs. Food, belly dancing and colourful markets can be enjoyed throughout the year, although people need to respect the strong Muslim influence by dressing modestly (jeans and shirts are acceptable) and eating, drinking and smoking should be done in private during the month of Ramadan.
In the centre of the Rivera’s famous holiday village, Antalya, a number of rustic old Greek and Turkish houses and narrow cobble stone streets are under protection, although they are frequently visited by interested locals and tourists. Antayla also boasts the cleanest sea in all of the Mediterranean, which is a result of the masses of purifying rocks around Lara and Konyaalti.
Perhaps it’s something in the water of the Mediterranean, because like the French and Italians, Turks are passionate about food, but even more passionate about feeding others. For Western Europeans, the food is just exotic enough, laced with aromatic spices and nuts, to be interesting, and just familiar enough (kebabs, pastries, fish and meat are usually on offer) to be comforting. Spending a few hours at a Turkish restaurant on the Rivera is an unforgettable experience for anyone. Listen to exotic music while you enjoy spectacular views of olive groves and sunny shores and snack on an assortment of delicious meze dishes.
A two week holiday simply isn’t enough time to fully appreciate the Turkish Riviera. They say true love lasts forever, and it will take the most hardened and unromantic heart to be immune to Turkey’s charms. Fortunately, holiday homes are joyfully cheap in the large Euro-Asian country and buying property in Turkey is sure to be money well-spent.
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