THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION

The southern coast of Turkey, or the Turkish Riviera as it is now known, boasts long stretches of sandy beach, world-class golf courses and the biggest concentration of 5 star hotels and holiday villages in the Country. The Mediterranean region stretches from beautiful Patara, birth place of St. Nicholas and home to an award-winning 17km beach, all the way along to Antakya (or Hatay) where there is a world-renowned archaeology museum.

The Region has a wealth of historic sites including the mountain cities of Termessos and Arikanda, as well as coastal towns such as Olympos, Kale, Kekova and Kas.  The ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are located on the coastal plain east of Antalya, known in antiquity as 'Pamphylia'. St Nicholas was not the only famous person to hail from this part of the world as according to early sources, Saint Paul was born in Tarsus.

Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most important cities and a popular holiday spot in its own right, with the districts of Konyaalti and Lara to west and east respectively, both popular beach resorts. An attractive marina and palm-lined streets lend a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the city, alongside excellent restaurants and lively night-life. The 38 metre high Yivli Minaret, erected in the 13th century, has become a symbol of the City. The Minaret is situated on the outskirts of the district of Kaleici, the historic quarter of Antalya. Kaleici is characterised by its narrow streets lined with quaint little shops, restored traditional houses and boutique hotels.

Immediately to the west of Antalya lies the beach resort of Kemer, surrounded by pine forests and mountains. Next are the peaceful havens of Olympos and C irali, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The neighbouring resorts of Kalkan and Kas, whilst increasing in popularity, have managed to retain much of their picturesque charm.

Heading in an eastward direction about half an hour away from Antalya is Belek, Turkey’s premier golf resort. A little further along is the bustling resort of Side which in addition to the obligatory golden sandy beaches is famed for its sunsets over the Temple of Apollo and a sizeable Hellenistic ancient theatre.

The next big town east of Antalya is Alanya, a panoramic port city on the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains surrounded by orange, lemon and banana groves. Used by the Selcuk Sultan, Alaaddin Keykubat as a winter residence, Alanya has a shipyard from the Selcuk period, a 9th century castle as well as a choice of beaches at which to enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and soak up the sun. 

Mersin is a major commercial centre and home to a significant shipping port. Ferries depart regularly from here, bound for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. East of Tarsus, the 'Cukurova' plain is a fertile agricultural region known especially for raising cotton. In the middle of this plain is found the city of Adana, a rich city with a large textile industry. East of this region is the Dortyol (Issos) Plain where Alexander the Great defeated the Persian king Darius. As a result of his victory, a port city bearing his name was established and thus we have modern day Iskenderun.

Leaving Iskenderun to the southeast, the road goes through the Belen Pass to Antakya (Antioch). This first Christian community founded by Saint Peter has given Antakya a special religious significance. The first sermons were preached in a cave outside the city. It is visited today by many as a site of pilgrimage