The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Turkish Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

March 23, 2022 Concepcion Newsome

Discover the best top things to do in Turkish Mediterranean Coast, Turkey including Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi, Patara Beach, Olympos Archeological Site, Chimaera, Kekova Island, Termessos, Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Ruins and Theater, Kaputas Beach, Xanthos Antik Kenti.
Restaurants in Turkish Mediterranean Coast

1. Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi

Mersin Turkey +90 324 841 30 50 http://www.gilindiremagarasi.com
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
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5.0 based on 307 reviews

Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi

Reviewed By zoltano421 - Budapest, Hungary

The cave is located in a beautiful environment, on a far-stretching mountainous shore. The entrance is actually in the side of the cliffs, with a staircase leading way down to the mouth of the cave. Inside, a deep and breathtaking scenery awaits, with an untouched and majestic lake at the bottom. All in all, more than worth the two-hour return trip from Alanya through winding roads because it is much more beautiful than either, more touristic and well-known caves in and around that city.

2. Patara Beach

Merkez Gelemis , Kas, Patara Turkey +90 242 843 51 55 http://www.muze.gov.tr/tr/muzeler/patara-orenyeri
Excellent
61%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,288 reviews

Patara Beach

This 12-mile long beach is also a National Park. Its proximity to the ruins keeps hotels from developing in the area, making it great for uncrowded swimming as well as bird watching.

Reviewed By fethiyeme - Fethiye, Turkey

One of the best beach around Fethiye with soft sand. (50 km) - 2nd longest beach in Turkey (12 km) - You should check Patara Ancient City and Saklıkent Gorge - The beach hosts Caretta carettas - Take a picture on sand hill in sunset time.

3. Olympos Archeological Site

Yazir Koyu Kumluca Merkez, Kumluca, Olympos Turkey +90 242 892 13 25 https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=OLY01&DistId=OLY
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 718 reviews

Olympos Archeological Site

These ancient ruins, dating back to the second-century B.C., are all that remain of an important Lycian city that became abandoned in the 15th century.

4. Chimaera

UlupInar Mahallesi, Cirali 07980 Turkey http://www.cirali.org
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
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2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,276 reviews

Chimaera

A series of flames that spurt from cracks in the rock, which are caused by the combustion of natural gas seeping out of the mountain at the ancient site of Olympos.

Reviewed By F7550VEpatrickc - Munich, Germany

It’s very easy to reach from Cirali. We went during sunset. Bring Moskito Spray. Ancient Gods and creatures used to hang out there. It’s fascinating to see this place. Entry fee was 9 TL

5. Kekova Island

Demre (Kale) 07570 Turkey
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
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1%
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4.5 based on 911 reviews

Kekova Island

Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States

Kekova Sound is on the southern coast of Turkey, protected the open Mediterranean by Kekova Island. As there are few roads traversing the rugged landscape, it is best explored by boat: sailboats, motorized tour boats, glass bottomed boats, canoes and kayaks are all available for hire at the Üçağız village docks. Rocky limestone headlands plunge into the sound, forming little bays, inlets and lagoons perfect for swimming. Occasional fish can be spotted in the crystal-clear water. On the northern side of Kekova Island are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste (Greek:Dolikisthe), an ancient town destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century. The town was rebuilt and flourished during the Byzantine Empire period, but abandoned because of Arab incursions. Ancient buildings and walls are visible on the steep shore and submerged under water (the ruins are protected, so shore excursions and swimming are not permitted). The northwest of the island has another abandoned town, Tersane, meaning "dockyard", as its bay was the site of an ancient city Xera and harbor.) It has ruins of a Byzantine church. This area of Turkey is called the "Turquoise Coast", for its beautiful natural landscape and clear waters. I enjoyed a day cruise, watching sea birds from our boat. As i viewed the rugged landscape, I could see why boat traffic connected coastal towns and facilitated commerce. Protected harbors such as Kekova Sound would have been very desirable. Viewing sunrise or sunset reflected in the sound is a sublime experience.

6. Termessos

On the Antalya Burdur Road, Antalya 07100 Turkey +90 242 238 56 88 http://www.antalyamuzesi.gov.tr/tr/termessos-orenyeri
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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4.5 based on 996 reviews

Termessos

Approximately 34 kilometers northwest of Antalya lies Termessos and the beautiful Güllük Dagi National Park. The ancient Psidian city is built on a mountain platform, surrounded by pine woods and an abundance of rare plants. It’s one of the best preserved historical sites of Turkey and, due to its isolated location, an oasis of calm and tranquility.

Reviewed By adamdE3606HO - Chelmsford, United Kingdom

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. If you are thinking of doing something a little more cultural while you're in Turkey - do THIS!

7. Perge Ancient City

Aksu, Antalya 07110 Turkey
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 1,743 reviews

Perge Ancient City

The historical site of Perge, 18 kilometers east of Turkey, holds the vast remains of what was once the most propserous city of the ancient world. Enter by passing through the arch of the Roman Gate to be greeted by an amphitheater, the Hellenistic Gate (quite well preserved) and richly decorated remains of the city wall and much more.

Reviewed By Metaldread

Perge is great. In fact it was captured by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Then it became a has-been when the river serving the bustling port silted up leaving the harbour 12k from the sea, about as useful as a lighthouse in the desert. The Romans left and nothing else happened until excavations began in 1947 and this gem of a city was slowly revealed. Excavations and reconstruction work continue to this day. I last visited in 2011 since when the North Gate, a major East-West colonaded street and a nymphonium have been opened along with access to the Acropolis on top of the hill. It boasts a Triumphal Arch, 14k seat amphitheatre and 12k seat stadium, marble-columned colonades, decorative fountains and a waterway cascading down the main street. It's better appointed than most present-day High Streets. Highly recommended if you are in Antalya.

8. Aspendos Ruins and Theater

Aspendos, Serik Turkey
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
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4.5 based on 1,215 reviews

Aspendos Ruins and Theater

The best-known attraction among the ruins of Aspendos is the great theater, an amazingly well preserved vestige of Roman architecture that may be as impressive as Rome's own Colosseum.

Reviewed By ramilk2013 - Moscow, Russia

We have visited various historical sites in the Antalya region and can say that the Aspendos amphitheater is the best preserved. This is a wonderful place for cultural enlightenment and walking through the archaeological monuments of the ancient city. I note that most of the city and its facilities are located on a hill, where not everyone goes. If you have baby strollers, then unfortunately you couldn't go to the aqueduct, you should take a baby stretcher.

9. Kaputas Beach

Kas 07580 Turkey
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,777 reviews

Kaputas Beach

Reviewed By onatakin - Istanbul, Turkey

Kaputas Beach is one of the world’s best protected areas with a hidden canyon pass sliding into a large spectacular beach, often with large waves and great surf. A must see in the Mediterranean.

10. Xanthos Antik Kenti

Kalkan 07970 Turkey http://www.kulturvarliklari.gov.tr/TR,44429/xanthos-letoon-antalya---mugla.html
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 541 reviews

Xanthos Antik Kenti

Xanthos was the capital city of the Lycian Federation and its greatest city for most of Lycian history.

Reviewed By RedHeadPeter - London, United Kingdom

There are numerous historic sites along the mediterranean coast of Turkey that you might choose to visit - Xanthos can be combined with a trip to Letoon. Xanthos has a well preserved theatre, some fascinating Lycian tombs and the remains of a Roman street. Well worth a visit.

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