20 degrees, golden light and turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea: In autumn, the south of Turkey is an optimal destination for those who want to extend the summer while hiking, diving and sunbathing. It has the perfect places to calmly enjoy 22Bet sports predictions.
PLACES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saklıkent Canyon – river hiking between rock giants
Those who think of southern Turkey may have tourist strongholds and beach parties in mind. In fact, however, the Lycian Coast, in the southwest of the country, is much quieter and quite natural in many places. Wild pine forests and olive groves, ancient ruins, hidden bays and sand dunes are just as typical of Lycia as the Saklıkent Canyon: the gorge, which can be up to 300 meters deep, runs for 18 kilometers through the national park of the same name. Natural springs and mud ponds are framed by highly exciting rock walls. After the first 200 meters, which lead over a wooden footbridge, it’s time to get into the water! Visitors wade deeper into the gorge through the river and over sharp-edged stones, at best with a guide. So don’t forget sturdy shoes. This is also suitable for hiking afterwards: Dumanlıdağ Mountain and several plateaus are part of the national park.
Patara – beach of the sea turtles
In southwestern Lycia, you suddenly feel like you’re in the desert: Patara is 18 kilometers long and hundreds of meters wide – one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in Turkey. The Mediterranean Sea here is full of waves, but shallow, and because the area is a protected nature reserve, dunes pile up behind the soft sandy beach instead of hotels. Visitors have to vacate their sun loungers at 8 p.m. – until 8 a.m., the Patara coast belongs to other bathers: the highly endangered sea turtle species Caretta Caretta lays its eggs in the sand here at night. Patara is also famous for the ruins of an ancient coastal city: the path to the beach leads past temples, warehouses, Roman baths and an amphitheater half-sunk in the sand.
The island of the sunken city
Lycian Way Kekova: Kekova is a small uninhabited island on the Lycian coast and famous for its “Sunken City”. The island is located southwest of Demre in the province of Antalya. On the north side of Kekova are the partially sunken ruins of the ancient site. By the way, these are great to explore on a boat trip.
Kaş – Greek houses and treasures in the sea.
Is this where they say “Kaliméra?” Not quite, because in fact the Greek cottages of Kaş with their wild flowers, wooden shutters and richly decorated balconies are located on Turkey’s southern coast – but only a 25-minute ferry ride away from the easternmost Greek island of Kastelorizo, which can be visited from here. In Kaş, Greek and Turkish flair meet so beautifully that the port city’s center is a protected monument. Burial chambers and the stone sarcophagus at the end of the shopping street bear witness to the town’s long history, as do the wrecks and amphorae found underwater: Because of its many diving spots and clear water, the sea off Kaş is one of the best diving spots in the country.
Babadağ – Paragliding over the Blue Lagoon
The Taurus Mountains stretch from the southwest to the eastern border of Turkey. At 1,969 meters, Mount Babadağ is not the geographical highlight of the 1,500-meter-long mountain range, but it is a highlight for adrenaline fans: because of its coastal location and ideal weather conditions, Babadağ is one of the most popular paragliding spots in Turkey. For up to 30 minutes, brave people have the best view from the air of vast hiking areas, the Mediterranean Sea, pine forests and the Blue Lagoon on Ölüdeniz beach – a snorkeling and swimming paradise at the foot of the mountains. The Babadağ is easily reached by cable car: the “Skywalk Fethiye” starts centrally in Ölüdeniz.
A Hiker’s Dream
Lycian Way Hike: Rugged coastline, turquoise sea, ancient ruins and picturesque towns – the Lycian Way is Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail. It follows the ancient paths of the Lycians and offers hikers one highlight after another. Tip: The route along the Mediterranean coast, from Fethiye to Antalya, can easily be divided into different stages.
Yörük Park – open-air museum with views back and forth
The pretty coastal town of Kemer is known as a seaside resort, about 40 kilometers south of Antalya. Hidden between the marina and the bay, however, lies a completely different cultural treasure on its Küçükburun peninsula: the Yörük Park Museum, which is as small as it is charming, works through the everyday life of the Yörük tribe. Traditional tents and tools show the way of life of the nomadic people. Freshly prepared dishes and show dances to Turkish folk music complete the journey back in time on the outskirts of Kemer. Yörük Park also provides a good overview of present-day Kemer: Because the park is slightly elevated, visitors enjoy good views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains.