Top spots to visit on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast on a year out
There are a host of fantastic European destinations that are well worth visiting as part of a gap year and Turkey is just one of them. One of the great things about the country is that there really is something for everyone – here are just a few of the places you can explore on an extended holiday in Turkey.
Marmaris: best for nightlife
If you’re something of a party animal, make sure Marmaris is among the stops on your gap year. The resort is renowned for the variety of clubs and bars that line its seafront, with something for everyone available once the sun goes down.
Bar Street is, as its name would suggest, one of the hotspots for nightlife in the city. Many of the clubs along this stretch of road have vast open-air dance floors, where you can throw some moves until the small hours of the morning. The Beach Club, Crazy Daisy, Shooters and Green House are just a few of the bars you’ll find in this area.
Dalyan: best for wildlife
Should clubbing not be what you’re looking for, consider heading to one of the quieter destinations on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, such as Dalyan. This town isn’t actually situated by the sea, but is in fact on a river estuary. This part of Turkey is very underdeveloped, because the nearby Iztuzu beach is a protected turtle breeding site.
You can easily jump in one of the water taxis to reach the stretch of sand for a peaceful day out, or you can head to the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, which is within easy reach of Dalyan. This large archaeological site has not been completely excavated, so you’ll feel as though you’re on a real journey of discovery as you wander around the remains of the buildings here.
Icmeler: best for water sports
If you’re keen to try a new activity during your gap year – or want to indulge in a favourite water-based pastime – Icmeler is a good place to choose. The wide bay here is ideal for sports like windsurfing, jet skiing and kite surfing, giving you plenty of options if you want to get out on the water and have some fun.
One of the great things about the water sports offerings in Icmeler is that there are separate areas in the sea designated for different activities, which means swimmers can enjoy the water in safety while jetskiers and windsurfers won’t have to worry about looking out for other holidaymakers taking a dip while they zip around on the surface.
Fethiye: best for history
As you wander around the streets of Fethiye you won’t fail to notice the ancient rock tombs and sarcophagi that are located in and near the city. The surviving rock tombs are carved into the hillside behind the settlement, with the tomb of Amyntas one of the most impressive thanks to the fact that it was also constructed to act as a temple. Lycian sarcophagi dot the streets, too, and you can clearly make out the ancient inscriptions on these stone coffins.
Another must-visit site in the city is the remains of its 11th century fort, which was established by the Knights of St John from Rhodes and the Genoese. Its location affords wonderful views of the bay and the city below, making it well worth the trip.
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can also visit destinations such as the ghost town of Kayakoy, which was abandoned in the 1920s, or the archaeological site of the ancient city of Telemessos.
