5-Day Road Trip Along the Turkish Riviera Coast

Imagine for a second that you are driving through history; each stop you make takes you to a different civilisation. One second you find yourself in the capital city of the Lycian League, a civilisation distinguished for its representative democracy, and a second later you are in a city that was founded in the Bronze Age. This is a journey to behold.

Yes, what distinguishes a road trip along the Turkish Riviera coast is its historical significance. However, you are not only discovering history; you are also swimming in one of the world's finest waters, feeling the sun's warm embrace, camping near the remnants of ancient cities, and experiencing theatre in one of the most well-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Get your gears ready, we’re going on the road!

15 Points

450 km

10 h

Route points

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Patara marks the start of our adventure. Now located near the modern-day town of Gelemiş in Antalya, Patara served as the capital of the Lycian League, a civilisation of notable influence, whose federal democratic political system inspired contemporary societies. 2020 was designated as the Year of Patara in Türkiye due to its historical and environmental significance.

While visiting Patara, make sure to sunbathe on Patara Beach, one of Türkiye’s longest beaches. The beach is an archaeological and ecological gem, as it is home to Caretta caretta. To discover more about things to do in Patara, such as kitesurfing, beach horseback riding, and dune trekking, see our page: Patara.

Near the beautiful waters of Kaş resides a special city, Antiphellos. The city originated as the port of Phellos, benefiting from a strategic location for maritime trade. The Antiphellos Theatre, constructed in the 1st century BCE, offers a stunning panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

Just before arriving at Antiphellos Archaeological Site, make a stop at Hidayet Cove, one of Kaş's hidden gems. This breathtaking cove is known for its crystal-clear turquoise seas, rocky coastline, and deep water, making it excellent for snorkelling. It features a diverse marine life that will transform your swimming experience into a sightseeing adventure.

Maybe one of the most striking places in the world, Olympos stands out as a captivating ancient city of Lycia. Now located in Antalya, Çıralı, Olympos was a prominent coastal city, recognised for its maritime trade, strategic location, and mythological importance.

Among Türkiye’s camping spots, Olympos stands out. No matter where you set up a tent, you'll be surrounded by verdant landscapes, historic sites, and beautiful beaches. The famed Yanartaş (Chimaera) flames, along with opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, snorkelling, and more, make Olympos a paradise for adventurers.

Perge was a thriving cultural, commercial, and religious centre in antiquity, and it is an outstanding example of Hellenistic and Roman urban design. The historic city of Perge, located in Aksu, Antalya, can trace its roots back to the Bronze Age.

Because of its proximity to the city centre, Perge Archaeological Site offers easy access to a wide variety of attractions. Among Antalya's most well-known beaches, Lara Beach is home to five-star hotels and a variety of water sports. Contrarily, Belek Beach is ideal for those who enjoy nature and golf at one of the many luxurious resorts in the area.

Aspendos has unmatched value because it is home to one of the world's best-preserved theatres. With its majestic architecture and outstanding acoustics, the Aspendos Theatre is still functioning and hosts plays. Why wouldn't we celebrate the end of our road trip with a theatrical performance?

Aspendos is famous not only for its theatre, but also for its commercial value. It was an important cultural and military city throughout the Roman period due to its strategic location, superb infrastructure, and economic wealth.