TURKEY: Antalya
Turkey offers a heady mix of sunshine, hospitality, curiosity, good food, natural beauty and history. Backed by the sweeping Taurus Mountains and stretching right the way from the city of Antalya along to the Syrian border, Turkey's Mediterranean coast incorporates long swathes of sun-baked sandy beaches, stunning turquoise seas and a wealth of archaeological sites. During antiquity, this area was the hub of the known world but subsequently faded into obscurity. However, over recent years the delights of this startlingly beautiful coastline have been rediscovered and the area around Antalya has risen to become a favourite Mediterranean escape
The distinctive Aegean Coast and the 'Turquoise' Mediterranean Coast are home to many of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations, and it's not hard to see why. Families and beach lovers flock here for the unbeatable combination of endless beaches and blue seas, while older families find something for everyone in the bigger, busier resorts. Couples of all ages head for the calmer, quainter resorts, while for the more intrepid, Turkey is a country literally littered with historical sights and its rich and varied landscape offers some highly recommended hiking. With something for everyone, Turkey pulls in all kinds of tourism. Along both of Turkey's major holiday coasts, white-washed towns neighbour huge marinas, and major cities have emerged alongside picturesque resorts that have lost little of their native flavour. The Aegean Coast is known for its cosmopolitan cities, pretty villages and spectacular sights, while on the Mediterranean Coast, mountains sweep down to the shoreline and beach resorts abound. With bustle of big resorts such as Gumbet and Marmaris, the subtler blend of old and new in Bodrum and Antalya or the beauty of Icmeler and Olu Deniz, Turkey has well and truly ensured it has catered for every type of holiday.
Beaches
Like a picture postcard, Turkey's Mediterranean coast overflows with golden beaches lapped by clear blue seas. If you want to kick your shoes off and sink your toes in to velvety-soft sands, head to the resort of Side, renowned for its 10km stretch of beach. Its popularity means that it can draw crowds and so if it does get busy, head off to nearby Sorgun or Kumboy, which are a lot quieter and provide a more intimate setting. Meanwhile, Antalya's shingle beach is famed for its dramatic backdrop – an elegant palm-fringed promenade sandwiched between dramatic cliffs and soaring mountains. Further along the coast, at Alanya, you'll find an 11km sandy sweep and a range of watersports to choose from, including water-skiing, scuba diving and parasailing. Nearby Incekum is also well worth seeking out – its swathe of fine, soft sands is backed by sweet-smelling pine forests.
Eating out
Turkey's Mediterranean coast is packed with eateries – everything from fast food joints to traditional restaurants. No trip, however, would be complete without trying some authentic meze. These hors d'oeuvre-like dishes normally comprise at least 15 or so delicacies such as pan-fried liver, garlicky yoghurt infused with coriander and vine-wrapped rice parcels flavoured with herbs, currants and pine nuts. If you're looking for something a little lighter, perhaps order Turkey's ubiquitous shepherd's salad, made from tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers and onions dressed with just a squeeze of lemon juice. Turkish meals usually end simply with a tiny cup of strong black coffee. Introduced into the Ottoman court in 1555 by Syrian traders, coffee is now an essential element of Turkish life. It is said that after draining your cup, you are able to read your own fortune in the coffee grounds. Tea is also hugely popular and is served in little tulip-shaped glasses and sweetened with large spoonfuls of sugar.
Nightlife
Whether you're looking to dance the night away beneath the stars or engage with the locals in a typical Turkish watering hole, you'll find cutting edge nightclubs rubbing shoulders with traditional gazinos along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. A themed Turkish Night is always good fun too and usually includes a range of regional dances, including belly dancing and whirling dervishes.
Shopping
Whether you're looking to treat yourself to a little something or searching out momentos for friends and family, Turkish bazaars offer rich pickings. A symphony of blue, green and crimson, kutahya porcelain is particularly popular with its series of concentric circles and interweaving patterns. Of course, hand-woven woollen rugs are the ultimate in Turkish souvenirs. From rich reds to earthy browns, from intricate patterns to simple motifs, Turkish carpets are infinite in their variety. Enjoy haggling with the stallholder – it's part and parcel of the bazaar experience.
