Turkish Riviera

    

Holidays in Turkey - the sophisticated Gulf class
Ancient sites, azure seas, endless beaches and a climate that makes you forget the winter dreariness of Europe - these were and still are the common arguments for sun worshippers and bargain tourists to travel to the nearby Turkish Riviera. Bed castles, many in the 5-star range with all-inclusive offers, are springing up like mushrooms on picturesque coasts, dunes by the sea or between shady pines and pine trees. In addition to the still sensational prices, high-quality hotels are increasingly attracting an exclusive clientele with interesting offers. These range from luxury villas and private spas to butler service. Reason enough to take a closer look at these 5-star and 5-star-plus "hotel castles" - with the question: "Is all that glitters really gold?"

Turkey - A country with many facets
It would be a shame and unfair to reduce the country between the Orient and the Occident solely to its beaches, the many water sports on offer and the low prices. Rich in history and culture, charming cities, impressive historical sites and breathtaking natural scenery, Turkey and its coasts in particular offer just the right amount of relaxation and cultural history. A vacation option tailor-made for families, water freaks, golfers, culture vultures and jet-setters.

Due to its geographical location between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Turkey is like a corridor between Asia and Europe, opening the door to the East for Europeans. While two thirds of the country in the east belongs to Asia Minor or Anatolia, the remaining 24,378 km2 of Turkey is located in the European part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is surrounded by three different seas - the Mediterranean Sea in the south, the Aegean Sea in the west and the Black Sea in the north.

This has contributed to the fact that Turkey has always maintained relations with countries all over the world. The 8,272 km of coastline and the country's special bridging function may have been the reason for numerous migrations of peoples and the course of trade routes.

Mediterranean, with historical charm - Antalya
One of the most famous port cities and best-known vacation metropolis is Antalya on the south coast of Turkey. The city's international reputation dates back thousands of years. After all, Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks conquered the city before it came under Ottoman rule. A walk to Hadrian's Gate, which was erected by the inhabitants in 130 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, is a reminder of this.

The small, dreamy fishing village has now become a modern provincial capital with Mediterranean charm, wide palm-lined boulevards, beaches, parks and an interesting and lively cultural scene. Of course, every holidaymaker is first drawn to the old town "Kaleiçi" with its many winding alleyways, romantic corners, Ottoman houses with their colorful bazaars and vendors who lure you in with perfect German. Here you will find everything your heart desires - fakes from Rolex and Louis Vuitton bags to Burberry outfits. But modern brands are also available here at sensationally low prices - if you can overlook a few small flaws in the replicas.

From the small bars here, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the old harbour with its many excursion boats, fish restaurants and bars and of the snow-capped Lycian Taurus Mountains at an altitude of 3,086 meters. As the area around the old port was literally bursting at the seams, a new, highly regarded marina was built around 10 kilometers west of Antalya, where the daily fish market now also takes place. Incidentally, fish is still relatively cheap in the small "local pubs": you pay around eight euros for a grilled 400 g sea bream. The whole menu with mezze (typical starter variation à la antipasti), fish, side dish and a bottle of Turkish Chardonnay is available for the equivalent of 45 euros. The conversion is relatively simple: 1 TL is around 50 cents. There are hotels in and around Antalya for every budget and taste - from stylish and modern in the west to monumentally spruced up in the eastern part near Lara.

Worth a trip: golfing in Belek
But what would this region be without Belek? At least the international golf scene would be one attribute poorer! 14 magnificent 18-hole courses with equally fine hotels just 30 km east of Antalya attract winter-weary golfers from all over Europe every year, leaving them raving about the excellently manicured fairways and perfect greens - nestled in a fascinating landscape between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean. However, those who want to explore the town will be disappointed - Belek is synonymous with beach vacations and golf, golf, golf! This guest clientele is paid tribute to here: nowhere else is there such a concentration of 5-star "palaces" with very different architecture and interior design - from cool and purist to swanky and overloaded. The selectable "all-inclusive" offer is also of high quality across the board and shines with an incredible selection of Turkish and international cuisine.

Elsa-Maria Honecker

Photo: © Rosel Eckstein / pixelio.de

The coast between the cities of Antalya, Belek, Side and Alanya is a hot spot for the all-inclusive crowd. Recently, however, the region has also been discovered by discerning individual travelers: exquisite golf courses and hotels make this possible.

Fläche

783.562 km²

Bevölkerung

74,93 Millionen

Hauptstadt

Istanbul

Religion

99% of the Turkish population are Muslims. Of these, around 80 to 85 % are Sunnis and the remaining 15 to 20 % are Alevis

Beste Reisezeit

Frühjahr, Herbst

Klima

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Max. Temperaturen151618212630343331272217
Min. Temperaturen67811161923221915118

Zeitverschiebung

UTC +2 Std

Währung

Türkische Lira

Visa

Reisende aus Deutschland und der Schweiz brauchen kein Visum. Österreichische Staatsbürger erhalten ein Visum für 25 Euro bei der Einreise. Nähere Informationen bei Ihrer Botschaft.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations for entry into Turkey are generally not necessary, but you should enquire about preventive measures at a tropical institute, your family doctor or your health insurance company before your trip. We recommend that you take out travel health insurance. Information without guarantee.

Food in Turkey -
R
estaurant tips for the Turkish Riviera



Turkish cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of dishes.
preparation of dishes. A lot of fresh ingredients are used, such as
vegetables, meat, fish and olive oil, which are bought directly from the markets.
directly from the markets. Typical dishes in Turkey are fried,
fried or served with yoghurt; vegetable dishes are usually eaten on their own or
eaten on their own or with meat, or unconventionally prepared with olive oil
prepared with olive oil and eaten cold. A lot of lamb, beef and veal is also eaten,
and chicken - pork is not eaten due to the beliefs of Muslims.
Muslims do not eat pork.
 

Excursions Turkish
Riviera - ancient cities and caves



Antalya is one of the most important cities and the largest tourist center in Turkey. To the east, the Düden waterfall cascades over steep cliffs into the sea and to the west, surrounded by pine forests and mountains, lies the famous vacation resort of Kemer with its wonderful sandy beaches. Here, the ruins of the Lycian cities of Arikanda and Termessos high in the mountains amidst a magical mountain world are particularly worth a visit. Near the coast, you will find the remains of ancient cultures in the villages of Olympos, Kale, Kekova and Kas.


Wellness vacation in
Turkey - Let yourself be pampered



The many thermal springs, the proximity to the sea and the beautiful
beautiful landscape make Turkey the perfect place to relax and unwind.
and relaxation seekers. The Turkish hammam - a steam bath that is mainly used in
mainly used in the Arab world and Turkey - stands for top-class wellness.
top class wellness. The bathhouses operated in Turkey can usually look back on a long
years of tradition and date back to a long-forgotten time.
forgotten time. The bathing culture of Turkey is characterized by a high
purity value, which is due to the strict purity regulations of Islam.
is due to the strict purity regulations of Islam. Turkish bathhouses are considered an oasis of peace and beauty
and beauty and are sumptuously furnished on the inside, in order to not only
body and soul, but also the spirit.


The Turkish wellness area has partly adapted to the wishes of its
the wishes of its guests and has been offering thalassotherapy
the typical hammam, Thalasso therapies, Ayurveda treatments and color
color therapies. The sea air and pleasant temperatures do their
perfect wellness vacation in Turkey.

Hotels