Beyond the Turkish Riviera — Kaş & the Lycian Coast

A quieter side of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast

Beyond Turkish Riviera is for travellers who want to see more than the familiar resort strip. We focus on places with a strong sense of place: Kaş, Kalkan, Çıralı, Olympos, Fethiye, ancient Lycia and the less obvious corners of the Turkish Riviera.

This is not a race through a checklist of sights. It is about understanding the rhythm of the coast: small coves, evenings by the harbour, ancient ruins, mountain roads, local restaurants and slower ways to travel.

Where to begin

**Kaş** is the best base for a sense of discovery: clear water, diving, boat trips, Lycian history and excellent day trips.

**Kalkan** has a more polished evening atmosphere, with rooftop terraces, sunsets, boutique hotels and long dinners overlooking the bay.

**Çıralı and Olympos** combine nature with history: a long beach, the flames of Yanartaş, forest, ruins and a more laid-back style of travel.

**Fethiye** brings together Ölüdeniz, boat trips, Kayaköy, Göcek, marinas and Lycian rock tombs.

How to use this guide

Think of the site as an independent travel magazine rather than a catalogue. Start with one destination, or use the guides to build a longer journey along south-western Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

A gulet cruise around Kaş, Kekova and Fethiye

One of the best ways to understand this coastline is from the water. A gulet cruise reveals coves that are difficult to reach by road, the sunken remains around Kekova and the unhurried rhythm of a day aboard a traditional wooden boat.

Read our guide to gulet cruising

Kaş, Meis and Mediterranean light

Kaş is not defined by a single attraction. It is the view as a whole: the sea, the Greek island of Meis on the horizon, the small harbour, the mountains and light that changes throughout the day.

Xanthos and the deeper history of Lycia

Beyond the Turkish Riviera — Kaş & the Lycian Coast is part of the wider story of the Lycian Coast, where Mediterranean landscapes, local life and layers of ancient history can still be experienced at an unhurried pace.

Explore Xanthos and Letoon

Explore more of the Lycian Coast

Kaş travel guide · Lycian Coast · Xanthos & Letoon · Patara · Kekova & Simena · Myra & Demre · Lycian Way · Best day trips from Kaş