Page 53 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

PHOTOS: GO TÜRKIYE
As an entrée to this star-studded
destination, many travellers arrive in the
vibrant city of İstanbul, often regarded as
Türkiye’s cultural heart, for their
introduction to this fascinating country that
straddles two continents. İstanbul is often
viewed as a cultural crossroad between East
and West. Still in winter, when the sun shines
on hidden coves and glassy inlets, travellers
should consider bypassing the urban frenzy
in favour of the alluring coastal cities of
southwestern Türkiye.
Feast on fresh fish and sip Turkish coffee
while unwinding from your day of sun and
sea, revelling in the unsung treasure that is
the Turquoise Coast. A thriving vacationer’s
hub, Antalya is the most significant resort
city of the Turkish Riviera situated in the
province sharing the same name (Antalya).
The nearby archaeological wonders of
Termessos, Xanthos-Letoon and Patara,
alongside the secluded beaches and pine-
scented forests of the Lycian Way, make this
destination unmissable.
Historical Cities and
the Lycian Way of Life
Unlike Alexander the Great, who besieged
Termessos in 333 BCE but was unsuccessful in
forcing a surrender, intrepid travellers can
now conquer this archaeological treasure by
simply driving 45 minutes from Antalya
followed by a short hike to discover this
hidden gem. Don’t miss the ancient
sarcophagi that line the street of a still
magnificent avenue, or the semi-circular,
crumbling theatre with its panoramic views
of the valley below.
While a ribbon of beach, sand dunes and
ancient ruins may not portray
images of Christmas, Patara, the
birthplace of St. Nicholas, is the
perfect place to blow away winter
blues and ignite your holiday spirit.
One of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities on the
Mediterranean, Patara’s ancient ties
to democracy—it was home to the
world’s first democratic council—
complements its spectacular natural
wonders, including nesting logger-
head sea turtles.
The ancient city of Xanthos-
Letoon, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, was once a commercial and
cultural hub for the Lycians and
their ancient capital. Explore the
pillar tombs and pillar-mounted
sarcophagi before continuing to
follow in the footsteps of these early
KAŞ, ANTALYA
KALEIÇI, ANTALYA
ELEGANT BEACHSIDE
RESORTS, BOUTIQUE HOTELS
AND GLAMPING SPOTS
Whether you’re craving a secluded getaway with exclu-
sive ocean views and private beaches, or you’re longing
for the action of a bustling city centre, the Turkish Riviera
has a collection of well-appointed resorts that offer lux-
urious rooms or villas, soothing spas, pristine pools and
sports and entertainment facilities that cater to all ages.
If you’re looking for a rustic place to lay your head
for the night, choose to camp under the stars on a
secluded beach or book a rustic cabin in the woods.
Combine the comfort of a hotel with the adventure of
camping with a unique glamping experience or immerse
yourself in local hospitality and culture by booking a
family-run boutique hotel or rental house in one of the
smaller villages that cluster along the coastline.
SET SAIL TO THE TURKISH RIVIERA
residents. This city, like
the impressive necropolis
carved into the surrounding
rock cliffs, will scratch a
historic itch for ancient
Lycian architecture and
influence. Phaselis, a once
vital and busy port city, is
also worthy of a journey.
The Labyrinthine Lycian Way
Wind your way along the pathways that
comprise roughly 540-kilometre foot
trails of the Lycian Way. The well-marked
trails running from Fethiye to Antalya are
commemorative of the ancient Lycian
civilization that once presided here. An
exploration of the lush forests and sea
cliffs of Türkiye’s first long-distance
hiking trail will reveal hidden beaches,
the must-see Gelidonya Lighthouse,
charming mountain villages and a
beautiful butterfly valley near Faralya.
WINTER 2024/2025 DREAMSCAPES 53