The Traveller's Magazine
Got the back-to-work-after-summer-holiday blues? No problem. The only cure is to get started on planning your next trip whether it be a fall getaway, winter holiday escape or next summer’s adventure. But let’s concentrate on the present, shall we? October is the month to head to Turkey’s turquoise coast for cheap.
Lycia is the western part of Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast and the Turkish Riviera. Whether you like to swim, yacht or dive, this place is for you. The coast is wildly rugged, with pine-covered mountains and craggy coves and gulfs. It’s a recipe for adventure.
Fly from London Luton to Dalaman for £154 (return, taxes included) with Monarch Airlines this October, departing on the 9th and returning on the 17th.
One week: what to see/do in Lycia?
Fethiye tombs
The mountain face along the southern side of Fethiye is covered in ancient cave tombs. You can climb up to them, just beware of falling and loose rocks. Don’t miss the carved Lycian sarcophagus in the middle of the road heading uphill to the cave tombs, it’s one of the best preserved in the world. There is another in the yard of the governor’s office as well.
Blue Lagoon
Not far from Fethiye is the famous Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz in Turkish. The star of the city is without a doubt the white sand beach and it’s deep blue waters, something out of story book. The beach is open from sunrise until 6:00pm. If you’re up for it, go paragliding for the best views of the lagoon from above.
Butterfly Valley (Faralya)
Just a short way from the Lagoon is this remote canyon with mountains on both sides and the sea at one end. The village is perched on the side of one of the mountains with its balconies and gardens overhanging, almost about to fall into the sea. The valley itself is home to some of the world’s endemic butterflies who live near the waterfalls on the canyon wall that is furthest from the sea. The pathway from the village to the canyon can be very dangerous terrain, always stick to the marked path.
Beldibi
Halfway between Antalya and Kemer is Beldibi, a seaside resort town which is the perfect place to base yourself while on holidays in Turkey. The city centre is very compact and laid out nicely for visitors and has a very international feel to it, in a good way. In October there are plenty of hotel deals to be had at the resorts along the sea since it’ll be off-peak time.
Want to discover more of Turkey? Take it one World Heritage Site at a time. Don’t miss the country’s unique hamam culture either!
