Welcome to the Turkish Riviera, where sun-soaked the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and a vibrant culture, lures in solo travelers from around the globe. Since my first solo visit to Turkey in 2019, I have returned over 15 times, for a yearly coastal road trip to my favorite hidden gems, along this stunning coast.
Lets explore six dreamy costal villages, that need to be added to your Turkey bucket list. Renting a car during your journey is an absolute game-changer, allowing you the freedom to craft your own itinerary and navigate at your own pace. These all can be explored starting in Bodrum, and cruising along scenic coastal roads.
#1: Bodrum, Turkey
Revered as the “St. Tropez of Turkey” the Bodrum region extends across a large area along the coast of the Aegean Sea, each neighborhood offering very different vibes. For your first visit, I would recommend staying in either Bodrum Town or Yalikavik, located about 20 minutes north.
Bodrum Town is full of romantic seaside restaurants, stunning beaches and world class nightlife. A good place to stay is near the Bodrum Castle, where you will find a maze of cobblestone streets lined with cute shops, cafes, and waterfront pubs. If you really want to party, walk or taxi over to nearby Gumbet, the citys main nightlife district. This area is full of electric Beach Clubs featuring world class DJs, Watersports and when the sun sets, the areas bars and clubs really come alive.
If you are looking for a more relaxed luxurious holiday, stay in Yalikavak, located just 20 minutes from Bodrum Town. Its still close enough to Bordrum Town, you can visit during your stay. Yalikavak is known for is Luxurious waterfront Palmarina, lined with Mega Yachts. During the day you can shop along the marina or head to a luxury day club. While Yalikavak doesn't have the thumping nightclub scene like Gumbet, it offers a more sophisticated nightlife experience. You'll find chic bars and lounges around the Palmarina, playing live music and serving creative cocktails.
Check out my destination guide on Bodrum, for the best bars and attractions to check out when visiting HERE
#2: Marmaris, Turkey
Set at the base of the Taurus Mountain range, along the coast of the Aegean Sea, Marmaris is a resort town located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. Marmaris boasts a stunning marina, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Along the Marina, you will find chic seaside cafe's, lounges and rooftop bars. Just set behind the main waterfront, you'll find a maze of shops local traditional restaurants. If you're looking for lively nightlife, head to Bar Street located behind the Marina, a vibrant strip packed with bars, pubs, and clubs.
If you want to stay directly on the beach, Marmaris Beach is just a short walk from the Marina/City Center. Many hotels on Marmaris Beach are close to the harbor and town center, making it easy to explore other attractions. Located a short distance from Marmaris, Icmeler Beach offers a more relaxed and upscale atmosphere.
Check out my destination guide on Marmaris, for the best bars and attractions to check out when visiting HERE
#3: Gocek, Turkey
Gocek, Turkey is a small fishing village, that is known for its a prestigious marina and a canal leading to waterfront villa, reminiscent of Venice, Italy. The harbor leads out to a larger bay with numerous coves and inlets. The town serves as a hub for sailing enthusiasts, offering easy access to the beautiful bays and islands of the surrounding Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Visitors can rent yachts or join sailing tours to explore the coastline.
The quaint Village town with waterfront cafe's & boutique shops, cater to luxury travelers seeking a relaxing getaway. The town center has a good selection of upscale bars and lounges with a focus on ambience and quality drinks. Think comfy seating, scenic views of the harbor, and a curated selection of cocktails and wines. Places like The Yacht Club Restaurant offer a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy an evening drink.
#4: Oludeniz, Turkey
Oludeniz, Turkey is a world-renowned paragliding spot. The first thing you will notice arriving, is the surreal teal blue waters against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Babadağ. The vibe is very relaxed and chill here, but the crown jewel of Oludeniz is undeniably the Blue Lagoon, a picture-perfect beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a protected status that limits development.
Oludeniz is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Visit the mesmerizing Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, a bustling town with a lively market and ancient ruins, or Kayaköy, a fascinating ghost town. You can also find yoga retreats that cater to those seeking a more holistic and wellness-focused experience.
Check out my destination guide on Oludeniz, for the best bars and attractions to check out when visiting HERE
#5: Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is famous for its ancient Lycian rock tombs, carved into the cliffs overlooking the city. it boasts a beautiful and award-winning marina called Ece Marina . This modern marina is known for its stunning views overlooking the town and bay, and a luxurious atmosphere. It caters to yachts and luxury boats, offering a safe harbor and upscale amenities for boaters.
Fethiye also has a stunning coastline, with Calis Beach being a popular spot with lively beach promenade with numerous restaurants, shops, and beach clubs. In the evenings, Old town, is packed with closely-knit bars and pubs, and at night has a lively atmosphere with live music spilling out onto the streets.
#6: Kas, Turkey
This charming coastal town has become one of my absolute favorites, that I return to year after year. It exudes a laid-back bohemian vibe, that instantly puts you into vacation mode. The whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant pink flowers, panoramic cliffside day clubs and charming cafés, offering the perfect spot to relax and take in the Turkish Riviera. Kas is also considered one of Turkey's premier scuba diving destinations, thanks to its abundance of marine life, underwater caves, and wreck sites.
The small village of Kas, looks like its straight out of a storybook. Explore the winding cobblestone streets, full of picture perfect cafe's, coffee shops and artisan boutique shops. During the day, you can party at a chic cliffside day club, and by night you can easily explore different bars on foot, hopping between spots with different vibes throughout the evening.
BONUS STOP: If you are renting a car, make sure to stop at the famous Kaputas Beach, located on the coast about 25 minutes, before you drive into Kas. Its known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs that rise up from the shore. You can access it right from the coastal road, where there is a long staircase down the cliffs.
Check out my destination guide on Kas, for the best bars and attractions to check out when visiting HERE
If you haven't explored the Turkish Riviera yet, you're missing out on some serious coastal coolness. These dreamy destinations are a game-changer, blending relaxation, culture, and jaw-dropping beauty along the Turkish Riviera. Check out my destination guides for more insider tips on destinations around the globe:
In 2018, I took my first solo trip to Italy, igniting my wanderlust and love for new travel experiences. It also helped me get over my fear of solo travel. Like many I juggle a 9-to-5 job in Atlanta, and have mastered the art of travel with limited time off. If you are visiting a destination for the first time, say hello to Zingaro Anthology's simple, carefully crafted destination guides offering straight to the point tips on where to stay, play and party at hotspots around the globe.
Comments