The Mediterranean Region
 

South of the majestic Taurus Mountains lie the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with its beaches of fine sand, vistas of rare and rugged beauty, many ancient ruins, hidden coves and alluring vacation getaways. The region is bathed in sunshine 300 days a year, and is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. You can also explore important historical sites dating back thousands of years,

set in a landscape of pine forests and citrus groves and learn about the mythology that is intertwined with the area. The Mediterranean coast is as full of antique artifacts as the Aegean. In the ancient Lycian region, west of Antalya, you can experience the beauty of the mountain cities of Termessos and Arikand, as well as the coastal

towns such as Olimpos, Kale, Kekova and Kas. The ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are located on the coastal plane east of Antalya, originally called Pamphylia. Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most important cities and is Turkey's hottest vacation spot, with the beaches of Konyaalti to the west and Lara to the east, lying at the foot of Antalya's massive mountain range. It is an attractive holiday getaway with palm-lined streets, beautiful parks, an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and a picturesque marina. The Asagi Duden Waterfall to the east flows over huge boulders into the sea. West of Antalya is the attractive little holiday town of Kemer, famous for its sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests and mountains. The next big town east of Antalya is Alanya, a panoramic port city on the southern slopes of the majestic Taurus Mountains surrounded by orange, lemon and banana groves. Used by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat as a winter residence, Alanya’s shipyard date back to the same era and was one of the most advanced in the world at that time. It is also famous for its 9th century castle and its popular beaches.