Our handy guide to some of the best stops on the Turkish Riviera ventures to the extreme west, where some of the best views and culinary delights of the Mediterranean await.

?esme

Many Greek island hoppers favour the confines of ?esme as a welcome escape. The town in the province of Izmir is by no means a hidden gem and although popular with tourists all over the globe, still represents a wonderful stop on the Riviera. A stone’s throw from the Greek island of Chios, ?esme has a party atmosphere, with notable nightlife, great beaches and restaurants that serve up the catch of the day. For a preeminent beach resort holiday with a touch of the exotic, ?esme is a great bet.

Kusadasi

Surrounded by ancient sites and beautiful natural landmarks, Kusadasi provides more of a complete Turkish Riviera experience than most towns on the coast. The Aegean coast mind you, not Mediterranean, with Guvercin Ada peninsula and Mount Ida as the principal geographic features around town. You could scarcely find a more wondrous location if you scoured the entire province of Aydin. Besides gorgeous beaches and waterfront property, Kusadasi is dotted with priceless antiquity in the form of Ephesus, the Greek city whose famous Temple of Artemis was built in 550 B.C., the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and Miletus, whose city ruins includes a phenomenal amphitheatre. Along with the hot springs and UNESCO World Heritage site of Pamukkale, Kusadasi affords great tourist value.

Bodrum

Bodrum is clearly not a place where boredom runs rampant. In the province of Mugla and across from the Greek island of Kos, the port town is a popular destination for jetsetters with big toys – namely yachts. The harbour is full of them but worry not, the former ancient city of Halicarnassus offers more than vicarious voyeurism. How about one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for starters? The Turkish Riviera has two of them, incredibly. The Mausoleum of Mausolus is one of them, the ruins of which are in Bodrum. A more visible piece of priceless architecture, although much more recent in construction, is the castle that looms over the yacht-populated marina. A product of the Crusades in the 15th century, Bodrum Castle now hosts more congenial events and attractions, from music festivals to a museum of archaeology. Although the local population is constantly at odds with wealthy retirees and expat real estate investors from Europe, if you show more interest in the endemic culture and cuisine and less on the yachts and expensive retailers, Bodrum will be a highlight on your Turkish Riviera tour.

Marmaris

Another jewel in Mugla province is Marmaris, a favourite with regular vacationers to the proximate island of Rhodes. Thanfully, a tacky development surge three decades ago to bolster tourism did little to tarnish the natural beauty of the port city. Like other stops along the coastline, the population soars in peak tourist season to well over 300,000 people, although local residents number in the mere thousands. Many come to Marmaris on cruiselines or to sail, especially in winter months when the weather and water conditions are just about ideal. If you plan to escape here, and make no mistake about it, you could do a lot worse than Marmaris, remember your history when you walk around town. As part of ancient Anatolia, Marmaris has been in existence in one form or another since at least the 6th century B.C. – although if you believe Herodotus, 2,000 years before that.

Fethiye

Fethiye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, let alone the Riviera region. In the summer months the city absolutely explodes, way beyond the native population of 68,000. Fethiye sits on the ancient city of Telmessos, whose ruins demand visitation, even for the most lazy beach bums out there. While the crystal turquoise waters are difficult to leave, idyllic as they are, the city has so much to offer otherwise.

The Tourus Mountains, specifically Mount Mendos on which Fethiye is built, frame the bay of the same name beautifully and require exploration. In terms of cuisine, the city boasts first class markets that sell a cornucopia of fresh produce and seafood, with eager restaurant chefs nearby at the ready to cook up your catch. Half day excursions to archaeological sites, such as the Lycian rock tombs and ancient town of Kaya Koy, and to the famous “Blue Lagoon” of Olu Deniz are popular tourist options.

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