Places to Visit

Ephesus
Positively the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean Ephesus, under the Romans, was a vast city with a population nearing 250,000. It revelled in its prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see its great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Carefully restored, top sights within the huge archaeological area include the Great Theatre once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time, Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares), the Temple of Serapis, the elegant façades of the Temple of Hadrian and the awesome Library of Celsus. Off Curetes Way are ancient public toilets, a brothel, remains of fountains and various temples. Be sure to look out for some of the ancient Roman graffiti and inscriptions on Curetes Way.

Pamukkale
Known locally as the Cotton Castles, Pamukkale is a natural phenomena and gift of Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs, known as travertines. At the very top of the travertine pools is Pamukkale Thermal, where a pleasant dip can be enjoyed in the warm waters amongst submerged fragments of fluted marble columns. It is thought the natural pool once formed the centre of the ruined Roman spa town of Hierapolis, which was a cure centre founded around 190 BC by the Romans. Walking through the chunks of marble ruins dotted around haphazardly, the star attraction of Hierapolis has to be the partially restored Roman theatre, once capable of seating more than 12,000 spectators.

Turquoise Coast region - Fethiye
A seaside town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, fringed by the Taurus Mountains, Fethiye is stunningly situated. Fethiye, a charming coastal port with a breathtaking outer bay strewn with islands, is a good base from which to opt to enjoy a good range of beaches and coastline. Fethiye itself offers a choice of charming cafes, bars and restaurants, not to mention shops, just perfect for a relaxing afternoon. From here you can opt to take a boat cruise to some of the offshore islands, explore the Lycian ruins dotted about the coast or just maroon yourself at a beach or bar! Fethiye is also usually the port from which gulet cruises depart.

Marmaris

Is as classy as the southern coastal towns get. This is where Those of us with 40m floating sports cars like to keep them in the winter and the amount of money that comes into this town in the season has enabled it to develop with a degree of restraint and taste that has made it the envy of the wannabee marina towns from Izmir to Antalya. It can be a real eye opener to wander around the 'big' marina of an evening, lubricated with a couple of beers, and watch the other half at play.
For most of us though, Marmaris supplies some great restaurants, good shopping, a variety of nightlife and proximity to some good beaches. It's also a favourite departure point for Mavi Yol (the blue road) cruises of the undeniably gorgeous Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.