Planning a road trip in Turkiye? Türkiye Coast Tour is one of the best things to do in Türkiye to immerse yourself in the local culture and people, history, nature and food.
During a month trip to Turkey, I took a 2-week road trip on the Turkish coast from Antitalya to Izmir and had the best time.
The Turkish Riviera is a dreamy place, with a rugged cliff pouring into the glittering turquoise waters, ancient ruins peeking through lush green hills, and meals with Mezze and sea breeze sides.
There is something for everyone on this road trip.
In this guide, I will share a trip itinerary to learn how to plan a perfect 2 weeks in Turkiye by taking a road trip on the Turquoise Coast, including things to do, places to eat, accommodation and travel tips.
Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Riviera, also known as the turquoise coast, is a place to show off in Southwest Turkey: think of 600 miles of endless beaches, glittering Mediterranean and Aegean waters, ancient ruins and stunning mountain views.
Instagrammam is available no matter when you turn.
span AntalyaMuğla, and some aydın, İzmirAnd Mersin, this shoreline is filled with adventure, history, charm and delicious local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Reward Points: It is two of the seven wonders of the ancient world – the Mausoleum of Halicarnasus in Bodrum and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.
My 2-week Turkish Coast Road Trip Travel Video
Watch the entire 2-week Türkiye Riviera Road Trip on YouTube Playlist hereor embedded below. In these videos, you will be immersed in each city when I visit Antalya, Kas, Marmaris, Bodrum, Selcuk and Ephesus and Izmir.
Plan a turquoise coast road trip
Why a Turkish road trip in the Turkish Riviera? Because it can be free to explore at its own pace.
From bustling cities to quiet coastal towns, this tour itinerary allows you to do it all without feeling rushed.
Each site has its own atmosphere – symbolizing one day hang out on the beach and strolling through the ancient ruins while enjoying fresh seafood or local Turkish food next.
This kind of trip feels like a few holidays.
And (in some areas) the coastal drive is beautifully landscaped!
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Around the turquoise coast
There are many ways to travel on the coast of Türkiye. I Fly to Antalya From Cappadocia, Rent a carand then fly out of Izmir.
If you’re starting in Istanbul, you can consider Rent a car thereor Fly to Izmir and road trips to Antalya.
Renting a car is the best choice for your trip.
The coastal highway is in good condition and having your own wheels means you can stop when you need it, especially when the view takes your breath away.
I rented my car Cizgi Car Rental Because they are the most affordable for my research. Their deal went very smoothly, I had no problems at Antalya Airport and got off at Izmir Airport.
My 2-week car rental is 12,311.73TL (~usd324 or $23/day).
If driving isn’t your business, the bus is a good budget-friendly backup, but you have less flexibility as you have to follow the bus schedule.
And, you need to consider stricter seating arrangements, luggage conditions, and have to find your way out from the bus stop.
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Your Turkish Coast Road Trip begins in Antalya, the city effortlessly blends ancient history with modern relaxation.
Explore the historic old town of Kaleiçi, where you can stroll through narrow cobbled streets covered with Ottoman-era houses.
Spend time for a faint natural waterfall.
Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at Maribo Corba & Kebap, Onerim Doner, Citir Balik and Emsal Balik.
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A two-hour drive along the scenic Riviera Road takes you to Kaş, a charming town with a stunning body.
Spend a historic old town at the Antiphellos Theatre and sunbathe on the beach. Enjoy traditional Turkish food in local places such as Kervan Pide Ve Doner Salonu and Simitcim.
In the evening, Kaş’s cozy restaurant and lively seafront bar offer an ideal spot for relaxing attractions such as Cafe Corner Restaurant, Marina Restaurant and Nudo Waffle Dondurma. But don’t skip to shoot on a shooting pole.
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Next, drive 3.5 hours to Marmaris, where the atmosphere is full of vitality and enthusiasm.
Marmaris Castle and Marmaris Museum have glimpses of the area’s past, and the long seafront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Some of the best restaurants in Marmaris include Alzena Restaurant, Arada Burger, Saman Iskelesi. But if you want a nightlife, don’t skip bar street.
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Drive along the turquoise coast for 2.5 hours to reach Bodrum, combining leisurely coastal life with luxury.
St. Peter of Halicarnassus, ancient theaters and mausoleums are necessities for history lovers.
After sightseeing, relax in the beautiful beaches or windmills of Bodrum or land in the local market.
Some of the best restaurants in Bodrum I’ve tried are Bayram Balik, Dinc Restaurant, Mahfel Cafe and Yeni Bodrum Ocakbasi.
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Driving 2.5 hours to Selçuk, a quieter and relaxed atmosphere, the attraction is the attractions of the seven sleeper berths and the Temple of Artemis.
Some of the places to eat in Selcuk include seven sleeper pancake gardens, Amazon Bistro Café and bar, Bit Evers.
Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, and traveling through its ruins is like restoring time in time.
Highlights include the Celsus and the Great Theatre library. Also, nearby is the Virgin Mary’s house.
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Türkiye Coast Tour is a 1-hour drive to Izmir, a modern city with a historic soul. Kemeraltı Market is a maze of stalls where you can buy spices, antiques and local snacks.
Some things in Izmir include Kemeralti Market (scenic spots like Hisar Mosque and Kizlargasi Inn), Konak Square and Izmir Clock Tower in Konak Waterfront.
Some of the best places to eat at Kemeralti market include Deniz Yildizi, Selim de Izgara, Kumda Kahve, Elgani Ezmecizade and more.
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Best time to visit the Turkish Riviera
When is the best time to visit the Turquoise Coast for a road trip?
Ideally, this will be late spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).
These shoulder seasons are perfect for beating the heat of summer and avoiding the peak crowds of visitors while still enjoying the sunny skies and warm oceans.
I went from late November to early December and it was great because there were few tourists so most of the major attractions were not crowded.
But at the same timeDuring this period, some attractions and activities are not like boat tours, some beaches are closed, it is too cold anyway, and some programs won’t participate.
It is best to consider what kind of things you are going to do on this Turkiye trip to determine the best time to visit.
Stays on the Turkish Coast
My Turkish Coast Road Trip was a lifelong adventure and the places I left behind added a lot of features to the journey:
Below is an interactive map so you can see all the deals and prices on the Turkish coast. You can zoom out and move the map to explore:
packing list
The temperature range is very wide. Sometimes, I feel very hot and only wear a shirt. Sometimes I wear a light jacket.
It also rains on some days, but Turkey’s rain is usually a small outbreak, so be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat.
Please note that I’m from Canada so I can tolerate the cold better because when I visited Turkiye, Canada was already colder.
Here are examples of my outfits during my 2-week trip to the Turkish Riviera.
There you can use it – the ultimate travel guide and itinerary for planning your Turkish coast road trip!
This is the perfect combination of 2 weeks of food, history, relaxation and adventure in Türkiye.
Ready to go on the road? As always, travel and eat well!
