Published 4th Nov. 2025
Written by Kate Little
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On a recent research trip to Turkey, our Europe specialist, Kate, spent two weeks road-tripping between the country’s historic sites and hidden coastal towns. She kayaked around the sunken city of Kekova, stepped back in time at Ephesus and filled up on lots of Menemen (we don’t blame her). From marvelling at Pamukkale’s mineral water pools to glamping beneath the pines in Faralya, it was an adventure to remember. Keen to know more? Read on for the highlights of Kate’s trip...
I spent two weeks driving around Turkey, visiting its ancient ruins and natural wonders – it was such a treat. After touching down in Antalya, I explored the archaeological sites along the Lycian Coast before heading to the Datca Peninsula. From there, it was on to Pamukkale and the charming village of Sirince, followed by Ephesus, Alacati and Izmir.
Image by Kate Little.
Where do I start? I visited so many incredible historic sites, from kayaking around the sunken city of Kekova to exploring the well-restored ruins of Patara, Xanthos and Letoon. During my sea kayaking adventure, I saw the submerged remains of the ancient city that sank after the second-century earthquakes. There were even fragments of amphorae, the ancient pots used to store grain. And I can’t forget the seriously cool sunset hike along the Lycian Way, where fragrant wild thyme and scarlet pomegranates lined the path, and, of course, plenty of sarcophagi (stone coffins).
Image by Kate Little.
The people. From the brilliant guides to the warmth of Turkish hospitality, I really felt part of the family. And then there were the views: glass-clear waters, boutique properties and lovely towns really made the trip extra special. Kas, in particular, was a great base for exploring the historic sites, with nearby beaches and a friendly, laidback atmosphere. What’s not to love?
Yes! Faralya, perched along the Lycian Way, is a beautiful secret spot. I especially loved the Perdue Hotel, which was tucked away in the pine forests and had lots of glamping-style tents. Right on the coastline, it’s the perfect destination to celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries and even proposals. A trip here can also be paired with a Gulet cruise for a few days if you really want to escape the crowds and explore lesser-trodden treasures. Keep your eyes peeled, as they’re hopefully opening a family-friendly sister property called Cleo in Turkey’s Datca Peninsula sometime next year.
Image by Kate Little.
Menemen on repeat! This traditional Turkish scrambled egg dish, made with peppers, tomatoes and onions, is a favourite across the country. I also had so many delicious shish kebabs, fresh salads and local cheeses.
I learnt just how many ancient sites there are that aren’t as popular as Ephesus, such as Patara, Letoon and Xanthos. However, they’re every bit as incredible when explored with a guide. I also learnt that the village of Patara is supposedly the birthplace of St. Nicholas, who inspired the modern-day figure of Father Christmas. The more you know!
Image by Kate Little.
I’d never stopped in the road to re-position a tortoise before! Definitely a first for my road trip adventures…
Ephesus! It's a classic, and although it’s busy, it really is amazing. The old library is very well-restored, and the new museum, which I sadly didn’t have time to visit, is supposed to be incredible. A guide is super valuable here too, as there’s very little information at the sites themselves and many of the artefacts are housed in nearby museums (or even in the British Museum), so understanding the context is really helpful.
I was surprised by how easy driving was and how safe I felt. I think a lot of people have a misconception that Turkey isn’t very safe, but everyone I met was extremely warm and welcoming.
Don’t stay in one place or think of Turkey as just a beach flop destination. It’s unbelievably rich in culture, history and food. Rent a car and explore the many ancient sites and beautiful beaches along the Lycian Coast; it makes for a great road trip if you give it a chance. Plus, we have some gorgeous properties to choose from.
Image by Kate Little.
Header Image by Kate Little. Written by Kate Little.
Boasting incredible cuisine, stunning scenery and a rich history, Turkey can often feel overwhelming – but that’s where our talented team steps in. We tailor itineraries to your taste and help you get under the skin of the country, from the sunken city of Kekova to lesser-known coastal spots around Fethiye. Foodies can enjoy our gourmet walking tour of Istanbul, while budding historians can marvel at the archaeological site of Ephesus, both accompanied by our personable guides. When it’s time to rest, our hand-picked properties range from historic to contemporary, oozing comfort and views so you can kick back in style.
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