"Turkey's Magnificent Riviera" Top 5 Page for this destination Turkey by Weissdorn

Turkey Travel Guide: 29,736 reviews and 65,713 photos

The Lara River in the State of Antalya - Turkey

There is so much to enjoy on Turkey's South Coast

I couldn't tell you why, but I am an absolute Turkey fan. Maybe it's because I find Turkey a riddle. One of the most fascinating things I find about this country is that it is not perfect - neither the landscape nor the people, which makes it so enjoyable, and so rewarding. It's very different from the rest of the Mediterranean countries, that have catering to tourists down to a fine science - that's the problem - there's no more surprises.
Turkey, on the other hand is like a box of Cracker Jacks - you never know how your vacation is going to turn out until you go there. Isn't that wonderful? There's always an element of surprise.
While the many Europeans prefer to have absolute mondane service quality that they can bank on, I prefer the 89% degree of perfection rate that Turkey offers. Imagine - a vacation where something happens! I don't mean things like, ooh, the waiter dropped glass, and Mrs. Jones is having an affair with Mr. Smith from the room next door. I am thinking of things happen like, for example, the bus brakes down for half a day, out in the middle of nowhere. Although most of the other tourists on the bus are already phoning home on their cell phones to their lawyers to sue the tourist company, I'm usually sitting with the gas station owner sipping tea, while his wife is showing me photos of their newborn grandson, and he asks if he can play me some songs on his Sait.
That's another thing I really like about Turkey. If they sometimes make a mistake in organisation they compensate more than adequately with friendliness, hospitality and politeness. No one here has ever cursed me or insulted me as a tourist.
The other thing I find fascinating about the people is their sense of charity. Although many are poor in this country, starving children are not to be seen. Although their government does not provide an adequate social services program, in comparison to their European neighbours, the village mosque takes over this roll with pride. No one despite their personal religion has to starve or sleep in the cold here - the people are there for their friends and strangers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:No Stress, No Foul Weather Gear, No Problem
Cons:No Beaches
In a nutshell:The Perfect Chill-out Vacation

Last visit to Turkey: Nov 2002
Intro Updated Jul 18, 2003
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Reviews (79)

Osmanic Empire Soldiers Local Customs (26)

The Sultan, Murad I was the 2nd Sultan who used a standing army, and formed the elite unit called the “Yani Corps” (Yeni... more travel advice

Antalya Things to Do (14)

If you're going on a round trip through Turkey, Antalya is worth a 3-15 day stay, depending on how much time you have.... more travel advice

No Suitcases, Please! What to Pack (1)

Sport Bag or Seaman's Duffle Bag Day Backpack 1-2 lightweight cotton loose pants (jeans are not recommended) 3+... more travel advice

A whale, 3 times the size of the boat - Turkey

Whales, Dolphins and Turtles Off The Beaten Path (9)

Every year, some see animal surprises me. Once in the Cleopatra Bay, they caught an octopus, then in the Antalya Bay we... more travel advice

Favorites (7)
See All Go Sailing!
Tourist Traps (2)
See All The Friendly Guys Standing Outside the...
Restaurants (6)
See All Wine Bars in Turkey
Transportation (4)
See All Renting a Car in Southern Turkey
Shopping (1)
Shopping in Turkey

Hotels (2)
See All Inside the Yacht
Warnings Or Dangers (4)
See All Negotiate the Price, Then Order a Meal!
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Spiraling down to the Turquoise Sea
Nightlife (2)
See All Their Motto is "Dance Your Pants Off"
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 23, 2003

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Comments (57)

Pawtuxet Feb 26, 2009 at 3:07 PM Report Abuse

You've shown us a very beautiful Turkey. Thanks so much for enlightening me. Wish I was on the sailboat w/ you to go to Cleopatra's bath.
neodue Oct 11, 2007 at 7:48 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips.thank you.just one point I want to tell you.Antalya is not a state .it is a province of Turkey. there is no state in turkey :) we are not a federal rep. like germany.
maria.cruz Jun 17, 2006 at 11:25 AM Report Abuse

I am going to Turkey on a charter trip with 10 friends. We're young and don't want "blue cruising" kind .can you advise me where to book my trip? do you know where we shou ld go by night? Should we go towards marmaris or bobrum? Thank you!
traveloturc Jun 11, 2006 at 3:12 PM Report Abuse

Dear Weissdorn I ve read carefully all your comments you are just good very good....Congratulations
gilabrand Sep 7, 2005 at 3:43 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed reading these well-written and helpful tips. They will be useful when I leave for Istanbul on Sunday!
Little_Lou_Lou Aug 18, 2005 at 6:31 AM Report Abuse

Your pictures and tips are phenomenal! You have a real talent!
doreenellen Mar 31, 2005 at 2:31 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for an interesting page and helpful tips which will help on my visit in May to Icemeler
abc_of_freedom Dec 29, 2004 at 12:28 PM Report Abuse

Great Page!!!! Mukemmel..
chiara76 Dec 14, 2004 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

Great page, I really like it.
Maria_75 Sep 20, 2004 at 5:08 PM Report Abuse

love ur page. isn't turkey just great?!? :)