REGIONS

Turkey's southern shores -- which have been dubbed the Turquoise Riviera -- are rapidly becoming one of the country's most popular destinations. It's not surprising. The beaches here, like the long and sandy ones at Patara or Iztuzu, are among the best in Turkey and the ruins, such as the grand Roman amphitheater at Aspendos or the cliffside rock tombs in Dalyan, are spectacular. Add to this the chance to visit unspoiled seaside villages and you have something very close to paradise. On the flipside, megaresorts catering to low-budget package tourists have started to invade parts of this area, particularly around Antalya.

The area stretches along the Mediterranean coast from the rugged and unspoiled Datça peninsula on Turkey's southwestern tip to the resort hotels springing up along the Antalya-Alanya strip. The fir-clad mountains rising behind the coastline are punctuated by the ruins of splendid ancient Greek and Roman cities, through which passed the likes of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and St. Paul.

The Lycian Coast. Rent a car from Dalaman or Antalya and slowly explore the charming ports, boutique hotels, uncrowded beaches, and ancient ruins along the little-developed coastal circuit.

Antalya. This vibrant city is a good place to base yourself for taking in the ancient sites of Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, and Phaselis.

Pamphylia. The area from Antalya to Alanya, including the sites of Termessos, Perge, Aspendos, and Alara Han is considered historic Pamphylia. The newly spruced-up centers of Side and Alanya have recovered some of their former charm and benefit from warm spring and autumn seasons.

Trek the Lycian Way. Choose a one-day or multiday hike along this long-distance trail that runs parallel to much of the Turquoise coast, from the coastal mountain forests to untouched beaches.

See spectacular ruins. Explore the ruins of some of the most spectacular ancient cities in the world -- from mountaintop Termessos, to overgrown Olympos, and the extraordinarily intact Roman theater at Aspendos.

Golf. Hit some balls on the immaculate links laid out under the umbrella pines of upmarket Belek.