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Walks In Southern Turkey

By: Mark Bartley

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Turkey's southern coast from Bodrum in the West to Antalya in the East is now a flourishing holiday hot spot}, with resorts expanding and improving their infrastructure to cope with the ever-increasing demand. New hotels are being built, golf resorts are being landscaped, especially in the plains around Antalya and airport improvements are taking place, with more in the pipeline to cope cater for the higher frequency of flights to this part Turkey. What many of the newer visitors fail to appreciate is that southern Turkey has always held a charm for those who enjoy a mix of history, culture and outdoor activities as part of their holidays. Of course the beaches along the coast here are extremely nice, with long swathes of golden sand fringed by azure bluewaters perfect for water sports or even just swimming around with the family. Some of the more popular beaches near Antalya are those at Lara and Konyaalti although both are more stony than sandy. For two of the best sandy beaches you'll be well rewarded by travelling to either Side Incekum or the long sweep of golden sand at Patara Beach.

Just along the coast from Antalya is a place that is still relatively undiscovered by tourism, yet has all the right ingredients in terms of history, culture and great beaches. Side sits in the same large bay as Antalya but lies about 35 miles to the East, which makes it a place for holiday companies to take people on day excursions rather than base their hotel offerings there just at the moment,. It boasts a remarkable history formerly being the site of one of the largest ports in the Aegean. Due to its commercial prominence in ancient times it was also the site of a huge amphitheatre and two remarkable temples, which are thought to have been dedicated to Athena and Apollo. Both are now also ruins, which is not surprising given they were built almost two thousand years ago, but there are some columns still standing and the marble structures certainly make you wonder how life was lived here all those thousands of years ago.

Walking holidays are starting to become popular around the Antalya area, with visitors taking to the countryside's tracks and trails, some of which have just as much history associated with them as many of the famous ancient monuments. One of the emerging trails is the St Pauls trail, a route that wends its way almost due north from just outside Antalya to the town of Yalvac. The direct distance between these two places is around 100 miles, although the trail is significantly longer. There are two recognized starting points, one being ten miles outside Antalya, the alternative being from Aspendos' amphitheatre site further east. Also nearby and part of the walk is another great location and a visit to Perge is recommended as it is the location of a series of ancient buildings, which make for an interesting days visit. Many coach parties come to both Aspendos and Perge and if you go with an organised guide you'll be informed of the claim that Perge is one of the first places where beer was known to be brewed. An interesting bit of trivia, but go informed about the background and history of this amazing place and you'll enjoy it all the more. Nearby is just a small village but Perge was once the capital of Pamphylia; it has almost everything you'll want to experience from those ancient times. Temples, roman baths, an amphitheatre even a stadium where ancient sporting events were once held. St Paul is said to have travelled through Perge on his first missionary journey and the route follows some of that journey. The St Pauls way passes by lots of other amazing places including a Roman road at Adada and the Roman aqueduct at Yalvac. The route rise over areas of higher altitude, through pine woodland, past ruins of ancient cities and alongside white water rivers. There are companies that offer guided walks of the trail that last between 8 and 10 days. Guided walks are also available for the Lycian way and other walking routes in this part of Turkey.

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For anyone used to spending holidays abroad Marks says flights to Antalya make enjoying walking during your break very simple. The region around Antalya is great for walking trips, so get out and about in Turkey and experience the culture of Turkey at the same time.

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