The Mediterranean Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 149

Stretching from Patara and the town of Fethiye in the west, along

the coast characterised by long stretches of beaches and secluded
coves, and past the towns of Antalya , Alanya and Adana to Hatay,
where it nudges the South East Anatolia region, the Mediterranean
region of Turkey is one of the most popular areas of the country for
family holidays.
In the main, it shares the accolade with the Aegean region. This is
largely due to its climate of long, hot summers and mild winters, plus
the fact that the region offers lots for families to do in terms of attrac-
tions, activities such as swimming and sailing and safe beaches to have
fun.
The region, often known as the Turkish Riviera, revolves around its
capital, the beautiful Antalya - a town of boulevards lined with palm
trees leading down to its award-winning Antalya Kaleiçi marina and
beaches. Antalya is Turkey's most important holiday resort. Its old
town, Kaleiçi, with its tiny streets and specialist shops, can be fun for
families to explore. Several museums with sections especially for chil-
dren, festivals, a park where you can touch dolphins and an aquapark
add to youngsters' enjoyment.
Throughout the region, you can explore ancient sites, including
Perge the finest example of an ancient city in this area with the ruins
of a theatre, city gates and tombs clearly visible, as well as the out-
standing 2,000-year-old Aspendos Theatre where children of all ages
will delight in hearing their own voices echo back to them from the
area of stone seats of this remarkably intact amphitheatre. Also worth
seeking out is the ancient site of Myra close to Kale. It is said to be the
birthplace of St Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus, and has
some spooky tombs carved into rock faces. Be sure to visit Fethiye,
standing on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos , with its ruins
including tombs, a theatre and a castle dating back centuries.
Farther along the coast places to visit include the Bey Daglari
National Park , the picturesque villages of Ka@ and Kale , the larger
town of Belek and the bustling tourist towns of Side , Alanya , Kemer
and Adana .
As per the rest of Turkey, the Mediterranean region has a good
selection of hotels and restaurants that have tailored their services for
children. Many hotels provide safety equipment, cots and babysitting
services on request, while restaurants offer special menus and facilities
like baby-changing areas.

ESSENTIALS

Turkey is by plane. Major airlines,
such as Turkish Airlines, Atlas
Jet, British Airways, KLM and
Lufthansa (see p. 34) are among
those that fly into the region from

Getting There
By Plane By far the easiest way to
reach the Mediterranean region of

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