The Mediterranean Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 160

around 200 BC. Sandy and safe,
it is ideal for a family outing.
Patara Beach, Patara

on where to go for the best
views, and nature trails are
marked out. The park lies inland
from Side and Antalya, close to
Tasagil and is well signposted.
The Valley of Butterflies -
Kelebekler Vadisi

★★
Located in Patara, the birthplace
of St Nicholas, this award-
winning beach is a full 17km in
length, sandy and exceptionally
clean.
Side Beach

★★
More than 40 different species of
butterfly, including the Danaus
chtsippus, the Pieri rapos and the
Euglapia quadripunctiacan be
seen in Kelebeklar Vadisi, other-
wise known as The Valley of
Butterflies. It is located at the
foot of a valley in one of the
beautiful bays of Fethiye. You are
especially likely to see the butter-
flies in spring and summer.
Children will delight in their
bright colours, everything from
yellow to crimson. A beach lines
the bay so when your little ones
get a bit tired of looking at but-
terflies, there's always the chance
to make sandcastles or swim.
There are a few amenities but
not many, so be sure to pack
baby-changing things, drinks
and snacks. A good way to reach
the bay is by boat from Fethiye
harbour.
Tlos

★★
Side Beach is long and sandy,
and has the added bonus of pro-
viding sunset views that align
almost perfectly with its Temple
of Apollo and its ancient theatre
that stand on its seafront. Side
Beach is understandably popular.
West Beach

★★
Alanya's West Beach is a hive of
activity. It seems there's every
conceivable family-orientated
attraction here, from banana boat
rides, boating and waterskiing to,
unusual for Turkey, a couple of
amusement halls. Restaurants
and cafes line the beachside.

Natural Wonders &
Spectacular Views

Koprulu Canyon National
Park

★
Children of all ages will be capti-
vated by the story of Pegasus,
forever associated with Tlos, and
the hauntingly beautiful ancient
tombs cut into the rock face that
look like something out of Harry
Potter. Tlos is one of the oldest
residential sites in Turkey and
dates back to Lycian times. As the
stories go, Tlos was the home of
the mythological winged horse
Pegasus and his rider Bellerophon.
There's a temple to Bellerophon

★
An area of outstanding beauty,
the Koprulu Canyon National
Park offers the chance for all the
family to cycle, explore and
admire the wildlife, flora and
fauna. There are picnic areas and
restaurants, so there's no fear of
being in the middle of nowhere
when the baby wants to feed or
your 5-year-old wants to visit a
toilet. The park has rivers, water-
falls and parkland. Rangers are
always on hand to offer advice

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