Nestled along the southwestern coast of the country of Turkey, the beautiful Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its blend of natural beauty, ancient history, & vibrant culture. This stunning stretch of coastline, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and lush green landscapes. This summer, I embarked on a journey with my girls to a destination that had long been a favorite on my travel bucket list. As soon as we arrived, we were immediately captivated by the stunning beauty of the sunrise along this coastal paradise. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sparkled under the early morning sun, and the lush green hills provided a breathtaking backdrop. With each passing day, I found myself falling more in love with the region’s enchantment and with my two beautiful girls, making this more than just a trip; it was a memorable experience that rejuvenated my spirit & filled my heart with joy.

We were happy to stay in an all-inclusive resort in the charming town of Alanya. The resort itself is a haven of luxury & comfort, offering everything we needed for a perfect vacation. Each morning, we woke up to the sound of the waves gently lapping the shore, ready to explore the rich culture & natural beauty that the region has to offer. The pristine beach right in front of our hotel provided the perfect setting for relaxation & sunbathing, making our summer vacation truly magical.

We flew directly into to Antalya, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Turkish Riviera,” a city rich in history, culture, & natural beauty. The city itself is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The Düden & Kursunlu Waterfalls are popular attractions, while the nearby Taurus Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, & adventure sports. The region’s beaches, such as Konyaaltı & Lara Beach, are renowned for their beauty & clear waters; many have been awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness & environmental standards. This makes it a top destination for beach lovers & water sports enthusiasts. While steeped in history, Antalya also boasts modern amenities & luxury resorts. The city’s tourism infrastructure is well-developed, offering everything from five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants to world-class golf courses and vibrant nightlife. Antalya’s unique blend of historical heritage, natural beauty, and modern comforts makes it a truly captivating destination for travelers.

The Turkish Riviera is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and historical sites but also for its rich & diverse culinary offerings. The region’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, fresh local ingredients, and traditional Turkish dishes. A staple of Turkish cuisine, meze refers to a delightful array of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers or shared among friends & family. These dishes are designed to complement each other, providing a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Meze can be found in many Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cultures, but Turkish meze is particularly renowned for its variety & depth of flavor. Common mezes include hummus, ezme (a spicy tomato & pepper salad), haydari (a thick yogurt dip with garlic & fresh herbs), yaprak sarma (stuffed grape leaves).

Alanya, along with the extensive Turkish Riviera coastling, also offers an abundance of fresh seafood, such as izgara balik (freshly caught fish, grilled with olive oil & lemon) & kalamar tava (deep-fried squid rings served with a garlic-yogurt sauce). Kebabs are a well-renowned central element of Turkish cuisine, and the Riviera offers some of the best. Varieties include: Şiş Kebap (shish kebab: marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, skewered and grilled), Adana Kebab (spicy minced meat, usually lamb, molded onto skewers & grilled), and Doner Kebab (seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically served with bread or rice.

With an all-inclusive hotel buffet, it was indeed a paradise for us food lovers. The hotel offered a diverse & plentiful selection of dishes to satisfy every palate. The buffet was designed to provide guests with a wide variety of choices, ensuring that everyone finds something to enjoy, from breakfast through dinner & even snacks throughout the day. Honestly speaking, an all-inclusive hotel buffet is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to explore a wide variety of culinary traditions and enjoy a feast in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for familiar comfort foods or eager to try new flavors, a buffet always offers a delightful and convenient dining experience.

Which is precisely why this was the perfect option for us. I absolutely loved the variety & options me & my children had. I was delighted with all the meze. You see, meze is not just about the food but also the social experience. It’s typically enjoyed in a leisurely manner, allowing for conversation and the enjoyment of each dish. Meze is often accompanied by drinks such as rakı (an anise-flavored spirit) or Turkish wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Turkish Riviera is known for its fertile land, producing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, citrus fruits, and figs. These fresh ingredients are often featured prominently in local dishes. There was one rule at the buffet, absolutely forbidden: french fries & pasta. With so many fresh options, we enjoyed such a variety of healthy meals, we never missed anything! And what was definitely not forbidden, was the dessert section. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diverse and delectable desserts, blending rich flavors, textures, and ingredients.

A quintessential Turkish dessert, baklava consists of layers of thin filo pastry filled with chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios) and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s often flavored with cinnamon and served in diamond-shaped pieces. Read more here! Künefe is a unique dessert made from shredded pastry soaked in syrup and layered with a creamy cheese filling, künefe is baked until golden and crispy. It’s typically served hot and garnished with crushed pistachios. Sütlaç is a creamy rice pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, & often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It’s typically served chilled and sometimes topped with ground cinnamon or almonds. Turkish desserts are celebrated for their rich flavors and beautiful presentations, making them a delightful way to end any meal. So many options, so little time!

Lokum, popularly known as Turkish delight, is a traditional confectionery known for its chewy texture and variety of flavors. Made from sugar, starch, and flavorings, lokum is often cut into small cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut. Popular flavors include rose, lemon, pistachio, and mastic, with some variations incorporating nuts or spices for added richness. Beyond its delicious taste, lokum holds cultural significance, often served during special occasions and as a gesture of hospitality alongside Turkish coffee or tea. Beautifully packaged, it also makes a popular gift, symbolizing friendship and generosity.

In my opinion, lokum should always be bought at the market, as opposed to buying the commercial packaged kind, as pretty as they look! When purchasing lokum at a market, here are some tips to enhance your experience. Markets often offer a wide range of flavors, including traditional rose & lemon, as well as unique options like mastic or pomegranate. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples! Look for lokum that appears soft & fresh, avoiding those that seem hard or overly dry. Fresh lokum should have a pleasant, chewy texture.

Some markets may offer homemade or artisanal lokum. Inquire about the ingredients, especially if you have dietary restrictions, to ensure you’re getting the best quality. Many shop owners pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, ensuring that the lokum is fresh and flavorful. Chat it up, everyone is usually very nice and in many markets, haggling is a common practice. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Buying lokum is not just about the product; it’s also about enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the market, engaging with vendors, & immersing yourself in Turkish culture. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a delightful experience; surely one of my all-time favorites!

Moving on from these additive treats, I believe the term ‘sports fever’ is known to most; it refers to the intense excitement & passion surrounding sports events, whether it’s a local game or a global tournament like the World Cup or the Euro Cup. This phenomenon encompasses several key elements and experiencing the UEFA European Championship (Euro Cup) has been a thrilling adventure for us as Germany hosts. It’s amazing how soccer can bring people together, transcending cultural & geographical boundaries. Fans rally around their teams, sharing in the joy of victories and the heartbreak of defeats, the atmosphere is electric, the energy is palpable, creating unforgettable experiences for participants and spectators alike. Soccer is full of unpredictable twists and turns, from last-minute goals to stunning upsets, athletes inspire fans with their dedication and skill, so many things can be said! But sports fever is more than just a reaction to competition; it’s a celebration of human spirit, teamwork, and the joy of play.

Turkey had a fairytale run in the Euros to the quarter finals, breaking expectations & ear drums across Germany with a brand of football that though based around a powerhouse of a defense and the unveiling on the big stage one of Europe’s special talents in Arda Guler. The Turkish national football team, known as “Milli Takım,” has participated in several UEFA European Championships (Euro Cup) throughout its history. The team is known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit, making them a formidable presence in European football. We had a chance to experience their final game in Alanya. Unfortunately, the Netherlands came back to beat Turkey 2-1 with two second half goals to silence the cacophonous Turkish support and start a party of their own in the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Oh, the night was long in Turkey.

The delicious Mediterranean climate, natural attractions, and historic heritage make Alanya a popular destination for tourism, and responsible for 9% of Turkey’s tourism sector. The tourist industry in Alanya is worth just under 1.1 billion Euros per year, and is therefore the principal industry. Despite the seaside location, few residents make their living in the sea, and fishing is not a major industry. Since the first modern motel was built in 1958, considered the first year of the tourist industry in Alanya, hotels have raced to accomodate the influx of tourists. During the warmer months, many tourists, especially Scandinavians, Germans, Russians, & Dutch, regularly vacation in Alanya.

The Turquoise Coast really stands out as a premier destination that beautifully blends stunning natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, and vibrant culture. With its picturesque beaches, ancient ruins, and charming towns like Bodrum & Antalya, it offers something for every traveller. Whether you seek relaxation by the sea, adventure in the great outdoors, or a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine, the Turkish Riviera provides a captivating experience. Its unique combination of beauty, history, and hospitality ensures that visitors leave with lasting memories, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring Turkey.