Ever wanted to sail away on your very own odyssey? Me, too (minus the trouble he went through to get home).

If you love days filled with relaxing, water activities, and learning about the ancient history of a place, I’ve got the perfect travel plan for you. 

This journey focuses on some truly unique educational and historic places along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast just south of Fethiye, while allowing plenty of time and space to just be.

Your journey will be about so much more than history. My joy whenever I travel is water…in any way, shape, or form. 

It is a peaceful sunrise swim just as those golden rays are cresting the skyline, a floating lunch filled with laughter and deliciousness, or a relaxed bit of kayaking at sunset, marveling at the day behind us; scuba diving into caves, snorkeling amidst art and ancient history, or marveling at the many shades of blue in these sparkling, clear waters. 

Here's where to explore…and how to combine the best of relaxation and history

First, the how: 

I recommend traveling via gulet with Blue Cruises Turkey. They can customize your itinerary and travel experiences like no other. 

My favorite way of exploring Turkey is by water. I love the coastal areas…the natural beauty, deep culture, hidden coves, and ever-changing water is such a draw. 

I also love history…oh, so much. Greece and Turkey are THE PLACE for this, as history is around every single corner. It might have started with devouring D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths when I was young. Perhaps it was the monthly subscription to the kids' magazine Classical Calliope, which focused on ancient history and archaeology. I’m sure it included the influence of my art history/archaeology aunt, and the gifts she’d bring back from digs and travels in the area. 

Working together with Blue Cruises Turkey to create your own itinerary is a smart way to travel. You can combine the best of your interests (for me, history! Archaeology!), as well as incorporate suggestions from locals in the know.

Journeying via gulet provides a place to stay, so you don’t need to worry about hotels or transportation. Local guides help you to dig deep into culture and history. You’ll also have fresh chef-prepared meals, sourced with local ingredients. And, your own place to relax and recharge…on the water.

Here is one of my favorite itineraries for both relaxing and exploring history through these unique places along a small section of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.

After all, allowing time for relaxation and for serendipity to occur makes the best journeys. 

Where to go:

Gemiler Island (historically known as Gemiler or Aya Nikola Island)

This uninhabited gem of an island is an archaeological and historical treasure. Gemiler Island (Gemile Asasi in Turkish) is located near Fethiye. The island is known as the home of the tomb of Saint Nicholas! You will need to boat in on those blue, blue waters.

On the island, you can see Byzantine ruins, ancient mosaics, an historic cistern, church ruins (including a fresco on Church 2), remnants of a medieval settlement, and Christian tombs.

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A view from the ruins on Gemiler Island. Wikimedia Commons: Cobija

Tip: It's dry and rocky here. Bring comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and plenty of water.

Not into or able to hike up the hill? There’s plenty of water to relax in. Snorkel in those turquoise waters and see what kinds of ancient shards or pots you can discover! 
You can read more on the Fethiye Gemile Island Archaeological site from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey.

Ölüdeniz (historically known as Lebessos)

Heading further south along the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast), be sure to visit Ölüdeniz, where you will find the start of the famous walking path, the Lycian Way. It’s an excellent place to start exploring the land by foot, if that is your thing.

View of the Lycian Way. Wikimedia Commons: Alexey Komarov 

This town features one of the most beautiful beaches (and waters) in the world! The natural blue lagoon (a nature reserve) provides a calm, clear shelter. If you’re sticking to water, the scuba diving is extraordinary (caves!). If you’re an air bender, try the paragliding. It’s renowned…and fantastic. 

Ölüdeniz Blue_Lagoon. Wikimedia Commons: Kadirxmert

A local beach best accessed by water is Könül Beach. There are some truly stunning rock formations here, and it’s a quiet cove. 

Kaş (historically known as Antiphellos)

I would be remiss to not mention the pure joy of snorkeling and scuba diving here (you can see where I'm going with all this water activity on this trip. Mer-friends, I've got you). 

While scuba diving or snorkeling, you can see a variety of wreck sites, including a WWII airplane. 

An underwater museum, Kaş Underwater Archeopark, features a reconstruction of the late Bronze-age Uluburun shipwreck. Another really cool thing to spot underwater here is a shark sculpture, carved completely underwater by master sculptor Kemal Tufan. 

Photo via Kemal Tufan Facebook. 

Kaş also has history galore on land.

Head to the Antiphellos Theatre, an ancient amphitheatre ca. 1st c BC. Sit and imagine all of the words spoken, songs sung, entrancing performances here through time. 

Kaş Antiphellos Theatre. Wikimedia Commons:  Zelenoglazno

Right in Kaş is an historic 4th c BC Lycian tomb, called the Lions’ tomb or King’s tomb (you can guess who is buried there and who provides the artistic décor). Imagine actually LIVING amidst such history.

Lions’ Tomb, Kas. Wikimedia Commons: Haluk Comertel

Up the hill, you’ll also find more tombs carved into the cliffs, especially beautiful at sunset. Wave to me from above! I’ll wave back from my relaxing soak in the cool blue water.  

Kaleköy (historically known as Simena)

Near to Kaş is an interesting village called Kaleköy. Of historical interest in this ancient city (founded ca. 4th c BC) are the ruins of a hilltop Byzantine castle (with amphitheatre!) and a half-underwater Lycian necropolis. Definitely head out with your local guide. This history is fascinating.

Simena Lycian tomb. Wikimedia Commons: erdem şen

View from the Simena fortress on the hill on the northern side of Kaleköy village, looking south. Wikimedia Commons: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

Kekova (historically known as Dolchiste)

Located directly across from Kaleköy, this small, uninhabited island is colloquially known as Sunken City. It also features half underwater ruins: those of Apollonia, an ancient town wrecked by an earthquake in the 2nd century. You can also find the ruins of a Byzantine church on the island.

Sunken City of Kekova. Wikimedia Commons: rheins

Anchor on the southeast side of the island, in Karaloz Bay. The white sands below make the waters seem especially blue. Because the bay is somewhat hidden, you’ll find quite calm waters for swimming and relaxing…and may never want to leave.
 

And there you have it:

a short journey in distance, a lengthy journey through history, a marvelous journey through culture, a paradisical journey through the waters, and a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime journey along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.  

Jessie Voigts is the founder and publisher of Wandering Educators.