Turkish Riviera (Turkey)

On Turkey's south coast in the western Mediterranean between Antalya and Alanya, a thousands of years-old cultural legacy remains alongside the lively holiday resorts.
This is particularly noticeable in Side. The peninsula of this picturesque town was first populated 3,000 years ago. Today, the ancient and the modern stand side by side in a most unique manner. The remains of the ancient agora and the well-preserved amphitheatre are located in the centre of the city, between residential housing and the attractive old town with restaurants, hotels and shops. The magnificent fort dominates Alanya's cityscape. Constructed in the Seljuk era, fantastic views spanning along the whole coastline may be enjoyed from its battlements.
Around just 60 mls from here, the saga of the raging Chimera, a fire-breathing creature with a lion's head, is said to have taken place. What remains is a flame that is to burn for eternity and may today be viewed in Olympos National Park. This natural gas fire, which is an especially unforgettable experience, may be found above the ruins of the ancient Olympos. Nowadays the site serves as a large temple forum and a theatre. The wild and romantic nature park with its forests, gorges and the Taurus mountain range offers incomparable views as well as deserted bays and idyllic beaches. With so much to see here, an overnight stay in the park is a good idea.