History buffs and beach fans will be in their element in Colakli – age-old ruins and sandy strips rub shoulders here for miles.

City-side postcode

Colakli village is flanked on both sides by some of Turkey’s biggest cultural icons. To the west sits the cosmopolitan capital of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya. And to the east, you’ll come across the historical hub of Side. Daytrips in either direction give you a great chance to dive deep into classic Turkish sights, like jam-packed bazaars and crumbling ruins.

Turkey’s wild side

Put the cities and beaches to one side and head inland to find a whole other world within Turkey. You can cruise up into the mountains in less than an hour, and once you’re there, you’ll be greeted by views of sparkling lakes and thick forests. Green Canyon’s a great place to start – you’ll find boatloads of white-water rapids and stream-side hiking trials here.

History worth boasting about

Colakli and the surrounding region have a rare historical pedigree, mixing together Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Crusader ruins into a platter of places worth exploring. Amphitheatres, churches, old fountains and temples – the entire place feels like an open-air museum, so have your comfy shoes handy.

At a Glance

  • Haggle for local trinkets at Side Market
  • Travel back in time at thousand-year-old ruins
  • Saunter your way along a cinnamon-coloured shoreline