Off-the-Path Adventures in Turkey

By THOMAS RIVAS

Q.

A friend and I are heading to Turkey and are looking for some hidden highlights of the country and outdoor activities along the Turquoise/Aegean coast. There are ruins galore but what adventures lie off the beaten path?

Victoria Kuhr, London

A.

Thanks to a boom in tourism throughout the region, finding coastal destinations off the beaten path can be difficult, but there are still a few areas that fit your interests, yet won’t be inundated with other travelers.

For Katie Parla, a freelance writer based in Rome and a contributor to The Times Travel section, the first place that comes to mind is Ortakent (above), on the Bodrum Peninsula in southern Turkey. Ortakent, Ms. Parla said, is an ideal central location to begin an exploration of the region. The beach is long and wide, providing plenty of space to stretch out and sea breezes to cool you off during the bustle of the summer months. Between the beach and the village is a fertile valley with fig and olive trees along with “lovely citrus groves.” When you’re passing through, it’s worth taking a minor detour to view the remnants of the Mustafa Pasha Tower, a fortification that dates from the 17th century. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing meal or drink at one of the local bars or restaurants along the beachfront. You won’t have to worry about unruly crowds or dodging beer-pong balls, and the view is breathtaking.

Another unspoiled destination that Ms. Parla suggested is Sovalye, a tiny island just 15 minutes from Fethiye, a tourist destination also on the southern coast. “The island is pedestrianized and surrounded by beautiful, clean water, through which fragments of buildings (ancient and medieval) are visible,” Ms. Parla wrote in an e-mail. Because the island is just a short distance from Fethiye, major tour-boat companies looking for longer trips tend to ignore the small island, making it a peaceful gem for those who get there via a short ride on a water taxi. Once the allure of solitude fades, the night life of the mainland is still just minutes away.

Depending on when you travel, hotel prices in the area can fluctuate significantly so flexibility is important for finding the best deal. A four-night stay at the Medisun Hotel in Ortakent during July, for example, will cost about 300 euros, or about $420 at 1.40 euros to the dollar, but the same stay during October would be closer to 200 euros.

via Off-the-Path Adventures in Turkey – NYTimes.com.