Turkish Coast Road Trip - Perfect 2 Week Turkey Travel Itinerary
On my one month trip in Turkey, I did a 2-week road trip in the Turkish coast from Antalya to Izmir and had the best time.
The Turkish Riviera is a dreamland where rugged cliffs tumble into sparkling turquoise waters, ancient ruins peek out from lush green hills, and meals come with a side of mezze and sea breeze.
There’s something for everyone in this road trip.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing a travel itinerary on how you can plan the perfect 2 weeks in Turkiye by doing a road trip in the Turquoise Coast, including things to do, places to eat & drink, accommodations and travel tips.
The Turkish Riviera, aka the Turquoise Coast, is where southwest Turkey shows off: Think 600 miles of endless beaches, sparkling Mediterranean and Aegean waters, ancient ruins, and stunning mountain scenery.
It’s quite Instagrammable everywhere you turn.
Spanning Antalya, Muğla, and a bit of Aydın, İzmir, and Mersin, this stretch of coastline is packed with adventure, history, charm and delicious local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Bonus points: it’s home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.
Watch the entire 2-week Turkish Riviera road trip on the YouTube playlist here, or embedded below. In these videos, you’ll get immersed in each city as I visit Antalya, Kas, Marmaris, Bodrum, Selcuk & Ephesus, and Izmir.
Why do a Turkiye road trip in the Turkish Riviera? Because it gives freedom to explore at your own pace.
From bustling cities to quiet coastal towns, this travel itinerary lets you do it all without feeling rushed.
Each stop has its own vibe—imagine lounging on a beach one day and strolling through ancient ruins the next, all while enjoying fresh seafood or local Turkish food.
It’s the kind of trip that feels like several vacations rolled into one.
And the coastal drive (in some areas) is scenic and beautiful too!
There’s many ways to go about a Turkish coast road trip. I flew into Antalya from Cappadocia, rented a car, and flew out of Izmir.
If you’re starting from Istanbul, you can consider renting the car there, or fly to Izmir and road trip to Antalya.
Renting a car is your best bet for this journey.
The coastal highways are in great condition, and having your own wheels means you can stop whenever needed especially when a view takes your breath away.
I rented my car through Cizgi Rent a Car since they were the most affordable on my research. They were very smooth to deal and I had no issues in pick-up at Antalya Airport and drop-off at Izmir Airport.
My rental car for the 2 weeks was 12,311.73TL (~USD324 or USD23/day).
Buses are a good budget-friendly backup if driving isn’t your thing, but you’ll have less flexibility since you’ll have to follow bus schedules.
And you’ll also need to consider tighter seating arrangements, luggage situation and having to find your way to/from the bus stop.
Your Turkish Coast road trip kicks off in Antalya, a city that effortlessly blends ancient history with modern relaxation.
Explore Kaleiçi, the historic old town, where you can wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era houses.
Make time for the Düden Waterfalls for breahtaking nature.
Enjoy traditional Turkish food at Maribo Corba & Kebap, Onerim Doner, Citir Balik and Emsal Balik.
A two-hour drive along scenic Turkish Riviera roads brings you to Kaş, a charming little town that's big on character.
Spend your days enjoying the historic Old Town with the Antiphellos Theater, and sunbathing in its beaches. Enjoy traditional Turkish food at local spots like Kervan Pide ve Doner Salonu and Simitcim.
In the evenings, Kaş's cozy restaurants and lively waterfront bars provide the perfect spot to unwind like Cafe Corner Restaurant, Marina Restaurant and NUDO Waffle Dondurma. But don't skip doing a shot at one of the shot bars.
Next, drive 3.5 hours and head to Marmaris, where the vibe is lively and welcoming.
Marmaris Castle and the Marmaris Museum offer a glimpse into the area's past, while the long waterfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Some of the best restaurants in Marmaris include Alzena Restaurant, Arada Burger, Saman Iskelesi. But don't skip the bar street if you want nightlife.
Drive 2.5 hours along the Turquoise Coast to Bodrum, which combines the best of laid-back coastal living with a touch of luxury.
The Castle of St. Peter, Ancient Theatre and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus are must-sees for history buffs.
After sightseeing, unwind at one of Bodrum’s gorgeous beaches or its windmills, or hit the local markets.
Some of Bodrum's best restaurants I tried are Bayram Balik, Dinc Restaurant, Mahfel Cafe and Yeni Bodrum Ocakbasi.
Drive 2.5 hours to Selçuk, a quieter, more relaxed vibe with attractions like Grotto of the Seven Sleepers and Temple of Artemis.
Some places to eat in Selcuk include Seven Sleepers Pancake Garden, Amazon Bistro Cafe and Bar, Bi'Tek Efes.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and walking through its ruins feels like stepping back in time.
Highlights include the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Plus, nearby is the House of Virgin Mary.
The Turkish Coast road trip ends with a 1-hour drive to Izmir, a modern city with a historic soul. The Kemeraltı Market is a labyrinth of stalls where you can shop for spices, antiques, and local snacks.
Some things to do in Izmir include Kemeralti Market (a lot of attractions within like Hisar Mosque and Kizlargasi Inn), Konak Square and Izmir Clock Tower, Konak Waterfront.
Some of the best places to eat & drink in Kemeralti Market include Deniz Yildizi, Selim De Izgara, Kumda Kahve, Elgani Ezmecizade and more.
When is the best time visit Turquoise Coast for a road trip?
Ideally, it would be late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).
These shoulder seasons are perfect for beating the summer heat and avoiding peak tourist crowds, while still enjoying sunny skies and warm seas.
I went in the end of November to early December, and it was great because there were very little tourists so most major attractions aren’t crowded at all.
But at the same time, certain attractions and activities aren’t operating during this time like boat tours, some beaches are closed and it’s too cold to dip into anyway, and some shows don’t play.
It’s best to consider what kind of things you want to do in this Turkiye trip to determine the best time to visit.
My Turkish coast road trip was the adventure of a lifetime, and the places I stayed added so much character to the journey:
Below is an interactive map so you can see all the deals and pricing on hotels and activities along the Turkish Coast. You can zoom out and move the map around to explore:
Temperatures were a wide range. Some days, I felt hot and wore a shirt only. Some days I wore a light jacket.
It also rained on some days, but rain in Turkey is usually in small bursts so be sure to bring umbrella or a raincoat.
Mind you, I came from Canada so I can tolerate cold better as it was much colder in Canada already when I visited Turkiye.
Below are examples of my attire during my fall-winter 2 week trip in the Turkish Riviera.
There you have it—the ultimate travel guide and itinerary for planning your Turkish coast road trip!
It’s the perfect mix of cuisine, history, relaxation, and adventure for 2 weeks in Turkey.
Ready to hit the road? As always, happy travels and eat well!
