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The ruins of antiquity are everywhere along the Turquoise Coast , scattered haphazardly throughout the bustling towns and rustic villages , the craggy coastline and verdant pastures . Ancient amphitheaters and temples , crumbling stone walls and the remains of once-impenetrable fortresses ; the Greeks , Romans , Byzantines , and Lycians have all left their mark . The most impressive sites , rarely crowded even during the high season , include the well-preserved Temple of Zeus at Euromos with its soaring Corinthian columns ; the majestic Mausoleum at Halicarnassus , one of two surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ; and the intricately carved Lycian tombs at Fethiye , reminiscent of Petra .

Modern times , however , are catching up , and the Turquoise Coast is buzzing like never before with luxury hotels and sophisticated resorts . Bodrum and Göcek , in particular , attract stylish European sunseekers as well as cosmopolitan Turks from Istanbul who come for the weekend to enjoy the seaside atmosphere . Either town would be an ideal base for exploring the relatively compact and easily accessible coastline that stretches south from Bodrum .

The arrival of luxury accommodations may be relatively recent , but sailing enthusiasts have long flocked to this idyllic corner of the Mediterranean , attracted by the calm waters , gentle breezes , and spectacular views . Charter companies abound ; exploring the coastline by boat is an exhilarating experience , particularly from the deck of a traditional gulet . Known as “ Blue Cruises ” for the color of their sails , these glorious double-masted boats evoke the romanticism of bygone days as they skim the coast in search of the perfect secluded beach or hidden cove . The water is divine , warm and crystal-clear , perfect for an afternoon swim . Come evening , the gulet ’ s sun-warmed deck is the ideal place to relax with a glass of cold Raki , the Turkish equivalent of Ouzo . For those fortunate enough to have the opportunity , there are few better ways to pass a week .

PHOTO

RIGHT : MAUSOLEUM AT HALICARNASSUS MIDDLE : BODRUM , TURKEY BOTTOM LEFT : TURKISH YACHT ALSO CALLED “ GULET ” PG . 35 : BLUE MOSQUE IN ISTANBUL

6,422 BC

6,211 BC

6,000 BC

5,789 BC

5,578 BC