The Mediterranean sea is an extensive body of water between Europe and Africa. To the northeast of the sea lies Turkey. The coast of the Mediterranean sea borders all along Turkey’s western and southern borders.
The sea divides into several subsections. A more massive cluster of smaller seas border Turkey’s coastline, connecting them to their neighbors. Among them are the Aegean Sea and the Cilician Sea.
The slopes on the southern face of the Taurus Mountains are divided by the rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a beautiful backdrop to the coastline that often goes by the name of the Turquoise Coast.
The provinces bordered by this region are Adana, Antalya, Burdur, Hatay, Isparta, Mersin, Osmaniye, Some provinces of Konya such as Beysehir, Seydisehir, and closeby towns, Kahramanmaras (excluding Afsin and Elbistan provinces), Karaman and Ayranci (some provinces), Afyonkarahisar (only Basmakci, Dinar and Dazkiri), Denizli (only Acipayam, Cameli, Bozkurt and Beyagac) and Gaziantep (only Islahiye and Nurdagi).
The region is famous for its warm temperatures and smooth waters. A large part of this is due to the near landlocked nature of the sea combined with its longitude edging toward the tropics. Due to the more closed circulation, evaporation shifts the Mediterranean’s levels often. Turkey and the entire eastern coast sees the largest of shifts.
With a connection to the water, the Mediterranean coastline has been the center point for fishing and maritime trade. Hosts of cities lined the coast over the centuries to take in commerce of all kinds.
The shift in world trade at the end of the 15th century changed routes from Europe to Asia, leaving the region ignored for trade issues.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, along with other historical items, brought the region back into prominence.
The coastline has many small villages and ancient ruins. A mix of quiet seaside visits and historical, archaeological adventures are the usual go-to.
Tourism is a massive part of the area due to Turkey’s natural charm and the Mediterranean itself. Most of the villages are eager to welcome in and serve up traditional Turkish customs and food.
With easy access to the coast, fish is a significant part of any regional food in the Mediterranean. Turkey is no different, and no fish is fresher than right on the sea.
Bugulama is a popular way to cook the fish, with lemon and parsley and a steam cooking method. The fish meals are often lighter than the fried fish food of the Black Sea region.
Since almost the entire coastal areas of Turkey are fertile for olive trees and vegetables, it is no doubt that you can get great varieties of vegetables and olive oil dishes.
Now that you have a better idea of what the Marmara Reagon of Turkey has to offer, we know you can’t wait to book your trip around the Sea of Marmara.
Check out our blog and tour information to learn more about how you can make the most out of your Turkey vacation!
Due to the many ruins, there are a lot of historical sites along the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
Apart from the classical lists of touristic places covering Antalya, Oludeniz, Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris and all the other classical gulet cruise routes, it also has some off the beaten places awaiting to be discovered, such as:
Tarsus is the birthplace of St. Paul, while Patara was the home of St. Nicholas, who would later be the inspiration of Santa Claus.
Antakya has many ruins as well as a cave known to be the oldest Christian church; St. Pierre and Antakya Museum Hotel that has the magnificent world’s single-piece mosaic. Its fantastic food culture is not discovered yet, but soon it will take its place on the top lists.
