Turquoise Coast

Ölüdeniz is a coastal settlement on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, best known for its sheltered Blue Lagoon and sweeping crescent of beach beneath steep forested mountains. A narrow strip of pale sand separates the calm lagoon from the deeper blue waters of the Mediterranean, creating one of southwestern Turkey's most recognisable coastal landscapes. The surrounding slopes rise sharply from the shoreline, while nearby Babadağ provides an elevated backdrop and launch point for paragliders frequently seen above the bay.

Babadağ is a prominent mountain rising directly behind Ölüdeniz on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, reaching nearly 2,000 metres above the Mediterranean. Its steep slopes dominate the coastline and provide expansive views across the Blue Lagoon, surrounding bays and mountainous interior. The summit area is internationally known as a paragliding launch site, with flights descending towards Ölüdeniz throughout suitable weather conditions. A cable car and chairlift system provides access to elevated viewpoints and summit areas.

Patara Beach is an extensive sandy beach on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, stretching for kilometres along an largely undeveloped section of Mediterranean shoreline. Broad dunes separate the beach from the surrounding wetlands and the archaeological remains of ancient Patara farther inland. Unlike the enclosed coves around Kaş and Kalkan, Patara is characterised by open horizons, sweeping sand and a long exposed coastline. The beach is also an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.

The coastline between Kaş and Kalkan is shaped by steep limestone mountains meeting a deeply indented Mediterranean shore of rocky headlands, islands, coves, and beaches. Kaş occupies a peninsula surrounded by clear water and offshore islands, while Kalkan rises in tiers above its sheltered harbour. Mountain roads and elevated viewpoints reveal the larger structure of the coast and its relationship with the rugged interior. Human settlement adds another layer to the landscape. Lycian tombs, ancient ruins, traditional streets, harbours, and coastal villages are interwoven with the natural terrain, while Kaputaş Beach forms a compact turquoise cove beneath steep cliffs and Patara combines an extensive sandy coastline with one of the region’s important archaeological sites. Photographically, Kaş & Kalkan works through elevation, water colour, coastal geometry, and the contrast between built and natural landscapes. High viewpoints reveal repeating headlands, bays, islands, and mountain ridges, while harbours, streets, ruins, and beaches provide more intimate subjects. Early and late light can bring warmth and depth to the limestone terrain, while sunset, haze, reflections, and changing sea colour continually reshape the Mediterranean landscape.

Kaleköy is a small historic settlement overlooking the Kekova coast, occupying the site of ancient Simena on Turkey's Mediterranean shoreline. Stone houses and restaurants rise steeply from a boat-filled harbour towards the ruins of Simena Castle, which crowns the rocky hillside above the village. Lycian tombs are scattered through the surrounding landscape, including a distinctive sarcophagus standing partly submerged near the shore. From the castle, elevated viewpoints extend across Kekova's islands and turquoise channels.

Kekova is a coastal landscape of islands, sheltered channels and exceptionally clear Mediterranean water east of Kaş on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. The area is best known for the partially submerged remains of an ancient settlement along Kekova Island, where walls, foundations and stone steps can be seen beside and beneath the water. Rocky shores, small bays and passing boats create a distinctive maritime landscape, with the historic settlement of Kaleköy rising across the channel.