Turquoise Coast Road Trip
Drive along the D400 from Dalaman to Antalya, connecting blue lagoons, ancient Lycian ruins, and sunken cities.
A one-way road trip with short daily drives, leaving plenty of time for swimming, exploring ruins, and boat trips. The three segments of Fethiye, Kaş, and Olympos each have their own focus, alternating between Lycian rock tombs and pristine beaches. This route skips Alanya and Side to avoid backtracking east of Antalya. Ideal for couples or friends who love coastal scenery and road trips.
The section between Antalya and Kaş has many sharp bends; try to drive during daylight hours. July and August can be extremely hot.
Day by day
Day 1 · Pick Up Car & Drive to Dalyan
Fethiye（Dalyan & Kaunos Rock Tombs、İztuzu Beach、Tomb of Amyntas）
Pick up your rental car and drive to Dalyan (approx. 30 minutes), then drive to Fethiye in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour).
The beach closes at night during the turtle nesting season; make sure to leave before dusk.
Stay: Fethiye Town and Harbour
Day 2 · Blue Lagoon & Ghost Town
Fethiye（Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon、Babadağ Paragliding & Cable Car、Kayaköy Ghost Town）
Drive from the city center to Ölüdeniz (approx. 30 minutes), take the cable car up Mount Babadağ, and drive to Kayaköy (approx. 20 minutes one way).
Paragliding is highly dependent on wind conditions; it is best to book a morning slot.
Stay: Ölüdeniz
Day 3 · Gorge, Ancient City & Kalkan
Fethiye（Tlos） → Kaş & Kalkan（Saklıkent Gorge、Xanthos、Patara Beach）
Drive via Tlos and Saklıkent Gorge to Patara. The total distance is about 130 km, taking around 3 hours.
You will need to wade through water in the gorge; bring water-friendly shoes.
Stay: Kalkan
Day 4 · Cliffside Beach to Kaş
Kaş & Kalkan（Kalkan、Kaputaş Beach、Kaş、Antiphellos Theatre & King's Tomb）
Drive from Kalkan to Kaş along the D400 (approx. 40 minutes), stopping at Kaputaş Beach for a swim along the way.
Parking spaces in the Old Town are limited; confirm parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival.
Stay: Kaş Old Town and Seafront
Day 5 · Kekova Bay Boat Trip
Kaş & Kalkan（Üçağız & Teimiussa、Kekova Sunken City、Simena Castle (Kaleköy)）
Drive to Üçağız (approx. 1 hour), charter a boat to tour the bay for 3–4 hours, and return to Kaş in the evening.
Stay: Kaş Old Town and Seafront
Day 6 · Demre to the Eternal Flames
Kaş & Kalkan（Myra、St. Nicholas Church (Demre)） → Antalya City（Chimaera (Yanartaş)）
Drive from Kaş via Demre to Çıralı (approx. 3 hours) along winding mountain roads. Hike up to see the Chimaera flames after dark.
The trail up to the eternal flames is unlit; bring a headlamp.
Stay: Çıralı
Day 7 · Ancient Ruins & Cable Car to Antalya
Antalya City（Olympos Ancient City、Phaselis、Olympos Teleferik (Tahtalı Mountain)、Kaleiçi Old Town）
Drive from Çıralı to Phaselis (approx. 40 minutes), then continue to Antalya (approx. 1.5 hours).
Parking in Kaleiçi (Old Town) is very tight; check for public parking lots outside the area in advance.
Stay: Kaleiçi Old Town
Day 8 · Museum & Car Return
Antalya City（Antalya Museum、Hadrian's Gate）
Visit the museum in the morning. Drive from the city center to the airport (approx. 30 minutes). Confirm one-way rental details in advance.
One-way rentals usually incur an drop-off fee; confirm this when booking the car.