And very aptly named it is too ! This is a stunningly pretty coastline; the water is deep blue/green hue with steep-sided hills are covered in pine trees. Reminders of long-vanished cultures are scattered everywhere; elaborate Lycian cliff tombs dating back to 500BC;amphitheatres amphitheatres, amphitheatres, ruins of pirate villages - most of them completely open for you to wander around - no gates, guards or "tourist shops" !

This is a big surprise that Turkey has for many people; it is Greece which has the more well-known image as the "cradle of western civilization." But for those interested in ancient cultures, Turkey actually has many more fascinating relics of long-gone civilisations. And then much other fun stuff, like Turkish baths, bazaars, hotsprings and mudbaths !

As for the modern-day Turkish culture - another surprise to many visitors is how wonderfully friendly the Turkish people are! For years, Turkey has suffered from the Hollywood image of "Midnight Express" - nothing could be further from the truth ! The local people have a quiet, friendly nature that genuinely wants to make their visitors happy; they will go a long way out of their way to help, for no immediate reward. They just want you to go home and tell your friends "Turkey is a beautiful country" (And go visit it yourself too... !)