Aegean Turkey — Destination Guide: Overview

The Aegean region of Turkey is its Cultural Coast. Think of it as a marvelous exhibition of classical theaters, intact cities, gymnasiums, Roman baths and agorae. These are scattered everywhere and provide an intensely accurate life-style perspective and fascinating overview of the hierarchy of the eastern Roman Empire. The legacy is tangible and full-scale: you'll need time and stamina to visit most attractions. Many sites were significant in the spread of Christianity, with the pastoral Church of the Virgin Mary near Selcuk in the forefront and still the focus for pilgrims of many faiths. The Cesme Peninsula is an arty and sporty ...

The Aegean region of Turkey is its Cultural Coast. Think of it as a marvelous exhibition of classical theaters, intact cities, gymnasiums, Roman baths and agorae. These are scattered everywhere and provide an intensely accurate life-style perspective and fascinating overview of the hierarchy of the eastern Roman Empire. The legacy is tangible and full-scale: you'll need time and stamina to visit most attractions. Many sites were significant in the spread of Christianity, with the pastoral Church of the Virgin Mary near Selcuk in the forefront and still the focus for pilgrims of many faiths. The Cesme Peninsula is an arty and sporty playground for upper-crust locals and prevailing breezes have made it a sailing and wind-surfing paradise. There are natural hot springs here, some bubbling up for centuries with remarkable therapeutic merits. Ocean-going cruise ships moor at Kusadasi, the deepest port in Turkey and, in Bodrum, a historic Crusader castle incorporates an innovative and spectacular underwater archaeology museum. The natural limestone terraces at Pamukkale top tourist charts and pull in the most visitors.

About the Expert

Suzanne Swan is the main author of Dorling-Kindersley's Eyewitness Travel Guide: Turkey. She updated and wrote original texts for DK's Eyewitness Travel: Istanbul.