Discover Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Tucked into Turkey's westernmost tip, the Turquoise Coast - an evocative but accurate metaphor - stretches along the Aegean Sea. From Dalaman on the banks of the Dalyan River to Antalya's eastern shores, the coastline is scattered with enchanting villages, pristine beaches and aquamarine bays.

Two thousand years ago this slice of mountain-meets-water was the autonomous state of Lycia. Alexander the Great and the Roman empire both set their sights - and armies - upon the land. Today the area is full of ancient coastal paths, sunken harbours and ruins to rival any found in Athens or Rome.

Off the beaten track, and outside the pricey euro zone, the Turquoise Coast is set to be this summer's destination du jour.

Friends in Istanbul advised my husband and I to kick off our travels in Bodrum. This port city, the Turquoise Coast's northern gateway, is one of Turkey's hottest escapes. It has expanded steadily since the 1970s with new beachside restaurants and all-night discos. Yet the town also has vine-covered alleys and French-style courtyard cafes. It also hosts the remains of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Between the town's two half-moon bays sits the 15th-century Bodrum Castle, home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. An afternoon spent in its shady gardens and teashop makes clear how local history is interwoven with the surrounding sea. Thick walkways along the castle ramparts offer views over Bodrum.

Following in the wake of many visitors over the millennia, we sail into Bodrum's inviting waters. Our voyage is aboard one of the town's popular day-long gulet cruises, in the traditional wooden boats that bob along the coastline. An afternoon of splashing around and lying on plush sun loungers, with a lunch of barbecued sea bream, is an idyllic - and practical - way to see the area's secluded inlets and bubbling thermal springs.