As larger cities across Turkey create more accessible restaurants, hotels and tourist destinations, exploring the grand country is becoming easier.
Major airports in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Antalya are modernised structures that understand the need for wide door frames, automatic doors, large lifts and jet ways. Occasionally, planes are disembarked by mobile stairways, however flight staff is ready to help. High speed trains running from Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir and Konya welcome today’s traveler with spacious, comfortable and clean carriages. Experiencing the Anatolian countryside as it blends into crowded cities is a truly unique Turkish experience. The majority of local buses and metro lines located in Istanbul are wheelchair friendly, however the older dolmus minibuses and sea ferries are not.
Tours and cruises of the Turkish Riviera can be tailor-made to suit any preferences and interests.
Touring Turkey by Sea
Sail away from the crowded cities on an accessible blue cruise with Alaturka. Relaxation and peace can be found aboard the aptly named Sette Cieli or 7 Heavens Gulet. Two fully accessible cabins on the vessel have ample space with large showers equipped with handrails. A special lift was designed to allow easy access into the azure blue sea to swim or explore the underwater world with activities such as diving and snorkeling. The gulet is decorated with the Mediterranean sea breeze in mind, with light colors and the world famous blue and white motif. Sip coffee or enjoy a glass of wine on the spacious front deck while watching a stunning sunset.
Places to Visit
Antalya is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey for travelers from all over the world. This city offers everything anyone could ever need from state of the art spa and medical services, exclusive nightclubs and golden sandy beaches, to ruins from ancient civilizations. One of the largest aquariums in the world, Antalya Aquarium offers free wheelchair rentals and an accessible car park. In addition to over 40 aquariums each with a unique theme, Snow World grants entrance into a frozen realm or experience some of the most poisonous and multicolored species of the tropical world in Wild Park before sailing the virtual seas at the Oceanride XD Cinema.
For a view into the past life of Antalya’s commercial district, enter through Hadrian’s Gate into Kaleici or the old town. Cobble stone streets are lined with shops displaying the wares of modern day commerce surrounded by the scents and sights of the old days. Stores selling ethnic silver jewelry, handcrafted copper pots, locally produced leather jackets, and carpets and kilims from the far East to local villages sit alongside souvenir boutiques offering the ever popular nazar boncugu or “all seeing eye” bracelets, wall hangings, key chains and everything else imaginable that can be decorated with the glass blue eye.
No excursion to Antalya is complete without a visit to antique ruins scattered around the region. In the mainly resort town of Side, the marble remnants of a Hellenistic temple stand strong near the harbor and an amphitheater from the 2nd century CE remains in the city center. One of the best preserved Greco-Roman amphitheaters in the Mediterranean region is located in Aspendos. Only 37 km west of Side, live performances still take place at the theatre, such as the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival held every September.
Accessible Hotels
While most new hotels in Turkey are suitable for disabled guests, there are a some that are noteworthy. Side Prenses Resort Hotel and Spa located near Antalya, has 80 rooms equipped with bathroom handrails and light switches, plugs, and mirrors located in a suitable position. The outdoor pool has a lift and the spa and beach areas are wheelchair friendly. An accessible airport shuttle is also provided. The town of Belek in Antalya province is becoming the leading area for tourism in Turkey and is well-known for having over 30 luxury hotels and resorts. Designed with the feel of ancient Rome, Xanadu Resort Hotel is an upscale all-inclusive resort with accessible rooms. There are plenty of activities for children both indoor and outside on the premises. The pools and restaurants are all accessible. In addition, Xanadu offers accessible transport from the airport.
Landscaped pools and lush gardens overlook Marmaris Bay at the D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris. Only 2 km from the city center, the Grand Azur is self-contained with restaurants, bars and an expansive fitness center. Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Palmiye restaurant before spending the day on the private beach or relaxing in the Turkish bath, which is free of charge. The best place to stay in Bodrum for wheelchair accessibility is the Grand Yazici Hotel. Surrounded by a botanical garden, the infinity pool overlooks the Bodrum Peninsula, St. Peter’s Castle, Kos Island and the marina full of fishing boats and yachts.