The Lycian Shore

Book excerpt: Lycia, on the southwestern coast of Turkey, is an ancient land steeped in mystery, myth, and legend. Figured prominently throughout history and literature, Lycia is known as home to the fiery chimera; heartland of worship for the goddess Leto; old ally of Troy; lure to conquering Cyrus and Alexander; and irresistible destination for centuries of travelers, artists, and writers. Part of "The Turquoise Coast", Lycia now attracts more tourists to its glimmering shores than any other part of Turkey. In the early 1950s, following the trail of the ancient Persian and Greek traders, famed travel writer Freya Stark set out by boat to explore the Lycian coast. South from Smyrna, she was guided by traces of Lycia's rich history and cultural heritage. For all those who now follow in her wake, there can be no better, more evocative or knowledgable guide to Turkey's most enchanting coast.