Antalya, Turkey

Turkey's fastest growing city, Antalya is blessed with an ideal climate (except during the searing heat of July and August) and a stunning setting atop a limestone plateau, with the formidable Beydağları looming to the west. In the heart of town, the pretty yacht harbour huddles below the Roman walls, while behind the new buildings the crescent of Konyaaltı bay curves to the industrial harbour 10km west of town. Despite the sometimes grim appearance of its concrete sprawl, Antalya is an agreeable enough city to live in, but the main area of interest for outsiders is confined to the relatively tiny and central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as the Kaleiçi (or "within the castle"). Three or four days in town – including half-day excursions to the nearby ruins of Termessos, Perge and Aspendos – should be sufficient.